Spain has quietly built the second-largest high-speed rail network in the world (after China). It is faster to take a train from Madrid to Barcelona (2.5 hours) than to fly.
But recently, the market exploded. It’s no longer just the state-owned AVE. Now, three companies are fighting for your wallet.
This means prices have crashed. You can cross Spain for as little as €7.
Here is who is who in the Spanish “Train Wars.”
1. Renfe AVE (The Original)
- Operator: Renfe (State-owned).
- The Vibe: Classic, reliable, premium.
- Perks: If the train is delayed by more than 15 minutes, they often refund 50% of your ticket (Commitment to Punctuality).
- Best for: Business travelers and reliability.
2. Renfe Avlo (The Purple Budget)
- Operator: Renfe’s answer to low-cost competitors.
- The Vibe: Bright purple trains. High density, cheap seats.
- The Catch: Like airlines, you pay extra for large luggage and seat selection.
3. Ouigo España (The French Invader)
- Operator: SNCF (French Railways).
- The Vibe: Double-decker trains (white and pink).
- Price: Often incredibly cheap (€9 tickets are common).
- Best for: Students, backpackers, families on a budget.
4. Iryo (The Italian Luxury)
- Operator: Trenitalia (Italian Railways).
- The Vibe: The famous “Frecciarossa” trains, painted red. They are arguably the most comfortable and luxurious trains in Spain.
- Food: Excellent onboard catering (Haizea brand).
- Best for: Comfort seekers who want luxury at a competitive price.
Top Routes
- Madrid ➡️ Barcelona: The busiest route. Trains leave every 10-20 minutes.
- Madrid ➡️ Seville: The original high-speed line. Goes south to Andalusia.
- Madrid ➡️ Valencia: To the beach in under 2 hours.
Heading to Barcelona? Skip the line at Sagrada Familia with Tiqets.
Security Check (Important!)
Unlike France or Germany, Spain has security checks at major train stations (Madrid Atocha, Barcelona Sants).
- Procedure: You must put your bags through an X-ray scanner before accessing the platform.
- Time: It’s fast (1-2 mins), but arrive at least 20 minutes before departure to be safe.
Summary
Spain is currently the best country in Europe for high-speed rail deals. Competition is fierce.
- Check Iryo for luxury.
- Check Ouigo/Avlo for price.
- Check AVE for punctuality guarantees.
Compare them all: Use [Trainline] or [Omio] to see AVE, Iryo, and Ouigo prices side-by-side.
