iryo is Spain’s first private high-speed rail operator and, since its launch in 2022, has become a benchmark for those looking for a modern, sustainable alternative complete with premier services. The company, jointly owned by Air Nostrum, Globalvia and Trenitalia (the Italian State Railway Group), uses ETR 1000 trains, known for being Europe’s most sustainable trains. They can reach speeds of up to 360 km/h and are constructed from 98% recyclable materials.
Apart from speed, what defines iryo is its commitment to offering a premium passenger experience: from its first-class onboard dining service to the free 5G Wi-Fi connectivity, every detail is designed for a comfortable, efficient trip adapted to the needs of each passenger.
Travelling with iryo
What is iryo?
iryo is the first private train operator in Spain offering a service that’s capable of competing head-to-head with Renfe within Spain’s high-speed sector. Its philosophy centres around offering a flexible, tailored service with flexible fares for all types of passengers: from the budget-conscious to those looking for maximum comfort and seat-side gourmet dining. Its ETR 1000 trains are designed to run quietly with sustainability at the forefront, and offer a comfortable experience with spacious interiors, ergonomic seating as well as spaces that facilitate both work and rest throughout your journey.
iryo Routes and Destinations in Spain
iryo’s train network connects Spain’s major cities with daily high-frequency services, allowing passengers to travel comfortably between popular city centres. From Madrid, you can arrive in Barcelona in about 2 hr 30 min, in Valencia in just 2 hr, in Seville in about 2 hr 40 min, in Malaga in less than 3 hr and in Alicante in 2 hr 25 min. You’ll also find frequent services to Córdoba, Zaragoza, Cuenca, Albacete, Tarragona, Murcia, Valladolid and Segovia, making iryo a highly competitive alternative for both business and leisure travel.
Train frequency is another of this operator’s strengths: more than 30 trains travel along the Madrid–Barcelona route daily, about 12 from Madrid to Valencia, and the multiple daily trains running on routes such as Madrid to Malaga or Madrid to Alicante ensure sufficient coverage to suit various schedules.
In addition, all iryo tickets include the Combinado Cercanías service at both destination and origin stations. This service allows passengers to use the commuter rail network (Cercanías or Rodalies) free of charge in the 4 hr before departure and the 4 hr after arrival—a super practical benefit for those travelling to or from suburban neighbourhoods or towns on the outskirts of larger cities.
iryo Fares and Tickets
Initial Fare
The Inicial fare is iryo’s most affordable option and a favourite among those looking for cheap iryo tickets without sacrificing comfort. It offers their standard Comfort Seat with individual armrests, sockets and USB ports, access to the dining options upon reservation and the mobile bar, as well as the option to add extra services if needed.
Changes to travel time are available with a €15 surcharge plus the fare difference, and can be made up to 30 minutes before departure. If you miss your train, there is no free re-seating, although it is possible to get another ticket.
Seat selection can be added for a €5 fee, name changes for €40 and pets under 10 kg may be transported in a carrier for €10. Unfortunately, with this fare, all tickets are non-refundable.
Inicial Superior fare
The Inicial Superior fare is designed for passengers looking for extra flexibility for changes and refunds. These tickets still include Comfort seats with individual armrests, plugs and USB ports, as well as a 2+2 seat configuration, with plenty of space to work or travel with a friend.
The main advantage here is that same-day time changes are free, date changes only require you to pay the difference in fare and, if you miss your train, you can be re-seated for €30 as long as you travel in the following 2 hrs.
Seat selection costs €5 and name changes can be made for €20. This fare offers a more flexible cancellation policy, with refunds of 85% up to 7 days before travel and 75% after.
Infinita Fare
The Infinita fare is the ideal service class for frequent and business travellers. With more spacious XL ‘Grand Comfort’ seats boasting individual armrest and better ergonomics, they are perfect for working as you travel—made easy with the 5G Wi-Fi connection.
