Renfe has just launched a website that allows users to consult in real time the situation of Cercanías and Rodalies trains in the towns where this service is available. And despite what one might think, that website works surprisingly well.
Suburbs in real time. On the web real-time.renfe.com It is possible to first select the urban center in which we want to carry out the query so that at that moment the interface zooms in on that location and its Cercanías train network is displayed. The map shows the network lines clearly, but it also shows the position of the trains on that network, which is also updated automatically.
The new interactive Renfe Cercanías map works really well.
When does that train arrive at that stop? Not only can we see the general situation, but we can also click on any of the train icons shown on the map so that a popup window appears in the browser. It contains information related to that train, which stop it is coming from, which stop it is going to, or its expected arrival.
Are you late? Another interesting element of this website is that it offers extra information about the punctuality of each train. Above and to the right of each train icon appears a dot that can be of various colors. Green indicates that it is on time or less than three minutes late. Orange indicates a delay of between three and five minutes, and red reveals a delay of more than five minutes.
Extra information. On the left side of the website it is also possible to select one of the network lines of each municipality, and even a station, which will make the website zoom in on that specific station. If we select a line we can also consult the available services, and specifically we can know which stations on that line have accessible trains and stations, and where we can find bike racks.
The colored dots that appear at the top right of each train’s icons reveal how punctual they are being.
A promising service. This website also allows third parties such as Google Maps to offer this service through their own platforms, and becomes a way to mitigate uncertainty about the network situation. Pablo Fernández Pastor, Director of Innovation and Digital Transformation of Renfe Viajeros, explains how “the trip as such does not begin at the station, it begins from the moment you are beginning to plan it.”
Long distance services coming soon. Those responsible for the service have also indicated that starting in the first half of 2026, real-time information on medium and long distance services will be incorporated into this website. If this experience maintains what is currently being offered, we will certainly have a very useful real-time information service for users.
a pleasant surprise. The launch of this service is surprising, especially because in recent years we have seen how the Renfe website was criticized for its usability, its erratic behavior and how it has worked during periods of high demand. This service represents an important step in the right direction for Renfe, without a doubt.
Image | Renfe
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