form-submitrail-journeys
Train types Spain
AVE, Media Distancia, Euromed, Alvia, IryoAVE – High-speed train operated by Renfe, the national railways
Iryo – Private high-speed train connecting all major cities
Extensive (high-speed) network
High-speed trains in Spain – which one to choose?
High-speed trains are the best way to travel across Spain: fast, affordable, comfortable, and without the long waiting times you get at airports. On the main routes there are four different operators. Below we explain the differences and give our advice.
Booking tickets
- All Spanish train tickets can be booked via our train planner
- Easily compare prices from all operators
- No booking fees
- Buy single tickets (seat reservation included) or separate reservations when travelling with an Interrail Pass
Which train should I choose? Our advice
AVE and Iryo → full-service with 3–4 classes, catering and no strict luggage limits (except Inicial on Iryo).
Avlo and Ouigo → low-cost trains with luggage restrictions and limited catering.
Premium options: AVE Premium and Iryo Infinita – very comfortable, meals included.
Budget options: Avlo and Ouigo – comfortable and affordable.
Comparison of high-speed trains in Spain
| Feature | AVE | Iryo | Avlo | Ouigo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Routes | All routes | Madrid–Barcelona Madrid–Valencia/Alicante Madrid–Córdoba–Seville/Málaga |
Madrid–Barcelona–Figueres Madrid–Valencia/Alicante Madrid–Córdoba–Seville/Málaga Madrid–León–Gijón Madrid–Santiago–A Coruña/Vigo |
Madrid–Barcelona Madrid–Valencia/Alicante Madrid–Córdoba–Seville/Málaga/Murcia Madrid–Valladolid |
| Service type | Full-service, 3 classes | Full-service, 4 classes | Low-cost, 1 class | Low-cost, 2 classes |
| Classes | Básico (2), Elige (1), Premium (1+) | Inicial (2), Singular (2+), Only You (1), Infinita (1+) | 1 class | Regular, XL (more space) |
| Wi-Fi & sockets | Yes, all classes | Yes, all classes | Yes, all classes | Yes, all classes |
| Catering | Café-bar (not included) Premium: meal & drinks at your seat |
Trolley service, meals pre-orderable Infinita: meal & drinks at your seat |
Vending machines | Café-bar (not included) |
| Luggage limit | None (officially 3 suitcases) | Inicial: 2 suitcases Other: 3 suitcases |
Hand luggage only, extra with surcharge | Hand luggage only, extra with surcharge |
price-dates
Train types Spain
Book all train tickets to & within Spain via our international train planner.
From the UK
For the fastest and best results, search from London.
Book seat reservations only
Do you need reservations with your Interrail Pass? Book everything to & within ES via our train planner, choose "Reservations".
See the full overview of Interrail reservation costs.
