Going through security on Spanish trains

It's only on AVEs, and perhaps not all of them. I remember simply placing my bag (not sure about purse, etc.) on a little conveyor belt so it could go through some sort of scanner. I only took one or two affected trains, so not a large sample size, but I don't remember a significant wait. There might have been one or two people in front of me. As of last summer the process did not add significantly to the amount of time it takes to get to the train. I find Atocha a bit confusing; figuring out where to go in that station was more of an issue than the security process.

We took AVE's so not sure about other. It's not like TSA. You simply place all your bags on the belt, they go through the scanner and that is it. The screening we experienced happened as we headed for the train, at the beginning of the platform. You may not know which platform until shortly before departure. So, everyone waits, when the platform is listed on the board, head for that one and join the line for security. It goes quickly. No taking anything out of your bags. Getting there any earlier not necessary as you still have to wait for your platform to be posted.

On the AVE platform, our bags went through airport security. We went through quickly in Seville.

You don't need to worry about Ziplock bags, coins in your pockets, removing shoes, etc. It's a very quick process, and they're checking your ticket and ID at the same time.

Some have said they have had pocket knives, cork screws or kitchen knives that where in luggage removed. Put them in your pocket in case they also scan purse or backpack (Rick's suggestion).

That's good to know, Maria, because I travel with a small serrated knife in my non-carry-on suitcase. Next time I'm in Spain I'll try to remember to transfer the knife to my purse for AVE days.

This is great, thanks so much!

It's also not in every station. We found it is Barcelona and Madrid.

We found it in every station that we used. Also access to the platform is restricted till about 30 mins or so before the scheduled boarding. It is a very light screening not like at airports. Just looking for big guns and bombs. A knife is not a big threat to a train. It is pretty quick walk through.

Found the screenings at Palencia and at Santiago de Compestela. Quick and easy.

Had screening on all Renfe trains we took in Madrid, Segovia, Barcelona, San Sebastian, Cordoba and Toledo in September. As mentioned above, it was fast and not as restrictive as TSA.