Spain - should I choose AVE, Avlo, Iryo or Ouigo?
High-speed trains are the best way to travel through Spain - cheap, fast, comfortable, and without any long airport check-in procedures. You have the choice of four different train operators when travelling on core routes. On this page we'll explain the differences and our advice on which one to choose.
All Spanish railway tickets are available in the Happyrail planner.
- Compare prices of different operators
- Zero booking fees
- Book individual tickets (seat reservations included as standard) or buy seperate reservations when travelling with a Eurail pass.
Which train to choose? Our advice
The biggest difference between the four train types is that AVE and Iryo operate as full-service trains with 3 or 4 classes, catering options and no luggage limits (exept for Inicial class on Iryo which does have a limit). Avlo and Ouigo operate as low-cost services, with luggage restrictions and limited catering options.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and pricing. All trains are comfortable and quick. AVE Premium and Iyo Infinita are both excellent first class options with meals ncluded, especially when bought in advance for a advance fare. Avlo and Ouigo are both comfortable and convenient options for travellers on a budget.
| High-speed train | AVE (click for more information) | Iryo (click for more information) | Avlo (click for more information) | Ouigo (click for more information) |
| Routes | All | Madrid - Barcelona Madrid - Valencia/Alicante Madrid - Cordoba - Sevilla/Malaga |
Madrid - Barcelona - Figueras Madrid - Valencia/Alicante Madrid - Cordoba - Sevilla/Malaga Madrid - Leon - Gijon Madrid - Santiago de Compostela - A Coruna/Vigo |
Madrid - Barcelona Madrid - Valencia/Alicante Madrid - Cordoba - Sevilla/Malaga/Murcia Madrid - Valladolid |
| Service type |
Full-service, 3 travel classes | Full-service, 4 travel classes | Low-cost, one travel class | Low-cost, two travel classes |
| Travel classes | Basico (2) Elige (1) Premium (1+) |
Inicial (2) Singular (2+) Singular Only You (1) Infinita Bistro (1+) |
N.a. (low-cost one class) | Regular XL (same service but larger 1st class seats) |
| Free wifi & power sockets | Yes, all classes | Yes, all classes | Yes, all classes | Yes, all classes |
| On-board catering | Café car accessible to all passengers (not included in ticket price) Premium: meal and (alcoholic) drink served at your seat, included in ticket price |
Drinks & snacks trolley passes through train, meals can be pre-ordered Infinita: meal and (alcoholic) drink served at your seat, included in ticket price |
Vending machines for snacks & drinks, not included in ticket price | Café car accessible to all passengers (not included in ticket price) |
| Luggage limit | No limit (officially: 3 suitcases, but not enforced) | Inicial: 2-suitcase limit All other classes: 3 suitcases |
Hand lugagge only, additional suitcases for an extra fee | Hand lugagge only, additional suitcases for an extra fee |