TRAIN IN VALENCIA

Spain is proud of its railway infrastructure and rightly so. It is one of the few countries that has invested seriously in this ecologically friendlier modes of travel and their development continues.

Following liberalisation of rail transport Renfe operates the trains, Adif is responsible for infrastructure. A variety of train services can be used. So-called Cercanias operate locally, regional and mid distance trains do the obvious, while the fast and super fast trains serve city to city connections.

Valencia is connected to a good number of destinations. High speed rail options travel north to Barcelona or south to Alicante. Super fast trains including the AVE or Alta Velocidad Española, head to and from Madrid.

Which Terminus?

Of the two stations most relevant to travellers, Valencia Nord is the architecturally impressive central station built in 1917. This serves local and mid distance destinations plus a few intercity routes. Of note perhaps, the scenic journey hugging a stretch of coastline is only taken by trains serving Tarragona, not Camp Tarragona.

Joachim Sorolla is a temporary construction built a kilometre away and is the terminal for fast trains known as Euromed to Barcelona and super fast trains to Madrid. Besides their AVE, Renfe also runs its new generation Avlo. Competitors are Ouigo, a subsidiary of the French SNCF and Iryo, formed in partnership with Italian Trenitalia. These trains are smooth, very fast, a joy to ride in and have brought Spain’s capital to within two hours reach.

Brighter Future

The remnant of the more recent financial woes that hit the country is perhaps a blessing in disguise. Ambitious plans are underway to complete the connection of railway tracks underground with Valencia Nord station.

Years of construction and multiple phases of renewal will result in major benefits beyond more efficient travel. An enormous and spacious new park will be developed for all residents to utilise at their leisure and pleasure.