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Trains in Spain: A Simple Guide to Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo (2026)

A simple introduction to trains in Spain: who Renfe (AVE, Avlo), Iryo and Ouigo are, the main high-speed routes, Madrid stations, booking and station tips. Spain has three high-speed train operators. Renfe is the state operator: it runs AVE, its low-cost Avlo brand and other long-distance trains on every main corridor. Iryo and Ouigo are private operators on the busiest routes from Madrid: Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Andalucía (Córdoba, Sevilla, Málaga). Ouigo also runs Madrid–Murcia via Elche. Each operator sells tickets on its own official website and app. Facts below were checked on the operators’ own pages on 9 October 2026.

Updated 9 October 2026

Trains in Spain: the basics

What this is for
A plain introduction to Spain’s long-distance trains: who runs them, the main routes and Madrid stations, how to book, and what to expect at the station. Commuter (Cercanías) and regional trains are separate services.
Next 3 steps
  1. Find your route in the table below and note which operators run it and from which Madrid station.
  2. Book on the operator’s official website or app. Before you pay, read the change and refund rules of the fare you pick.
  3. On the day, arrive about 30 minutes early with photo ID and your ticket. Many stations scan luggage before boarding.

Planning notes for trips in Spain. Always confirm booking and entry rules with the provider or official source before you travel.

Who runs Spain’s trains

  • Renfe: the state operator. AVE is its high-speed service and Avlo its low-cost high-speed brand. Renfe also runs other long-distance trains such as Euromed, plus Cercanías commuter trains and regional trains.
  • Iryo: a private high-speed operator on routes from Madrid to Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante and Andalucía.
  • Ouigo: a private low-cost high-speed operator on routes from Madrid to Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Andalucía and Valladolid.

Each operator has cheaper basic fares and more flexible or premium ones. They differ in what you can change, refund or bring, so read the conditions before you pay.

Which operator runs which main route

Renfe runs on every corridor below. Iryo and Ouigo only run the busiest ones. Timetables change often, so this table lists who runs a route, not how many trains a day. Madrid has two high-speed stations: Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes and Chamartín – Clara Campoamor. Always check which one is on your ticket.

Main high-speed routes by operator. Sources: Renfe route and Avlo pages, Iryo timetable page, Ouigo destinations and timetables. Checked 9 October 2026.
Route Renfe Iryo Ouigo Madrid station
Madrid–Barcelona (via Zaragoza, Tarragona)AVE. Avlo is not on Renfe’s current Avlo route list.YesYesPuerta de Atocha
Madrid–Valencia (via Cuenca)AVE and AvloYesYesIryo and Ouigo: Chamartín. Renfe: Atocha; check your ticket
Madrid–Alicante (via Cuenca, Albacete)AVE and Avlo (Avlo also stops in Villena)YesYesIryo and Ouigo: Chamartín. Renfe: Atocha; check your ticket
Madrid–Elche–MurciaAVE and Avlo (Avlo stops in Alicante, Elche and Orihuela)Not on Iryo’s route listYes (via Albacete, Elche)Ouigo: Chamartín. Renfe: Atocha; check your ticket
Madrid–Córdoba–SevillaAVE and AvloYesYesPuerta de Atocha
Madrid–Córdoba–MálagaAVE and AvloYesYesPuerta de Atocha
Alicante–Valencia–Barcelona (Mediterranean coast)EuromedNoNoNot via Madrid
Madrid–Segovia–ValladolidYes (Avlo continues to Asturias)NoYesOuigo: Chamartín

Line works can suspend a route for weeks. In February 2026, for example, Iryo restarted Madrid–Sevilla only when Adif reopened the line. Check the operator’s site close to your travel date.

How to book

  • Renfe (AVE, Avlo, Euromed and others): renfe.com, the Renfe app, station ticket offices and ticket machines.
  • Iryo: iryo.eu.
  • Ouigo: ouigo.com/es or the OUIGO app. Ouigo sells online only.

