Spain’s railways? They were solid, sure, but nothing revolutionary. Then 1992 happened. The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) rolled in, and suddenly, Spain wasn’t just in the high-speed rail game—it was dominating it.
The first line, Madrid to Seville, wasn’t just about making travel faster. It was a flex. A “look what we can do” moment. And they didn’t stop there. Spain built more tracks. More routes. While other countries were busy arguing over high-speed rail (looking at you, UK), Spain just kept laying down steel.
For me? Getting on an AVE wasn’t just another train ride. It was ticking off something I’d been itching to do since moving here. And Sue? Well, let’s just say she humors me.
Speed, Comfort, and a Whole Lot of Efficiency
The AVE isn’t just fast—it’s ridiculous. 310 km/h (193 mph). That’s motorway speed times three. And the network? Over 3,000 kilometers of dedicated high-speed track, making Spain one of the best-connected countries on the planet.
Madrid to Barcelona? Two and a half hours. No airport security nightmares. No cramped budget flights where your knees are in your ears. Just smooth, seamless travel.
From the moment I stepped into Barcelona Sants, I could tell this wasn’t the usual train experience. No chaotic crowds, no confusion, no “delayed due to a signal failure” nonsense. Just efficiency. And the train itself? Whisper-quiet. Spacious. Air-conditioned—because there’s no way you’re surviving Spanish heat without it.
AVE vs. Other Rail Systems: A Reality Check
After years working on British railways, I couldn’t help but compare. The UK? Still stuck in planning purgatory with HS2. Spain? Built the thing decades ago and kept expanding.
Here’s where the AVE leaves other networks eating dust:
- Punctuality – Delays? Barely a thing. Honestly, it’s almost unnerving. I kept expecting an announcement about “operational issues.” Never happened.
- Affordability – Book early, and you can snag tickets for less than a meal out. Meanwhile, UK rail prices make you question your life choices.
- Comfort – Actual legroom. Actual space. Trains so quiet you can hear yourself think.
While I was busy geeking out over track gauge and acceleration, Sue was—predictably—more interested in actually getting to Madrid. “It’s a train,” she reminded me when I started pointing out the engineering. Fair. But even she had to admit that arriving in two and a half hours instead of a five-hour slog was something special.
Spain isn’t slowing down. New routes are coming, competition is heating up. Private operators like Ouigo and Iryo are making waves, slashing prices, adding more travel options.
And the reach? Expanding beyond Spain. France, Portugal—who knows where the AVE could end up next?
For me, this is it. The gold standard. A network that works, that makes sense. And I plan on riding as much of it as possible.
Next stop? A deep dive into Spain’s most scenic long-distance routes.
Stay tuned. The trains aren’t stopping anytime soon.
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