Avlo Luggage Policy: Baggage Allowance, Size Limits & Fees

Avlo Luggage Policy: Allowances, Bag Sizes, and Extra Luggage Rules

Avlo allows each passenger to bring one personal item (maximum 36 x 27 x 25 cm) and one cabin suitcase (maximum 55 x 35 x 25 cm) free of charge, with no published weight limits. Travelers who need an extra or larger suitcase (up to 85 x 60 x 35 cm) must purchase an additional baggage add-on online or at the station.

At a glance

Baggage Allowance Snapshot

Every Avlo ticket includes two hand luggage pieces for free, while oversized or additional suitcases require a paid reservation. Passengers handle and stow all their luggage personally on board.

Personal item 1 included (Free) Max 36 x 27 x 25 cm; under seat

Cabin suitcase 1 included (Free) Max 55 x 35 x 25 cm; overhead shelf

Additional luggage Paid add-on Max 85 x 60 x 35 cm (up to 180 cm total)

Weight limit No kilogram cap Must lift and carry unassisted

Baby strollers 1 included (Free) Must be folded completely

Bicycles Folding only Must be bagged; within standard bag sizes

Electric scooters Prohibited System-wide Renfe safety ban

Checked hold luggage Not available Self-service train carriage storage only

What can change: Extra bag fees vary significantly by purchase channel (online advance booking vs. station check-in desks) and available space per train carriage.

Measurement guide

Baggage Size Visual

Use Avlo's stated order of dimensions: height x width x depth. Measurements include exterior wheels, handles, and side pockets.

36 cm 27 cm 25 cm

55 cm 35 cm 25 cm

85 cm 60 cm 35 cm

Visual guide - not to scale. Use the published numerical limit as the controlling rule.

Source check

Official Source Verification

Baggage rules can vary by fare, cabin, route, operating carrier, traveler status, and purchase channel. BaggageBase separates published rules from practical guidance.

Official source Official verification required

Source type Train operator conditions of carriage (Renfe Avlo) and Adif station regulations

Policy scope Avlo domestic Spanish high-speed rail routes

Last checked Official verification required

Confidence High

Important caveat Live fee amounts for extra bags change dynamically; station gate surcharges are substantially higher than online rates.

How BaggageBase Checks This Information

BaggageBase monitors low-cost high-speed rail regulations by directly examining operator carriage contracts, infrastructure security guidelines published by station authorities like Adif, and active booking paths. Because low-cost rail brands unbundle their services to keep basic fares low, baggage dimensions and excess fees operate under strict limits that differ from legacy train networks.

Our editorial team tracks high-speed rail routes across Spain to record changes in luggage size thresholds, booking fees, and station scanner policies. Where pricing varies based on when an add-on is purchased-such as booking an extra bag during original web checkout versus paying an agent at the boarding platform-we separate verified baseline measurements from variable fees.

Standard Included Luggage on Avlo Trains

Unlike traditional European intercity passenger trains, Avlo (Alta Velocidad Low Cost) uses an unbundled baggage model similar to budget airlines. Every ticket purchased on an Avlo train includes two carry-on items in the baseline fare. Passengers do not need to register these bags in advance, as long as they stay within the allowed dimensions.

1. Personal Item (Bolso de Mano)

Every ticket holder can bring one compact personal item on board.

• Maximum Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 25 cm (height x width x depth).
• Accepted Bag Types: Handbags, small backpacks, briefcases, or laptop cases.
• Storage Location: Under the passenger seat directly in front of you. Placing personal bags in train aisles or exit paths violates railway safety regulations.

2. Cabin Bag (Maleta de Cabina)

Along with a personal item, passengers may bring one standard cabin suitcase.

• Maximum Dimensions: 55 x 35 x 25 cm (height x width x depth, including wheels, side handles, and exterior compartments).
• Accepted Bag Types: Wheeled carry-on cases, weekend duffels, or rolling backpacks.
• Storage Location: In the open parcel shelves that run overhead along the length of the passenger seating car.

