Reply To: IB Express vs BA Euroflyer

[Londonsteve]

yonasl wrote:

Londonsteve wrote:

That would certainly explain why the plane felt so comfortable in comparison to the Euroflyer plane that flew me down.
Incidentally, I was blown away by the AVE I used to go from Malaga to Madrid. Quite simply the most comfortable way I’ve ever travelled in Europe. Felt like riding on a bed of air while travelling at 300 kph.

Very few people know there is a very cool Renfe pass you can buy to take a certain number of Ave / high speed trains in the country: https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepare-your-trip/abonos-ave-y-largadistancia/renfe-spain-pass

4 journeys is EUR 195 and 6 EUR 275 I believe (you can also buy 10 or more)

There is also now competition in some routes like MAD-BCN with very cheap tickets to be had if you buy in advance.

I am quite amazed the A321N from IB express is much superior to the A321C IB uses (meaning Express is not synonym with a bad cabin).

The combined Rail & Fly ticket I bought from Iberia was so cheap I didn’t really pay anything for the rail fare compared to either the cost of a direct or transit flight from Malaga to London, or just flying from Madrid to London with IB or BA. I’m sure than Renfe was paid a negotiated rate that’s much cheaper than public fares, the rest going to Iberia. Renfe got some business when people would otherwise fly the whole way and indeed, some people will decide flying it too much hassle in the future and they’ll stick to using Renfe. I certainly would if I was seeking to get from A to B within mainland Spain.

The Iryo Frecciarossa trains run by Trenitalia look amazing. like a Ferrari for the rails. No surprise really, they’re also designed by Pininfarina!