AVE is Renfe’s flagship high-speed train. It runs only on Spain’s high-speed lines, at up to 300 to 310 km/h. Alvia trains can change track gauge on the move, so they use the high-speed line for most of the trip and then continue onto regular track, at up to 250 km/h. Between Madrid, Córdoba and Seville both run on the same high-speed line, so the practical difference is small: choose the departure time that suits your day, and choose your class with more care than your train.
We have put travelers on these trains since 2002, and the question we hear most is not which train, but which seat. That answer is below.
What is the difference between AVE and Alvia?
| AVE | Alvia | |
|---|---|---|
| Top speed | 300 to 310 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Track | High-speed lines only | High-speed plus conventional lines |
| Typical use from Madrid | Seville, Córdoba, Málaga, Barcelona, Valencia | Routes that run past the high-speed network, such as Cádiz, Huelva and northern Spain |
| Classes | Estándar and Confort | Estándar and Confort |
On the Madrid to Seville line, Alvia trains are the ones continuing to Cádiz or Huelva. They stop in Córdoba and Seville on the way, so they work well when the timing fits.
How long is the train from Madrid to Seville or Córdoba?
Direct trains reach Córdoba in about 1 hour 45 minutes and Seville in about 2 hours 35 minutes. Most leave from Madrid Puerta de Atocha station, and in Seville they arrive at Santa Justa, about 10 minutes by car from the historic center.
Which class should you book?
Renfe sells two classes, Estándar and Confort, through three fares:
- Básico: Estándar seat, lowest price, no changes
- Elige: Estándar or Confort seat, with changes allowed
- Prémium: Confort seat, a meal served at your seat, access to the Sala Club lounge before departure, and full flexibility
For the Madrid to Seville run, we usually recommend Prémium. On most trains, Confort seats are set two and one across the car, the lounge at Atocha gives you a quiet place to wait, and the meal turns the trip into lunch with a view of the olive groves. At-seat meals are not served on Saturdays, Spanish public holidays or short hops of under an hour, such as Córdoba to Seville.
Are there other high-speed trains on this route?
Yes. Iryo and Ouigo also run high-speed trains between Madrid, Córdoba and Seville, and Avlo is Renfe’s own low-cost brand. They compete on price. For travelers who value space, luggage room and a lounge, Renfe’s Confort class remains our choice.
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