Carry-On Weight Limits

Avlo does not enforce a published kilogram weight limit on its free hand luggage. However, travelers must be able to lift, carry, and place their bags into overhead racks completely unassisted. Conductors and boarding staff do not handle luggage. If an item is too heavy to lift safely, platform agents can deny boarding or require it to be moved to floor-level racks.

Adding Extra & Large Baggage

Passengers who plan to travel with large suitcases or bring more than two total items must purchase an Extra Baggage add-on (Equipaje Adicional). Train cars have limited storage space, so Avlo restricts how many large bags can be booked per carriage.

Dimensions for Extra Luggage

An extra baggage reservation accommodates luggage that exceeds cabin bag allowances:

• Maximum Dimensions: 85 x 60 x 35 cm.
• Total Linear Size: Length plus width plus height cannot exceed 180 cm.
• Luggage Types: Large rolling suitcases, rigid trunks, and extended travel backpacks.

Pricing Structure: Online vs. Station Checkpoints

Avlo applies a tiered fee schedule based on when and where you add a bag:

1. Initial Ticket Purchase: Reserving extra luggage while booking your seat on the official Renfe or Avlo website provides the lowest price.
2. Post-Booking Web/App: You can add a bag to an existing booking up to 30 minutes before train departure using your online account. This generally costs more than booking it upfront.
3. Platform Boarding Gate: Declaring or bringing an extra bag directly to the station platform incurs the steepest charge. If storage space in that train car is already full, unbooked extra bags may be turned away.

Special Items: Strollers, Bicycles, and Mobility Equipment

Avlo enforces distinct rules for baby transport, folding bicycles, sports equipment, and mobility aids.

Baby Strollers and Pushchairs

Passengers traveling with infants or young children can bring one fully collapsible stroller or pram free of charge. Strollers must be collapsed before boarding the train and stowed in the floor-level luggage compartments near the doors. Prams cannot be left open in train aisles or in spaces reserved for wheelchair users.

Bicycles and Micro-Mobility

• Non-Folding Bikes: Standard bicycles with rigid frames are not permitted on Avlo trains. The train cars do not have bike hooks or designated bicycle storage zones.
• Folding Bikes: Allowed only if completely folded, pedals removed or retracted, handlebars secured, and the entire bike sealed in a protective travel bag. The bag must fit within the dimensional limits of either a cabin bag or a paid extra luggage allowance.
• Electric Scooters (VMP Ban): Renfe bans all personal electric mobility vehicles-such as electric kick-scooters, monowheels, and hoverboards-across its entire rail network, including Avlo. This rule prevents fire risks associated with lithium-ion traction batteries. Non-electric, manual push-scooters remain allowed if folded and bagged.

Mobility Aids and Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, walking frames, and other mobility aids for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility travel free of charge. These devices do not count toward your ticketed baggage limits. Passengers who require specialized boarding assistance or an accessible seat (Plaza H) can arrange support in advance through Renfe's Adif Acerca service.

On-Board Storage and Station Security Checks

Unlike air travel, Avlo does not check bags into a separate cargo hold. Passengers carry and manage their own belongings from the station concourse directly to their seats.

1. Adif Station Scanner Checkpoints

At Spanish high-speed railway stations-such as Madrid Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes, Barcelona Sants, and Valencia Joaquín Sorolla-passengers must pass their luggage through an X-ray scanner before reaching the platforms.

• No Liquid Restrictions: Railway security does not enforce the airport 100 ml liquid rule. You can carry full-sized water bottles, perfumes, and packaged food items.
• Security Scope: The scanner checks for weapons, sharp objects, and dangerous items.
• Operator Separation: Adif manages the security checkpoints, while Avlo staff manage boarding lines and verify ticketed baggage allowances right before platform entry.

2. Platform Boarding Times

Avlo boarding access gates close 2 minutes before departure. Because travelers must clear the Adif security line and then pass through Avlo ticket checks, plan to arrive at the station at least 30 to 45 minutes ahead of your train's scheduled departure time.

