Spain - General Information: Difference between revisions

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* ''Media Distancia'' - Interurban local services  
* ''Media Distancia'' - Interurban local services  
* ''Larga Distancia'' - Long distance  
* ''Larga Distancia'' - Long distance  
* ''AVE'' - High speed trains using the Madrid - Valladolid - León, Madrid - Medina del Campo - Zamora - Ourense, Madrid - Córdoba - Sevilla/Malaga/Granada, Madrid - Zaragoza - Barcelona - Perpignan, Madrid - Zaragoza - Huesca, Madrid - Cuenca - València/Albacete and Madrid - Toledo lines.
* ''AVE'' - High speed trains using the Madrid - Valladolid - León/Burgos, Madrid - Medina del Campo - Zamora - Ourense, Madrid - Córdoba - Sevilla/Malaga/Granada, Madrid - Zaragoza - Barcelona - Perpignan, Madrid - Zaragoza - Huesca, Madrid - Cuenca - València/Alacant/Murcia and Madrid - Toledo lines.


RENFE launched a low-cost ''Avlo'' high speed service between Madrid and Barcelona in June 2021. Madrid to València services started on 21 February 2022.
RENFE launched a low-cost ''Avlo'' high speed service between Madrid and Barcelona in June 2021. Madrid to València services started on 21 February 2022.
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===Other Operators===
===Other Operators===
The ''Elipsos'' agreement between SNCF and RENFE, which has been the basis for cross-border services between France and Spain, will formally end at the end of 2022.<br />
* ''Ouigo'', a separate subsidiary company of SNCF (French Railways), started running between Madrid and Barcelona from 10 May 2021.<br />
''Ouigo'', a separate subsidiary company of SNCF (French Railways), started running trains between Madrid and Barcelona from 10 May 2021.<br />
* ''Iryo'', the brand name of ILSA, a joint venture of Trenitalia and Air Nostrum, started running between Madrid and Barcelona from 25 November 2022, to València on 16 December 2022 and to Málaga and Sevilla on 31 March 2023. Madrid - Albacete and Alicante/Alacant services are scheduled to start on 2 June 2023.
''Iryo'' has been unveiled as the brand name of high speed operator ILSA, a joint venture of Trenitalia and Air Nostrum. Services are expected to start in late 2022 between Madrid and Barcelona, València, Alacant, Málaga and Sevilla.
 
The ''Elipsos'' agreement between SNCF and RENFE, which was the basis for cross-border services between France and Spain, formally ended at the end of 2022.


==Languages==
==Languages==
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==Timetable==
==Timetable==
===Journey Planner===
===Journey Planner===
* By January 2022  [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/horarios RENFE Main line services] This defaults to a drop-down list of just principal departure and arrival stations and only searches for direct services. For a more comprehensive station list see next paragraph. A previous option of 'Make the same journey with a change of trains' appears to have disappeared.  
* The planner for [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/horarios RENFE Main line services] defaults to a drop-down list of principal departure and arrival stations.  
* To make a query on all stations (except those ''only'' served by Cercanias) first load [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/horarios the main line services JP] and then in the bottom right click on ''Ver todas las estaciones''. This should take you to an alphabet, chose the relevant letter to select your departure station which will be loaded into your query. Note this defaults to only show stations served by direct services from your selected departure point so if your destination is not shown, click on ''lista completa de estaciones".
* To make a query on all stations ('''except''' those served '''only''' by Cercanias (suburban) services) use  [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/informacion-util/horarios the main line services planner] and click on ''Ver todas las estaciones'' in the bottom right hand corner. This brings up an alphabetical list of stations. Click on the relevant letter and select the departure station. The system defaults to showing only stations served by direct services from the selected departure station. If the destination is not shown, click on ''lista completa de estaciones''.


Also note neither option above will offer any ''Cercanías'' (suburban) services, even for such a long and infrequently served rural route as [Murcia -] Lorca Sutullena - Águilas. A separate query of the "''Cercanias'' services" is required as below.  
'''Note''' (a) neither option will initially advise if the potential journey is disrupted, e.g. long term engineering works. This will only be revealed if 'Query and Buy' is selected: a warning triangle then appears to the left of the ticket options and hovering the cursor over the triangle will reveal the issue, ''El servicio... autobus etc, etc'' <br >
(b) requesting "Query and Buy" frequently results in the screen hanging and no answer displayed. Once this occurs click on the basket for "Internet Price" immediately above "Query and Buy" and a different screen displays any warning triangle, plus prices for all journeys deemed possible that day, not just the requested service...  


