Huelva

The railway station Huelva Station (Estación de Huelva) is the city's modern transport gateway, opened to passengers in 2018. The new terminal, located in the Las Metas district, has replaced the historic building and now serves long-distance trains (Alvia) to Madrid, as well as regional routes (Media Distancia) to Seville and other cities in Andalusia. The building features a functional design, a spacious lobby, and a high level of comfort for travellers.

It is important for passengers to know that navigation within the station is intuitive: everything is located on a single level. The entrance to the building is from the main street, leading you directly to the ticket counters and waiting area. Platforms are situated beyond the turnstiles and luggage security checkpoints (for long-distance journeys). The station is equipped with four tracks and two long platforms, making it easy to find your train. Electronic display boards in the main hall will indicate the exact departure time and track number.

• Official website: www.adif.es (infrastructure) and www.renfe.com (tickets and schedules)
• Renfe information line: +34 912 320 320 (general information and booking)
• Address: Calle Huelva-Las Metas, s/n, 21001 Huelva, Spain
• Opening hours: Daily from 06:00 to 22:45 (timings may vary on public holidays)
• Luggage storage inquiries: Automatic lockers may be absent or operate with restrictions at the new station; it is recommended to verify the availability of this service at the information desk upon arrival.
• Accessibility: The Adif Acerca service operates to assist passengers with reduced mobility (booking 48 hours in advance is recommended).

Getting to Huelva Station is quite straightforward, as it is located relatively close to the historic centre. If you prefer walking, the route from the central Plaza de las Monjas takes about 15–20 minutes (approximately 1.5 km) along a straight street towards the Las Metas district.

For those choosing public transport, EMTUSA city buses stop near the station. Routes connect the station with various districts of the city, including the university and the hospital. Taxis are the fastest way to reach your hotel or local attractions; a taxi rank is located right outside the terminal's main exit. A trip to the centre will take just 5–7 minutes.

At Huelva Station, a basic range of services is provided for a comfortable start to your journey. The spacious main hall houses ticket counters, where you can purchase travel documents from an operator, as well as self-service machines for quickly buying tickets for regional trains.

A seating area is provided for waiting passengers. Travellers can use free Wi-Fi (registration on the Adif network is required) and find power outlets to charge gadgets. The station has clean and modern restrooms, including specially equipped facilities for people with reduced mobility. The Atendo assistance service is also available, ensuring accompaniment for passengers with disabilities from the station entrance to boarding the carriage.

Gastronomic options directly at Huelva station itself are quite limited. The station building usually contains vending machines with water, coffee, and snacks for a quick bite. A small cafeteria area may offer hot beverages and sandwiches, but finding a full meal here can be difficult.

If you have time before your train departs, the best solution would be to have a meal in the city. A 10–15 minute walk away, closer to the centre or in the Pescadería district, there are numerous restaurants and eateries serving tapas where you can try local seafood. The average cost in the station café will be minimal (coffee and a pastry — about 3–5 euros), whereas lunch in the city will cost around 15–20 euros.

The history of railway transport in Huelva is inextricably linked to the industrial development of the region in the 19th century. The original old station, built in 1888 in the magnificent Neo-Mudéjar style, served as the city's landmark for a long time. This architectural treasure, resembling a small palace, is now a monument and is not used for servicing trains, but remains an important cultural site.

The modern era began in 2018 with the opening of the new terminal in the Las Metas district. Relocating the station was part of a large-scale plan to modernize infrastructure and integrate the railway into the urban environment. The new Huelva Station was designed with the prospect of launching high-speed lines (AVE), which should further connect this corner of Andalusia with the rest of Spain in the future.

When planning a trip from Huelva Station, it is recommended to arrive 20–30 minutes before the train departs. This is particularly important for passengers on long-distance trains (Alvia to Madrid), as it is necessary to pass through a security check, including luggage scanning, before accessing the platform.

If you are travelling on regional trains, tickets can be bought at a machine right before departure, but for long-distance routes, it is better to book seats in advance. Please note that the station closes at night after the arrival of the last train, so sleeping in the waiting hall is not possible. Useful tip: keep your ticket handy until you exit the station at your destination, as at many stations in Spain, turnstiles also operate at the exit.