Originally Posted By teachertraveler8
What is the difference between an Ave and an Alvia train besides 15 minutes and 17 euros?

I think you just answered your own question. The slower the train, the cheaper it is. Check out Spain's fleet of trains HERE.

If you have the opportunity to choose your train - and at an hour which is acceptable to you, I say go with the Alvia - unless your time is worth 1€ per minute!

Here's the train list below from the fastest trains at the top and the slowest at the bottom. I think it's also safe to assume the higher the "series" number the faster the train goes within a given class (with the exception of the "trenhotel", I'd guess):
Quote:
* Ave Series 100
* Ave Series 102 / 112
* Ave Series 103
* Alaris Series 490
* Alvia Series 120
* Alvia Series 130
* Euromed

* Avant S-104
* Avant S-114
* Avant S-121
* Media Distancia R-448
* Media Distancia R-449
* Media Distancia R-470
* Media Distancia R-592
* Media Distancia R-594
* Media Distancia R-598
* Media Distancia R-599

* Civia
* Cercanías 442
* Cercanías 446
* Cercanías 447
* Cercanías 450
* Trenhotel
* Mercancías S253
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