* [http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/ RENFE ''Cercanías'' services] then select the region required. This now includes the former FEVE services.
Note that some surprisingly long routes are served only by ''Cercanías'' (suburban) services, so these should be checked if a station cannot be found in the journey planner. The longest is probably the 112 km long, rural Murcia - Lorca Sutullena - Águilas route, at present under long term closure as much of it is being rebuilt as part of the Murcia - Almeria high speed line.
* EuskoTren: [http://www.euskotren.eus/es/ euskotren] and choose the mode of transport required.
* [http://www.fgc.net/eng/index.asp FGC] (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya).


**None of the RENFE JP's are very user friendly, plus they have been proved to provide out of date information so an alternative source of apparently accurate information is [https://www.adif.es/inicio the ADIF website]. Enter a station name and further down the answer page is a tab for departures and arrivals but only forward from the time of your search. This is by Cercanias or AVE/Medium or Long distance, not both...
* [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban RENFE ''Cercanías'' services] then select the region required.
* [https://www.renfe.com/es/es/cercanias/cercanias-am/horarios Cercanías AM (Ancho Métrico)] the metre gauge former FEVE services along the north coast.
* [http://www.euskotren.eus/es/ Euskotren] Euskadi - the Basque Region. Choose the mode of transport required.
* [http://www.fgc.net/eng/index.asp FGC] Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya.
 
For stations which are hard to find, an alternative source of apparently accurate information is [https://www.adif.es/inicio the ADIF website]. Enter the station name; further down the page this brings up is a tab showing departures and arrivals, but only forward from the time of your search. This gives either Cercanias or AVE/Media Distancia services, but not both...
 
As at September 2022 RENFE was in the process of launching a new App named ''dōcō'', which will encompass travel by train, taxi, motorcycle, scooter and hire car, and in the future Metro, bicycle and bus. It will apparently enable users to choose parameters such as the fastest journey or the most sustainable and then suggest routes and modes of transport.


===Downloadable Timetable===
===Downloadable Timetable===
* RENFE: No known downloadable timetable is available for RENFE.
* RENFE: No known downloadable timetable is available for RENFE.
* RENFE former FEVE services: None available but basic journey planner at the [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/feve/ RENFE FEVE Page]. For up to date information, also use the RENFE journey planner.
* RENFE Ancho Métrico - the former FEVE lines: the downloadable timetable seems to have been discontinued.
* EuskoTren: [https://www.euskotren.eus/en/tren/horarios Horarios de Tren] and select the line required.  
* EuskoTren: [https://www.euskotren.eus/en/tren/horarios Horarios de Tren] and select the line required.  
* FGC: [http://www.fgc.net/eng/cercador.php Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya].
* FGC: [https://rodalies.gencat.cat/en/horaris/tots-els-horaris/ Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya] Select the required line from the list.
* FGV (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana):  ex FEVE Lines around Valencia [https://www.metrovalencia.es/en/timetables-journeys/ here], or Tram/Train from Alicante via Benidorm to Dénia. For the latter there is no timetable per se, just a list of departures from [https://www.tramalicante.es/en/timetables-journeys/ Station Timetables] on their [https://www.tramalicante.es/en/check-schedules/ Journey Planner] page.
* SFM: [http://www.trensfm.com/ Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca] Click on 'ENG' then the 'Timetables / Fares' tab.
* SFM: [http://www.trensfm.com/ Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca] Click on 'ENG' then the 'Timetables / Fares' tab.


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===Engineering and Current Performance Information===
===Engineering and Current Performance Information===
* Engineering
* Engineering
** ADIF: [https://www.adif.es/estado-de-la-red Current and future closures]
** ADIF: [https://www.adif.es/estado-de-la-red Current closures] and a list of disrupted services.
** RENFE: Some information is provided (only in Spanish/Catalan/Basque) in the [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/renfe-group/communication/renfe-today/alerts Renfe al día/Avisos] page.  
** RENFE: Some information is provided in English on the 'Alerts' page but it is extremely limited and may apply only to international traffic with France. Use the [https://www.renfe.com/es/es/grupo-renfe/comunicacion/renfe-al-dia/avisos Renfe al día/Avisos] page in Spanish, select the required region and, if necessary, translate it by means of Google Translate.  
** RENFE former FEVE services: Limited information at the [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/feve/ RENFE FEVE Page].  
** RENFE former FEVE services: Limited information at the [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/feve/ RENFE FEVE Page].  
** EuskoTren: Some information is provided (only in Spanish) on the [https://www.euskotren.eus/tren/noticias Noticias  page].
** EuskoTren: [https://www.euskotren.eus/en/tren/news The Noticias  page].
* Current Performance Information  
* Current Performance Information  
** [http://positren.nebulacodex.com/?pos=40.416879,-3.703219,6 Positrén] gives a map of the network showing the location of trains. Click on a train symbol to find its location or on a station for real time arrivals and departures.
** [http://positren.nebulacodex.com/?pos=40.416879,-3.703219,6 Positrén] gives a map of the network showing the location of trains. Click on a train symbol to find its location or on a station for real time arrivals and departures.
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===Printed Maps===
===Printed Maps===
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-E | European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition)]] by M.G. Ball.
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-ES-PT | European Railway Atlas (Regional Series - Spain and Portugal)]] by M.G. Ball.
*[[Printed Maps#ERA-R-| European Railway Atlas (Regional Atlas Series, Book 1: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg)]] by M.G. Ball.


