Spain has emerged as the most popular destination for rail travel in 2024, offering an unparalleled rail experience that combines efficiency, comfort and affordability.
Spain is the first country in Europe to have three different high-speed rail operators, offering travellers plenty of options to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant cities.
Triple threat: Spanish high-speed rail operators
Spain’s rail revolution is being driven by three big companies: Renfe, iryo and Ouigo España. Each operator brings its own unique strengths to the table, allowing travellers to find the one that best suits their needs and budget.
Renfe: A trusted veteran
Spain’s national railway company, Renfe, offers an extensive network of high-speed and regional services. With two main high-speed train services and connections to a variety of destinations (including parts of France), Renfe caters to a wide range of traveler tastes and budgets. Of particular note is the Alvia train, which serves off-the-beaten-path destinations and allows passengers to experience the beautiful scenery of Spain from north to south, east to west.
Ilyo: An exciting newcomer
iryo, featured first on Rail Europe, is a private provider that’s shaking up the Spanish rail industry. Part-owned by the Italian national rail company Trenitalia and backed by Air Nostrum and Globalvia, iryo offers smooth, comfortable journeys at competitive prices. Operating on the same tracks as Renfe, iryo ensures passengers arrive at their destination with the finest amenities, often at prices comparable to Renfe.
Ouigo España: A budget-friendly option
For budget-conscious travelers, Ouigo España is a lifesaver. This French-owned budget airline focuses on connecting major cities on high-speed routes. While offering basic amenities, Ouigo makes up for it with very competitive prices, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Why Spain will come out on top in 2024
There are several possible reasons why Spain will emerge as a leading rail travel destination in 2024.
Competition breeds excellence: With three operators competing for passengers, travelers benefit from improved service, competitive prices and greater choice.
Comprehensive Coverage: Spain’s train network covers everything from bustling big cities to charming countryside, and even gets you to more off-the-beaten-path destinations thanks to Renfe’s local services.
High-speed comfort: All three operators offer high-speed services, allowing travellers to travel between cities in comfort and style.
Affordable options: Budget-friendly operators like Ouigo España and competitive pricing from Renfe and iryo make train travel in Spain accessible to a wide range of travellers.
A seamless booking experience: Platforms like Rail Europe simplify the process by allowing travellers to compare tickets from the three operators in one convenient place.
(Provided by Rail Europe)
Plan your Spanish train adventure
When planning your train trip in Spain, consider the following tips:
Comparison operators: Use Rail Europe to compare prices, facilities and schedules across all three operators.
Mix and match: Don’t hesitate to use different operators for different legs of your journey to optimize your itinerary and budget.
Advance booking: As with air travel, train tickets often become more expensive the closer you get to your departure date.
Consider a local trip: High-speed trains are fun, but for a more leisurely and scenic journey, don’t miss Renfe’s local services.
Stay flexible: With multiple carriers and frequent service, you have plenty of options if you need to change your plan.
Start your Spanish train journey with Rail Europe
Rail Europe offers the largest rail travel inventory on the market. Search for your route or destination and Rail Europe will show you all the available options. Whether you prioritise price, convenience, the station you’re travelling to or the operator, Rail Europe lets you compare Renfe, Ouigo and iryo tickets all in one convenient place.
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