Resellers also sell these tickets, but change and refund rules come from the operator. Read them on the operator’s site before you pay.

Main stations

  • Madrid: Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes (Barcelona and Andalucía trains, and the Renfe trains named on its Valencia, Alicante and Murcia route pages) and Chamartín – Clara Campoamor (Iryo and Ouigo trains to Valencia and Alicante, Ouigo to Murcia and Valladolid).
  • Barcelona: Sants. Valencia: Joaquín Sorolla. Zaragoza: Delicias. Tarragona: Camp de Tarragona.
  • Alicante: Alicante Terminal. Elche: Elche AV (ELX AV). Murcia: Murcia del Carmen.
  • Andalucía: Córdoba, Sevilla Santa Justa, Málaga María Zambrano.

Departure boards show a train’s final destination, not every stop. Look for your train number, which is on your ticket.

Tips at the station

  • Arrive 30 minutes early. Renfe and Ouigo both ask for this. Renfe closes the access control 2 minutes before departure. Ouigo closes the doors 5 minutes before.
  • Security check. Many stations scan your luggage before the boarding area, like a small airport check. Some smaller stations have no scanner and you walk straight to the train.
  • Ticket and ID checks. Staff check tickets at the boarding gate. Renfe tickets carry your name, and ID checks can happen at the gate or on board, so carry a DNI, residence card, driving licence or passport. Keep your ticket until you arrive.

Cercanías and regional trains are separate

Cercanías (Rodalies in Catalonia) is Renfe’s commuter rail around big cities, and regional trains link nearby towns. Both use their own tickets and are not part of a high-speed booking. A Renfe AVE or long-distance ticket includes a free Combinado Cercanías trip, also valid on the Alicante TRAM, from 4 hours before departure to 4 hours after arrival. Iryo says its tickets include Combinado Cercanías too. For Avlo and Ouigo, check before you rely on it.

Alicante and Torrevieja: which trains to use

  • Madrid–Alicante: all three operators run it to Alicante Terminal. Renfe has AVE and Avlo; Iryo and Ouigo leave from Madrid Chamartín.
  • Elche and Orihuela: Renfe’s Madrid–Murcia Avlo stops at Alicante, Elche and Orihuela. Ouigo’s Madrid–Murcia trains stop at Elche AV.
  • Alicante to Valencia and Barcelona: Renfe’s Euromed runs along the coast to Barcelona Sants.
  • From Torrevieja: Torrevieja itself is not on the high-speed network. The nearest high-speed stops are Orihuela, Elche AV, Alicante Terminal and Murcia del Carmen. Pick the station by the train you want, then plan the road or bus leg.

Sources

Checked 9 October 2026. Routes and rules change. Confirm on the operator’s site before you book.

Trains in Spain: quick answers

What is the difference between Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo?

Renfe is the state operator and runs trains across the whole network, including AVE and Avlo high-speed trains. Iryo and Ouigo are private high-speed operators on the busiest routes from Madrid.

Is Avlo the same as AVE?

Both are Renfe high-speed trains. Avlo is Renfe’s low-cost brand, with fewer extras than AVE.

Which trains go to Alicante?

Renfe (AVE and Avlo), Iryo and Ouigo all run Madrid–Alicante. Renfe’s Euromed links Alicante with Valencia and Barcelona along the coast.

How early should I be at the station?

At least 30 minutes before departure. Renfe closes access 2 minutes before departure and Ouigo closes the doors 5 minutes before. Many stations have a luggage scanner first.

Do I need ID on Spanish trains?

Renfe tickets carry your name, and Renfe says ID checks can happen at the gate or on board. Carry a DNI, residence card, driving licence or passport.

Is Cercanías the same as AVE?

No. Cercanías is Renfe’s commuter rail with its own tickets. Renfe AVE and long-distance tickets include a Combinado Cercanías trip to or from the station.