===Web-based Maps===
===Web-based Maps===
*A map dated 2022 is available on [https://www.geotren.es/blog/mapa-actualizado-de-la-infraestructura-ferroviaria-de-espana-en-el-ano-2022/ Geotren].
*A map dated 2022 is available on [https://www.geotren.es/blog/mapa-actualizado-de-la-infraestructura-ferroviaria-de-espana-en-el-ano-2022/ Geotren].
*Useful maps exist on ADIF's [http://www.adif.es/en_US/conoceradif/doc/20210310_02_NS_ADIF_Maps.pdf "network statement"] PDF file.
*Useful maps exist on ADIF's [https://www.adif.es/sobre-adif/conoce-adif/declaracion-sobre-la-red Network Statement] page: scroll down to "Mapas de la Red Ferroviaria de Interés General" for the link to a downloadable PDF file plus elsewhere on their website [https://www.adif.es/informacion-al-usuario/mapa here].
*Thorsten Büker's [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_iberian-peninsula.php Iberia Map], with enlargements for [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_barcelona-area.php Barcelona] and [http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/maps_madrid-area.php Madrid]. Although these remain on-line, the Büker maps are no longer being maintained regularly. Version date March 2018.
*Thorsten Büker's [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/spain_portugal.html Iberia Map], with enlargements for [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/barcelona.html Barcelona] and [https://websites.umich.edu/~yopopov/rrt/railroadmaps/madrid.html Madrid]
* Some useful maps and plans are available on the [http://www.vialibre-ffe.com/docu_ind_desca.asp?cat=do07 ''via libre''] website but last additions/upload dates are 2015.
* Some useful maps and plans are available on the [http://www.vialibre-ffe.com/docu_ind_desca.asp?cat=do07 ''via libre''] website but last additions/upload dates are 2015.
*[[Maps and Plans#Spain|Maps and Plans - Spain]].
*[[Maps and Plans#Spain|Maps and Plans - Spain]].
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==Ticketing==
==Ticketing==
Following the fiasco of the new rolling stock for the FEVE network being too large for the tunnels on the network, it was announced that travel on the network in the Asturias and Cantabria will be free of charge until the new stock starts coming into service in early 2026.
===Conventional Tickets===
===Conventional Tickets===
Anybody contemplating travel in Spain is advised to make their reservations before leaving their home country to guarantee travelling on the train of their choice.
Anybody contemplating travel in Spain is strongly advised to make their reservations before leaving their home country to guarantee travelling on the train of their choice as one is necessary to travel on any train other than Regional or Cercanías services.  


A reservation is necessary to travel on any train other than Regional or Cercanías services. At most main stations access to platforms used by long-distance trains is possible only upon production of a valid reservation. At busy times trains may become fully booked days in advance and standing passengers are not admitted. Tickets can be purchased through the [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html RENFE website]: foreign credit cards and addresses are accepted by the system. Reservations can also be made at main stations. Although the system is quite efficient, long queues can develop at the busier stations and it is often necessary to obtain a 'queue ticket'. Waiting times are generally much shorter early in the morning.
At most main stations access to platforms used by long-distance trains is possible only upon production of a valid reservation. At busy times trains may become fully booked days in advance and standing passengers are not admitted. Tickets can be purchased through the [http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html RENFE website]: foreign credit cards and addresses are accepted by the system. Reservations can also be made at main stations. Although the system is quite efficient, long queues can develop at the busier stations and it is often necessary to obtain a 'queue ticket'. Waiting times are generally much shorter early in the morning.


