Avlo

Avlo is Renfe's low-cost high-speed rail service in Spain. The name is derived from the expression “Alta Velocidad Low Cost,” referring to the service's high-speed railway operation and simplified, price-led proposition. It was created to make high-speed rail more accessible to price-sensitive travelers and to strengthen Renfe's position as competition expanded on Spain's high-speed network. The concept emerged partly in response to Ouigo, the low-cost high-speed service developed by France's SNCF. Renfe initially announced a budget high-speed project in February 2018 under the provisional name “eva.” That proposal envisaged a Madrid–Catalonia service serving Camp de Tarragona and El Prat de Llobregat rather than Barcelona's principal station. Delays, changes in the competitive environment, and the expected arrival of additional operators led Renfe to revise the plan. In December 2019, the company announced the Avlo name and a new operating concept focused initially on Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona. The planned April 2020 launch was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Promotional customers were offered the choice of traveling later or receiving refunds, depending on the type of ticket purchased. Avlo eventually began operating on 23 June 2021, initially connecting Madrid, Barcelona, and Figueres. The service subsequently expanded to Valencia, Alicante, Andalusia, Murcia, and selected destinations in northern Spain and Galicia. The network has therefore developed from a single east–west high-speed corridor into a broader set of routes linking Madrid with major cities and intermediate stations. Avlo is positioned as a lower-cost alternative to Renfe's standard AVE service and to competing open-access operators such as Ouigo España and Iryo. Its proposition is based on low promotional and base fares, high seat density, and a largely second-class configuration. The service uses specially configured Renfe high-speed trainsets, including modified Talgo-based S-112 trains and S-106 trains. The S-112 Avlo configuration has been described as having 438 seats, while S-106 formations used on several routes have capacities ranging from 507 to 581 seats. These configurations support lower unit costs and a high-volume operating model. Avlo fares have been promoted from very low introductory levels, including €5 launch promotions and later promotional prices of €7 or €10 on selected services. The final fare depends on route, availability, travel date, and optional services. Unlike a conventional premium rail product, Avlo emphasizes the transport journey itself rather than a broad range of included amenities. Its purple-branded trains and simplified offer distinguish it visually and commercially from Renfe's mainstream AVE brand. By 2025, Avlo services covered routes from Madrid to destinations including Málaga, Seville, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo, with some scheduled services extending through linked corridors between Murcia, Valladolid, and Alicante. Renfe also adjusted the network over time: from September 2025, Avlo services between Madrid and Barcelona were replaced by AVE services, and Avlo S-106 trains were withdrawn from that corridor. Avlo remains a Renfe sub-brand focused on affordable high-speed travel within Spain, although its exact routes and schedules are subject to operational changes.

