I’m planning to visit Alicante from Seville for a few days and have been researching the train routes. I found this route quite interesting and wanted to share the information I’ve gathered.
Train Options and Duration Comparison
There are no direct high-speed trains from Seville to Alicante; all routes require a transfer in Madrid. According to the Renfe website, there are mainly two options: one is to take the AVE high-speed train to Madrid Atocha station, then transfer to another AVE to Alicante, taking about 5-6 hours total; the other option is to choose medium-distance trains like MD or Alvia, which take longer but are significantly cheaper. Personally, if you’re not in a rush for Seville Alicante transportation, the slower trains are a good choice as you can enjoy the scenery along the way.
Fare Reference Table
Below is a general fare range I’ve compiled. Specific prices vary depending on booking time and train type:
| Train Type | Single Fare Range | Journey Duration |
|---|
| AVE High-Speed | €60-120 | 5-6 hours |
| MD/Alvia Medium-Distance | €35-70 | 7-8 hours |
| Advance Booking Discount | From €25 | Varies by train type |
Booking Recommendations
Highly recommend booking tickets at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Renfe frequently offers Promo and Promo+ discount tickets that can save you a lot. Last time I bought Madrid to Barcelona tickets a month in advance and got a 40% discount. Also, downloading the Renfe APP is very convenient for checking Seville Alicante train schedules and accessing e-tickets anytime.
For transfers, make sure to allow enough time. Madrid Atocha station isn’t particularly large, but if it’s your first time traveling Seville to Alicante, it can still be confusing. A friend of mine almost missed their connecting train. I suggest allowing at least 45 minutes to 1 hour for the transfer to be safe.
Practical Tips
The WiFi signal on trains can be inconsistent, so I recommend downloading movies or music beforehand. For seating, Turista class is already quite comfortable; there’s no need to upgrade to Preferente unless your company is covering it. There’s also a dining car onboard, but prices are steep, so consider bringing your own sandwiches and fruit.
Alicante train station is not far from the city center. After exiting, you can take the TRAM directly to the beach area, which is very convenient. Overall, this route is quite well-established; the transfer is slightly inconvenient but acceptable. Feel free to discuss and share any questions.
