Renfe has announced that as of September 8, its low-cost Avlo services between Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona will be withdrawn and replaced with AVE high-speed trains. The decision marks the end of the purple-branded Avlo trains on one of Spain’s busiest high-speed rail corridors, though Renfe insists passengers will not face higher costs.
According to the company, the AVE trains will operate with the same frequencies and schedules as the discontinued Avlo service, ensuring that capacity and travel options remain unaffected. Crucially, Renfe has also pledged that ticket prices will stay competitive, continuing to offer travellers affordable access to the high-speed line despite the rebranding. The announcement has prompted questions among regular passengers, as the Avlo brand was introduced specifically to provide a budget alternative to standard AVE fares. Renfe, however, 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 will be automatically transferred to equivalent AVE services at no additional cost. Any extra charges paid for optional services, such as seat reservations, luggage, or other supplements, will also be fully refunded.
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Madrid–Barcelona low-cost Avlo trains scrapped
The decision reflects Renfe’s ongoing efforts to adapt to growing competition in the Spanish high-speed rail market, particularly from private operators such as 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 both premium and competitive in price.
While Renfe has not disclosed whether this shift is permanent or 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 continue to enjoy accessible fares, even without the Avlo label. The withdrawal of Avlo on the Madrid–Barcelona line does not necessarily signal the end of the brand elsewhere. Renfe still operates low-cost services on other routes, such as 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 check their updated itineraries, as all future services will be marketed and ticketed as AVE. Despite the disappearance of the Avlo brand from the flagship route, Renfe is keen to assure customers that the transition will be seamless, with schedules, capacity, and pricing structures maintained. At present, the Madrid–Barcelona corridor remains Spain’s most heavily used high-speed connection, carrying millions 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.
