Train travel: Spain Renfe train seat classes

Transport

Are you considering train travel? Spain Renfe trains offer different types of classes depending on the routes.

Once you decide to get your Renfe tickets (more about that in my step-by-step tutorial), you will notice that some trains, especially high-speed ones offer seats in different classes. Don’t confuse the train seat classes with the different types of tariffs.

As you would see when purchasing a plane ticket, each class (e.g. first class, business and economy) has a different tariff allowing two different people traveling in the same class to pay a different price for the same type of seat.

Train travel: Spain Renfe high-speed train classes

In Spain, Renfe high-speed trains have 3 classes:

Turista
Turista Plus
Preferente

Since there are currently several train models provided by different manufacturers, along with a bunch of types of trains (AVE, Alvia and Avant), the car you will travel in may have a different configuration. To keep with the airlines analogy, a business class seat may differ from one plane to another even if you travel with the same airline.

Turista (economy class)

It is the most basic class and the one with the largest number of available seats. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 2 on the right.

All seats have 220V sockets.

The cars are equipped with small TV monitors where movies are generally played (check out the current programming). You can choose to either watch the movie dubbed or in original language by selecting the audio channel. At the beginning of the trip the crew distributes complimentary headphones.

Turista Plus (economy plus class)

This class is very similar to the previous one. The main difference is that you have more space between the seats. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 1 on the right.

Preferente (business class)

Preferente offers a much more comfortable seats, displayed as following: 2 on the left | corridor | 1 on the right.

In addition to this, you can benefit from these extra services:

Complimentary newspapers.
Catering service including an individual meal every day except on Saturday. This meal is included in the fare and varies depending on the time of the day of your trip. Lunches and dinners are made of hot dishes.
Salas Club access. The Salas Club are Renfe’s VIP lounges. Here is a complete list of all of them and their opening times. The list is in Spanish but you can still check the train station where there is one. As a Preferente passenger, you can access any Salas Club up to two hours before your train departure.
Free car parking at the station if you happen to make a return trip within the next 48 hours.

Unfortunately, as a Preferente passenger you are not entitled to a different baggage policy than any other passenger. You can read more about the luggage allowance.

Coche en silencio

In addition to the classes described above, Renfe started offering a Coche en silencio (Quiet car). This economy car has several restrictions allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed trip.

No passengers under the age of 14 may travel in this car.
Mobile telephone conversations are not allowed.
Headphones must be used to listen to audio or video, and always at a volume that does not bother other passengers. Headphones are not provided in this car.
All electronic devices must be set to Silent.
Only loudspeaker messages essential for service reasons will be broadcast.
In order to maintain a relaxed atmosphere, the lighting will dimmed whenever possible, and the car will be kept at a comfortable temperature.
Passengers must respect the quiet atmosphere and speak only in a low voice, avoiding lengthy conversations.
The Snack Bar Cart and in-seat meal services are not available in this car.
Passengers may not travel with pets.

Train travel: Spain Media Distancia train classes

In Spain, Renfe Media Distancia trains have a unique class: Turista or Economy.

It’s a basic class with no additional services. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 2 on the right.

Train travel: Spain Trenhotel train classes

In Spain, Renfe Trenhotel trains have 5 classes:

Asiento Turista. It is the most basic class and the one with the largest number of available seats. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 2 on the right.
Asiento Preferente. This class is very similar to the previous one. The main difference is that you have more space between the seats. The seats’ configuration is 2 on the left | corridor | 1 on the right.
Cama Turista. The Turista bed cabins have a washbasin and consist of four bunks (two on the bottom and two at the top). There bed cabins are separated by gender if you purchase individual tickets. Alternatively, if you travel on a 4-people group you can purchase a group/family bed cabin.
Cama Preferente. The Preferente bed cabins are individual (one bed) or double (two beds) and have a washbasin. You benefit from complimentary newspapers and Salas Club access.
Cama Gran Clase. The Gran Clase bed cabins are individual (one bed) or double (two beds) with considerable larger beds than those in Preferente, and have a complete bathroom with shower. You benefit from complimentary newspapers and Salas Club access.

The Salas Club are Renfe’s VIP lounges. Here is a complete list of all of them and their opening times. The list is in Spanish but you can still check the train station where there is one. As a Preferente or Gran Clase passenger, you can access any Salas Club up to two hours before your train departure.

This article is part of a complete tutorial about train travel in Spain where you can read all the information you need to organize your train journeys around the country.

Here is a complete summary of all the guide:

1. Renfe and the different types of trains
2. The main routes covered by Renfe trains
3. The different types of train seat classes
4. Renfe train tickets: price structure
5. How to purchase Renfe train tickets online
6. Renfe train tickets availability. When is it best to get yours?
7. 10 Tricks for cheap train travel in Spain
8. Renfe luggage requirements and restrictions
9. The “Combinado Cercanías”
10. Renfe’s punctuality commitment
11. Experience an AVE train trip before setting foot on the train!
12. The Renfe Spain Pass
13. Traveling with children or a disability