This fare includes free travel time changes, date changes for the price of fare difference and re-seating in case of missed trains for €30. Name changes cost €20 and seat selection costs €5. The cancellation policy here offers an 85% refund up to 7 days before travel and a 75% refund after, offering peace of mind to those who need flexibility.
Infinita Bistró Fare
The Infinita Bistró fare is the most exclusive service class and is equivalent to premier first-class services. It includes XL ‘Grand Comfort’ seats, unlimited changes to time on the day and date of travel with only the difference in fare due, free name changes and—the standout benefit—a premium dining service.
The meals included in this fare are prepared with fresh, seasonal produce, served directly to your seat with two options to choose from: the Bistró menu and the Mercado menu. Both choices feature simple recipes prepared to a gourmet level. For those who prefer the chance to stretch their legs, the restaurant carriage offers tapas, meals, protected-origin wines and speciality coffee served by professional baristas.
This fare offers 95% refunds for advance cancellations, or 90% when made in the 7 days before travel, with a 30% penalty on refunds made with less than 24 hours notice. You’ll also pay just €10 for re-seating in the case of missed trains. As of 2025, the Madrid–Alicante route no longer offers the Infinita Bistró service class, but carriage 1 will continue offering an onboard dining service.
iryo Onboard Services
Entertainment and Connectivity Onboard
Travelling with iryo is so much more than a simple train journey: it is about enjoying a full-service experience where gastronomy, connectivity and comfort are guaranteed. All trains feature free 5G Wi-Fi and an entertainment platform for streaming movies, series or music from your mobile device. The seats are designed ergonomically and are equipped with individual power outlets, USB ports and spacious tables for both work and relaxation.
Onboard Catering
Dining is where iryo’s service is unrivalled. Passengers who choose the Infinita Bistró fare can enjoy meals served directly at your seat, with two options: Bistró menu and Mercado menu, both prepared using high-quality products with gourmet flair.
For those who prefer to stretch their legs, the café carriage offers tapas, meals, snacks, wines with Denomination of Origin (D.O.) and a professional barista service preparing authentic Italian espressos. Even the more budget fares allow passengers to access this carriage or the mobile bar and enjoy the gastronomic selection on offer on the move.
Services for Families and Accessibility
As for family travel with iryo, kids under 3 can travel for free if they don’t occupy a seat, while 4 to 13-year-olds get reduced fares. Children over 14, however, will require a full fare. The trains are equipped with accessible areas for passengers with reduced mobility, accessible bathrooms and assistance at stations when requested in advance.
iryo Baggage Policy
iryo’s baggage policy depends on the fare you choose. In all classes, you may bring a small item of hand luggage (36 x 27 x 15 cm) and a cabin bag (55 x 35 x 25 cm). Infinita and Infinita Bistro fares also include a large suitcase measuring 80 x 55 x 35 cm (must be reserved for Infinita fare), which can be added to Inicial Superior fares for a €10 fee. Infinita Bistró also allows you to travel with pets in a carrier at no additional cost and add another large suitcase for €10.
Special luggage on iryo
Transport of bicycles and scooters
iryo Tickets, Prices, and Changes
iryo tickets can be easily purchased via platforms like TrainPal, which show the most competitive prices on real-time schedules. As with other high-speed operators, prices are dynamic and vary according to how early you book, demand and time of travel—so book in advance to secure the best fares.
iryo ticket changes vary by service class: with Inicial, surcharges apply and there are no refunds. With Inicial Superior, changes of travel time are free and only the fare difference is due for date changes, with partial refunds possible for cancellations.
Refund conditions are slightly more favourable with Infinita, and with Infinita Bistró, you can enjoy maximum peace of mind with unlimited changes and an even more favourable refund policy.
In addition, iryo also offers occasional promotions like iryo discount codes, large family discounts and special campaigns with reduced fares.
iryo Offers and Discounts
iryo offers different ways to save on your train travel. iryo discounts for large families reduce the total cost of your tickets, while promo codes launched during specific campaigns offer instant reductions. This affordability, combined with the quality of service, makes iryo an attractive option for cost-effective travel.
