“Chuga-Chuga, Choo-Choo”
Speedy railways extend 14,974 km. Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles, RENFE, is a state owned company that runs to major cities and to small towns, as do other private companies. Metros run in Mardid, Barcelona and Valencia. A downside to train travel, the rush of stations may be intimidating and disorienting. It is more convenient and cheaper to buy train tickets before arriving in Spain. The EU applies taxes and fees. Regional trains are cheaper and travel at a slower pace. The express trains can travel up to speeds of 220 kilometers per hour, but are much more expensive. Barcelona and Madrid also have efficient underground systems which are usually cheaper than the local buses. It is smart to plan train trips carefully and to arrive early for departure the RENFE Web site.