In a significant global expansion push, Indian travel technology company ixigo has inked a strategic deal to acquire a 60% stake in Spain-based train ticketing platform Trenes for approximately €11.70 million (around ₹125 crore). This marks ixigo’s first major overseas acquisition and underscores its ambition to establish a meaningful presence in Europe’s competitive travel market.
Founded in 2007, ixigo—operated by Le Travenues Technology Limited—has grown into one of India’s leading online travel agencies, offering bookings across flights, trains, buses, hotels, and cabs through its popular apps, including ixigo, ConfirmTkt and AbhiBus. Over the years, the company has focused heavily on technology-led innovation, especially in AI-powered travel solutions, helping millions of Indian users plan and book trips seamlessly.
Strategic Entry Into Europe
The acquisition of Trenes, formally known as Online Travel Solutions, S.L., marks a strategic milestone as ixigo enters the European rail travel ecosystem. Trenes is among Spain’s prominent online train ticketing aggregators, serving domestic travellers and regional connections through partnerships with local rail operators.
Under the deal, ixigo will purchase 6,000 equity shares representing 60% of Trenes’ share capital. Once the transaction is completed, Trenes will become a step-down subsidiary of Le Travenues Technology Limited. Importantly, ixigo also retains the option to acquire the remaining stake in the future, subject to commercial agreements and regulatory approvals, potentially by March 2026.
Trenes has posted steady financial growth over the past few years, with reported revenue of approximately €5.49 million in FY25, reflecting strong traction in Spain’s robust rail travel market. Spain, known for its high-speed rail network and well-integrated transport systems, offers significant opportunities for digital ticketing platforms.
Strengthening Technology and Global Presence
This deal is not just about geographic expansion. It aligns with ixigo’s long-term strategy of combining strong technology capabilities with scalable travel platforms. By integrating its data-driven approach and AI-powered features with Trenes’ local expertise, ixigo aims to enhance customer experience, drive operational efficiencies, and tap into new revenue streams across Europe.
Alongside the Trenes acquisition, ixigo has also approved the purchase of a 45.02% stake in Squad As Service, S.L. (Sqaas), an early-stage AI technology company. The move further reinforces ixigo’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to improve personalization, pricing intelligence, and travel recommendations.
A Big Step for Indian Travel Tech
ixigo’s move reflects a broader trend of Indian tech startups expanding globally. Europe’s rail sector represents a mature and high-volume market, making it a strategic choice for international expansion. With this acquisition, ixigo positions itself among the few Indian travel platforms venturing into European rail distribution.
For Indian users and investors, this development signals confidence in the company’s growth story beyond domestic borders. As regulatory approvals and procedural formalities progress, ixigo’s entry into Spain could serve as a launchpad for broader European operations in the coming years.
With a clear technology-first approach and a growing international footprint, ixigo appears set to write the next chapter of its journey—from being an Indian rail and travel booking favourite to emerging as a global travel technology player.