Spain’s high-speed rail network has transformed dramatically in recent years, particularly with the introduction of Iryo as a competitor to Renfe’s AVE monopoly. For 2026 travelers, understanding your options—AVE, Iryo, Avlo, and Ouigo—is essential to maximizing both speed and savings across one of Europe’s most extensive rail networks.
The Spanish High-Speed Rail Network Overview
Spain operates the longest high-speed rail network in Europe, with nearly 4,000 kilometers of track. AVE trains reach speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph), making journeys extraordinarily efficient. However, the 2022 entry of Iryo as an open-access competitor marked a transformative moment, breaking Renfe’s 30-year monopoly on high-speed service. This competition has dramatically reduced fares across the board, with some reports indicating passenger numbers have doubled on certain routes since Iryo’s launch.
The Four High-Speed Options: AVE vs Iryo vs Avlo vs Ouigo
AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) – Renfe’s Premium Service
AVE remains the most established high-speed option, operating on Spain’s most extensive network. AVE offers three ticket classes: Básico (economy), Elige (mid-tier), and Prémium (premium). The trains feature reclining seats, family areas, and buffet carts, with amenities varying by class. AVE is a reservation-only service—you cannot simply board; advance booking is mandatory.
Iryo – The New Competitor
Iryo launched in November 2022 and has quickly expanded its network across Spain’s main routes. Operating Frecciarossa 1000 trains similar to those used in Italy, Iryo offers four ticket classes: Inicial, Singular, Singular Only You, and Infinita Bistro. Iryo prioritizes passenger comfort and competition-driven pricing; since its launch, ticket prices across all operators have dropped substantially. Iryo’s first-class experience rivals premium airlines, featuring seats arranged in a 2+1 configuration (instead of AVE’s typically cramped arrangements), meals included, free WiFi, and onboard workspaces.
Avlo – Renfe’s Low-Cost Alternative
Avlo represents Renfe’s budget response, launched in 2021 to compete with low-cost airlines. Fares start from €7 for basic tickets, with children under 14 traveling for a fixed €7 when accompanying an adult. Avlo operates as a true low-cost service with luggage restrictions and limited amenities. You receive one piece of hand luggage (27x36x25 cm) and one cabin suitcase (55x35x25 cm) included in your ticket price. Additional luggage costs €10 when purchased with your ticket or €15 at the station, subject to baggage quotas.
Ouigo España – French Low-Cost Operator
Ouigo (SNCF’s low-cost subsidiary) operates competing services with pricing and service comparable to Avlo. It’s worth comparing on booking platforms, as fares fluctuate based on timing.
Pricing Strategy: How to Get Cheaper Tickets
Advance Booking Window
The critical factor determining ticket price is how far in advance you book:
- AVE: Opens 90 days before departure. Booking within this window at the 60–90 day mark typically yields the best fares, with potential discounts reaching 70% off on Básico class.
- Iryo: Opens 250 days in advance, providing the longest booking window and earliest discounts for planners.
- Avlo & Ouigo: Also benefit from early booking, though these operators maintain lower baseline prices than AVE.
Critical Pricing Principle: Ticket prices operate like airline fares—they rise substantially as departure approaches. Last-minute tickets can cost 2–3 times more than advance purchases. The cheapest fares sell out quickly once released.
Sample Route Pricing (Current)
| Route | AVE Starting Price | Iryo Starting Price | Avlo Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid – Barcelona | €10.86 | Similar after competition | €7–€15 |
| Madrid – Seville | €6.95 | Competitive | €7–€12 |
| Madrid – Valencia | €9.56 | €18 (Madrid-Zaragoza) | €7–€12 |
Prices shown are minimum advance fares; last-minute tickets cost substantially more.
Route Coverage and Network Comparison
AVE Network Coverage
AVE’s established network spans:
- Madrid–Zaragoza–Barcelona
- Madrid–Córdoba–Seville
- Madrid–Córdoba–Málaga
- Madrid–Córdoba–Granada
- Madrid–Barcelona–Girona–Figueres
- Madrid–Albacete–Alicante
- Madrid–Elche–Murcia
- Madrid–Valencia
- Madrid–Valladolid–León
- Barcelona–Zaragoza–Córdoba–Seville/Granada/Málaga
- Valencia–Córdoba–Seville
AVE’s extended network includes cross-border services to France; direct trains now connect Lyon–Barcelona and Marseille–Madrid with tickets from €19–€29.
Iryo Network Coverage
Iryo’s expanding network currently includes:
- Madrid–Barcelona
- Madrid–Valencia (via Cuenca)
- Madrid–Córdoba–Seville/Málaga
- Madrid–Albacete–Alicante
While Iryo covers fewer routes than AVE, its presence on competitive routes has dramatically reduced prices. Iryo has publicly stated its goal to achieve a 30% market share on its operating routes. The company is planning variable-gauge trains to expand into Iberian-gauge territory, potentially enabling future service to Galicia.
Comfort and Amenities Comparison
AVE Premium vs Iryo Infinita Bistro (First Class)
When comparing premium classes, Iryo increasingly offers superior value:
| Feature | AVE Premium | Iryo Infinita Bistro |
|---|---|---|
| Seating configuration | 2+2 (crowded) | 2+1 (more spacious) |
| Meals included | Yes (varies by route) | Yes, multi-course |
| Free WiFi | Limited | Yes |
| Electrical outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Beverage service | Yes | Yes (Cava, wine, coffee) |
| On-board workspaces | Limited | Yes (dedicated work area) |
| Seat comfort | Standard reclining | Premium motorized recliners |
Reddit users and travel forums consistently report that Iryo’s first-class experience rivals luxury airlines at competitive prices, with one traveler noting you can often book Iryo’s first-class for the same price as AVE’s second-class.
