⚠⚠IMPORTANT CHANGE ON IRYO'S BAGGAGE POLICY czcams.com/users/shortslvAooyT2pw8?si=lQN2yQPuwu7Qz_Jd 🚅OUR VIDEOS ON HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL IN SPAIN: ➡ how to buy your high-speed train tickets czcams.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/video.html ➡ 10-step guide to the high speed train in Spain czcams.com/video/sSiIRby2RGU/video.html ➡10 tips to make the most of the high-speed train in Spain czcams.com/video/QYvUn-sJxZ4/video.html ➡ the Spanish high-speed network czcams.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/video.html ➡ AVLO czcams.com/video/t7CQ2TFxppA/video.html ➡ OUIGO czcams.com/video/XagP-k2kiDo/video.html ------- ➡ Iryo fares: iryo.eu/en/products
I found this video just when I was in trouble figuring out how to travel from Madrid to Barcelona and vice versa in end May this year. No doubt this new train service will be good and competitive. I will sure take IRYO and not to consider air-flights. Your other videos about Madrid and Barcelona are also amazingly perfect. Thanks for your efforts in making such travel information on CZcams which help newbies plan their trips.
Hi Warren, many thanks for your kind words, happy to know we have achieved our goal of making travel through Spain easier. Hope you will like the service provided by Iryo, it is of a very high standard.
Thank you for such an informative video with so much detail. We have used Trainline to book all our high speed train tickets for getting around Spain. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hola Tony, A couple of weeks ago I made a train reservation on Trainline for a round trip between Madrid Atocha and Cordoba next May with Iryo, and the fare was a "sale" fare. It was a great price in comparison to the other options! Thank you so much for your analysis of Iryo. I knew that it is a new train service and now I feel confident that it should be a good experience. Your videos really help us. Thank you again.
Great to hear about your positive experience with the Trainline, Carol. In actual fact, those sale fares are still available for most dates, a great chance to grab an affordable train ticket to go from Madrid to Andalusia. All the best!
We travelled on Iryo from Madrid to Zaragoza, first class and purchased a breakfast since the first class fare on our trip was just a little more than standard fare. As you noted, the fare structure was confusing and we had to cancel and reschedule once. Overall, it was a fantastic trip and the breakfast was very good as was the service. It was also a big benefit that the first class car had it's own boarding lane avoiding the long line. We also did some routes in standard class on Renfe and preferred Iryo (even discounting the first class experience). Thank you again for your very informative videos!
As always love your video's Tony (and Cecilia). In Madrid middle of June and a Barcelona based friend runs a food festival (along with other restaurants in the La Ribera area) and they have one on when I'm in Madrid, so last night booked Iryo for a day trip on a Friday. Iryo and RENFE were close in price on early morning and both cheaper than nearest AVLO and QUIGO fares. But decided to enjoy the late trip back to Madrid with Iryo Infinita Bistro and pre booked the meal option.
Tony, this is another great video about travel with train in Spain. One thing about IRYO Valencia to Madrid from my recent experience may worth to mention: if book a train from Valencia to Atocha, only a AVE has Atocha as destination, for all other trains they dont stop at Atocha. They arrive Charmatin at north Madrid then transfer to Cencerias to south Atocha station. This transfer takes extra 20-30 min to Atocha if you know how to find the big red C platform. I couldn’t exit Atocha gate with scanning the bar code on the IRYO ticket , there was a lady working there to manually scan the code to let exit the gate. The train was very nice, but this stop needs improvement. Btw, IRYO ticket for this trip was only 25euro compared to AVE was over 60.
Thanks for sharing your experience, John. All Iryo and OUIGO trains and most Renfe trains with destination Valencia operate from Chamartín. The problem with Chamartín is that it is undergoing a massive overhaul that will go on for many years. But there is nothing you can do about it. All the best!
Hola Tony! For a non-Spanish speaking tourist, Iryo was definitely very confusing with their multiple fare structures. I was lured into booking the Infinita fare on their website for a trip earlier this December, but found out onboard the train that it did not include Paid Food. Also, since it was an early train, the VIP lounges were also unavailable. So, I basically paid extra for nothing extra. So disappointed over the confusion.
We couldn't agree more, and fully understand your frustration. For us, what kills the system is the existence of rules within rules. Yes, Infinita fare includes food but for as long as you book Infinita Fare with the Bistró addition. That is awfully confusing. From what we've heard, the experience at VIP lounges is also quite disappointing, there is no food, just a few drinks. It's a pity, as the overall service is excellent. There will have to be changes down the line with a simplification of the fare structure. All the best.
