Getting around Spain: AVE, Ouigo, Iryo, buses and flights between the host cities

Spain has the longest high-speed network in Europe, and above all three competing operators (four brands) on the main corridors: Renfe (AVE and its low-cost brand Avlo), Ouigo (SNCF) and Iryo. The result: very low headline fares if you book early, and full trains on match days. The rule: book as soon as sales open (usually 2 to 4 months ahead, depending on the operator).

The main corridors from Madrid

Route	Fastest journey time	Trains per day	Lowest fare observed*
Madrid – Barcelona	≈ 2h30 (Ouigo); 3h on average	≈ 30	from €9 (Ouigo)
Madrid – Seville	2h39	≈ 24	from €7
Madrid – Zaragoza	1h35	≈ 25	≈ $27
Madrid – Valencia	≈ 1h50	many	to be confirmed
Madrid – Bilbao	4h47 (6h on average) — no high-speed line	4	≈ $24
Madrid – San Sebastián	5h23 (6h17 on average) — no high-speed line	≈ 6	≈ $41
Madrid – Vigo	≈ 4h (Alvia via Ourense)	to be confirmed	to be confirmed

* Fares taken from Trainline and ouigo.com on 30 August 2026 for advance bookings; last-minute fares are often 3 to 5 times higher.

Barcelona – Zaragoza: about 1h30. Barcelona – Valencia: about 3h (Euromed). Check times and fares on renfe.com, ouigo.com and iryo.eu.

The north without high speed

Bilbao and San Sebastián remain outside the high-speed network in 2026: 5 to 6 hours by train from Madrid. The ALSA coach is a genuine alternative: Madrid–Bilbao from €12.90, 4h10 to 5h20, 14 departures a day. Between Bilbao and San Sebastián: about 1h15 to 1h30 by coach (times to be checked on alsa.com / pesa.net).

Las Palmas: by air only

Gran Canaria is about 3 hours’ flying time from Madrid, with 16 to 18 flights a day (Iberia, Binter, Air Europa, Ryanair). Fares observed on 20 August 2026: from $44 one way, $103 to $211 for a typical return. Direct flights also operate from other Spanish and European cities (routes and frequencies to be checked).

Worth knowing

• The Adamuz crash (18 January 2026): a train on the Madrid–Seville line derailed near Córdoba (46 dead). The main line reopened on 17 February 2026, the branch towards Málaga on 27 April. Services have returned to normal.
• Luggage: Ouigo and Avlo charge for extra bags; read the conditions.
• Booking: on trains where reservation is compulsory (AVE, Ouigo, Iryo), no ticket means no train. On match days, book your return at the same time as your outward journey.

Within the cities

See each city page for urban transport fares (Madrid metro €1.50–2.00, Barcelona €2.90, Seville €1.35–1.80, Bilbao €2.00, Zaragoza €1.70, Las Palmas €1.40).