There was a time when high-speed travel between Madrid and Valencia meant a single option. Today three companies compete on the same route: Renfe (with its AVE trains and its low-cost Avlo service), Ouigo and Iryo. The result is easy to see as a traveller: timetables for every taste, sharper prices and a journey of under two hours. With each operator's promotional offers, a ticket can cost just a few euros.

One station for everyone

Whichever company you choose, your train arrives at the same place in Valencia: Joaquín Sorolla station. It is a big practical advantage, because your journey starts and ends in the same spot even if you switch operator from one trip to the next.

In Madrid, however, the station depends on the train: Renfe keeps services from Atocha to the Levante region, while other trains, including those of the low-cost operators, leave from Chamartín-Clara Campoamor. Before you leave home, check which station is on your ticket. It is the most common mistake and the easiest to avoid.

More competition, more getaways

With more frequencies and lower prices, the train has become a natural choice for spur-of-the-moment trips. A weekend in Madrid from Valencia, a museum visit or a shopping day without driving a single kilometre on the M-30 is now far more accessible. And the other way round: visitors coming from the capital to see Valencia enjoy the same convenience.

This autumn there is also a good reason to travel: Roig Arena, the large venue that opened just over a year ago, has concerts scheduled such as Hombres G (14 November) and Estopa (28 November), according to its current listings. Check dates and tickets before booking your train. To get there from the station you can take the metro (line 10) or several city bus lines.

And the car?

Here is the part many travellers forget to plan. If you live in Valencia or its metropolitan area, or you drive in from another town to catch the train, the question is where to leave the car during your trip. Parking on the street around the station can be a lottery, and your return journey, often at night, is not the best time to hunt for a space.

At parkingave.es your car stays one minute on foot from the station, in a covered, supervised car park. You get out of the car, walk to the platform and board your train.

Practical tips

- Book your space online in advance, especially if you travel at the weekend or on key dates.
- If you have a very early train, mind our opening hours: we open at 06:00 Monday to Friday and at 06:30 on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. For bookings before 06:00, call +34 661 711 271.
- If you will be away for more than a week, contact us Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 14:00: we offer special long-stay discounts.
- Arrive at the station with time to spare. It is better to wait a few minutes on the platform than to run with your suitcase.
- If you return at night, remember the car park closes at 23:30. Check your return train's arrival time.

A journey without surprises

High-speed rail has brought Madrid and Valencia closer than ever. All that is left is to make the first and last stretch of your trip just as easy: leave your car at parkingave.es and enjoy the ride.

ParkingAVE.es - C. Maestro Sosa, 33, 46007 Valencia - Tel. +34 661 711 271 - reservas@parkingave.es