A new high-speed rail line between Madrid and Lisbon is set to change travel across Southern Europe. Expected to be operational by 2030, this ambitious project will drastically reduce the travel time between the two capitals, from over 10 hours to just three. The rail link promises a faster, more sustainable alternative to air travel, offering significant benefits for both the environment and regional tourism.
The European Commission has officially approved the project, marking the return of direct rail service between Madrid and Lisbon. This follows the end of the overnight train service by Spain’s Renfe five years ago. To make the rail system compatible with Portugal’s infrastructure, Renfe is investing €15 million to address technical aspects such as electrical voltages and signaling systems between the two countries. These upgrades are crucial to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the rail network.
While the full three-hour journey will be completed by 2030, major milestones will bring changes to travel before then. In 2025, a 100-kilometer stretch between Elvas and Evora will be finished, cutting travel time between Badajoz and Lisbon by more than 90 minutes. This will make the trip under two hours. Additionally, the time between Lisbon and Porto will be reduced to just 90 minutes, improving regional connectivity and making trains the preferred choice for domestic travel.
By 2027, a six-hour rail journey between Lisbon and Madrid will be available, with a stop in Badajoz. This will provide passengers with a preview of the faster, three-hour trip that will follow once the full line is complete. The project will also expand beyond the capitals. Future phases will connect regions in northwestern Spain, including Vigo, Santiago, and A Coruña, along with a new rail route linking Salamanca and Porto. These extensions will open up less-traveled areas, helping to manage tourist congestion in Spain and Portugal’s popular destinations.
This rail link is part of a broader effort to improve sustainable transportation in Europe. In Portugal, a new international airport is being built in Alcochete, about 40 kilometers from Lisbon. The new airport, set to replace the crowded Humberto Delgado Airport, will meet growing demand for international travel. Expected to open by 2034, the new facility will further enhance Portugal’s connectivity and attract more visitors.
Together, the high-speed rail project and airport expansion will create a more efficient, sustainable transportation network across the Iberian Peninsula. This project is not just about improving travel between Madrid and Lisbon, but also about opening new economic opportunities, promoting regional tourism, and providing a cleaner alternative to air travel. It is a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable Europe, bringing lasting benefits to Spain, Portugal, and beyond.
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