Train Travel

It depends, which type of trains are you talking about?

We will be taking Ave and Avant. Sevilla to Cordoba, Cordoba to Toledo, Toledo to Madrid. Thanks

Yes, for those there are security checking -much like an airport.

Ahead of time?... it depends.
When would that be, February? In the middle of summer?

We have tickets for the 23, 25 & 27 of October. We travel RS style with only a carry on. All three tickets are for late morning.

For high-speed trains in Spain, I’d recommend arriving about 30 minutes before departure, especially at larger stations such as Madrid Atocha, Barcelona Sants or Málaga María Zambrano.

There is usually a security check for AVE and other high-speed trains. Your luggage goes through an X-ray scanner, but it’s generally much quicker and simpler than airport security, you don’t normally need to remove liquids, electronics, shoes, etc. After that, your ticket is checked before you enter the boarding area.

For local Cercanías or most regional trains, you generally don’t need to arrive nearly as early 10 - 5 minutes is usually enough.

Renfe officially recommends arriving at least 30 minutes early for high-speed services, and access control can close shortly before departure.

Just a caution about the baggage x-ray. My husband nearly had his Leatherman confiscated at Madrid Atocha - there was a long discussion before he was allowed to keep it.

I've seen longish lines for security at Madrid Atocha, but lines generally move quickly because screening is not airport-style, but more like building entrance security. Everything you carry goes through the machine. Atocha can be very confusing so allow plenty of time. Sevilla, Cordoba and Toledo are much smaller and easier to navigate. Going from Cordoba to Toledo you will need to transfer in Atocha. I see that Renfe single tickets for that route include about an hour layover in Atocha - that should give you ample time to find the Toledo train and go through security.

Note that trains close their doors 2 minutes before departure.