Spain by train itinerary • Travel Spain in 7 days

We bring you an epic route to travel around Spain by train so you get to see as much as possible in your holiday. Gaudi’s architecture, a paella by the beach, flamenco vibes a much more! Check out our 7 day Spain by train itinerary.

The perfect 7 day travel itinerary to discover Spain by train

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The perfect 7 day travel itinerary to discover Spain by train

Day 1 & 2 of the Spain by train itinerary. We begin in Barcelona to explore the coast of Spain.

We will start the route in Barcelona. Not only is amazing but it also has one of the biggest airports in Spain and it is very well connected internationally.

Spend at least 2 days here to explore the main landmarks of the city.

To make the most of your time in the city we think is best to get an hotel near the train station Barcelona Sans. This way you can leave your luggage the day of check out and pick it up when you need to take the train.

We normally stayed in Hotel Prisma, but it seems it has changed ownership. It is now called Casual Colours Barcelona. Looks way nicer and it is an easy 10 minute walk from the station.

Rooms start at around 70€ per night

Next train: From Barcelona Sants you will get a train to Valencia. You have many daily trains to go from around 35€. Just be careful as you have different trains, ideally get the faster trains that take less than 3 and a half hours.

You can get your train tickets in the Renfe website, the official train service in Spain. Prices go up closer to the day you are traveling but normally you can not purchase them any time sooner than a month in advance.

Day 3 Travel Spain itinerary by train : Paella by the beach in Valencia

Spend a whole day in Valencia. In the morning explore the historical city centre. The main places are Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Reina, Plaza de la Virgen, Torres de Serrano, Lonja, Mercado Central…

Then head to the coast for a paella by the beach. (Check out here our favourite places). You can reach the beach by bus, metro or overground.

After a stroll by the beach it is time to explore the City of Arts and Sciences complex and take some futuristic epic pictures. You can take the bus 95 from the Cabanyal area or the 99 from Malvarosa.

For convenience we will again recommend staying by the Estación del Nord, the main train station. This basic and functional hotel is located in an unbeatable location right in the City Hall Square. It is also just a short 3 minute walk from the tube and train stations.

Rooms start at around 64€ per night in low season

Next train: You can grab a fast train (AVE) from Estación de Joaquin Sorolla in Valencia to Seville. It takes around 5 hours, this is the longest train you will need to get. Prices vary but in advance you could get them for around 60€.

Day 4 & 5 Next stop of Spain itinerary by train… Seville!

Spend a couple of days in Seville to discover its wonderful architecture and most importantly its tapas culture. If you need ideas check this posts with unusual things to do in Seville to enjoy the city like a local.

Next train: The final stop of the trip will be Madrid, where you can get by getting a train from Seville in around 2 and a half hours and around 40€ if you get it in advance.

If you are looking for a place to stay on a budget Pension Cordoba is located in a beautifully restored building and very close to the main touristic places. Have a look here>
If what you need is a special occasion hotel check out Hotel Alfonso XIII built by a late king of Spain, with just one goal: to make it the best hotel in Europe. Have a look here>

Day 6 & 7 The last leg of the Spain itinerary by train, Madrid, the capital.

Explore the Spanish capital for a couple of days before flying back from its very well connected international airport.

Alternative if you do not want to change hotels

If you would rather not change hotels every other day you could also stay in Madrid and take day trips. There are many fast trains to Barcelona, Valencia and Seville and they take around 2 and a half hours.

If you get the tickets in advanced you might get them for somewhere on the lines of 50€-80€ for a return.

For convenience, it will be best to stay near the Atocha train station in Madrid where all the trains depart from. That way, if you travel early in the morning or return late at night you can just walk back to your hotel.

If we go next we are planning to check this hotel near Atocha station, basic but with great reviews. If we stay longer we will stay in these apartments, a bit further away (30 min walk), but they have been recently renovated and look pretty epic!