The UK has seen a surge in the price of train tickets in recent years. In fact, studies even suggest they are now the most expensive in Europe.
However, not all countries on the mainland suffer from this problem. This is particularly good news for British tourists, who want to explore as much of their country of choice as possible. Now, a British man living in Spain has shared his amazement at the Spanish rail service on social media, arguing that its advantages are “not talked about enough”.
Lucas J, who goes by the name of lukaskjes on TikTok, said: “Trains in the UK are great… said absolutely no one ever. But in Spain they actually are.
“From Madrid, you can get a two-hour train […] to Barcelona, Alicante, Valencia, Sevilla – all for like 20 or 30 euros [£17-25].”
“I’ve taken a fair few trains […] and they’ve always been on time, reasonably cheap and feel very new,” Lucas explained. “UK trains on the other hand, expensive, late and half falling apart.”
“You can barely get from Edinburgh to Glasgow for 20 euros!”
Spain boasts a highly regarded rail network, particularly its high-speed trains. It has a large and modern high-speed network and strong government investment. In fact, it is the longest network in Europe, with nearly 2,500 miles of track, connecting many of its major cities.
With a big focus on efficiency and promptness, it is a convenient and comfortable way to travel the country for both residents and tourists. Renfe, the main Spanish train company, offers a “Punctuality Commitment” that reimburses passengers for delays.
The high-speed AVE trains can reach speeds of up to 193 mph, with sleek, modern carriages and well-maintained tracks.
Spain is also opening new routes at an impressive rate. Using the billion-euro Iryo rail route, passengers can make the more than 620-mile journey from Barcelona to Seville in under six hours. In addition to Barcelona and Seville, the route calls at Madrid, Valencia, Alicante and Malaga.
Meanwhile, the much anticipated 213-mile line between Madrid and the northern principality of Asturias has shortened travel time by an hour and 15 minutes. Serving both passenger and freight traffic, the line includes a 30-mile stretch of multiple tunnels that pass through the Cantabrian Mountains which stretches over 180 miles across Northern Spain.
The Spanish railway system is much less dependent on private for-profit operators like in the UK.
