We are looking to take a high speed train to/from Barcelona to Figueres. I knew the AVE is the high speed train, and then from my further research it seems as if AVANT is too, but perhaps for shorter distances. My confusion is that there is both a AVE and AVANT high speed leaving at the same time from Figueres to return to Barcelona. The departure and arrival times on either type are identical and the only difference appears to be the price, with the AVE costing approx. 12 euros more. Obviously we would rather pay less for our train fare. Am I missing anything else? Just seems odd that they otherwise appear identical...because, of course, who wouldn't rather save money. Thanks in advance for any/all input.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
It will be very likely this is the same train - just take the cheapest option and stop overthinking the eccentricities and reasoning of RENFE :-)
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16058 posts
The AVANT brand are basically high speed trains specifically designed for short distances.
They may lack some features typically associated with long distance AVE trains (for example the restaurant car), and they a have generally only one class of seats. They also have a maximum speed of 250 km/h, which will probably make no difference to Figueres, since the AVE is also limited to the same speeds on lines that are not designed for higher speeds like the Barcelona to Madrid. They are also cheaper. The AVE in the same line you are contemplating are probably there because they proceed further (or come from Madrid) while the AVANT cover only the Barcelona to Figueres segment.
http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/mediadistancia/descuentos_y_abonos/avant/
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
3071 posts
The different prices correspond to different fares (flexible, promo, full fare etc.) so while indeed some of the AVE trains are classified too as AVANT (in fact it's the same exact train), check the fares to choose which one is more convenient for you.
Posted by
OP
54 posts
Thanks everyone! AVANT it is.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
For your purposes they are interchangeable. I'd pick based on the best option for your itinerary. Ticket prices are supply and demand, as they sell the cheap ticket options the price goes up. If you buy early (60 days), the cheap options are available. If you buy late, the cheaper one will be the one with the most open seats.