I couldn’t agree more. I have paid extra for the food to find out that it should be ordered 24 hours before departure. However, there is no such option in the app or even email notification. You will just know once you finally get into the train - then you cannot avail the free food anymore. The snacks cost a fortune. We ended up super hungry :(
Hello again, Tony. I am finally going to try Iryo; I plan on buying an "Infinite Bistro" ticket (and I'm aware that the food request must be made in advance). I am traveling alone. One thing that is unclear to me is how I can guarantee that my reserved seat will be facing the direction the train is going . . . I do not like traveling backwards. Is it possible to ensure that my seat will be facing the direction we are moving? Thank you for you counsel. I love your videos - they are so helpful!@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal
@@stevecarp1904 although we've done quite a few trips with Iryo yet, we've never paid to select our seats, so we don't know whether the page where you select your seat shows the direction the train is traveling. Some companies do show that information, others don't.
Tony, thank you for your response. I likely will go to the Iryo office/customer service desk at Atocha next week to get more information, and I will let you know what I learn (if anything!).@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal
At the end of our road trip around Spanish cities nearby to Madrid (Segovia, Salamanca, Toledo) this September, I have booked us a trip on the IRYO to Malaga for the last few days of our holiday. I notice that the ticket includes "Cercanias", which I'm guessing may include our train ticket from the airport (after we drop off the rental car) to Madrid Atocha, although I don't yet know exactly how that might work, so some more research is needed. Thanks for this very informative video.
Hi Graham, Iryo tickets include the "combinado cercanías" indeed (a free local train ticket), for as long as you are taking a high-speed train within a four-hour time frame (either before the departure of the train or after the arrival of the train to your destination). On Sunday we will be publishing a video on how to leave Madrid airport where we show how to validate your courtesy ticket. All the best!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal I've noticed that the IRYO ticket includes an Aztec code in the top left-hand corner. I presume I need to find a scanner that creates a suburban train ticket from this.? Looking forward to your video. By the way, these tickets are amazing value for money compared to prices charged in the UK.!
Great video with very detailed and useful information, thank you! If traveling with large luggage, would you recommend Ave over Iryo or is it more or less the same?
Ave includes the transport of luggage in all its tickets. In the case of Iryo (see here czcams.com/users/shortslvAooyT2pw8 ), you have to purchase a more expensive ticket class to be able to carry luggage with you. In all cases, there is always a limit to the amount of pieces of luggage and the weight you can carry. All the best.
Hi Tony! Thank you always for your useful informations! I'd like to ask you about the direction of each seats, because personally I don't feel comfortable when a train goes backward. So when travelling Barcelona to Madrid which numbers of half IRYO seats take you forward direction?
Hello there, glad you found the video useful! Unfortunately, we are unable to answer your question. We haven't been able to locate an Iryo seat map. We assume that during the booking process, when you pay to select your seat, you will be shown a seat map showing you the direction of the seats, but as we didn't pay for choosing our seats, we don't know what that screen is like. All the best!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thank you very much for detailed advice! Thought it would be pretty nice if every seats rotate like in Japanese high-speed train.🤣
Hello Tony and greetings from The Netherlaands. I have enjoyed your video's and you give a very good and clear explanation on high speed rail travel in Spain. A question: In your video on the AVLO low-cost trains you mention that the coach which was formerly the cafetaria was coach 6. Was it always coach 6 on all AVLO trains?
Hello Tony, I really like your channel and it's fun to watch. I just go back from Portugal and am planning to visit Spain next May, mainly Madrid and Andalucía, for 3 weeks. I plan to fly to Barcelona. From there I plan to fly to Granada, or, take train to Madrid and then bus to Granada. Which one do you recommend? I prefer to train but taking train in Spain is like taking plane with security check. My main concern is time saving but usually airport is further away from city center than train station. Thanks. Your channel is great. I learned a lot. I hope to see more videos on Portugal because I want to go back :)
Hi Yan, for all but the long distances, we always prioritize train travel. The only exception would be Barcelona-Granada where are flight is much more competitive. We intend to publish a new Portugal video per month. All the best!
Hi Tony… I’m currently searching your videos for details on how to get and use the cercanias tickets as we will be looking to use them in Madrid and Barcelona in March and do not speak Spanish. Can you direct me to a video explaining what it is and how to use it please?
Hi Martin, we don't have a specific video on the topic, but that our most recent video (on the part about the airport train) we show you how to use the "cercanías" benefit, it is quite simple as you will see: czcams.com/video/QRjyWKX_HvU/video.html
Hi Tony 😄 Thanks for lots of informative video. I plan to reserve a first class of the high speed train, In your opinion which one is better choice between AVE vs. Iryo ? ( from Seville to Madrid with 2 luggages & 2 carry on) Thank you
Hi Kapook. The main difference is that Iryo only uses one type of trains whereas RENFE uses many different types in their AVE service. So with Iryo you know exactly what to expect. We would give it a go. Brand-new trains.