Avlo developed as Renfe's response to the growth of low-cost high-speed rail in Europe, particularly SNCF's Ouigo service in France. Renfe sought a budget-oriented product that could stimulate demand for rail travel, fill available high-speed capacity, and defend its domestic market as Spain prepared for greater competition from private and foreign-backed operators. The first public version of the project was announced on 6 February 2018 by Íñigo de la Serna, then Spain's minister responsible for public works. The proposed service was provisionally called eva, a name formed by reversing AVE, Renfe's established high-speed brand. The original concept differed from the later Avlo network. It was expected to connect Madrid with less frequently used high-speed stations in Catalonia, including Camp de Tarragona and El Prat de Llobregat, rather than relying exclusively on Barcelona Sants. The use of secondary stations was intended to support lower costs and distinguish the offer from the premium AVE proposition. The initial timetable did not materialize. Development was delayed while the competitive environment changed. By late 2020, operators including Air Nostrum, Trenitalia, and SNCF's Spanish Ouigo subsidiary were expected to compete on Spain's liberalized high-speed network. Renfe consequently revived and redesigned the project. On 11 December 2019 it announced the Avlo identity and a revised operating plan centered on Madrid Atocha, Zaragoza–Delicias, and Barcelona Sants. The service was scheduled to begin on 6 April 2020, with promotional tickets advertised at very low prices. The launch was suspended on 15 March 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Passengers who had bought promotional tickets could either use them for a later journey or receive a refund, while non-promotional fares were refunded. The delay postponed Renfe's entry into the low-cost segment but did not end the project. Avlo finally started running on 23 June 2021. The first operations linked Madrid, Barcelona, and Figueres, with several daily trains and a longer service calling at a series of intermediate stations including Guadalajara, Calatayud, Zaragoza, Lleida, Tarragona, Girona, and Figueres. The service used purple-liveried high-speed trains and was marketed through introductory fares beginning at €5. The network expanded in stages. Madrid–Valencia services began in February 2022. Madrid–Alicante services followed in March 2023, and connections to Seville and Málaga began in June of the same year. In December 2023, Renfe added a daily Murcia service via Alicante, with intermediate stops. On 22 July 2024, Avlo S-106 trains began serving routes from Madrid to Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo, bringing northern Spain and Galicia into the network. Avlo's rolling stock and service design reflect its cost-focused role. S-112 trains were modified to provide 438 seats, while S-106 trains were deployed in configurations with approximately 507 to 581 seats. Both types use an all-second-class layout for Avlo operations. The high seating capacity and reduced level of included services enable Renfe to offer lower base fares than standard AVE tickets, while optional features and availability influence the final price. The service has not followed a single permanent route structure. Renfe has adjusted corridors, train types, and stopping patterns as demand, fleet availability, and competition have changed. As of the 2025 timetable information cited for Avlo, the service included routes from Madrid to Málaga, Seville, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo, as well as linked scheduled journeys involving Valladolid, Murcia, and Alicante. From 8 September 2025, Madrid–Barcelona Avlo services were replaced by AVE services, and Avlo S-106 trains were removed from that corridor. Avlo therefore remains a flexible Renfe sub-brand rather than a completely separate railway undertaking: its identity and pricing model are distinct, but its trains, network access, and commercial administration are integrated into Renfe's wider operation.

• 2025

  Madrid–Barcelona Avlo service withdrawn

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  From September, the Madrid–Barcelona Avlo operation was replaced by AVE services.

• 2024

  Northern and Galician routes introduced

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Avlo S-106 services began linking Madrid with Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo in July.

• 2023

  Expansion to Alicante and Andalusia

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Avlo services began to Alicante in March and to Seville and Málaga in June.

• 2023

  Murcia added to the network

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Renfe introduced a daily Avlo service to Murcia via Alicante in December.

• 2022

  Expansion to Valencia

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Renfe launched Avlo services between Madrid and Valencia in February.

• 2021

  Commercial operations begin

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Avlo began operating between Madrid, Barcelona, and Figueres on 23 June.

• 2020

  Planned launch postponed

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  The scheduled April launch was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 2019

  Avlo identity and revised route plan announced

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Renfe presented a redesigned low-cost service under the Avlo name, initially planned for Madrid, Zaragoza, and Barcelona.

• 2018

  Initial low-cost high-speed project announced

  [1]Avloen.wikipedia.org

  Renfe announced a budget high-speed rail concept provisionally named eva, initially focused on Madrid and selected stations in Catalonia.

Budget high-speed rail: a simplified, high-capacity alternative to Renfe's standard AVE service, competing primarily on price and network reach.

• Passenger rail · 2021

  Avlo high-speed rail service

  Avlo is Renfe's budget high-speed rail product for domestic journeys in Spain. It uses high-capacity, predominantly second-class train configurations and offers a simplified alternative to the standard AVE service. Routes have included Madrid links to eastern, southern, northern, and northwestern Spanish destinations. Base fares are sold subject to availability, with optional services and route-specific conditions affecting the total ticket price.

• High-speed train service · 2021

  Avlo S-112 configuration

  Renfe adapted S-112 high-speed trainsets for Avlo operation. The configuration is designed around a dense, all-second-class layout and has been described as providing 438 seats. These trains supported the original Avlo operations on major Spanish high-speed corridors.

