Renfe’s Record Ridership: Spain’s Rail Success in 2025

Renfe Achieves Historic Passenger Milestone with Record First-Half Performance in 2025

Spain’s national railway operator, Renfe, has announced unprecedented passenger numbers for the first half of 2025, marking its most successful six-month period to date. Between January and June, a staggering 277.4 million travellers utilized Renfe services, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This translates to an impressive 8.3 million additional passengers, solidifying Renfe’s position as a leading European rail provider. This surge in ridership, encompassing commercial and public services, is attributed to a combination of factors, including service enhancements, fleet modernisation, and strategic fare initiatives. The exceptional performance showcases Renfe’s commitment to expanding its passenger base, improving service quality, and responding effectively to evolving travel demands. This report delves into the key drivers behind this record-breaking performance, examining the growth across various service categories and the strategic initiatives that are fueling Renfe’s continued success.

Record-Breaking Ridership Across Multiple Segments

The impressive overall passenger figures for the first half of 2025 encompass both commercial and public service operations. Renfe’s commercial services, including AVE (Alta Velocidad Española, or high-speed), Avlo (low-cost high-speed), Alvia (long-distance), Euromed (regional), and Intercity trains, experienced significant growth. High-speed and long-distance services saw over 17.9 million passengers, a substantial 10.9% increase, equating to nearly 1.8 million additional travellers compared to the same period in 2024. This notable increase highlights the effectiveness of recent enhancements in service offerings, which encompass the introduction of new routes and optimised timetables. Further demonstrating the strong demand for rail travel, a daily record was achieved on June 20th, with over 135,600 passengers travelling on Renfe’s commercial services – a 5.58% increase in a little over a month. This peak was notably fueled by expanded service options on the Galicia–Castile and León–Madrid and Extremadura–Madrid corridors, showcasing Renfe’s ability to adapt to and capitalize on regional travel trends.

Fleet Modernisation and Enhanced Capacity

The ongoing fleet modernisation program has been instrumental in driving passenger growth and enhancing the overall travel experience. The introduction of new S106 AVE and Avlo trains, strategically replacing older Alvia units, has played a pivotal role in increasing seating capacity and reducing travel times. These new generation trains offer improved passenger comfort and increased efficiency, leading to higher passenger satisfaction and contributing to the overall growth in ridership. These advancements support the operator’s ongoing efforts to enhance the passenger experience and expand its market reach. The upgrade is key to attracting new customers and facilitating higher passenger numbers, directly impacting Renfe’s bottom line and demonstrating its commitment to improving service quality across the board. The new rolling stock’s enhanced features and improved operational performance have increased passenger capacity and reduced overall journey times, fostering a more appealing service and reinforcing rail travel as a preferred method of transportation.

Growth in Public Services: Cercanías and Avant

Beyond commercial services, Renfe’s public transportation offerings also contributed significantly to the record-breaking performance. Public services, which include Cercanías (commuter rail), Media Distancia (medium-distance), Ancho Métrico (narrow gauge), and Avant (regional high-speed) trains, carried over 259.5 million passengers during the first six months of 2025, representing a 2.8% increase compared to 2024. The Cercanías suburban rail network saw a particularly robust increase, with a 3.91% rise, translating to over 8.8 million additional travellers. Avant regional services also experienced positive growth, recording a 2.09% increase, or over 6.7 million passengers. These increases demonstrate that Renfe’s focus on improving the accessibility and appeal of its public services is translating into tangible results, as commuters and regional travellers increasingly choose rail as their preferred mode of transportation.

Strategic Fare Initiatives and Discounted Passes

Renfe’s strategic approach to pricing and fare structure has also been a driving force behind its passenger growth. Since September 2022, coinciding with the implementation of a rail fare assistance scheme for frequent travellers, Renfe has issued more than 21 million multi-trip passes. The popularity of these passes has consistently increased, with 7.1 million issued in 2023 and 7.7 million in 2024, representing a 9.34% increase. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 4 million discounted or free passes have been issued, reinforcing the attractiveness of this option. Building on the success of the free recurring-pass program, Renfe introduced a new model of discounted passes in June 2025. This offers unified passes for Cercanías, Rodalies (Catalonia’s commuter rail), and Media Distancia services, offering unlimited travel across all zones and networks in Spain from July 1st. The passes are priced at EUR 20 per month, with a reduced rate of EUR 10 for young people. These discounted passes further encourage ridership and make rail travel a more accessible option for a wider range of passengers.

Conclusion

Renfe’s remarkable performance in the first half of 2025, marked by record passenger numbers, underscores the sustained demand for rail travel in Spain and the effectiveness of the operator’s strategic initiatives. The significant growth, particularly in high-speed and long-distance services, reflects the success of fleet modernization, route expansions, and timetable enhancements. This success is further buoyed by the rising popularity of Renfe’s fare assistance programs, including the issuance of discounted passes, which have broadened the appeal of rail travel across various demographics. The consistent positive trends in public services, such as Cercanías and Avant, further demonstrate Renfe’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and accessible transportation network throughout Spain. The positive momentum suggests that Renfe is well-positioned to maintain this upward trajectory. With continued investment in its network, rolling stock, and passenger services, Renfe can solidify its position as a leader in the European rail sector. The ongoing adoption of innovative ticketing solutions and continued focus on efficiency are projected to drive further growth, ensuring a positive outlook for Renfe and Spanish rail travel in the years ahead.

Company Summary: Renfe

Renfe Operadora (Renfe) is the state-owned national railway operator of Spain. It is responsible for managing and operating both passenger and freight rail services across the country. Renfe’s extensive network includes high-speed (AVE), long-distance, and commuter rail services, connecting major cities and regions throughout Spain. The company plays a vital role in providing essential transportation infrastructure and services, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development and environmental sustainability. Renfe continues to invest in infrastructure, rolling stock, and innovative services to meet the evolving needs of its customers and ensure the long-term viability of rail transport in Spain.