From September 8, all the HSR trains on the Madrid–Barcelona line will be operated by Renfe through its brand AVE only. This change replaces Avlo services but retains existing schedules, traffic volume, as well as competitive fares for commuters on the high-traffic high-speed corridor.

Renfe AVE replaces Avlo on Madrid–Barcelona HSR
Source, photo: www.railwaypro.com

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

AVE takes over Madrid–Barcelona HSR operations

Renfe confirmed that Avlo trains will be withdrawn and substituted with AVE S103 units. Passengers who purchased Avlo tickets after September 7 will be automatically rebooked under the same travel conditions. Refunds will also apply to paid seat selection supplements.

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Meanwhile, Renfe also clarified the misconceptions surrounding the S102 fleet by disapproving defective equipment news. The company stressed the removal of the trains not for safety but for operational efficacy through business-focussed service strategies.

Passenger benefits and high-end AVE services

Compared with Avlo, the AVE trains offer greater comfort with wider seating, extra space for legs, and on-board amenities such as cafeteria and quiet coach. These upgrades in particular are tailored for frequent business travel on the Madrid–Barcelona HSR.

Moreover, Renfe promoted the availability of Premium services, including the access to private lounges, chef-quality catering, as well as Executive Lounge coaches. Thus, the change harmonizes Renfe’s product line but upgrades facilities for business and vacation travelers.

Service resilience on Europe’s busiest corridor

Renfe emphasized the point that schedules and daily frequencies are not modified by the cancellation of Avlo. This ensures the regular flow for the Madrid–Barcelona line, which is one of the most popular high-speed connections in Europe.

Why did Renfe replace Avlo with AVE on the Madrid–Barcelona HSR?

Renfe replaced Avlo with AVE to streamline operations, improve passenger comfort, and better serve business travelers while maintaining the same schedules and ticket prices.

Will the change have an impact on holders of Avlo tickets?

No. Passengers who had booked Avlo tickets for travel after September 7 are reserved on the equivalent AVE services automatically with the same conditions, seat supplement charges being refunded in full.

Are train schedules and frequencies on the Madrid–Barcelona corridor changing?

Schedules and daily frequencies remain the same, offering regularity on one of Europe’s busiest high-speed rail connections with the Avlo-to-AVE change.

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