Most Inexpensive Way to Buy Train Tickets in Spain

One of the things i like the most about Spain is how easy it is to travel by train. Spain used to have one national train company, Renfe, but they recently allowed private companies to run on the train lines so you've got other options like Ouigo and Avlo, depending on your destination.  So the question becomes, what's the most inexpensive way to buy train tickets in Spain?

Everyone's happy to get off the train!

My recommendation: find the cheapest option for your schedule  on Trainline (like google flights for trains) and then buy them directly from the particular company. If you think your plans may change be sure to book a flex fare. Prices get higher as you approach the travel date and as seats get sold.

I have only used Renfe, which is because some people (me) never learn, so I cannot speak to the low-cost options. 

 

Renfe's website can be a little finicky so you might have to try a few times to buy the tickets. Renfe has started charging FIVE EUROS for seat assignments on some tickets (GRRRR) but if you're traveling on the same booking they usually put you together, often in the 4-seater table configuration. 

You can also book in person at the train station, the agents are very knowledgable and helpful. I always ask to be seated "en dirección de la marcha" aka facing the direction of travel, it helps to reduce chances of train sickness.

If you go with Renfe, I would stick to Ave trains (they are like Acela). I like business class andx if you book far enough in advance it can be as cheap as a tourist class ticket, but tourist class is totally fine and tbh, more relaxing if your kids are semi-rambunctious. (Alvia and Avant are okay but sometimes a bit unreliable, like Northeast Regional Amtrak.) Also pay attention to the trip time (there are some sloooooow trains like 8 hours from madrid to seville, vs the Ave that is about 2.5 hours).

On Renfe, kid fares (under 12? I think?) are 1/2 off, so be sure to select the kid's fare. And under 4 doesn't need a seat but I would recommend getting one anyway because it makes life much easier. There is an option for familia numerosa (3+ kids in a family) but as a tourist this does not apply.

Pack snacks, there is often a cafeteria on board but unlike Amtrak there's no free water on spanish trains. Bathrooms can get pretttty gross, I recommend walking your way toward the handicap bathroom (usually next to the cafeteria car) if taking kids to the toilet, just for more space.

Life protip for boarding spanish trains with lots of luggage and little kids--there is often an elevator option (versus the long escalator ramp) down/up from the platform, so you can always ask where the "ascensor" if you think that will work better. 

Madrid train station bathrooms are pay toilets only in the general public area before you pass through security. The last time I went it was like 60 euro cents, so that sucks. So if you're waiting on the train until you get to the station to pee, well, be prepared to pay.

Also, not to generalize, but getting on/off trains and going through train stations with lots of luggage and little kids, makes you a pretty prime pickpocketing target. Be really mindful of your possessions and consider a moneybelt or something to keep your valuable safe if you're at that stage of life.