3. Using On-Board Luggage Racks

Avlo operates high-density train sets (Talgo Series 112 and Series 106 Avril). Storage is divided into specific areas:

• Overhead Parcel Bins: Run continuously down the car ceiling above the seats. Designed for 55 cm cabin bags laid flat.
• Under-Seat Cavities: Best for backpacks and personal bags up to 25 cm thick.
• Car-End Luggage Towers: Large, tiered metal racks positioned inside the carriage entrance. These hold paid oversized luggage (up to 85 cm) that cannot safely fit into overhead shelves.

Avlo vs. Standard Renfe AVE Luggage Rules

While Avlo is owned and run by Renfe, its baggage rules are much stricter than standard Renfe AVE or Alvia trains.

When comparing European and regional rail luggage models, see the Brightline Luggage Policy to learn how private intercity rail manages checked bags, or review the open baggage approach in the Deutsche Bahn Luggage Policy.

Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage on Avlo

Passengers remain responsible for their own bags while on board Avlo trains. The train operator does not take custody of carry-on items and is not liable for items that are misplaced, stolen, or accidentally swapped by other passengers.

1. Lost Property on Board: Items left on the train are gathered by end-of-line cleaning crews and brought to the Adif Lost Property Office (Oficina de Objetos Perdidos) at the terminal station.
2. Submitting an Inquiry: Travelers should contact the Adif customer service desk at their arrival station or submit a claim through the Renfe Lost Property web portal with their train number, car number, seat number, and bag description.
3. Retrieval Requirements: You must show a valid government-issued photo ID (passport, national ID, or driver's license) and describe the bag's contents to collect an item.

Before you travel

Avlo Luggage Preparation Checklist

Follow these steps before heading to the train station to prevent unexpected gate fees or boarding delays.

• Measure your personal bag. Ensure your backpack or purse does not exceed 36 x 27 x 25 cm so it slides easily under the forward seat.
• Check cabin bag dimensions. Confirm your suitcase is no larger than 55 x 35 x 25 cm, including wheels and handles, to fit overhead shelves.
• Book extra luggage early. If traveling with a large suitcase (up to 85 x 60 x 35 cm), purchase the add-on online in advance to avoid high platform desk surcharges.
• Leave electric scooters at home. Do not attempt to travel with electric kick-scooters or hoverboards, as Renfe bans them completely.
• Keep essential items in your personal bag. Carry travel documents, medications, chargers, and electronics with you rather than leaving them in vestibule luggage stacks.
• Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Budget extra time to clear the Adif X-ray baggage scanners and reach the Avlo boarding barrier before it closes 2 minutes prior to departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many bags can I take on Avlo for free?

Every Avlo ticket includes two free carry-on items: one personal item (maximum 36 x 27 x 25 cm) and one cabin suitcase (maximum 55 x 35 x 25 cm).

Does Avlo have a baggage weight limit?

Avlo does not set a specific kilogram weight limit on included luggage. However, you must be able to lift, carry, and place your bags into the overhead racks without assistance from train staff.

Can I bring a large suitcase on Avlo?

Yes, but large suitcases (up to 85 x 60 x 35 cm or 180 cm total) are not included in the base ticket. You must purchase an Extra Baggage add-on online before departure or pay a higher rate at the station.

Are electric scooters allowed on Avlo trains?

No. Renfe enforces a network-wide ban on personal electric mobility vehicles (including electric scooters, hoverboards, and unicycles) on all services due to battery fire risks.

What happens if my bag is too big at the boarding gate?

If an unbooked bag exceeds cabin dimensions or increases your total piece count, Avlo staff will charge an extra luggage fee at the platform entrance. If train storage is full, the bag may be refused.

Can I carry liquids through Avlo station security?

Yes. Train station security in Spain (run by Adif) does not enforce the 100 ml liquid rule used at airports. You can carry full-sized drink bottles and toiletries.

Can I bring a baby pram on Avlo without paying extra?

Yes. Travelers with infants or small children may bring one fully foldable pushchair or pram for free. It must be collapsed and placed in the luggage racks on board.

Are regular bicycles allowed on Avlo trains?

No. Standard, non-folding bicycles cannot be brought on Avlo trains. Only folding bikes packed inside a dedicated transport bag within luggage size limits are accepted.

Baggage policies can change based on route, train type, and ticket conditions. The operating transport company's official regulations and conditions of carriage always prevail over third-party summaries.