18:58, Tue, Oct 29, 2024 | UPDATED: 19:03, Tue, Oct 29, 2024
The train runs at 200mph from Barcelona to Madrid. (Image: Getty)
Spain has a high-speed rail line between Madrid and Barcelona that cost a whopping £17 billion.
The high-speed rail line takes passengers between the continent’s greatest cities, Madrid and Barcelona. Measuring around 300 miles long, it is one of the most extended high-speed rail lines in Europe and the world.
According to Railway Technology, the train line is so long and ambitious that it was constructed in five stages. The first, between Madrid and Lleida, was opened in 2003, while the fifth stage, between Figueres and Barcelona, opened in 2008.
It isn’t just the rail line that’s impressive; the trains are impressive, too. Operated by RENFE, the Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) can travel at 217mph.
As a result of their ability to run at such high speed for some of the lines, the journey time from Madrid to Barcelona is around two hours and 30 minutes.
The journey between Barcelona and Madrid is just two and a half hours (Image: Getty)
The trains have been praised by reservation service Rail Ninja, which said the “trains pride themselves on exemplary punctuality, boast a broad timetable”.
They added there were also “fantastic onboard amenities, such as air-conditioning, electric sockets, and TV screens”.
Trains between Madrid and Barcelona are regular and fast. British ticket provider Trainline said there are around 34 trains between the two cities per day, with tickets on some trains available from as little as £6.28.
They explained that it takes an average of 2h 39m to travel by train from Madrid to Barcelona, a distance of around 314 miles.
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The company said there are normally 34 trains per day travelling from Madrid to Barcelona and tickets for this journey start from £6.28 when you book in advance.
What’s more, there is also a lot of choice for passengers. Trainline said: “You won't need to worry about making any changes along the way, as direct services are available on this route.
“All trains depart from Madrid Atocha station and arrive at Barcelona Sants station. There are now four high-speed trains to choose from on this route – OUIGO, Avlo, AVE and iryo trains.”
In Barcelona, the line is connected with the Perpignan–Barcelona high-speed rail line, which leads into France and connects it to the European high-speed network.
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