High-speed trains in Spain: AVE, Avlo, Iryo and Ouigo compared

Boarding a train at Atocha early in the morning and getting off at Sants before noon is no longer exclusive to Renfe. Since rail liberalization in 2021, the central Madrid-Barcelona corridor has become one of the most competitive routes in Europe, and that has changed how we plan trips within the country.

If you’re travelling between Spain’s major cities, it’s worth knowing what sets AVE, Avlo, Iryo and Ouigo apart. It’s not just the price: the type of train, the luggage allowance, whether there’s a café on board, and in some cases even the departure station all change.

How high-speed rail in Spain works after liberalization

Spain operates the second-largest high-speed network in the world, behind China, with more than 3,900 kilometres of standard-gauge lines. Until 2021, Renfe held a monopoly. The market opening, regulated by Adif as infrastructure manager, allowed private operators to enter the most profitable corridors.

Today four brands compete on three main routes: Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia/Alicante and Madrid-Seville/Málaga. The rest of the network remains almost entirely Renfe’s.

AVE: Renfe’s established operator

The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) has been running since 1992, when the Madrid-Seville line opened for the Expo. It is Renfe’s premium service: S-103, S-112 or S-102 trains depending on the route, a café on board, spacious seats, and three classes (Turista, Turista Plus and Preferente).

It covers virtually the entire network: in addition to the liberalized corridors, it reaches Galicia, Asturias, the Basque Country, Granada and Huesca. Prices range from €30 to €130 in Turista class depending on advance booking and route. If you book a month ahead, Madrid-Barcelona can usually be found for €40-60 less.

Avlo: Renfe’s low-cost offer

Avlo is Renfe’s answer to Ouigo. It uses the same S-112 train (nicknamed the “duckling”) configured as a single class with more seats, no café, and fares from €7 during promotions, though it’s more common to pay between €15 and €50.

It runs Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia and Madrid-Alicante, with occasional extensions. A hand luggage bag and one small extra item are included; anything else (large luggage, seat selection, pets, bicycles) is paid separately. It departs from and arrives at the same stations as the AVE.

Iryo: the Italian-Spanish newcomer

Iryo began operating in November 2022. It is an alliance between Trenitalia, Air Nostrum and Globalvia, and uses Frecciarossa 1000 trains (ETR 1000), the same ones that connect Rome and Milan. They are easy to recognize by their red nose and the more refined interior of the four operators.

It has four fare levels: Inicial, Singular, Singular Only You and Infinita. Even in the basic class the seat is wide and there is an individual power outlet. It covers Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia, Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Málaga, Madrid-Albacete-Alicante and Madrid-Zaragoza. Prices range from €18-25 in Inicial up to €100+ in Infinita.

Ouigo: SNCF’s low-cost subsidiary

Ouigo arrived in May 2021 as Renfe’s first competitor. A subsidiary of the French company SNCF, it operates Euroduplex double-deck trains (the largest in service in Spain, with up to 509 seats).

A purely low-cost model: base fare from €9, with everything else as an extra. It covers Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia, Madrid-Alicante, Madrid-Albacete, Madrid-Zaragoza, Madrid-Seville, Madrid-Córdoba and Madrid-Málaga. In Barcelona it uses Sants; in Madrid, Chamartín (not Atocha), which is worth keeping in mind if you connect with Cercanías commuter trains.

Price and service comparison

Operator	Indicative price Madrid-BCN	Luggage included	Café	Classes
AVE	€40-130	3 pieces	Yes	3
Avlo	€15-50	1 + bag	No	1
Iryo	€25-110	2 pieces	Yes (bistro)	4
Ouigo	€9-60	1 + bag	Vending machine	2 (Ouigo / Ouigo Plus)

Prices drop the earlier you buy. Booking three months in advance makes a real difference.

Which operator suits you depending on how you travel

If you’re travelling with family on a tight budget: Ouigo. The double-deck carriages keep children entertained, and supplements for children under 14 are limited.

If you’re travelling for work and need a table, stable wifi and quiet: Iryo Singular or AVE Preferente. Iryo’s cabin in its upper class is arguably the most comfortable today.

If you want a low price without giving up Atocha or varied timetables: Avlo.

If you’re going to a city off the main corridors (Vigo, Bilbao, Granada): only AVE.

How to organize your purchase

Buy 30-60 days in advance for the best prices. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are the most expensive journeys with any operator. If your plans are flexible, look at Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Each company sells through its own website. There is no single official comparison tool, although aggregators such as Trainline show all four at once. Always check the departure station: confusing Atocha with Chamartín is a costly classic mistake.

FAQ

What is the cheapest train between Madrid and Barcelona? Ouigo and Avlo usually have the lowest fares, from €9-15 if you book in advance. Iryo occasionally runs promotions from €18.

What is the difference between AVE and Avlo? The same infrastructure and often the same train model, but Avlo is a single class, has no café and has a lower base fare. AVE includes more services, several classes and covers the entire network.

Is Iryo better than Ouigo? Iryo offers more comfort and a café; Ouigo is cheaper and has higher-capacity trains. For long or work trips, Iryo wins on comfort. For short getaways on a tight budget, Ouigo.

Can you take a large suitcase on Avlo and Ouigo? Yes, but you must pay a supplement (between €5 and €15 depending on the operator and how far in advance you book). The base fare only includes hand luggage.

Do Iryo and Ouigo serve Galicia or the Basque Country? No. Both concentrate on the liberalized corridors out of Madrid. For A Coruña, Bilbao, San Sebastián or Granada, the only high-speed operator is still Renfe.