Almost 40 million passengers use high-speed services a year in Spain. A new train operator will soon arrive and will begin operating on this segment. His name is Iryo and he will start his activity on November 25, 2022 between Madrid and Barcelona.
If until a few years ago we only had the option of Renfe, since the Spanish high-speed liberalization process, now we can choose between AVE, Avlo, Ouigo and Iryo . Which of all is the cheapest?
Renfe and AVE train fares
Since 1992, the arrival of the Spanish High Speed has covered practically every corner of Spain. AVE trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 310 km/h and the average commercial speed of services on the Spanish high-speed network is 222 km/h.
All classes of AVE trains have spacious and comfortable seats, a car with a cafeteria and digital entertainment on board, as well as air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and power outlets in all seats. Like most European trains, you can take your luggage on board at no additional cost.
As for the price, its rates are the most expensive and this is what has led to the appearance of all these secondary actors that have opened the ban on low-cost high speed.
Avlo, Renfe’s low-cost high speed
Avlo were the first to compete against the traditional AVE, although it was an internal competition, since the service is also provided by Renfe. This long-distance, high-speed “low-cost” train service operates in destinations such as the stations of Barcelona, Valencia, Calatayud, Camp de Tarragona, Cuenca, Figueres, Girona, Requena-Utiel, Guadalajara, Lleida, Madrid and Zaragoza.
Avlo trains are capable of traveling up to 300 km/h, and all seats are Economy class with seat assignment. Inside you can find free Wi-Fi through the PlayRenfe digital platform, power outlets at each seat to charge your phone or laptop and vending machines with hot and cold drinks, as well as snacks, eliminating the traditional cafeteria to be one of the elements that reduce the price.
Their rates are available from 7 euros .
OUIGO, the first private operator
This French company began operating in Spain for the first time in 2021, shortly after the Avlo trains began to circulate. Its trains have two floors , which increases capacity and makes each trip more profitable for your company with around 590 seats per train. As is the case in its country of origin, in Spain OUIGO only sells one class of seats, with a somewhat smaller space.
The Spanish OUIGO trains do have a car with a cafeteria, called OuiBar. OUIGO Spain train tickets can only be purchased online, with prices starting from 9 euros . The destinations are Valencia, Madrid, Zaragoza, Tarragona and Barcelona.
Iryo and flexibility as a principle
In Iryo, in addition to low-cost prices to compete (it aims to sell at least 30% of all High-speed tickets sold in Spain in 2023), they have a flexibility model that can be their great asset.
They currently offer different rates based on 4 comfort classes:
- Infinite Rate: A rate without limits with the best travel conditions and flexibility in our best comfort zone.
- Singular Rate Only YOU, is ideal for entrepreneurs and companies in a perfect space to travel working.
- Singular Rate: designed for entrepreneurs and companies with the best conditions for changes and cancellations.
- Initial Rate: The cheapest Iryo rate without sacrificing the best standard service and comfort.
According to each one, the price varies, which does not offer us a standard minimum price, since it varies according to the choice of destination and category of comfort and flexibility options, but in general these combinations always come out at a higher price than Avlo and OUIGO , at least in the sale of its first tickets.