Madrid–Barcelona low-cost Avlo trains scrapped

Renfe has announced that as of September 8, its low-cost Avlo services between Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona can be withdrawn and replaced with AVE high-speed trains. The decision marks the top of the purple-branded Avlo trains on one among Spain’s busiest high-speed rail corridors, though Renfe insists passengers is not going to face higher costs.

According to the corporate, the AVE trains will operate with the identical frequencies and schedules because the discontinued Avlo service, ensuring that capability and travel options remain unaffected. Crucially, Renfe has also pledged that ticket prices will stay competitive, continuing to supply travellers inexpensive access to the high-speed line despite the rebranding. The announcement has prompted questions amongst regular passengers, because the Avlo brand was introduced specifically to offer a budget alternative to plain AVE fares. Renfe, nonetheless, argues that the AVE can maintain similar price levels while offering a more streamlined service across the route.

For travellers who had already purchased Avlo tickets for journeys scheduled after September 7, Renfe confirmed that they can be robotically transferred to equivalent AVE services at no additional cost. Any extra charges paid for optional services, reminiscent of seat reservations, luggage, or other supplements, will even be fully refunded.

The decision reflects Renfe’s ongoing efforts to adapt to growing competition within the Spanish high-speed rail market, particularly from private operators reminiscent of Ouigo and Iryo, which have attracted passengers with aggressive pricing strategies. By eliminating the Avlo brand on the country’s busiest route, Renfe is effectively consolidating its offer under the AVE banner, positioning the service as each premium and competitive in price.

While Renfe has not disclosed whether this shift is everlasting or a part of a broader strategic adjustment, the move highlights the challenges of balancing affordability with operational efficiency in Spain’s liberalised rail sector. The company has emphasised that travellers will proceed to enjoy accessible fares, even without the Avlo label. The withdrawal of Avlo on the Madrid–Barcelona line doesn’t necessarily signal the top of the brand elsewhere. Renfe still operates low-cost services on other routes, reminiscent of Madrid–Valencia and Madrid–Alicante, though no changes have been announced for those corridors.

Passengers planning to travel on the affected line after early September are advised to envision their updated itineraries, as all future services can be marketed and ticketed as AVE. Despite the disappearance of the Avlo brand from the flagship route, Renfe is keen to guarantee customers that the transition can be seamless, with schedules, capability, and pricing structures maintained. At present, the Madrid–Barcelona corridor stays Spain’s most heavily used high-speed connection, carrying thousands and thousands of passengers annually. Renfe’s decision to consolidate services under the AVE label suggests a strategic effort to strengthen its position against rivals, while retaining customer loyalty through affordability and reliability.