Ouigo expands in Spain with low-cost train tickets
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Spain's railway competition continues to grow as Ouigo, the French low-cost train operator, has announced the launch of high-speed rail tickets from Málaga to Madrid for as little as 9 euros.
The service will begin on May 21, 2025, offering travelers an affordable and competitive alternative to existing operators.
With Spain's high-speed rail network becoming increasingly open to competition, travelers now have more choices than ever for affordable train travel across the country.
Competitive pricing
Ouigo’s pricing strategy aims to attract budget-conscious travelers, with fares starting at 9 euros for standard tickets and an option to upgrade to more spacious seating and additional services. The company is competing with Renfe’s AVE and Avlo, as well as Iryo, all of which operate high-speed routes between major Spanish cities.
Spain has been actively promoting railway liberalization, allowing multiple companies to operate high-speed trains and providing passengers with more options at lower prices. The Málaga-Madrid route is one of the busiest in the country, making it a key addition to Ouigo’s expanding network.
General train prices
Spain offers a range of train options, from high-speed AVE services to regional and local trains. Here’s a general overview of pricing:
AVE (High-Speed Trains): Typically €30–€120, depending on the route, time of booking, and demand.
Avlo, Ouigo, and Iryo (Low-Cost High-Speed Trains): Prices start from €7–€9 but can rise to around €50–€60 for peak travel times.
Regional Trains (Media Distancia): Generally €10–€40, depending on distance.
Commuter Trains (Cercanías): Short-distance tickets range from €1.50–€5, depending on the city.
Long-Distance Trains (Alvia, Intercity, Euromed): Typically €20–€90, with options for both high-speed and conventional services.
Key facts - Spain’s railway network
Total railway length: 15,500 km, including 4,000 km of high-speed rail (the second largest in the world after China).
Major train operators:
Renfe (state-owned, operates AVE, Avlo, Alvia, and Cercanías).
Ouigo (French low-cost operator, part of SNCF).
Iryo (private operator backed by Air Nostrum and Trenitalia).
Fastest route: Madrid to Barcelona in 2 hours 30 minutes.
Oldest train station: Barcelona Estació de França, opened in 1854.
Busiest train station: Madrid Atocha, serving over 100 million passengers annually.
Most beautiful scenic railway
Spain is home to some of Europe's most breathtaking train journeys, offering spectacular views of mountains, coastlines, and historic towns.
While high-speed AVE trains can be too fast for fully appreciating the landscape, regional and slow trains provide a more scenic and relaxed experience. Here are some of the most beautiful routes:
Transcantábrico (León – Santiago de Compostela)
A luxury train journey through Northern Spain, passing through the stunning landscapes of Galicia, Asturias, and the Basque Country.
Highlights: Green valleys, rugged coastlines, historic towns like Santander and Oviedo.
El Tren de la Fresa (Madrid – Aranjuez)
A historic train running between Madrid and Aranjuez, known for its strawberry fields and royal palaces.
Operates as a vintage tourist train with old-style carriages.
Feve Narrow-Gauge railway (Bilbao – Ferrol)
A slow coastal train winding through the Cantabrian Sea coastline, offering spectacular cliffs, beaches, and mountains.
Highlights: Fishing villages, rolling green hills, and dramatic Atlantic landscapes.
Madrid to Valencia (High-Speed AVE, but still scenic in parts)
Cuts through the Castilian plains before reaching the Mediterranean coast.
Best seen from standard-speed Alvia or regional trains rather than AVE.
Ronda to Algeciras
One of Spain’s most scenic railways, featuring deep gorges, mountain tunnels, and white villages.
The train descends from Ronda's cliffs to the Mediterranean coast, offering spectacular views.
Barcelona to Montserrat
A short rack railway climbing to the Montserrat Monastery, surrounded by stunning rock formations.
The journey itself is an adventure, passing through forests and dramatic cliffs.
Canfranc international railway (Zaragoza – Canfranc)
This mountain route takes passengers to the legendary Canfranc Station, once one of Europe’s grandest railway stations.
Features: Pyrenees mountains, alpine scenery, and historical train stations.
Are Spain’s trains too fast for scenic views?
High-speed AVE trains (up to 310 km/h) can be too fast to fully appreciate landscapes, but some sections—like Madrid to Barcelona or Madrid to Valencia—still have scenic moments.
Regional and long-distance trains (Alvia, Intercity, Media Distancia, Feve) travel at slower speeds and allow for a more immersive experience.
Tourist trains (Transcantábrico, Al-Andalus, Tren de la Fresa) are designed for slow, scenic travel with panoramic windows.
For the best scenic views, slower trains like Feve, Media Distancia, and special tourist trains are the best options.
