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AVE Train vs Flights in Spain - a comparison

Which is better? Taking an internal flight or taking the AVE train?

By Damian Corrigan, About.com

AVE in Spain

AVE in Spain

Image: Mikelo (Creative Commons). Some Rights Reserved
The AVE train is one of the quickest and most efficient ways of getting around Spain. In many cases, it's quicker than flying. And it's certainly more environmentally friendly. On this page you will find a comparison of flying in Spain compared with taking an internal flight.

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Advantages of the AVE over flying

  • No need to check in an hour before your departure.

  • The train station is almost always in the center of the city - airports invariably are not. You therefore can get to your final destination much quicker (unless the airport is your final destination!)

  • More environmentally friendly than flying.

  • AVE train is more spacious than the plane.

  • Last minute tickets by AVE are cheaper than flying. More: AVE vs Flying Price Comparison

  • You get to watch DVDs during the journey on the AVE (as long as you speak Spanish)

Disadvantages of the AVE compared with flying

  • If booking in advance, it is cheaper to fly, especially when the airlines have a special offer on.

  • Service doesn't yet cover the whole country.

Buying AVE train tickets

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