RAIL board RENFE is offering 22,000 tickets on the high-speed AVE link between Valencia and Madrid in 'preferential class' at a reduced price, which will be on sale until August 31 or until they run out.
The express train connects the capital with Spain's third-largest city on the east coast in just 90 minutes, whereas it would take between three and four hours to drive, not allowing for service station stops.
A total of 11 connections run daily in either direction all summer.
The discounted 'preferential' tickets cost €43.75 each way, or €46.80 with food included, and can be bought online, at station ticket booths and machines, and via high-street or online travel agencies.
'Preferential class' includes services and advantages not provided in 'tourist class', including wider and more comfortable seats, free newspapers, WiFi, and food brought directly to passengers between Monday and Thursday, as well as generally closer and more attentive service.
RENFE says it has been able to offer the promotional prices because of the AVE's having gained a much greater share of the travel market between Madrid and Valencia – rail transport on this route accounts for 89.2% of the market, whilst internal flights cover less than 10%.
