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Map of the Spanish rail network as it was in 2005, with colour-coded track types

A Cercanías unit near Puerto Real (Cádiz)

AVE trains at Seville Santa Justa station

Renfe Operadora is the state-owned company which operates freight and passenger trains on the 1668-mm "Iberian gauge" and 1435-mm "European gauge" networks of the Spanish national railway infrastructure company ADIF (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias). The name is derived from that of the former Spanish National Railway Network, RENFE (Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles) which had been created on 24 January 1941 when Spain's railways were nationalized. As per EU Directive 91/440, RENFE was divided into Renfe Operadora (operations) and ADIF (infrastructure) on 1 January 2005. The existing RENFE logo from 1971 has been replaced by a dark purple lower-case wordmark designed by Interbrand, and also replaces some of the separate logos used by the other sectors.

The company operates some 15,000 km of railways, most of which are constructed to the broad "Iberian" gauge of 1668 mm, the same as that used in Portugal but wider than the gauge of 1435 mm which is standard in France and most of western and central Europe. The newer high-speed (AVE} network, however, has been built to the international standard gauge of 1435 mm gauge in anticipation of its eventual connection to the rest of the European railway system. For this reason, the 1435-mm gauge is generally termed "European gauge" in Spain.

In addition to intercity transport, Renfe operates commuter train systems, known as Cercanías (or the equivalent local name), in eleven metropolitan areas, including Madrid and Barcelona. The former was targeted in the March 11, 2004 Madrid train bombings. While the later and some of the regional trains going to Barcelona have been without service since 20th October 2007. In some cities Renfe shares the market with other commuter railway operators.

Construction of the high-speed rail line between Madrid and Seville began in 1988 and operation commenced in 1991. The second high-speed rail line, from Madrid to Barcelona, is under construction. The greater part of the line, from Madrid to Lleida, was put in service on October 11, 2003, with connection to Huesca from Zaragoza; the extension to Barcelona is expected to open in 2007. The last high-speed line opened is Madrid - Toledo, in November 2005, followed by the spur from Córdoba to Málaga as far as Antequera in 2007. Another high-speed route from Madrid to Valladolid is under construction, and other lines to Valencia and Lisbon are being designed. The route Madrid-Galicia is under construction between Madrid and Valladolid and between the major Galician cities.

The Spanish high-speed system is called AVE. (Alta Velocidad Española, Spanish High Speed). The logo incorporates a feature which resembles a bird (ave in Spanish).

The high-speed lines are built to the standard European gauge (1435 mm). Speed on the Seville line is 300 km/h. The line to Lleida is slower at present, though there are plans for eventual operation at 350 km/h on this route.

Other lines operated by Renfe include Alaris, a moderate-speed line between Madrid and Valencia.

The Railway Sector Act of 2003 separated the management, maintenance and construction of rail infrastructure from train operation. The first activity is now the responsibility of a new public company, Administrador de Infrestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF), while Renfe (full name: Renfe Operadora) owns the rolling-stock and remains responsible for the planning, marketing and operation of passenger and freight services (though no longer with a legal monopoly).

Renfe Cercanías is going to be transferred to the Autonomous Communities.

The Grandes Líneas (inter-city) division of Renfe operates a rather peculiar ticketing system when compared to industry norms. Any reservation by telephone or internet is allocated a "localizador" or booking reference. This is a code that simply acts as a reference to your booking and does not substitute a normal paper ticket. The current practice is that you will be allowed to board an inter-city train with your "localizador", however, if you miss your train, your entire booking is invalidated including your return ticket. Numerous unsuspecting passengers have had the unpleasant experience of being forced to purchase an additional ticket (often only expensive 1st class remains available) for the return journey, having missed their outbound train.^[1] Many passengers reasonably assume that the booking reference is confirmation of your seat, however, this appears not to be the case.

Renfe will turn away passengers who do not have sufficient funds to purchase a new (usually 1st class) ticket for their return journey, despite having paid in full and arrived at the station on time for their return trip. This practice is allegedly illegal because contract law asserts that the customer (passenger) enters into an agreement with the company (Renfe) to fulfill the entire service offered once they have made their purchase (whether it be by internet or over the phone). Passengers, in particular those operating on a tight budget (students, etc), should beware of this practice and ensure that they arrive at the station with enough time to issue their paper tickets.

• Transportation in Spain
• FEVE
• History of rail transport in Spain

1. ^ RENFE's "concept" train ticket, Gary, 2007-08-06, <http://spainbible.blogspot.com/2007/08/renfes-concept-train-ticket.html>. Retrieved on 2007-08-10

• RENFE's official website