Renfe has achieved a remarkable milestone in the first half of 2025, carrying over two hundred seventy million passengers, marking a 3% year-on-year increase. This unprecedented growth sets a new record for the Spanish rail operator and underscores the rising demand for rail travel across the country. The growth is driven by a combination of enhanced services, modernized fleet, and affordable fare schemes, which have all contributed to Renfe’s ability to meet the growing needs of both commercial and public service passengers. This milestone highlights Renfe’s position as the leading rail operator in Spain and reinforces its role in shaping the future of rail transportation.

Surge in Demand for High-Speed and Long-Distance Rail Travel

Renfe’s high-speed services, including AVE, Avlo, and Alvia, have seen a substantial increase in passengers. More than 17.9 million travelers used these fast services, reflecting a 10.9% rise compared to the same period in 2024. This surge is attributed to the convenience and speed of these services, which offer an attractive alternative to air and car travel for both domestic and international passengers.

The highest traffic day occurred on June 20, with over 135,600 passengers traveling on Renfe’s network, a testament to the growing demand for efficient rail connections across Spain. The impressive growth in high-speed rail travel shows that Spain’s rail network is becoming increasingly popular as a preferred method of transportation for a broad range of passengers.

Modernization of Fleet to Enhance Service and Capacity

One of the key contributors to Renfe’s growth is its continuous investment in modernizing its fleet and improving service offerings. In line with its strategy to improve passenger experience, Renfe has introduced the advanced S106 AVE and Avlo trains, which have replaced older Alvia models. These new trains are equipped with modern technology, offering better energy efficiency and enhanced comfort, which have contributed to the rise in ridership.

The introduction of these new trains has helped Renfe improve service quality and attract more customers. The modern fleet supports the growing demand for high-speed travel, ensuring that Renfe can maintain its competitive edge while providing a comfortable and efficient travel experience. With better capacity and shorter travel times, Renfe is well-positioned to continue expanding its ridership.

Growth Across Public Service Routes

Renfe’s public service routes have also experienced a boost in passenger numbers, reinforcing its overall growth. Public transport services saw a total of 259.5 million passengers, which represents a 2.8% increase compared to the previous year. The Cercanías network, which connects major cities and metropolitan areas, accounted for the majority of this growth, with 235.9 million passengers—a 3.91% increase over 2024.

Additionally, Renfe’s Avant services, which connect regional cities with high-speed rail options, saw a significant rise in passengers, reaching a total of 6.7 million. This was an increase of 139,000 compared to the first half of 2024, demonstrating the growing appeal of shorter high-speed routes.

Affordable Fare Schemes Fuel Growth

A major factor in Renfe’s success is its commitment to affordability and accessibility. Since 2022, Renfe has issued more than 21 million multitrip passes, making rail travel more affordable for regular commuters and frequent travelers. The multitrip pass system has proven to be extremely popular, with 7.1 million passes distributed in 2023 and 7.7 million in 2024. By mid-2025, Renfe had already issued more than 4 million passes, further boosting its ridership.

Renfe introduced new monthly passes in July 2025, offering unlimited travel across the Cercanías, Rodalies, and Media Distancia networks for just €20 ($22) for adults. Youth passengers, aged between 1999 and 2010, can access the same pass for €10 ($11), making travel even more affordable for younger commuters. These passes have helped increase the overall number of passengers using Renfe’s services, especially on the busy commuter lines.

Renfe’s Path to Continued Growth and Sustainability

Renfe’s ability to increase its ridership while maintaining affordability reflects its strong position as a leader in Spain’s rail transport sector. The company’s focus on fleet modernization, improved service quality, and cost-effective ticketing is driving its sustained growth. As Renfe continues to make strategic investments and enhancements to its services, it is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for efficient, sustainable, and accessible rail travel.

Renfe’s future growth prospects are promising, with ongoing efforts to expand its national network, improve customer experience, and enhance the sustainability of its operations. By balancing modern infrastructure with affordable fare schemes, Renfe is set to continue its expansion, further solidifying its status as Spain’s primary rail operator.

With its focus on providing high-quality services and enhancing connectivity across Spain, Renfe is poised for continued success in the coming years.