Conventional fares vary according to the type of train and time of travel. RENFE maintains a rigid distinction between the four passenger service divisions. If a through journey involves a connection between trains of different divisions, a separate ticket will be issued for each division's portion of the journey. Usually fares are more expensive at busy times, but on Madrid Cercanías services fares are higher at weekends. AVE passengers have a money-back guarantee if the train is more than five minutes late and refunds may be available in event of extreme lateness on other long-distance services.
Conventional fares vary according to the type of train and time of travel. RENFE maintains a rigid distinction between the four passenger service divisions. If a through journey involves a connection between trains of different divisions, a separate ticket will be issued for each division's portion of the journey. Note that when booking an inter-city journey, a free Cercanías (commuter) ticket can be requested for the networks in both the origin and destination or if quoted on it as a "Combinado Cercanias", the ticket barcode will open barriers.  


RENFE offers over 60's the annual [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepara-tu-viaje/descuentos/mayores-de-60 Tarjeta Dorada] (or [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/suburban/cercanias-feve/fares/discounts/over-60s this] for Cercanias and FEVE srvices) which gives significant discounts on ordinary fares. Unfortunately they are issued to non-Spaniards on a thin card, so cannot be used with ticket machines, which require a smart card for this purpose.
Usually fares are more expensive at busy times, but on Madrid Cercanías (commuter) services fares are higher at weekends. AVE passengers have a money-back guarantee if the train is more than five minutes late and refunds may be available in event of extreme lateness on other long-distance services.
 
RENFE offers over 60s the annual [or since at least early 2023] three year [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepara-tu-viaje/descuentos/mayores-de-60 Tarjeta Dorada] which gives significant discounts on ordinary fares, including on Cercanías and FEVE services. The Tarjeta Dorada reference number can be entered into ticket machines to obtain the discount, though some machines only display this option in the Spanish language setting but note on most Cercanias machines that the Tarjeta Dorada discount is only available by presenting a Spanish Resident "credit card" version, with no option offered when using the English language setting. Also note if you buy any paper Cercanias ticket that a small fee is added as it is has a chip and can be re-loaded [in the same Cercanias area of purchase] but whether a chip paper Tarjeta Dorada ticket can be reloaded is not known...
 
Tickets can be purchased on the RENFE Apps - there are separate Apps for 'Renfe Cercanías' (commuter) and 'Renfe' main line services. Experience shows that both require a good quality internet connection to work reliably. The Tarjeta Dorada reference number can be stored in the App for use by the registered user.


===Passes===
===Passes===
RENFE does not offer any type of network ticket. However, the [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepara-tu-viaje/abonos-ave-y-largadistancia/renfe-spain-pass RENFE Spain Pass] enables non-residents to purchase a predetermined number of journeys within one month at a flat rate, making it more economical to use it for long journeys. A ticket must still be obtained for the actual journey.<br />  
RENFE does not offer any type of network ticket. However, the [https://www.renfe.com/es/en/viajar/prepara-tu-viaje/abonos-ave-y-largadistancia/renfe-spain-pass RENFE Spain Pass] enables non-residents to purchase a predetermined number of journeys up to 10 within one month at a flat rate, but from the 2023 prices this is an option only if long high speed journeys are planned as it is more expensive than a One Country Pass. Note it has features potentially making it attractive but a ticket must still be obtained for the actual journey:<br/ >
It is slightly more expensive than a One Country Pass, but this is outweighed  by the other features:
*Purchase of the Pass itself and all train reservations can be made in advance from home.
*Purchase of the Pass itself and all train reservations can be made in advance from home.
*There are no additional booking fees or extra charges for trains requiring reservation, even for AVE services. In contrast most other passes are not valid on AVE services. Holders of other types of pass have to pay reservation fees, because these include compulsory travel insurance, and on certain long-distance trains may be able to obtain only a discounted fare.
*There are no additional booking fees or extra charges for trains requiring reservation, even for AVE services. In contrast most other passes are not valid on AVE services. Holders of other types of pass have to pay reservation fees, because these include compulsory travel insurance, and on certain long-distance trains may be able to obtain only a discounted fare.
*Unlike other passes, there are no quotas for Spain Pass holders. Reservations can be made on any train with available seats.
* Reservations can be made on any train with available seats. Unlike other passes, there are no quotas for Spain Pass holders; the number of seats available for other passes can be quite low, resulting in it being impossible to obtain a reservation.