Meet the iryo trains
iryo trains belong to the range of modern ETR 1000 series trains, a model that combines aerodynamic design, energy efficiency and low environmental impact. It is Europe’s fastest mass-produced train and offers one of the quietest, smoothest rides with low vibrations and superior acceleration.
Onboard, passengers will find four comfort zones with various layouts: Infinita and Infinita Bistró offer a premium 2+1 configuration for increased space and privacy, while Inicial and Inicial Superior zones feature the standard 2+2 layout, designed for those who value functional, accessible travel.
The layout of these trains is designed to optimise your experience: carriages with XL ‘Grand Comfort’ 2+1 seats, such as the 30- and 50-seat Infinita zones; a café carriage with 19 seats and 2 reduced-mobility seats; as well as ‘Comfort’ 2+2 carriages that range between 58 and 78 seats.
All in all, each train offers a balance of capacity, comfort and design, reinforcing iryo’s philosophy of offering premium high-speed travel that is sustainable and tailored to all travellers.
FAQs about iryo
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How can I buy cheap iryo tickets?
To get cheap iryo tickets, book in advance, as prices rise closer to the date of travel. Travelling mid-week on Tuesdays, Wednesday or Thursdays tends to offer lower fares, as well as travelling off-peak. Beyond using iryo’s own website, you can also use platforms like TrainPal, which allows you to compare prices and find the best offers.
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What fares are available on iryo?
iryo offers four fare types: Inicial, the most cost-effective option; Inicial Superior, ideal for business travellers thanks to its increased flexibility; Infinita, which offers XL seats for more comfort; and Infinita Bistró, which includes a comprehensive dining service. Each fare class offers varying levels of comfort and onboard amenities, such as Wi-Fi and access to the Haizea café carriage.
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Do iryo tickets include the Combinado Cercanías?
Yes, iryo tickets include free access to Cercanías commuter trains in the city of origin up to 4 hours before departure and in the destination up to 4 hours after arrival. You just need to scan your Aztec code at Renfe turnstiles or at ticket offices and machines.
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What catering services are available onboard iryo trains?
iryo offers a varied gastronomic experience with its Haizea dining offering. Infinita Bistró passengers can enjoy a gourmet meal served to their seat. Mercado menus are also available to enjoy during travel. As well as this, the Haizea Bar also offers tapas and meals, while the mobile bar travels along the carriages serving coffee and drinks.
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How do iryo ticket changes work?
Ticket changes vary depending on your service class. With Inicial tickets, changes cost €15 plus the difference in fare. With Inicial Superior, Infinita and Infinita Bistró tickets, time changes are free and you only pay the difference in fare for date changes. Infinita Bistró tickets allow unlimited changes as well as free name changes and favourable refund conditions, but cancellation with less than 24 hours notice incurs a charge.
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Are there discounts for large families on iryo?
iryo offers a 20% discount for general category large families and 50% for families that fall under the special category. Relevant documentation must be presented during the purchase process and when boarding.
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Can I travel with bicycles or scooters on iryo?
iryo allows passengers to travel with dismantled bikes in closed carrier bags as long as they fall within the standard luggage size restrictions. Electric bikes and scooters are not permitted for security reasons. Bicycles are considered an additional luggage item.
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What special luggage is allowed on iryo?
iryo allows passengers to travel with special luggage such as skis, golf clubs and musical instruments as long as they meet the size restrictions. Guitars slightly exceeding the permitted dimensions may also be transported. Packed boxes may additionally be brought on board, as long as they are within your ticket’s maximum size limits.
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What is the iryo Singular/Singular Only YOU fare?
iryo introduced a new fare system on bookings made after October 2, 2025. As of this date, the old fare classes – Singular and Singular Only YOU – can no longer be booked. The current fares classes are Inicial, Inicial Superior, Infinita and Infinita Bistro. These new fares come with new conditions and allowances, so make sure to check your fare conditions to avoid any surprises.
New user welcome pack