• High-speed train service · 2024

  Avlo S-106 configuration

  S-106 trainsets were introduced for several Avlo routes, including services from Madrid to Valencia, Alicante, Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo. Depending on the formation, the trains provide approximately 507 to 581 seats in a second-class configuration. Their deployment enabled Avlo to extend its low-cost model to additional corridors.

• 2024Promotional pricing for S-106 services

  Spain

  Renfe promoted selected new S-106 Avlo services with fares reported from €7, reinforcing the contrast between the budget product and standard AVE pricing.

  Outcome. The campaign supported the introduction of new rolling stock and the expansion of Avlo into additional Spanish regions.

  Source
• 2021Introductory €5 fares

  Spain

  Avlo used promotional fares starting at €5 to support the launch of its Madrid–Barcelona–Figueres service and communicate its low-cost positioning.

  Outcome. The promotion established Avlo's price-led identity and accompanied the start of commercial operations.

  Source

• 2025

  Madrid–Barcelona Avlo services replaced by AVEStrategy

  Background

  Renfe continued to adjust the allocation of brands and rolling stock across its high-speed network.

  Action taken

  From 8 September 2025, Madrid–Barcelona Avlo services were replaced by AVE services, and Avlo S-106 trains were withdrawn from that corridor.

  Aftermath

  Avlo continued on other domestic routes while the Madrid–Barcelona corridor returned to the AVE brand.

  Source

• 2024

  S-106 routes to northern Spain and GaliciaProduct launch

  Background

  New S-106 trainsets allowed Renfe to extend the Avlo proposition to routes that had not previously been part of the brand's network.

  Action taken

  Avlo introduced services from Madrid to Gijón, A Coruña, and Vigo.

  Aftermath

  The brand gained a wider geographic presence and additional high-capacity operating corridors.

  Source

• 2023

  Expansion beyond the original northeast corridorStrategy

  Background

  After establishing the initial service, Renfe used Avlo to reach additional large cities and compete across more of Spain's high-speed network.

  Action taken

  Renfe added Alicante, Seville, Málaga, and Murcia through staged route introductions.

  Aftermath

  Avlo became a multi-corridor national service rather than a Madrid–Barcelona-focused product.

  Source

• 2021

  Commercial launch of AvloProduct launch

  Background

  Renfe sought to enter Spain's emerging low-cost high-speed segment with a product distinct from its conventional AVE offer.

  Action taken

  Avlo began commercial operation between Madrid, Barcelona, and Figueres on 23 June.

  Aftermath

  The launch established Avlo as Renfe's budget high-speed sub-brand and provided a platform for later network expansion.

  Source

• 2020

  Launch postponed during the pandemicOther

  Background

  Avlo was scheduled to begin service in April 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted rail travel and public transport operations.

  Action taken

  Renfe suspended the launch and offered later travel or refunds to customers holding promotional and regular tickets.

  Aftermath

  The service eventually launched in June 2021 after the planned debut had been deferred.

  Source

• 2019

  Avlo plan redesigned around Madrid, Zaragoza, and BarcelonaStrategy

  Background

  Delays and the expected arrival of competing operators prompted Renfe to revise its original low-cost service proposal.

  Action taken

  Renfe announced the Avlo name and a new initial route plan using Madrid Atocha, Zaragoza–Delicias, and Barcelona Sants.

  Aftermath

  The revised concept became the basis for the eventual 2021 launch.

  Source

• 2018

  Renfe develops a low-cost high-speed rail propositionStrategy

  Background

  The popularity of Ouigo and the desire to increase demand for Spain's high-speed railway network encouraged Renfe to develop a budget-oriented service.

  Action taken

  Renfe announced a project provisionally called eva, with a proposed Madrid–Catalonia operating concept.

  Aftermath

  The initial plan was delayed and later redesigned under the Avlo identity.

  Source

1. 1Avloen.wikipedia.org
2. 2Renfe Avlo official websiterenfe.com