==Infrastructure==
==Infrastructure==
===Infrastructure Authority===
===Infrastructure Authority===
* RENFE/FEVE: Infrastructure is owned and managed by a public authority, ''Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias'' ([http://www.adif.es ADIF]).
* RENFE/FEVE: Infrastructure is owned and managed by a public authority, ''Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias'' ([http://www.adif.es ADIF]).
* Basque REgion/Euskadi: [https://www.ets-rfv.euskadi.eus/portada-ets-es/ Euskal Trenbide Sarea - Red Ferroviaria Vasca (ETS-RFV)] is the infrastructure authority for the Basque Region.
* Basque Region/Euskadi: [https://www.ets-rfv.euskadi.eus/portada-ets-es/ Euskal Trenbide Sarea - Red Ferroviaria Vasca (ETS-RFV)] is the infrastructure authority for the Basque Region.
* Catalunya: Infraestructuras Ferroviàries de Catalunya [http://ifercat.gencat.cat/ IFERCAT]is the infrastructure authority for Catalunya.
* Catalunya: Infraestructuras Ferroviàries de Catalunya [http://ifercat.gencat.cat/ IFERCAT]is the infrastructure authority for Catalunya.


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Gauge is more of an issue in Spain than in any other European country. Most of the RENFE system is 1668 mm gauge but there is probably an unspoken ambition to convert the network to UIC (1435 mm) gauge; many main lines are now being renewed with dual gauge sleepers even where no 1435 mm gauge track exists there. RENFE operates freight and passenger rolling stock able to work on both 1668 mm and 1435 mm gauge lines.
Gauge is more of an issue in Spain than in any other European country. Most of the RENFE system is 1668 mm gauge but there is probably an unspoken ambition to convert the network to UIC (1435 mm) gauge; many main lines are now being renewed with dual gauge sleepers even where no 1435 mm gauge track exists there. RENFE operates freight and passenger rolling stock able to work on both 1668 mm and 1435 mm gauge lines.


The AVE high speed lines between Madrid and Sevilla/Malaga/Granada, Toledo, Madrid and León/Ourense (15km short of there), Madrid and Barcelona (- Girona - French border)/Huesca, and Madrid and Valencia/Albacete are 1435 mm gauge, as is also the new freight access to Morrot (Barcelona) port. The high speed line between Ourense and Santiago de Compostela is 1668 mm gauge but will be converted to 1435 mm gauge one day. The high speed line between Camp de Tarragona and Vandellós (SW of Tarragona) is 1435 mm gauge at its eastern end and 1668 mm gauge at its western end, which will be converted to mixed gauge.
The AVE high speed lines between Madrid and Sevilla/Malaga/Granada, Toledo, Madrid and Burgos/León/Ourense (15km short of there), Madrid and Barcelona (- Girona - French border)/Huesca, and Madrid and Valencia/Alacant/Murcia are 1435 mm gauge, as is also the new freight access to Morrot (Barcelona) port. The high speed lines between Ourense and Santiago de Compostela and between Plasencia and Caceres are 1668 mm gauge but will be converted to 1435 mm gauge one day. The high speed line between Camp de Tarragona and Vandellós (SW of Tarragona) is 1435 mm gauge at its eastern end and 1668 mm gauge at its western end, which will be converted to mixed gauge.


One track of the existing main line between Girona and Vilamalla (south of Figueres) has been converted to mixed gauge (with 1435 mm gauge passing loops), and similarly both tracks of the Mollet Sant Fost - Cerdanyola - El Papiol line, avoiding Barcelona, in order to provide access to Morrot port. The highest priority is now being given to converting the Barcelona - Tarragona - València - Silla "Mediterranean Corridor" to mixed gauge in order to serve the needs of freight, in particular fruit & vegetable traffic and the Ford plant at Almusafes, where the company plans to convert the internal network to 1435 mm gauge.
One track of the existing main line between Girona and Vilamalla (south of Figueres) has been converted to mixed gauge (with 1435 mm gauge passing loops), and similarly both tracks of the Mollet Sant Fost - Cerdanyola - El Papiol line, avoiding Barcelona, in order to provide access to Morrot port. The highest priority is supposedly converting the Barcelona - Tarragona - València - Silla "Mediterranean Corridor" to mixed gauge in order to serve the needs of freight, in particular fruit & vegetable traffic and the Ford plant at Almusafes, where the company plans to convert the internal network to 1435 mm gauge.


The former FEVE system and the branch north of Madrid between Cercedilla and Los Cotos are 1000 mm as are the Alicante, Bilbao, Valencia and Vitoria-Gasteiz tramways.
The former FEVE system and the branch north of Madrid between Cercedilla and Los Cotos are 1000 mm as are the Alicante, Bilbao, Valencia and Vitoria-Gasteiz tramways.
Line 124: Line 136:


=====Future Installations=====
=====Future Installations=====
{|
{| class="wikitable gch"
|'''Location''' ||'''In Service''' ||'''Type''' ||'''Usage'''
!Location!!In Service!!Type!!Usage
|-
|-
| Burgos Rosa de Lima  || Summer 2022? || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Basque region services
| Granada, Cerrillo de Maracena || 2024? || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Almeria ''Altaria'' services via Antequera SA
|-
|-
| 3 km north of Granada || 2022? || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Almeria ''Altaria'' services via Antequera SA
| Campomanes (North of Pajares tunnel) || 2024? || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Asturias region high speed services
|-
| Campomanes (N of Pajares tunnel) || 2023? || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Asturias region services
|}
|}


=====In Use (Oldest first)=====
=====In Use (Oldest first)=====
{|
{| class="wikitable gch"
|'''Location''' ||'''In Service''' ||'''Type''' ||'''Usage'''
!Location!!In Service!!Type!!Usage
|-
|-
|Cerbère ||1952 ||Axle changer ||Freights to & from France
|Cerbère ||1952 ||Axle changer ||Freights to & from France
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|Hendaye ||1950 ||Axle changer ||Freights to & from France
|Hendaye ||1950 ||Axle changer ||Freights to & from France
|-
|-
|Madrid Puerta de Atocha ||1992 ||Talgo ||Gijon/Santander - València/Alicante services and transfers to Las Matas.  Note that this installation will go out of use for passenger trains when the standard gauge tunnel through Madrid opens.
|Sevilla Majarabique ||1993 ||Talgo ||Was used for Madrid - Cádiz and Huelva services but thought to be now out of use.
|-
|Sevilla Majarabique ||1993 ||Talgo ||Madrid - Cádiz and Huelva  
|-
|-
|Plasencia de Jalón ||2003 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Pamplona and Logroño  
|Plasencia de Jalón ||2003 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Pamplona and Logroño  
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|Zaragoza-Delicias ||2003. Regular use from 15 September 2008. ||Talgo/CAF ||Barcelona - Salamanca/Galicia/Asturias/Basque region services. Also diesel unit transfers to workshops. Note: a plan for an installation at Miraflores, to the east of Zaragoza, was abandoned.
|Zaragoza-Delicias ||2003. Regular use from 15 September 2008. ||Talgo/CAF ||Barcelona - Salamanca/Galicia/Asturias/Basque region services. Also diesel unit transfers to workshops. Note: a plan for an installation at Miraflores, to the east of Zaragoza, was abandoned.
|-
|-
|Antequera-Santa Ana ||17 December 2006 ||2 x Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Algeciras services. Madrid - Granada services ceased in 2015.
|Antequera-Santa Ana ||17 December 2006 ||2 x Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Algeciras services. Madrid - Granada services ceased in 2015 and had no need to change gauge when they resumed.  
|-
|Madrid Chamartin ||2007 ||Talgo/CAF ||Gijon/Santander - València/Alicante services and transfers to Fuencarral. This installation will go out of use for passenger trains when the standard gauge tunnel through Madrid opens.
|-
|Valdestillas [south of Valladolid] ||22 December 2007 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Bilbao/Irún. Note that this installation will almost certainly go out of use when the high speed line to Burgos opens.
|-
|-
|Sevilla Majarabique ||15 June 2009, replacing one dating from 1999 ||CAF ||No regular use now that the Cádiz - Jaen high speed service has been withdrawn  
|Sevilla Majarabique ||15 June 2009, replacing one dating from 1999 ||CAF ||Madrid - Cádiz and Huelva, plus from 2 August 2021 the ''Torre del Oro'' Barcelona - Cádiz service. Was used by the Cádiz - Jaén high speed service, withdrawn after 27 July 2013.
|-
|-
|Acolea [east of Córdoba] ||15 June 2009 - 27 July 2013. In use again 5 October 2020 ||Talgo/CAF ||Cádiz - Jaen high speed service, which was withdrawn after 27 July 2013. However use resumed from 5 October 2020 by the Tore Oro Barcelona - Sevilla service.  
|Alcolea [east of Córdoba] ||15 June 2009 - 27 July 2013. In use again 5 October 2020 ||Talgo/CAF ||Cádiz - Jaén high speed service, which was withdrawn after 27 July 2013. However use resumed from 5 October 2020 by the ''Torre del Oro'' Barcelona - Sevilla service (extended beyond Sevilla to Cádiz from 2 August 2021).  
|-
|-
|València Joaquín Sorolla ||19 December 2010 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Castelló de la Plana '''Alvia''' (not AVE) services.  
|València Joaquín Sorolla ||19 December 2010 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Castelló de la Plana '''Alvia''' (not AVE) services.  
|-
|-
|Albacete ||19 December 2010 - 18 June 2013. In use again 17 September 2018 ||Talgo/CAF || Initially Madrid - Alacant & València Alvia services. Out of use after the high speed lines to these cities were opened. Not used by Madrid - Murcia/Cartagena services until 2018, when these became variable gauge Alvia trains.
|Albacete ||19 December 2010 - 18 June 2013. In use again 17 September 2018 ||Talgo/CAF || Initially Madrid - Alacant & València Alvia services. Out of use after the high speed lines to these cities were opened. Not used by Madrid - Murcia/Cartagena services until 2018, when these became variable gauge Alvia trains. Temporarily out of use from 13 September 2022 when through services between Madrid and Archena-Fortuna withdrawn for engineering work.  
|-
|-
| Vilecha [León] ||30 September 2015||Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Asturias services; Madrid services using the Iberian gauge platforms at León
| León Mercancias [at Vilecha] ||30 September 2015||Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Asturias services; high speed services to and from the Monforte de Lemos line
|-
|-
| Villamuriel de Cerrato [south of Palencia] ||30 September 2015||Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Cantabria (Santander) services
| Villamuriel de Cerrato [south of Palencia] ||30 September 2015||Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Cantabria (Santander) services
|-
|-
|Medina del Campo AVE ||17 December 2015 ||CAF ||Madrid - Salamanca services
|Medina del Campo AV ||17 December 2015 ||CAF ||Madrid - Salamanca services
|-
|-
| La Boella (Tarragona) || 13 January 2020  || 2 x Talgo/CAF || Barcelona - Valencia etc Euromed and Alvia services
| La Boella (Tarragona) || 13 January 2020  || 2 x Talgo/CAF || Barcelona - Valencia etc Euromed and Alvia services
|-
|-
| Taboadela (Ourense) || 21 December 2021 || Talgo || Madrid - Galicia services running beyond Ourense
| Taboadela (Ourense) || 21 December 2021 || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Galicia services running beyond Ourense
|-
| Burgos Rosa Manzano || 22 July 2022 || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Basque region (Bilbao/Irún) and Barcelona - Galicia services
|}
|}


