Meet 'EVA' Spain's High-Speed, Low-Cost Train (Don't Worry, It's Not Like Ryanair)
You're used to no-frills, low-fare flights in Europe — but what about low-fare trains? Next year, you'll find the first of its kind in Spain, where national train operator RENFE has launched EVA, which it calls a no-frills "smart" train. It will begin running between Madrid and Barcelona in 2019, complete with onboard Wi-Fi and an online ticketing system. The name EVA is also the spelling backwards of AVE or Alta Velocidad Española, "Spanish high speed," the 190 mph trains that have been in service for more than two decades now.
The exciting news is that the EVA trains will cost 25% less than the current AVE trains. It sounds amazing, so what's the catch? Is this the Ryanair of trains?
Don't run away in fear just yet. "It's so much more than a low-cost service," announced Íñigo de la Serna, the Minister of Public Works.
He explained that the trains will have a lower cost mainly due to the ticketing system, which will be entirely online — you won't be able to purchase EVA tickets at the train station or in person, making the cost cheaper even though you'll have added perks, like Wi-Fi. EVA trains will be geared towards the younger generation — those who don't mind traveling in coach, want Wi-Fi and are open to purchasing tickets online or via an app. The tickets may even be biometric in the future.
Although the EVA seating configuration (3-3 with one aisle) will be tighter than the current AVE trains (which are like a dream compared to tiny airline seats), rumor has it that the seats will be comfortable and that there will still be plenty of legroom. Although all the details aren't available yet, we're betting the seats will have chargers. After all, this is a new train service geared towards millennial travelers, so fingers crossed.
The regular AVE trains on this route have a 2 x 2 configuration, and seats come with chargers, lots of legroom and a serious recline, even in the lowest tourist class.
Another major change is that the train will operate out of the Rodalies station in El Prat de Llobregat (instead of Barcelona Sants), which is between the El Prat airport (BCN) and the city center of Barcelona. This change will make it easy for passengers to get to the city center or the airport quickly and efficiently.
The EVA train will take three hours to travel the 386-mile distance between the two cities and the route will operate from each city five times daily.
The EVA train will also offer a children's playroom, special train cars for those traveling in groups and quiet cars for those wanting to sleep or work.
Both Spanish locals and visitors alike love the AVE, so it's likely the EVA will be a welcome addition. The AVE train service has 65% of the market for travelers going between Madrid and Barcelona, and with good reason. Compared to air travel, it's easier and faster. You'll face less hassle, lighter security and luggage regulations, plus a much more comfortable trip almost always without delays.
Here at TPG, we're loyalty program obsessed, so we were psyched to hear that regular passengers may be able to obtain discounts or get special prices. You can occasionally get us #AVGeeks off a plane, but we'll still be thinking about maximizing loyalty programs and miles, even if it's train and not airline miles.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.