Spain high-speed trains procurement has entered the tender stage, with Renfe seeking new rolling stock for the Spanish rail network. Bids opened on 2 June and must be submitted by 23 June 2026, while submitted offers have to remain valid for 18 months.

Spain high-speed trains procurement targets 350 km/h
Spain high-speed trains procurement targets 350 km/h

The project was already approved by Renfe’s Board of Directors in March. Renfe now plans to buy 30 high-speed trains worth EUR 1.36 billion, while retaining an option for 40 additional units valued at almost EUR 1.8 billion.

Spain high-speed trains procurement sets the contract scale

The full framework agreement is estimated at EUR 4.14 billion, according to the EU TED notice for the Renfe Viajeros procurement. Deliveries will not come all at once. The first five trains must be supplied within 40 months of the contract signing, and the remaining ordered trainsets are due over 78 months, or 6.5 years, at a pace of one train every six months.

Renfe will assess the bids through a combined technical and financial scoring model. The technical offer evaluated by formula carries the largest share, at 59.8% of the total score. Price will account for 30%, while the remaining 10.2% will depend on qualitative technical criteria.

The tender also sets financial guarantees for participants. Companies entering the process must provide a provisional guarantee of EUR 54.8 million. The winning bidder will then have to submit a final guarantee equal to 5% of the contract value.

Eligibility is tied to legal, financial and technical conditions. Bidders must show that they are able to contract with public authorities, are not affected by restrictions that would prevent participation, and are current on tax obligations and social security contributions. They must also meet the financial capacity and technical experience requirements specified in the procurement documents.

Renfe high-speed train tender targets 350 km/h

The Renfe high-speed train tender is part of an effort to renew Spain’s existing fleet, add capacity and improve reliability. It also reflects growing demand for passenger rail transport, so the new trains are connected both to daily operations and to the longer-term performance of the network.

High-speed trains in Spain usually operate commercially at around 300 km/h. Some trainsets are already designed and certified for higher speeds, but rolling stock alone is not enough for regular 350 km/h service. Renfe also states in its official announcement on the high-speed train tender that infrastructure must be ready before the higher commercial speed can be used safely.

The Madrid–Barcelona route is the first line selected for the speed increase. Authorities plan to carry out the required infrastructure works on the corridor between Spain’s two largest cities. Once those upgrades are complete, the target is to cut the journey time to under two hours.

New high-speed trains for the Spanish rail network

The new high-speed trains must provide at least 450 seats in two classes. The specification also sets strict accessibility requirements, so passengers with reduced mobility can use the trainsets comfortably.

Passenger facilities will include catering services and other onboard features intended to improve the travel experience. Capacity, accessibility and reliability remain central to the project, because they affect service quality as well as passenger satisfaction.

From a technical standpoint, the trainsets will be designed for standard European gauge operation. They will also be equipped with modern signalling and control systems, including ERTMS/ETCS and ASFA. ASFA, or Anuncio de Señales y Frenado Automático, is a signal announcement and automatic braking safety system mainly used in Spain.