Spain launched a high-speed rail service connecting Seville and Barcelona directly, offering travelers a faster and more efficient way to journey between the southern and northeastern regions of the country. Operated by Renfe, the country’s national rail company, the new AVE train route begins service on Wednesday, April 23, and is expected to significantly reduce travel times and eliminate the need to transfer in Madrid.
The direct AVE train will depart daily from Seville-Santa Justa at 6:00 am, arriving at Barcelona-Sants by 12:41 pm, and continuing to Figueres—near the French border—by 1:44 pm. Along its route, the train will stop at major cities including Córdoba, Puertollano, Ciudad Real, Zaragoza, Lérida, Tarragona, and Girona.
In the reverse direction, the AVE will depart from Barcelona-Sants at 4:58 pm, with stops in Zaragoza, Madrid, and Córdoba, and arrive in Seville at 10:49 pm. This evening service will operate daily except Saturdays.
The fastest journey time is expected to be 5 hours and 48 minutes, providing a significant improvement over the six to seven hours it currently takes with services that require changing trains. Tickets start at approximately €100 (£86.85) each way, giving travelers a comfortable and competitive alternative to flying or driving.
While six existing train routes between Seville and Barcelona will continue to run with transfer requirements, the new direct route introduces greater convenience and flexibility. The service also strengthens Spain’s already impressive rail infrastructure—one of the largest high-speed networks in Europe.
This launch is part of Renfe’s broader strategy to expand and improve national rail connectivity. The direct line offers a seamless travel experience for both tourists and locals, whether commuting for business, exploring Spain’s cultural landmarks, or heading toward the French border.
Although Renfe’s competitor Ouigo does not offer this direct service, it continues to provide alternative connections between Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville with separate ticket options. Still, the new AVE route gives Renfe a competitive edge in long-distance train travel across Spain.
With this development, Spain reaffirms its position as a leader in modern rail travel—offering speed, efficiency, and enhanced comfort on one of its most traveled routes.