Hi Tony....first of all would like to say your lucid presentations on different aspects of travel and tourism in Spain and Portugal are excellent for a newcomer....I am going to visit Spain shortly as a tourist and have been making online intercity travel bookings....in fact booked Iryo for travel from Madrid to Barcelona I have a question about Renfe...one of my bookings is on Register Express train....no couche no. or seat no. has been allocated. How does this work? We just get into the train and occupy an empty seat? Also is large suitcase allowed in such trains ? Would appreciate your response. Thanks
Hi Nivedita, wish you had asked us before buying the tickets. The Express train is a slow and unreliable train, we would have advised you against it. As there are no seat reservations you just board it and try to find a seat. You can take your luggage onboard, check the place where you bought the tickets about the specific luggage allowance. All the best!
Good morning....kindly advise me on the following I arrive at Barajas Airport on 13th morning at Terminal 4....if I prebook a taxi...it says driver will wait for 45 min after flight arrival. No idea how much time will be required for completing immigration formalities and get my bag. Alternatively can use Cabify...are pick up points for cabs near the terminal ? Thanks
Hi Tony, If We travel with 2 large luggage will we need to pay additional fee? Because I'm confuse with the info singular is include 1 carry on luggage and 2 packages (85cm x 55cm x 35cm). We are traveller from Indonesia and thanks in advance if you reply on the question!
Hi Tony.. lovely video.. we are travelling with Iryo 3-4 times in May 2023.. would it be an issue if the total weight of our luggage would be around 30kg instead of 25kg? and 1 more question.. for a day trip from Malaga.. would you recommend Nerja & Frigiliana or Marbella?
Hi Deep, thanks a lot. As you will understand, we can't answer to your first question. It's always a good idea to stick to the rules. Why don't you leave us our second question on the video we have on Málaga: czcams.com/video/nBQejHV9_fg/video.html
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you for your reply.. but we check IRYO website also.. there is no option to add extra luggage also.. so not sure what should I do.. as we will be visiting Spain for 3 weeks from India we have huge luggage.. anyways thanks for your reply
Hi Tony, Thanks for the detailed video. Just a question, I tried Trainline but couldn't find out in the first class if the seats are align with travel direction ?
Hi Toni. Successfully booked this train. Found it very easy. Thank you Can us assist me. I am travelling from Madrid to Cordoba. However there are multiple station choices on the Trainline website for Cordoba and I am not sure which is the most central. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Hi Noela, great to hear you managed to book your train. As for Córdoba, just select "Córdoba", do not select any other station, there is just the one high-speed train station in Córdoba and Trainline will sell you a ticket for that station.
Hola Tony! I am a new subscriber and your videos are very informative. Can you tell me if there is a train from Barcelona to Valencia? I have been researching for schedules for the end of April and there are no train schedules that I am finding from Barcelona Sants station to Valencia. Are there any trains that go from Barcelona to Valencia??? It appears that they do not exist. I have looked at Renfe and the otherwebsites you have talked about. I am lost and discouraged. Will I have to take a bus?? or fly?? Please help me. Thank you.
¡Hola! You can see all the high-speed trains on the map on this video: czcams.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/video.html From Barcelona to Valencia there are no high-speed trains, just middle distance trains. If you can't find a ticket on the Trainline (see how to do it here czcams.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/video.html ) it's because it hasn't been added to the system yet.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Yes, I watched your informative video but I could not believe that from such an important city to another that any type of train did not appear on a schedule. When you said to purchase as early as possible which I would like to, how long should a person wait for a schedule to appear? If I wait too long then even a seat on Alsa bus will not be an option. Thank you for your reply. I enjoy your channel.
@@mztango it's hard to tell when will tickets for a given route be available for purchase. Sometimes you can buy them 6 months in advance, sometimes just a few weeks. You have to keep checking on a regular basis until the ticket appears for sale.
Hello Tony, I was going to book a ticket on Iryo (Barcelona to Madrid). The seats were assigned automatically. Is there a way to change them or to book the seats one wants and how do you know in what direction the train travels when looking at the seat map? I didn’t book the tickets yet since I want to be certain that I can travel in the direction of the train. Thank you for all your helpful information.
Hi Bobby, as I think we mentioned in the video, Iryo's fares are quite complicated. You need to buy a fare that includes seat selection (only the most expensive do) or pay for it separately when prompted. Then, you need to see whether the seat selection map shows the direction of travel. We've never paid for a seat with Iryo so we don't know how it is done. Go as far as you can before paying.
Hello there, if there isn't a flight, best thing would be to take two high-speed trains, one to Madrid and the other one to Alicante (but pay attention as you might have to change stations in Madrid).
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thanks, indeed there are no direct flights between those cities (not that I could find..) and taking 2 trains is adding to a long day of travel. Might rent a car...
Hi Tony, I tried booking twice from Barcelona to Madrid and both times I could not reserve seats together with my wife. Allocated seats were 4B and 4D in Infinita class instead of 4A and 4B. Can I also ensure we book seats that are in direction of the train travel? Should I book our trip and try to change the seat reservations?
Hi Tony first time Spain traveler here . I read that Iryo also provides Cercanías combined ticket when I purchase the train tickets like renfe trains. I searched from renfe websites says that renfe tickets have a 5 digit code for Cercanías ticket. But I did not find such code on my Iryo ticket. I am wondering if people here knows how Cercanías combined tickets work for Iryo.
