Your planned train routes
What this tool does
Spain has three rail products: the Renfe Spain Pass (for non-EU visitors, 4–12 trips in 1 month, ~€175/4 trips), Interrail Spain (for EU residents, similar structure), and individual Punto a Punto (point-to-point) tickets. The traditional advice "buy the pass if you're doing 4+ long trips" has been wrong since 2019 — RENFE's Promo fares for individual journeys are often 60% below the equivalent pass trip price.
This calculator compares all three options (plus ALSA bus for some routes) using 2026 base fares, and adds your booking lead time as a factor because earlier booking dramatically changes the math.
The hidden trap
Spain rail passes look great on paper because they include all long-distance AVE and Alvia trains. The catch: you still pay a seat reservation fee per trip (€10–25), and pass trains sell out weeks ahead in summer and at Easter. If your dates are flexible, you can use the pass. If they're fixed, individual Promo tickets often beat it.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book AVE?
Promo fares open 60 days before departure and sell out quickly on Madrid–Barcelona (most popular route). Book at least 4 weeks ahead for any AVE if you want Promo fares.
Is ALSA cheaper than train?
Yes for Madrid–Granada (no high-speed line yet), Madrid–Lugo, and most coastal routes. Slightly slower (1.5–3 hours more per leg) but 50–70% cheaper. ALSA tickets from €9 one-way.
What's the "Iryo" / "Ouigo" option?
Two private competitors to RENFE on Madrid–Barcelona and Madrid–Sevilla/Málaga. Usually 20–40% cheaper than RENFE Promo. Same trains, similar journey time. Check both at the booking stage.
Can I just buy tickets at the station?
Yes, but you'll pay the Tarifa General (walk-up fare) which is 2–4× the Promo fare. Don't do it unless it's last-minute.
Limitations
Fares are 2026 averages. Real Promo fares change daily based on demand and remaining inventory. Pass price includes the seat reservation but the calculator doesn't account for pass sell-outs (a real risk in Semana Santa and July–August).