=====Out of Use or Dismantled (Most recent first)=====
=====Out of Use for Passenger Traffic or Dismantled (Most recently out of use first)=====
{|
{| class="wikitable gch"
|'''Location''' ||'''In Service''' ||'''Type''' ||'''Usage'''
!Location!!In Service!!Type!!Usage
|-
| Valdestillas ||22 December 2007 - 22 July 2022 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Bilbao/Irún services. Out of use since opening of the high speed line to Burgos.
|-
| Madrid Chamartin ||2007 - 1 July 2022 ||Talgo/CAF ||Gijon/Santander - València/Alicante services. Out of use since opening of the standard gauge tunnel through Madrid and now disconnected.
|-
| Madrid Puerta de Atocha ||1992 - 1 July 2022 ||Talgo ||Gijon/Santander - València/Alicante services. Out of use since opening of the standard gauge tunnel through Madrid.
|-
|-
| Pedralba de la Pradería [NW of Zamora] || 27 October 2020 - 21 December 2021 || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Galicia services. Replaced by Taboadela  
| Pedralba de la Pradería [NW of Zamora] || 27 October 2020 - 21 December 2021 || Talgo/CAF || Madrid - Galicia services. Replaced by Taboadela  
Line 183: Line 195:
| León Clasificación ||30 September 2015 - 21 September 2021||Talgo/CAF || Asturias and Galicia services using the standard gauge platforms at León. Out of use since opening of the low level through station.
| León Clasificación ||30 September 2015 - 21 September 2021||Talgo/CAF || Asturias and Galicia services using the standard gauge platforms at León. Out of use since opening of the low level through station.
|-
|-
|Zamora ||1 February 2016 - 27 October 2020 ||Talgo||Madrid - Galicia services. Replaced by Pedralba de la Pradería.
|Zamora ||1 February 2016 - 27 October 2020 ||Talgo||Madrid - Galicia services. Replaced by Pedralba de la Pradería and now removed.
|-
|-
|Medina del Campo ||10 April 2008 - 1 February 2016 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Galicia services; diverted to new line from 1 February 2016  
|Medina del Campo ||10 April 2008 - 1 February 2016 ||Talgo/CAF ||Madrid - Galicia services; diverted to new line from 1 February 2016  
Line 205: Line 217:


