Renfe invites tenders for high speed train fleet
posted on 27th Mar 2026 06:40
On 25 March 2026, the operator announced that it had invited tenders for 30 new high speed trains, the future contract to include an option for ten more. The trains are to be capable of a top service speed of 350 km/h, and are intended to ensure that Renfe Viajeros maintains its position as the dominant operator of high speed services in Spain. The budgeted value of the contract, if the option is taken up, is 1.777 billion EUR. Without the option, it is 1.372 billion EUR.
In a first instance, the trains re intended to replace the older fleet members, in particular the Class 100s, now approaching 35 years of age. They will also be necessary as the high speed network expands - to places like Bilbao, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Donostia, Pamplona and Almería, and eventually, to Lisboa. The first five trains are to be delivered and in service within 30 months of contract signing, while the remainder must be operative within 78 months. Deliveries are to take place at a rate of one train every six weeks.
The trains are to be 1,435 mm gauge, equipped with on-board ETCS Levels 0, 1 and 2, and ASFA Digital. In the passenger accommodation there must be a minimum of 450 seats, in two classes, spaces for bike transport, wheelchairs, and a cafetería. The trains must be fully PRM-compliant. The bids are to be evaluated from technical, commercial and maintenance points of view. Promised reliability and ability to meet the timescale will also be taken into account.
Related news
