I'm trying to book train travel for my mother from Barcelona to Valencia, it's a 3-3.5hr train ride. Are 2nd class seats comfortable/nice? Different country but I took a 1st class seat from Krakow-Warsaw and that was pretty shady so I can't even imagine what 2nd class would have been like, so just wondering how nice the Spanish trains are.

Thanks!

There is no such thing as a 2nd class train. Quality will depend on the train type, details of which you can find on the RENFE website.
Neither is the term 2nd class recognised. 2nd class seats are Turista, 1st class is Preferente. I doubt any seating could be described as uncomfortable compared to a plane seat in economy.

Sorry, meant 2nd class seats aka TURISTA. I'm looking at the TALGO trains.

Thanks!

I rode in the 2nd class compartment on an AVE train from Seville to Madrid. It was great!!! Comfortable seats, a movie, attendants bringing food/drinks to the seats. You'll be fine and enjoy the trip.

Why don't you do an internet search to see yourself how the Talgo seats look like. Here is one:

http://www.photaki.com/picture-talgo...ing_471039.htm

I have been riding the Spanish trains for years and they are just fine.

@greg - I have/did and couldn't find anything except pictures of the Trenhotel. Trust me, I try to do things for myself before I ask questions but also wanted to get first hand opinions. Thanks for the link.

Thanks to everyone else also, this is good to know.

For the 3-1/2 hour train ride for your mother, I would book the preferente class ticket. The car has fewer seats and the meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) will be a little better than traveling tourist class.

if she is over 65 she can buy the senior card for 5E and get a 40% discount off regular price on any seat. also look for the web fares. Another advantage of Preferente,1st class, although Turista is just FINE, is that you can use the VIP departure lounge at the station. Free snacks, refreshments, and a comfortable waiting area with T.V.

I have only traveled when Preferente was actually cheaper than Turista due to some discount that was available.

The Euromed is a bit faster and sleeker design.
These trains have nothing to do with eastern European older trains. She will be comfortable no matter what you decide although in preferente n the Euromed she will have a seat to herself as the configuration is 2-aisle-1.

P.S. As far as I know, thee is no meal included in the tourist class. But she will have unlimited beverages and a snack or meal in Preferente class, depending on the time of day, included in her ticket price.

"it's a 3-3.5hr train ride. Are 2nd class seats comfortable/nice? "

We took Renfe from San Sebastian to Barcelona, a 6+ hrs ride, and it was fine. The seats 2nd class seats were comfortable and they gave us some trinkets as earplugs, maps, etc.

Just returned from 3 weeks in Spain..Train out to Salamanca..back to Madrid. then a reverse for the trip home. Have done both the bus and train for this routing..2 to 2and a half hours. In my 80s and it was just fine. Prefer the train. Get a gold card, save money, relax, look at the sights and be absolutely safe and comfortable. Renfre has a fairly good web site to look at with prices etc. Also did Salamanca to San Sebastion return in Oct. Arrived in Salamanca at 4AM after 6 hours but the train was comfortable with reclining seats and a lunch cafe. Will not hesitate to do all again if I am lucky enough to have a chance.

Yes, the 2d class seats on the high-speed trains were very nice, quiet and comfy. We just returned from three week trip and took them from Barcelona-Madrid-Cordoba-Sevilla. Longest ride was 3 hrs and food was available for purchase. We always travel w/ snacks however.

Just to clarify the earlier comment on the Senior card. It is a 40% walk up discount for week days and 25% for weekends. And I think Friday is included in the weekend.

2nd class seats are fine. Most American tourists think that second class is like economy on our planes. 2nd class is closer to business class.