Ouigo wins the low-price battle against Renfe and Iryo
The three groups, which are improving in profitability and revenue, are betting on tariff stability, despite the strong impact of costs and inflation in Spain.
Ouigo, a high-speed train operator owned by SNCF, has maintained the lowest average fares on several routes in Spain, including Madrid-Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, and Seville, according to data from the CNMC up to June 2026. The company's strategy of offering affordable prices has allowed it to stay competitive despite inflation and increased costs.
In contrast, Renfe, the Spanish state-owned operator, has had the highest average fares on the Madrid-Barcelona route, with a difference of over 20 euros per trip compared to Ouigo. The demand for long-distance train travel has recovered somewhat since February, with online platforms Trainline and BlaBlaCar reporting increased bookings and stable prices.
Written by urgent.news from Expansion ES's report — not a translation of it. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