Second Class Comparison
AVE’s newer trains feature cramped 2+3 seating arrangements in second class, compared to Iryo’s standard 2+2 configuration. For long journeys (Barcelona–Seville takes ~6 hours), this distinction significantly impacts comfort.
Luggage Allowances
AVE & Iryo (Full-Service)
Both AVE and Iryo include generous luggage allowances with no restrictions. You can bring multiple bags totaling up to 3 pieces without size limitations, as long as each piece doesn’t exceed 85×55×35 cm and total weight doesn’t exceed 25 kg.
Avlo (Low-Cost)
Avlo includes only 1 hand luggage (27×36×25 cm) and 1 cabin suitcase (55×35×25 cm). Additional luggage costs:
- €10 when purchased with your ticket
- €15 when added after purchase or at the station (up to 30 minutes before departure)
- €30 when added on board (if quota allows)
This is a critical consideration: For travelers with multiple bags, Avlo’s convenience may not justify the per-bag surcharges; in such cases, full-service AVE or Iryo provide better value despite higher base fares.
Booking Flexibility and Cancellation Policies
Iryo Flexibility (Generally Superior)
Iryo’s cancellation and change policies vary by class but generally exceed AVE’s:
- Inicial (budget): €10 fee for changes up to 30 minutes before departure
- Singular (mid-tier): Free changes to same-day times; 24-hour notice for date changes
- Singular Only You: Premium flexibility with 24-hour date change windows
- Infinita Bistro (first-class): Most flexible, free 30-minute changes
AVE Flexibility
AVE’s standard policies are more restrictive than Iryo’s corresponding classes, particularly for budget tiers.
How to Book: Maximizing Savings
Best Booking Platforms
Do not book directly on operator websites—instead use Thetrainline.com or Raileurope.com, both official resellers offering:
- Identical prices to official operator sites (no markup)
- Consolidated comparison of all Spanish operators (AVE, Iryo, Avlo, Ouigo) in one search
- Better customer service with fewer technical errors than operator websites
- International payment acceptance (credit cards, PayPal)
Booking Strategy for 2026
- For AVE: Mark your calendar 80–90 days before travel. Tickets release 90 days in advance, and the cheapest fares sell out within days.
- For Iryo: Book 180–250 days ahead when planning far in advance; Iryo’s earlier booking window captures the deepest discounts, sometimes 50% off.
- Avoid station purchases: Buying at ticket offices incurs a 5.5% service fee and provides no savings.
- Off-peak optimization: If booking last-minute becomes necessary, book off-peak trains (midweek, non-holiday times) rather than peak hours (Friday–Sunday mornings and evenings), which cost significantly more.
Premium Options: Renfe Spain Pass
For multi-city travelers, Renfe’s Spain Rail Pass offers potential savings:
- Pass pricing: €195–€410 depending on trip count (4, 6, 8, or 10 journeys)
- Average cost per journey: €41–€49
- Validity: Valid for 6 months from purchase; trips must be used within 1 month after first use
- Included reservations: All seat reservations included at no extra cost (unlike Eurail/Interrail passes requiring additional reservation fees)
Worth purchasing if: Your planned routes (Madrid–Barcelona, Barcelona–Seville, etc.) typically exceed €75–€100 per ticket. Compare your specific itinerary against advance booking prices before purchasing.
New government subsidies (July 2025 onward): Spain introduced reduced-price frequent traveler passes for Media Distancia (regional) trains, with some routes now free for qualifying travelers. These apply primarily to regional routes rather than high-speed AVE/Iryo services but are worth checking if your itinerary includes regional legs.
Journey Times and Major Routes
Typical high-speed journey times:
| Route | Duration | Distance | Best Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid – Barcelona | 2 hours 30 minutes–3 hours | 621 km | Iryo or AVE (equivalent) |
| Barcelona – Madrid | 2 hours 30 minutes–3 hours | 621 km | Iryo or AVE (equivalent) |
| Madrid – Seville | 2 hours 25 minutes–3 hours | 471 km | AVE (best coverage) |
| Madrid – Málaga | 3 hours–3.5 hours | 538 km | AVE (fastest direct) |
| Madrid – Valencia | 1 hour 35 minutes–2 hours | 360 km | AVE or Iryo |
| Barcelona – Seville | 6 hours (with connection) | Multiple route options | Requires comparison |
Practical Recommendations for 2026 Travelers
Short trips (1–3 days): Book individual tickets through Trainline, comparing all four operators and selecting based on price, departure time, and comfort needs.
Extended multi-city itineraries: Evaluate the Renfe Spain Pass against advance individual bookings. Calculate your specific routes’ advance-purchase prices before deciding.
Luggage-heavy travelers: Choose full-service AVE or Iryo over Avlo/Ouigo to avoid baggage surcharges, particularly if carrying more than 2 suitcases.
Long-distance luxury: Iryo’s first-class (Infinita Bistro) often costs the same as AVE’s second-class when booked in advance, making it the superior comfort value.
Accessibility: Remember that Barcelona now charges tourist taxes of €4–€11 per night depending on accommodation type, and costs continue rising through 2029. Factor these into your total trip budget beyond train costs.
Timing flexibility: If your dates are flexible, traveling mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) versus weekends costs significantly less across all operators.
Spain’s competitive high-speed rail landscape in 2026 rewards advance planners with extraordinary value—securing tickets 60–90 days ahead can yield savings of 50–70% compared to last-minute purchases, making train travel significantly cheaper than flying for most routes.