From 8 September, Renfe will operate all high-speed services between Madrid and Barcelona under its flagship AVE brand, replacing Avlo trains while maintaining frequencies, schedules, and competitive pricing.
Renfe confirmed that from 8 September, the Avlo services currently operating on the Madrid–Barcelona corridor will be withdrawn and replaced by AVE trains. The change follows the company’s decision to operate exclusively with AVE S103 units on this line.
Passengers who have already purchased Avlo tickets for travel after 7 September will be automatically rebooked on AVE services with the same journey conditions. Customers who purchased a seat selection supplement will receive a full refund of the additional cost at no extra charge.
Clarification on the S102 fleet
In response to reports suggesting technical issues with the S102 train model, Renfe issued a statement denying these claims. The operator stressed that no anomalies have been detected in the S102 fleet, which continues to operate with full safety guarantees on other corridors.
The S102 series was used temporarily on the Madrid–Barcelona Avlo services during August, but its withdrawal from the corridor is not linked to any technical problems. Renfe emphasised that the decision to operate Madrid–Barcelona services exclusively with the S103 fleet reflects efficiency and operational considerations, as well as a strategy to better adapt to the needs of corporate travellers and unify the commercial offering on this route.
Enhanced passenger comfort
Renfe underlined that AVE services are better aligned with the profile of business travellers who frequently use the Madrid–Barcelona corridor.
Compared with Avlo, the AVE product offers enhanced comfort with more spacious seating, additional legroom, and greater overall service quality.
The change also reintroduces a number of amenities previously unavailable on Avlo, such as an onboard cafeteria, catering services, and a designated “quiet coach” for passengers seeking a calmer travel environment.
Premium services for business travel
The company further highlighted the availability of Premium services on AVE trains, designed to improve the passenger experience for frequent and corporate travellers. T
hese include access to exclusive lounges, enhanced onboard catering options, and the “Executive Lounge” coach, which offers additional privacy and comfort during professional journeys.
Frequencies and schedules unchanged
Despite the withdrawal of Avlo, Renfe confirmed that the number of daily frequencies and timetables will remain unchanged.
This ensures continuity for the Madrid–Barcelona route, which remains one of the busiest high-speed rail corridors in Europe.
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