Luggage Allowance on Spanish Trains: Renfe, OUIGO and iryo
If you are traveling by high-speed train in Spain, luggage rules vary between operators. Spanish train operators have relatively detailed luggage restrictions, so it is important to check the applicable rules before your journey. Renfe, OUIGO and iryo have different size limits and fare conditions, especially when you are traveling with a large suitcase.
Renfe Luggage Allowance
Renfe allows passengers to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage. Each piece can be up to 85 × 55 × 35 cm, with a total luggage weight of up to 25 kg. The total dimensions of all luggage should not exceed 290 cm.
Standard luggage is included in the ticket price as long as it meets Renfe's luggage conditions.
Renfe also allows certain types of special luggage, including golf equipment, ski equipment, fishing equipment and folding bicycles, subject to specific conditions.
OUIGO Spain Luggage Allowance
OUIGO's luggage allowance depends on the fare you choose.
With the Essential fare, passengers can bring one personal item up to 36 × 27 × 15 cm and one cabin bag up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm.
If you need to bring an additional or larger piece of luggage, you can purchase the additional/XL luggage option. It can be up to 200 cm in total dimensions and 30 kg.
The Essential fare charges from €5 per additional piece. The Plus fare includes one additional piece, while the Full fare includes two additional pieces.
iryo Luggage Allowance
iryo also has different luggage allowances depending on the fare.
Passengers can bring a personal item up to 36 × 27 × 15 cm and a cabin bag up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm. A large suitcase can be up to 80 × 55 × 35 cm.
The Inicial fare includes a personal item and a cabin bag, but does not include a large suitcase.
With Inicial Superior, passengers can add one large suitcase subject to the applicable conditions. The Infinita fare includes one large suitcase.
If you are traveling with a large suitcase, check the fare conditions before booking to make sure the luggage you need is included.
Which Train Is Cheaper With Large Luggage?
When comparing train tickets, don't look only at the advertised starting fare. If you are traveling with a large suitcase, compare the total price including luggage.
With Renfe, standard luggage is already included within the applicable allowance. With OUIGO Essential, you need to pay extra for additional or XL luggage. With iryo Inicial, a large suitcase is not included, so you may need to add luggage or choose a higher fare.
As a result, the cheapest basic ticket is not necessarily the cheapest option once you add the luggage you need.
Madrid to Barcelona: A Simple Price Comparison
Madrid–Barcelona is one of Spain's main high-speed rail routes, with services from Renfe, OUIGO and iryo.
Ticket prices vary depending on the travel date, departure time and how early you book. When comparing the three operators, use:
Total price = ticket fare + luggage cost
For example, if an OUIGO Essential ticket is significantly cheaper than a Renfe ticket, it may still be cheaper after adding an additional luggage option. If the fare difference is small, Renfe's included luggage can make the overall price difference smaller.
Because train fares change dynamically, always check the price and luggage allowance for your specific travel date before booking.
What to Check Before Booking
Before buying a train ticket in Spain, check both the fare conditions and luggage allowance.
If you are traveling with only a small personal item and cabin bag, the basic fare may be enough. If you have a large suitcase, compare the final price after adding any required luggage option.
Also check the actual dimensions and weight of your suitcase rather than relying only on labels such as “24-inch” or “28-inch,” as luggage limits are based on measurements.