Great to hear that! On our recent video on how to leave the airport, we explain you how to use it (on the train section): czcams.com/video/QRjyWKX_HvU/video.html You need to use the QR code on your ticket.
Hello. I have a question. Due to airplane delays i couldn’t use my outbound ticket ( i purchases a new one way outbound ticket), however, i should be able to use my inbound ticket from my original round trip correct? Thanks
Hi there, you should be able to use your return ticket without a problem, but just in case, double-check with Iryo, they have offices at all the major stations.
I really don't know where did you get that info that Iryo is the most expensive company on the route if you book in advance. For example I booked my return ticket for 38 euros (the lowest fare of possible four) and almost whole day the cost is the same. If I compared with AVE it is more than double less money. If I compared to Ouigo and AVLO price Iryo is cheaper even before I add luggage and seat (Iryo is 20 euros with luggage and Ouigo and AVLO starts from 25 euros without lol), plus those two are low cost and there's no wifi or power outlets. And there's much more departures during the day. Maybe the reason why your fares were like that is because you looked on the Trainline instead of separate official sites, but I understand that people are generally lazy to go from one site to another. After pandemic Renfe gone mad with their pricing.
A comparison between promotional launch fares and regular fares is not a solid base for an argument, is it? Iryo made it clear right from the start, their distribution strategy counts on travel agents as core partners. For that reason, the fares you will find at the Trainline (or travel agents) are identical to the ones you will find a Iryo's website. We've purchased so far half a dozen Iryo trips, always identical fares.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal I don't know what Iryo made it clear but I found them to be the cheapest operator by far, at least in my case. And their fares are regular, no promotion, just it cost as much as you see. It's not like their 18 euro one way ticket some kind of promotion on selected days but starting price for the lowest fare (like a cabin baggage fare with legacy airline, but you know that already)
Hi Tony. I'm trying to book my trip to Madrid on Iryo. I'm booking first class on Trainline but I never get an opportunity to choose my seat. It just keeps assigning my seat for me. Could you give me any help with that? Thanks in Advance!
Hi there, Iryo's fare structure is very complex. Only a particular type of first-class seat, when you pay an additional supplement (called +Abierta) on top of the first-class fare, allows you to choose your seats.
Hi Tony. Thanks for another great video. I know you say that boarding starts 30 minutes before departure but my question is how far in advance should one arrive to the train station. Thanks
Hello there, Dad, we mention that question on our video with tips to make the most of the high speed train in Spain, check it out here: czcams.com/video/QYvUn-sJxZ4/video.html
We are not familiar with the pass but passes like that one are not good for high-speed travel in Spain, as you can only book your seats once you are in Spain. We always advice to avoid those passes if you are traveling to Spain.
⚠⚠IMPORTANT CHANGE ON IRYO'S BAGGAGE POLICY czcams.com/users/shortslvAooyT2pw8?si=lQN2yQPuwu7Qz_Jd
🚅OUR VIDEOS ON HIGH-SPEED TRAVEL IN SPAIN:
➡ how to buy your high-speed train tickets czcams.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/video.html
➡ 10-step guide to the high speed train in Spain czcams.com/video/sSiIRby2RGU/video.html
➡10 tips to make the most of the high-speed train in Spain czcams.com/video/QYvUn-sJxZ4/video.html
➡ the Spanish high-speed network czcams.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/video.html
➡ AVLO czcams.com/video/t7CQ2TFxppA/video.html
➡ OUIGO czcams.com/video/XagP-k2kiDo/video.html
-------
➡ Iryo fares: iryo.eu/en/products
Excellent video! So informative. Thanks!
Great to hear that, Jean.
I found this video just when I was in trouble figuring out how to travel from Madrid to Barcelona and vice versa in end May this year. No doubt this new train service will be good and competitive. I will sure take IRYO and not to consider air-flights. Your other videos about Madrid and Barcelona are also amazingly perfect. Thanks for your efforts in making such travel information on CZcams which help newbies plan their trips.
Hi Warren, many thanks for your kind words, happy to know we have achieved our goal of making travel through Spain easier. Hope you will like the service provided by Iryo, it is of a very high standard.
Thank you for such an informative video with so much detail. We have used Trainline to book all our high speed train tickets for getting around Spain. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hope you'll have a superb trip, Michelle!
Hola Tony, A couple of weeks ago I made a train reservation on Trainline for a round trip between Madrid Atocha and Cordoba next May with Iryo, and the fare was a "sale" fare. It was a great price in comparison to the other options! Thank you so much for your analysis of Iryo. I knew that it is a new train service and now I feel confident that it should be a good experience. Your videos really help us. Thank you again.
Great to hear about your positive experience with the Trainline, Carol. In actual fact, those sale fares are still available for most dates, a great chance to grab an affordable train ticket to go from Madrid to Andalusia. All the best!
Thank you very much for this! I’m so glad I found your channel! You’ve helped me plan our entire trip😊
Delighted to hear that, be very welcome to the channel!
Your video was helpful, thanks! Just went from Madrid to Zaragoza and it went great ❤
Excellent to hear that, hope you liked the service.
I really love these videos! Calming my nerves before I take on 10 days alone in Spain :)
Great to hear that, Leah!
Thank you sir for your information. Your videos are very helpful. It is comforting to know many people have the same questions.
Great to hear that!
We travelled on Iryo from Madrid to Zaragoza, first class and purchased a breakfast since the first class fare on our trip was just a little more than standard fare. As you noted, the fare structure was confusing and we had to cancel and reschedule once. Overall, it was a fantastic trip and the breakfast was very good as was the service. It was also a big benefit that the first class car had it's own boarding lane avoiding the long line. We also did some routes in standard class on Renfe and preferred Iryo (even discounting the first class experience). Thank you again for your very informative videos!
Again, thanks for sharing your experience with Iryo. Delighted to hear it was a great trip!
I’m excited to try this train service ;) great in-depth understandable explanation of the train services complex options :)
It's quite a good service, hope you will like it.
You always give good news at first hand! Excellent video, everything very well explained, exceptional production. I loved it 😍!
Thanks so much for your words, Yara.
As always love your video's Tony (and Cecilia). In Madrid middle of June and a Barcelona based friend runs a food festival (along with other restaurants in the La Ribera area) and they have one on when I'm in Madrid, so last night booked Iryo for a day trip on a Friday. Iryo and RENFE were close in price on early morning and both cheaper than nearest AVLO and QUIGO fares. But decided to enjoy the late trip back to Madrid with Iryo Infinita Bistro and pre booked the meal option.
Excellent, Jonathan, hope you enjoy the experience!
Tony, this is another great video about travel with train in Spain. One thing about IRYO Valencia to Madrid from my recent experience may worth to mention: if book a train from Valencia to Atocha, only a AVE has Atocha as destination, for all other trains they dont stop at Atocha. They arrive Charmatin at north Madrid then transfer to Cencerias to south Atocha station. This transfer takes extra 20-30 min to Atocha if you know how to find the big red C platform. I couldn’t exit Atocha gate with scanning the bar code on the IRYO ticket , there was a lady working there to manually scan the code to let exit the gate. The train was very nice, but this stop needs improvement. Btw, IRYO ticket for this trip was only 25euro compared to AVE was over 60.
Thanks for sharing your experience, John. All Iryo and OUIGO trains and most Renfe trains with destination Valencia operate from Chamartín. The problem with Chamartín is that it is undergoing a massive overhaul that will go on for many years. But there is nothing you can do about it. All the best!
I rode this train 4 times in February 2023. It is a great service.
The toilets are not cramped like airplanes!
Food was great, lots of leg room.
Disabled toilets are incredibly large, standard toilets are minute in comparison.
Hola Tony! For a non-Spanish speaking tourist, Iryo was definitely very confusing with their multiple fare structures. I was lured into booking the Infinita fare on their website for a trip earlier this December, but found out onboard the train that it did not include Paid Food. Also, since it was an early train, the VIP lounges were also unavailable. So, I basically paid extra for nothing extra. So disappointed over the confusion.
We couldn't agree more, and fully understand your frustration. For us, what kills the system is the existence of rules within rules. Yes, Infinita fare includes food but for as long as you book Infinita Fare with the Bistró addition. That is awfully confusing. From what we've heard, the experience at VIP lounges is also quite disappointing, there is no food, just a few drinks. It's a pity, as the overall service is excellent. There will have to be changes down the line with a simplification of the fare structure. All the best.
I couldn’t agree more. I have paid extra for the food to find out that it should be ordered 24 hours before departure. However, there is no such option in the app or even email notification. You will just know once you finally get into the train - then you cannot avail the free food anymore. The snacks cost a fortune. We ended up super hungry :(
Very Helpful. Thank you!
👍👍
Hello again, Tony. I am finally going to try Iryo; I plan on buying an "Infinite Bistro" ticket (and I'm aware that the food request must be made in advance). I am traveling alone. One thing that is unclear to me is how I can guarantee that my reserved seat will be facing the direction the train is going . . . I do not like traveling backwards. Is it possible to ensure that my seat will be facing the direction we are moving? Thank you for you counsel. I love your videos - they are so helpful!@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal
@@stevecarp1904 although we've done quite a few trips with Iryo yet, we've never paid to select our seats, so we don't know whether the page where you select your seat shows the direction the train is traveling. Some companies do show that information, others don't.
Tony, thank you for your response. I likely will go to the Iryo office/customer service desk at Atocha next week to get more information, and I will let you know what I learn (if anything!).@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal
@@stevecarp1904 that sounds like a great idea!
Thanks
👍🏻
At the end of our road trip around Spanish cities nearby to Madrid (Segovia, Salamanca, Toledo) this September, I have booked us a trip on the IRYO to Malaga for the last few days of our holiday. I notice that the ticket includes "Cercanias", which I'm guessing may include our train ticket from the airport (after we drop off the rental car) to Madrid Atocha, although I don't yet know exactly how that might work, so some more research is needed. Thanks for this very informative video.
Hi Graham, Iryo tickets include the "combinado cercanías" indeed (a free local train ticket), for as long as you are taking a high-speed train within a four-hour time frame (either before the departure of the train or after the arrival of the train to your destination). On Sunday we will be publishing a video on how to leave Madrid airport where we show how to validate your courtesy ticket. All the best!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thanks for the reply. I'll watch out for the next video.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal I've noticed that the IRYO ticket includes an Aztec code in the top left-hand corner. I presume I need to find a scanner that creates a suburban train ticket from this.? Looking forward to your video. By the way, these tickets are amazing value for money compared to prices charged in the UK.!
@@grahamfjlaws6108 exactly, there are turnstiles equipped with QR code readers. Iryo promotional launch fares are really good!
Great video with very detailed and useful information, thank you! If traveling with large luggage, would you recommend Ave over Iryo or is it more or less the same?
Ave includes the transport of luggage in all its tickets. In the case of Iryo (see here czcams.com/users/shortslvAooyT2pw8 ), you have to purchase a more expensive ticket class to be able to carry luggage with you. In all cases, there is always a limit to the amount of pieces of luggage and the weight you can carry. All the best.
Hi Tony! Thank you always for your useful informations! I'd like to ask you about the direction of each seats, because personally I don't feel comfortable when a train goes backward. So when travelling Barcelona to Madrid which numbers of half IRYO seats take you forward direction?
Hello there, glad you found the video useful! Unfortunately, we are unable to answer your question. We haven't been able to locate an Iryo seat map. We assume that during the booking process, when you pay to select your seat, you will be shown a seat map showing you the direction of the seats, but as we didn't pay for choosing our seats, we don't know what that screen is like. All the best!
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thank you very much for detailed advice! Thought it would be pretty nice if every seats rotate like in Japanese high-speed train.🤣
Some Renfe trains allow for seat rotation, but unfortunately that is not the case with Iryo trains. Best!
Hello Tony and greetings from The Netherlaands. I have enjoyed your video's and you give a very good and clear explanation on high speed rail travel in Spain. A question: In your video on the AVLO low-cost trains you mention that the coach which was formerly the cafetaria was coach 6. Was it always coach 6 on all AVLO trains?
Hi Charles, yet, it's always coach 6, AVLO's fleet only uses one type of train. All the best!
Hello Tony, I really like your channel and it's fun to watch. I just go back from Portugal and am planning to visit Spain next May, mainly Madrid and Andalucía, for 3 weeks. I plan to fly to Barcelona. From there I plan to fly to Granada, or, take train to Madrid and then bus to Granada. Which one do you recommend? I prefer to train but taking train in Spain is like taking plane with security check. My main concern is time saving but usually airport is further away from city center than train station. Thanks.
Your channel is great. I learned a lot. I hope to see more videos on Portugal because I want to go back :)
Hi Yan, for all but the long distances, we always prioritize train travel. The only exception would be Barcelona-Granada where are flight is much more competitive. We intend to publish a new Portugal video per month. All the best!
Hi Tony… I’m currently searching your videos for details on how to get and use the cercanias tickets as we will be looking to use them in Madrid and Barcelona in March and do not speak Spanish. Can you direct me to a video explaining what it is and how to use it please?
Hi Martin, we don't have a specific video on the topic, but that our most recent video (on the part about the airport train) we show you how to use the "cercanías" benefit, it is quite simple as you will see: czcams.com/video/QRjyWKX_HvU/video.html
Thank you Tony. Your videos are an excellent source for information… muchas gracias
Hi Tony 😄
Thanks for lots of informative video.
I plan to reserve a first class of the high speed train, In your opinion which one is better choice between AVE vs. Iryo ?
( from Seville to Madrid with 2 luggages & 2 carry on)
Thank you
Hi Kapook. The main difference is that Iryo only uses one type of trains whereas RENFE uses many different types in their AVE service. So with Iryo you know exactly what to expect. We would give it a go. Brand-new trains.
Hi Tony....first of all would like to say your lucid presentations on different aspects of travel and tourism in Spain and Portugal are excellent for a newcomer....I am going to visit Spain shortly as a tourist and have been making online intercity travel bookings....in fact booked Iryo for travel from Madrid to Barcelona
I have a question about Renfe...one of my bookings is on Register Express train....no couche no. or seat no. has been allocated. How does this work? We just get into the train and occupy an empty seat? Also is large suitcase allowed in such trains ? Would appreciate your response. Thanks
Hi Nivedita, wish you had asked us before buying the tickets. The Express train is a slow and unreliable train, we would have advised you against it. As there are no seat reservations you just board it and try to find a seat. You can take your luggage onboard, check the place where you bought the tickets about the specific luggage allowance. All the best!
Thanks a lot....bought on OMIO
Didn't select the train myself....selected a good deal and when the ticket came found that no seat reservation !!
@@niveditagohil597 the Express train is definitely not a good deal, shame on Omio for recommending it!
Cancelled it and got on Torre del oro😊
Good morning....kindly advise me on the following
I arrive at Barajas Airport on 13th morning at Terminal 4....if I prebook a taxi...it says driver will wait for 45 min after flight arrival. No idea how much time will be required for completing immigration formalities and get my bag. Alternatively can use Cabify...are pick up points for cabs near the terminal ? Thanks
Hi Tony, If We travel with 2 large luggage will we need to pay additional fee? Because I'm confuse with the info singular is include 1 carry on luggage and 2 packages (85cm x 55cm x 35cm). We are traveller from Indonesia and thanks in advance if you reply on the question!
Hi there, do you travel with 2 large luggage each? Here's the Iryo baggage rules: iryo.eu/en/travel/baggage-policy
Hi Tony.. lovely video.. we are travelling with Iryo 3-4 times in May 2023.. would it be an issue if the total weight of our luggage would be around 30kg instead of 25kg? and 1 more question.. for a day trip from Malaga.. would you recommend Nerja & Frigiliana or Marbella?
Hi Deep, thanks a lot. As you will understand, we can't answer to your first question. It's always a good idea to stick to the rules. Why don't you leave us our second question on the video we have on Málaga: czcams.com/video/nBQejHV9_fg/video.html
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal thank you for your reply.. but we check IRYO website also.. there is no option to add extra luggage also.. so not sure what should I do.. as we will be visiting Spain for 3 weeks from India we have huge luggage.. anyways thanks for your reply
Hi Tony, Thanks for the detailed video. Just a question, I tried Trainline but couldn't find out in the first class if the seats are align with travel direction ?
That info you are looking for is really hard to find, we've basically given up and accept whatever we are given.
Hi Toni.
Successfully booked this train. Found it very easy. Thank you
Can us assist me. I am travelling from Madrid to Cordoba. However there are multiple station choices on the Trainline website for Cordoba and I am not sure which is the most central. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Hi Noela, great to hear you managed to book your train. As for Córdoba, just select "Córdoba", do not select any other station, there is just the one high-speed train station in Córdoba and Trainline will sell you a ticket for that station.
Tony, If I can only do one, do you recommed Girona or Zaragoza? I can't fit both of them in and still go to Madrid.
Tough choice. You could do Zaragoza on the way from Barcelona to Madrid, spending the one night in Zaragoza.
Hola Tony! I am a new subscriber and your videos are very informative. Can you tell me if there is a train from Barcelona to Valencia? I have been researching for schedules for the end of April and there are no train schedules that I am finding from Barcelona Sants station to Valencia. Are there any trains that go from Barcelona to Valencia??? It appears that they do not exist. I have looked at Renfe and the otherwebsites you have talked about. I am lost and discouraged. Will I have to take a bus?? or fly?? Please help me. Thank you.
¡Hola! You can see all the high-speed trains on the map on this video: czcams.com/video/n_M20gV04OY/video.html From Barcelona to Valencia there are no high-speed trains, just middle distance trains. If you can't find a ticket on the Trainline (see how to do it here czcams.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/video.html ) it's because it hasn't been added to the system yet.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Yes, I watched your informative video but I could not believe that from such an important city to another that any type of train did not appear on a schedule. When you said to purchase as early as possible which I would like to, how long should a person wait for a schedule to appear? If I wait too long then even a seat on Alsa bus will not be an option. Thank you for your reply. I enjoy your channel.
@@mztango it's hard to tell when will tickets for a given route be available for purchase. Sometimes you can buy them 6 months in advance, sometimes just a few weeks. You have to keep checking on a regular basis until the ticket appears for sale.
Hello Tony, I was going to book a ticket on Iryo (Barcelona to Madrid). The seats were assigned automatically. Is there a way to change them or to book the seats one wants and how do you know in what direction the train travels when looking at the seat map? I didn’t book the tickets yet since I want to be certain that I can travel in the direction of the train. Thank you for all your helpful information.
Hi Bobby, as I think we mentioned in the video, Iryo's fares are quite complicated. You need to buy a fare that includes seat selection (only the most expensive do) or pay for it separately when prompted. Then, you need to see whether the seat selection map shows the direction of travel. We've never paid for a seat with Iryo so we don't know how it is done. Go as far as you can before paying.
Thank you very much
Hi Tony, we are planning a long vacation in Spain and using your excellent information! Question how best to travel from Malaga to Alicante?
Hello there, if there isn't a flight, best thing would be to take two high-speed trains, one to Madrid and the other one to Alicante (but pay attention as you might have to change stations in Madrid).
