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
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  • 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

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