In Spain the main train company is called RENFE. For long distance journeys, AVE trains are the most popular choice, especially when people want to take the train from Madrid to other big cities. There is also another type of long distance train called the ALVIA, which but is not as well-known but offers more obscure routes.

AVE trains are extremely comfortable, clean and convenient, and one of Spain´s big achievements. Compared with many other long distance train services in other countries, these come up top, and are not an option to be shunned. The AVE train can be more expensive than other options like taking the bus, but they may also be in general much faster and more comfortable when they go directly to your destination.

Within Madrid we are lucky as the AVE trains connect us with many of Spain´s most important cities and beautiful places to visit. They are primarily useful for travelling long distances in a short time, and provide a scenic route to watch out your window as you travel (not to mention the newspaper and tea service available).

To travel to both Logroño (the capital of Rioja) and Haro (a beautiful wine town), you can take the AVE train and the ALVIA train.

When choosing your train, you will be offered different options: direct trains with ALVIA and indirect trains with both AVE and ALVIA trains (that stop in Zaragoza). Unsurprisingly, the direct trains are faster, and will take around 3 hours 20 minutes. An indirect train could take around 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes.