Overview

AVE International is operated by Renfe, Spain's national rail operator, using AVE S-100 high-speed trains adapted for France. Services launched in July 2023.

• Barcelona – Lyon: 1 train per day in each direction, about 5 hours. Stops: Girona, Figueres-Vilafant, Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier, Nîmes, Valence.
• Madrid – Marseille: 1 train per day in each direction. Barcelona–Marseille takes about 7 hours. Stops: Guadalajara, Zaragoza, Tarragona, Barcelona-Sants, Girona, Figueres-Vilafant, Perpignan, Narbonne, Béziers, Montpellier, Nîmes, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence.

Good to know: In Madrid, trains use Madrid Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes. In Lyon, check which station is shown on your ticket before travelling.

Luggage, bikes & pets

• Luggage: Renfe rules apply — up to 3 pieces per person, 25 kg in total, max. 85 × 55 × 35 cm per item.
• Bikes: Renfe currently allows folding bikes on AVE International if fully folded and within 180 cm total dimensions, with the cover optional. Disassembled bikes are also allowed in a cover up to 140 × 90 × 40 cm, subject to the bicycle conditions/add-on.
• Pets: small pets up to 10 kg in a carrier (max. 60 × 35 × 35 cm) with a pet ticket. Large dogs are not accepted on trains to/from France (only on domestic Spanish routes). Assistance dogs travel free.

Boarding & check-in

• From Spain: arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bags go through an X-ray security check and tickets are checked before the platform.
• From France: there is no security screening; arrive about 20 minutes early.
• Boarding closes 2 minutes before departure.
• ID: photo ID matching the name on the ticket is required. Carry a valid passport or national ID card.

Tickets & fares

• E-tickets can be shown on your phone or printed. Seat reservation is compulsory and included.
• Fares: Básico (lowest price, most restrictions) and Elige (more flexible; extras can be added).
• Prémium is not available on AVE International trains to/from France.

Classes, food & drinks

• Estándar (standard) and Confort (more spacious, 2+1 seating).
• Free Wi-Fi via the PlayRenfe portal and power sockets at every seat.
• Café-bar coach selling snacks, hot dishes and drinks.

Accessibility

• Spain stations: book Adif's Atendo / Acerca assistance service, ideally at least 12 hours before departure.
• France stations: book SNCF Assist'enGare on 3212 (or +33 9 72 72 00 92 from abroad), 8am–8pm.

Refunds & claims

Renfe compensation depends on where the delay happened:

• Spanish section: 50% from 60 minutes, 100% from 90 minutes.
• Cross-border journeys: 25% from 30 minutes, 50% from 2 hours.
• Claims can be made from 24 hours after arrival and within 3 months.
• If you booked with Rail Europe, contact us at raileurope.com/en/contact/new with your RE- booking reference, passenger names, train number and details of the delay.