Madrid to Toledo train with Renfe Avant

Spain’s “Regional” High-Speed Train: Madrid to Toledo

Introduction

You might think Spanish railways seem complicated, and I would agree. Renfe, the national operator, operates many different types of domestic train services: AVE, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed… it’s easy to get lost! Well, here’s another one: Avant. That’s the name given to Renfe’s 250 km/h (155 mph) regional high-speed trains. I made a journey from Madrid to Toledo to check it out.

Route Overview

Toledo is not very far from Madrid. It’s located to the south, about a third of the way between Madrid and Ciudad Real, at a distance of just 75 kilometers (47 miles). As such, it's an ideal candidate for regional high-speed rail, allowing very quick connections to the capital. It allows people who live in Toledo to commute to Madrid very easily. Trains run at regular intervals, approximately every hour, and all are nonstop to Toledo.

You still have to reserve a ticket, and trains can, in theory, sell out. I opted for a morning departure at 07:45, with a journey time of just 34 minutes. Avant services are operated by two types of trains: the S-104 and S-114. These two trains are very similar, being members of the ‘Pendolino’ family, and both are in a single-class configuration.

Transportation Experience

Every Spanish medium- and long-distance train requires a reservation to travel on it. You must reserve in advance to guarantee your travel; however, this route sees a lot of trains and does not often sell out. I booked my ticket the day before travel, and Omio showed that only one train was full, with all the others still having seats available for that day. Trains are put on sale months before departure.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

In Madrid, trains to Toledo leave from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha, which is located quite centrally within Madrid. As at all Spanish high-speed train stations, you must go through an airport-style security check prior to accessing the platform. But don’t worry; you won’t have to remove your electronics from your bag, and there’s no limit on liquids. Just make sure you arrive with enough time to visit the station’s famous botanical garden before going through security.

Toledo station, simply named Toledo, is not as practical as Puerta de Atocha. The station is located in the city’s east, where there is not much at all. However, there are good bus connections, as well as a taxi stand right outside the station.

Schedule & Frequency

A dozen trains run direct between Madrid and Toledo every day, approximately every hour. Departures are usually 45 minutes past the hour, sometimes 15 minutes past. The last train leaves Madrid at 20:45.

Onboard Experience & Services

Avant trains only have one class of travel, akin to Second Class on most long- and medium-distance trains. They used to have a First Class, but this has since been phased out. Some 2+1 seating configurations do still exist, though, so check the seat maps when booking. It’s difficult to complain about comfort on a 34-minute journey, but it is certainly possible to praise it! The seats are definitely better than other regional trains, with armrests, power sockets, free Wi-Fi, a good recline, and a well-sized tray table.

There is no bar or trolley on this service. You’ll have to bring your own food and drink (or wait 34 minutes!). However, toilets are still available, located in the vestibules.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

A one-way trip on this Avant service costs €13.90, which is a fixed fare and not demand-based. AVE services on the same route can vary in price, both below and above this, but if you book on the day of travel, the Avant fare will nearly always be cheaper.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Check out the botanical garden in Madrid Puerta de Atocha before you go through the security checks.
• Book in advance to ensure you get a seat on board. But there's no need to do it months in advance; I booked one day before departure and found plenty of trains available. The price is always the same!
• Day tripping? You can stay until late in Toledo; the last return journey to Madrid leaves at 21:30.

Conclusion

This is a rare type of service: a regional high-speed train. However, I must confess that it works well! It’s a great system, tickets are not expensive, and the trains are still very comfortable. Another big thumbs up for Renfe. Just remember, reservations are still compulsory. So, book your ticket in seconds on Omio, and you’ll be good to go!

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nonstop Eurotrip creates YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also shares blog posts and travel deals on their website.