Lorraine Williamson
Renfe Superprecio train deals have landed just as Spain starts planning its first breaks of 2026. From today, Thursday 8 January, the state rail operator is releasing a limited batch of discounted seats on high-speed and long-distance services — with AVE fares starting at €15 and Avlo from €7.
It’s a familiar January move: create urgency, pull forward bookings, and fill quieter trains before the spring rush. For travellers, it’s also one of those rare moments when the price of crossing the country can look more like a city taxi fare than a holiday budget line.
The key dates: when to buy, when you can travel
The purchase window is tight. Renfe says the promotion runs until 18 January 2026 — or earlier if the promotional allocation sells out.
Travel dates depend on availability, but the offer is advertised for journeys from 8 January 2026 onwards, which means it can work for anything from an immediate dash to Madrid to planning well ahead for later in the year. The catch is simple: the best prices appear first, then vanish.
Which trains are included — and what that means in practice
Despite the “AVE from €15” headline, this isn’t just one product. Renfe includes its main commercial services in the sale: AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Intercity, Euromed and AVE Internacional (France routes), with AVE Internacional fares starting from €29.
In other words, this is aimed at the everyday reality of travel in Spain: business trips, university journeys, weekend city breaks, and that long-promised visit to family that keeps slipping.
How to spot the real bargains on the website and app
Renfe is labelling the discounted inventory clearly. When you search a route, look for the “
If you’re scanning, that matters. Some trains on the same route may show the promotion while others sit at standard pricing. One departure time can be a steal; the next can be full fare.
The small upgrade that can save a bigger headache
For many travellers, the real decision isn’t “cheap or not”. It’s “cheap — and how flexible?”.
Renfe is pushing an add-on: you can upgrade from Básico to Elige from €3 on AVE, Alvia, Intercity and Euromed. On AVE Internacional, the step up is to Elige Confort from €6.
Elige typically offers more options around changes and extras, so if your plans are even slightly shaky, that €3 can be the difference between a bargain and a frustration.
Why Renfe is discounting so hard right now
Spain’s high-speed rail market has been reshaped by competition, with operators fighting for price-sensitive travellers. Promos like this are Renfe’s way of keeping pace in a market where customers are trained to compare, refresh, and pounce.
It also fits a wider shift in how people travel. High-speed rail has become the default choice for many domestic journeys where flying feels like a hassle and driving feels like work — especially on routes linking Madrid with big hubs such as Málaga, Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla.
Before you book: three quick tips that actually help
Book with a calm head, not just fast fingers.
First, try a couple of departure times — the cheapest seats often sit on less convenient trains. Second, if you’re planning a long trip or an airport connection, price the Elige upgrade and decide whether flexibility is worth more than the rock-bottom fare. Third, if you already use Más Renfe, remember points can still matter here, and Renfe says the offer can benefit from its loyalty programme.