Renfe unveils early bird high-speed train between Málaga and Seville
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
In a move to enhance regional connectivity and cater to early commuters, Spain's state railway operator, Renfe, is set to introduce a new high-speed Avant train service between Málaga and Seville.
Starting April 23, 2025, this «early bird» train aims to facilitate timely travel for professionals and students commuting between these major Andalusian cities.
Optimized schedule for morning commuters
The new service will depart from Málaga's María Zambrano station at 6:35 a.m., make a stop in Córdoba at 7:46 a.m., and arrive at Seville's Santa Justa station by 8:38 a.m. This schedule adjustment advances the previous departure time by 25 minutes, allowing passengers to reach their destinations before the typical start of the workday. Renfe designed this timetable after analyzing the commuting patterns of weekday travelers between Málaga, Córdoba, and Seville, aiming to offer greater flexibility and convenience.
Expanded connectivity across Andalusia
Beyond the direct Málaga-Seville route, Renfe operates a total of 14 Avant trains on weekdays—seven in each direction—and eight on weekends, with four in each direction. This network not only serves direct connections to cities like Córdoba and Granada but also offers linked services to other Andalusian destinations, including Cádiz, Almería, Jaén, and Huelva, thereby enhancing regional mobility.
Tickets for the new early morning service are now available through Renfe's official channels. This initiative underscores Renfe's commitment to adapting its services to the evolving needs of its passengers, providing efficient and timely travel options across southern Spain.
Renfe Operadora is Spain's national state-owned railway company, responsible for passenger and freight rail services across the country. Established in 2005 following the division of the former Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (RENFE), Renfe Operadora took over operational responsibilities, while infrastructure management was assigned to ADIF. citeturn0search1
Key facts about Renfe
Founded: January 1, 2005 (as Renfe Operadora)
Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
Ownership: Fully owned by the Government of Spain
Employees: Approximately 13,720 (as of 2018)
Revenue: €3.979 billion (2018) citeturn0search1
CEO: Álvaro Fernández Heredia (as of January 2025)
Organizational structure
Renfe Operadora is structured into several subsidiaries, each focusing on specific areas of rail transport:
Renfe Viajeros: Manages passenger transport services, including high-speed (AVE), long-distance, and commuter trains.
Renfe Mercancías: Handles freight transport operations.
Renfe Fabricación y Mantenimiento: Responsible for the manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock.
Renfe Alquiler de Material Ferroviario: Manages the leasing of railway equipment.
Renfe Proyectos Internacionales: Oversees international expansion and projects.
Services and operations
Renfe operates a comprehensive network of rail services, including:
High-Speed Services (AVE): Connecting major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Málaga.
Long-Distance Services: Providing intercity connections across Spain.
Medium-Distance Services (Media Distancia): Serving regional routes.
Commuter Services (Cercanías): Operating in metropolitan areas such as Madrid and Barcelona.
The company continues to invest in modernizing its fleet and infrastructure to enhance service quality and efficiency.
International presence
Renfe has expanded its operations internationally through its subsidiary, Renfe Proyectos Internacionales, engaging in projects and partnerships beyond Spain's borders.
