Train travel in Spain: AVE, Avlo, Ouigo and Iryo explained

Spain has an extensive high-speed rail network, and since the market opened to competition you can choose between several companies on the busiest routes. From Málaga that means Renfe’s AVE and Avlo, plus Ouigo and Iryo, all competing on the line to Madrid. This guide explains who is who, how the services differ, and how to book a train trip around Spain, whether you are heading home for Christmas or planning a weekend in another city.

The four high-speed brands

• AVE (Renfe): the state operator’s classic high-speed service, with the widest network. AVE links Madrid with most major cities, and also runs some cross-country routes such as Barcelona–Málaga and Barcelona–Sevilla.
• Avlo (Renfe): Renfe’s low-cost brand. It uses high-speed trains but has a simpler offer, with a smaller luggage allowance included and extras paid separately.
• Ouigo: the Spanish arm of the French rail group SNCF. It is a low-cost model with double-decker trains, where the basic fare is cheap and larger luggage and seat choice cost extra.
• Iryo: a private operator backed by Italy’s Trenitalia, with several classes of travel and onboard catering options.

Renfe also runs Alvia, Avant, Media Distancia and Cercanías trains. For local trips along the coast, see our guide to public transport on the Costa del Sol.

Which routes they cover from Andalucía

Routes change, but in 2026 the picture for southern Spain looks like this:

• Madrid–Málaga: AVE, Avlo, Ouigo and Iryo.
• Madrid–Sevilla: AVE, Avlo, Ouigo and Iryo.
• Barcelona–Málaga: AVE and Iryo.
• Barcelona–Sevilla: AVE, Ouigo and Iryo.
• Granada: AVE to Madrid and Barcelona.

In Málaga, high-speed trains use María Zambrano station, next to the city centre and connected to the airport by the Cercanías line. Check each company’s website for the exact stops, as some trains also call at Córdoba, Antequera or other stations on the way.

Service between Madrid and Andalucía was heavily disrupted after the train accident at Adamuz (Córdoba) in January 2026. Renfe kept Málaga connected with a bus section for part of the journey, and Ouigo and Iryo returned to Málaga from late April 2026, with speed limits from the rail infrastructure manager Adif still applying for a time. Journey times can therefore differ from what you remember, so always check the current timetable.

How to choose between them

• Price: fares on all four depend on demand and how early you book. The low-cost brands are often cheapest for flexible travellers with light luggage, but compare the total price once you add bags and seat selection.
• Luggage: Avlo and Ouigo include less luggage in the basic fare. If you travel with a large suitcase, a classic AVE or Iryo ticket may work out simpler.
• Flexibility: cheaper fares usually come with stricter rules on changes and refunds. Read the conditions before you pay.
• Timetable: sometimes the best option is simply the train that leaves at the right time. Check all operators for your date.
• Pets: each company has its own rules for travelling with animals. Our guide to travelling around Spain with a dog compares the options.

Booking tickets

• Book direct: each operator sells tickets on its own website and app. Renfe tickets cover AVE, Avlo and its other trains, while Ouigo and Iryo sell only their own services.
• Comparison sites: independent booking platforms show several operators at once, but check whether they add a booking fee.
• Book early for holidays: trains around Christmas, New Year, the December long weekend and Semana Santa sell out quickly, and prices rise as seats fill.
• Keep your ticket on your phone: all operators accept mobile tickets with a QR code. Have your ID document with you, as staff may check it.

At the station and on board

• Security check: at most high-speed stations your bags go through an X-ray scanner before you reach the platform, so allow extra time.
• Boarding closes early: access to the platform usually closes a few minutes before departure. Check the operator’s rules, especially for the low-cost brands.
• Find your coach: the coach number is on your ticket and on screens or signs on the platform. Trains are long, so walk to the right section before the train arrives.
• Food and drink: what is available on board differs by operator and fare. Bringing your own snacks is common.

Travelling light: sending your luggage ahead

If you are taking presents to family at Christmas or moving between cities, heavy suitcases make low-cost train fares less attractive and the station transfer harder work. One alternative is to ship your bags door to door and travel with just a small bag. Sinmaletas (ad) is a luggage delivery service that collects suitcases and sends them to your destination. Compare the cost with the train’s own luggage fees and check delivery times before you book.

For more ideas on where to go by train, see our guide to day trips from Málaga.

FAQ: train travel in Spain

Is Avlo the same as AVE?

Both are run by Renfe on the same high-speed lines, but Avlo is the low-cost version with a simpler offer and less luggage included in the basic fare.

Can I use a Renfe ticket on an Ouigo or Iryo train?

No. Each company sells tickets only for its own trains, even when they run on the same line and from the same station.

How early should I arrive at the station?

Allow time for the luggage security check and for finding your platform. Arriving well before departure is wise, especially at busy times, as access to the train closes shortly before it leaves.

What happens if my train is late or cancelled?

Each operator has its own compensation and refund rules, and EU rail passenger rights also apply. Check the conditions on the operator’s website and keep your ticket.

Useful links

• Renfe (AVE, Avlo and other trains)
• Ouigo Spain
• Iryo
• Adif – Spanish rail infrastructure and stations

Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules and prices change, so check with the official source before you decide. Links marked “(ad)” are affiliate links – NewInSpain may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.