Renfe Discontinues Avlo High-Speed Service on Madrid-Barcelona Route: What Travelers Need to Know
Last Updated: August 29, 2025
Spain’s national rail operator, Renfe, is making a significant change to its high-speed rail service between Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona. As of September 8th, the low-cost Avlo trains on this popular route will be replaced entirely by the more cozy and feature-rich Ave services. But what does this mean for your travel plans? let’s break down the details.
Why the Change? A Shift Towards Comfort and Competition
Renfe assures passengers that the core experience – frequency of trains, schedules, and competitive pricing – will remain consistent. Though, the move signals a strategic shift. According to Renfe, Ave trains are simply better suited for this particular route and the needs of its passengers.
Specifically,the company highlights the increased comfort offered by Ave trains. You’ll enjoy wider seats and significantly more legroom, catering especially to the frequent corporate travelers who regularly use this line. There’s also been speculation regarding the reliability of the Avlo’s Talgo 106 trains compared to the Ave’s model 103, though Renfe hasn’t directly confirmed this as a primary driver.
Will Ticket Prices Increase? Renfe’s Assurance
A natural concern with upgrading service is the potential for higher fares. Renfe is proactively addressing this, stating that price increases will be minimal. They emphasize that price fluctuations are primarily tied to demand and the time of day you choose to travel, not the train type itself.
The Rise of Competition & Avlo’s Initial Purpose
To understand this change, it’s significant to remember the context. Avlo was launched in 2021 following the deregulation of Spain’s rail network. This deregulation opened the door for competitors like Ouigo (from France) and Iryo (from Italy) to offer budget-friendly high-speed rail options.
Avlo was Renfe’s response – a way to compete directly with these new players on price.Though,analysts believe Renfe’s decision to revert to Ave services is largely commercially driven,acknowledging the intense competition on the Madrid-Barcelona corridor.
What this Means for Your Existing Avlo Tickets
If you’ve already booked an Avlo ticket for travel after September 7th,don’t worry. Renfe will automatically transfer your reservation to an Ave train,maintaining your original travel conditions.
Seat Selection Refund: if you paid for seat selection on your Avlo ticket, you’ll receive a full refund – no action required on your part.
Improved Amenities: Expect a more enhanced travel experience overall.
Looking Ahead: Enhanced Ave Services
Renfe isn’t just replacing Avlo with Ave; they’re also planning to improve the Ave experience. The company is committed to reintroducing popular amenities previously unavailable on this route,including:
Onboard cafeteria and dining services
Designated quiet seating areas
Access to club lounges
Expanded dining options
Avlo Continues Elsewhere
This change only affects the Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona route. Avlo will continue to operate normally between Madrid and other key Spanish cities, including:
Valencia
Alicante
Malaga
Seville
Gijón
Murcia
Valladolid
Resources:
Renfe Official Website – For the latest updates and booking information. while the discontinuation of Avlo on this specific route may be disappointing for some budget travelers, the move promises a more comfortable and amenity-rich experience for all passengers utilizing Renfe’s high-speed services between Madrid and Barcelona.
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