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thanks, indeed there are no direct flights between those cities (not that I could find..) and taking 2 trains is adding to a long day of travel. Might rent a car...
@@RogierYou i think Alsa bus operates between those 2 cities.. you can check that
@@deepbhansali7673 Yes we used ALSA and it was OK. About a 3 hour trip, would not have liked to be longer in that bus.
Hi Tony, I tried booking twice from Barcelona to Madrid and both times I could not reserve seats together with my wife. Allocated seats were 4B and 4D in Infinita class instead of 4A and 4B. Can I also ensure we book seats that are in direction of the train travel? Should I book our trip and try to change the seat reservations?
If you choose the right fare Iryo should allow you to select the seats. Their maps show what the direction of travel is.
Hi Tony first time Spain traveler here . I read that Iryo also provides Cercanías combined ticket when I purchase the train tickets like renfe trains. I searched from renfe websites says that renfe tickets have a 5 digit code for Cercanías ticket. But I did not find such code on my Iryo ticket. I am wondering if people here knows how Cercanías combined tickets work for Iryo.
oh I watched your other video #097 and saw I can scan the Iryo ticket barcode on cercanias entrance barrier. Thank you! very useful information.
👍
Hi, this video was super helpful!
Do you have any information on the free cercanías tickets for iryo and how to redeem it?
Great to hear that! On our recent video on how to leave the airport, we explain you how to use it (on the train section): czcams.com/video/QRjyWKX_HvU/video.html You need to use the QR code on your ticket.
Hello. I have a question. Due to airplane delays i couldn’t use my outbound ticket ( i purchases a new one way outbound ticket), however, i should be able to use my inbound ticket from my original round trip correct? Thanks
Hi there, you should be able to use your return ticket without a problem, but just in case, double-check with Iryo, they have offices at all the major stations.
What site it the best to use to purchase IRYO tickets in English (if available). Thank you!
You can buy them at Iryo's own website or at the website we recommend here czcams.com/video/MYqz41n5Qn4/video.html
I really don't know where did you get that info that Iryo is the most expensive company on the route if you book in advance. For example I booked my return ticket for 38 euros (the lowest fare of possible four) and almost whole day the cost is the same. If I compared with AVE it is more than double less money. If I compared to Ouigo and AVLO price Iryo is cheaper even before I add luggage and seat (Iryo is 20 euros with luggage and Ouigo and AVLO starts from 25 euros without lol), plus those two are low cost and there's no wifi or power outlets. And there's much more departures during the day. Maybe the reason why your fares were like that is because you looked on the Trainline instead of separate official sites, but I understand that people are generally lazy to go from one site to another. After pandemic Renfe gone mad with their pricing.
A comparison between promotional launch fares and regular fares is not a solid base for an argument, is it?
Iryo made it clear right from the start, their distribution strategy counts on travel agents as core partners. For that reason, the fares you will find at the Trainline (or travel agents) are identical to the ones you will find a Iryo's website. We've purchased so far half a dozen Iryo trips, always identical fares.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal I don't know what Iryo made it clear but I found them to be the cheapest operator by far, at least in my case. And their fares are regular, no promotion, just it cost as much as you see. It's not like their 18 euro one way ticket some kind of promotion on selected days but starting price for the lowest fare (like a cabin baggage fare with legacy airline, but you know that already)
I don't see option to select seat when purchasing a Singular only you train ticket, can you show me how? Thank you.
With Singular only you you have to pay to elect your seat. It's only included with Singular only you +Abierta.
Hi Tony. I'm trying to book my trip to Madrid on Iryo. I'm booking first class on Trainline but I never get an opportunity to choose my seat. It just keeps assigning my seat for me. Could you give me any help with that? Thanks in Advance!
Hi there, Iryo's fare structure is very complex. Only a particular type of first-class seat, when you pay an additional supplement (called +Abierta) on top of the first-class fare, allows you to choose your seats.
@@ROADTRIPSpainandPortugal Thank you again Tony! You and your videos have been a great help in planning my trip. You're the best!
We are team carry-on luggage only! It's not worth bringing so much stuff. It makes traveling so hectic.
We are team carry-on too! But there are trips where the need for a larger suitcase is unavoidable.
Did you find the ride bumpy? I've heard people are getting motion sick.
Not bumpy at all, the smoothest among all high-speed train services. But people's sensitive to motion is very different from one person to another.
Hi Tony. Thanks for another great video. I know you say that boarding starts 30 minutes before departure but my question is how far in advance should one arrive to the train station. Thanks
Hello there, Dad, we mention that question on our video with tips to make the most of the high speed train in Spain, check it out here: czcams.com/video/QYvUn-sJxZ4/video.html
Is all of high speed train services are included if you purchase EuroRail Global Pass? Please advise. Thank you.
We are not familiar with the pass but passes like that one are not good for high-speed travel in Spain, as you can only book your seats once you are in Spain. We always advice to avoid those passes if you are traveling to Spain.