===Electrification===
===Electrification===
The standard RENFE system is 3000 V dc.<br />
*The standard RENFE system is 3000 V dc.<br />
The AVE lines are 25 kV 50 Hz (including the broad gauge Ourense - Santiago de Compostela and upgraded Vigo - A Coruña lines), and also Medina del Campo AV - Salamanca. Salamanca - Vilar Formoso (Portuguese border) is planned to be completed in 2022.<br />
*The AVE lines are 25 kV 50 Hz (including the broad gauge Ourense - Santiago de Compostela and upgraded Vigo - A Coruña lines) and also the broad gauge Medina del Campo AV - Salamanca line. Salamanca - Vilar Formoso (Portuguese border) was planned to be completed in 2022 but was still in progress in late 2023. Ourense - Monforte de Lemos is still being converted from 3000 V DC to 25 kV AC as at March 2024. Monforte de Lemos - Lugo and the new Plasencia - Caceres - Mérida/Badajoz broad gauge line are being electrified at 25 kV.
Ourense - Monforte de Lemos is to be provided with 25 kV overhead in addition to the existing 3 kV, and Monforte de Lemos - Lugo electrified at 25 kV.
*The Euskotren and FEVE systems in northern Spain, the FGC metre- and standard-gauge lines in Catalunya, the Madrid Cercanias Cercedilla - Los Cotos line, Bilbao Metro and the SFM Mallorca system are all 1500 V dc.<br />
<br />
*Most tramway systems are 750 V dc.
The Euskotren and FEVE systems in northern Spain, the Madrid Cercanias Cercedilla - Los Cotos line, Bilbao Metro and the SFM Mallorca system are 1500 V dc.<br />
Most tramway systems are 750 V dc.


===Rule of the road===
===Rule of the road===
Line 219: Line 229:
[[Media:RENFE_List_of_Lines_and_Stations.pdf | A list of stations and junctions by line number, with distances for each, dating from about 2009 is available here.]]
[[Media:RENFE_List_of_Lines_and_Stations.pdf | A list of stations and junctions by line number, with distances for each, dating from about 2009 is available here.]]


Comprehensive information for the high speed network exists on the  [http://www.ferropedia.es/wiki/Categor%C3%ADa:L%C3%ADneas_de_Alta_Velocidad_en_Espa%C3%B1a Ferropedia] website.
Comprehensive information for the high speed network exists on the  [https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Categoría:Ferropedia Ferropedia] website.
 
Lists of current and former lines with km distances for stations at [http://www.fcmaf.es/ferrocarriles.htm Federación Castellano Manchega de Amigos del Ferrocarril ].


==Other railways==
==Other railways==
* Eusko Tren (Eusko Trenbideak, Ferrocarriles Vascos): Bilbao - Donostia [San Sebastían] - Hendaia [Hendaye]; Bilbao: Lutxana - Sondika; Kukullaga-Etxebarri - Sondika - Lezama; Amorebieta - Bermeo; Errekalde - Lasarte-Oria; Herrera - Altza; Bilbao Metro line 3: 1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc.
* [https://www.euskotren.eus/en Eusko Tren] (Eusko Trenbideak, Ferrocarriles Vascos): Bilbao - Donostia [San Sebastían] - Hendaia [Hendaye]; Bilbao: Lutxana - Sondika; Kukullaga-Etxebarri - Sondika - Lezama; Amorebieta - Bermeo; Errekalde - Lasarte-Oria; Herrera - Altza; Bilbao Metro line 3: 1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc.
* Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC): Local services around Barcelona, principally Plaça d'Espanya to Igualada and Manresa (1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc) and Plaça de Catalunya to Terrassa and Sabadell (1435 mm gauge, 1200 V dc), plus the rack lines Ribes de Freser - Núria  in the Pyrenees and Monistrol - Montserrat ( both 1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc) and the Lleida - Pobla de Segur branch, recently taken over from RENFE. Also freight-only branches Manresa to Suria and Sallent, and San Boi de Llobregat to Barcelona Docks [Morrot] (1000 mm gauge, diesel).  
* [https://www.fgc.cat/en/ Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya] (FGC): Local services around Barcelona, principally Plaça d'Espanya to Igualada and Manresa (1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc) and Plaça de Catalunya to Terrassa and Sabadell (1435 mm gauge, 1200 V dc), plus the rack lines Ribes de Freser - Núria  in the Pyrenees and Monistrol - Montserrat ( both 1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc) and the Lleida - Pobla de Segur branch, taken over from RENFE in 2016. Also freight-only branches Manresa to Suria and Sallent, and San Boi de Llobregat to Barcelona Docks [Morrot] (1000 mm gauge, diesel).  
* Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) operates a network in Valencia (1000 mm gauge, 1500/750 V dc). Apart from sections of the Valencia tramway, these were converted from former FEVE lines, connected via new city centre through "metro" routes. Also Alacant - Creueta (1000 mm gauge, 750 V dc) and El Creueta - Benidorm - Dénia (electrification at 1500V dc in progress from Creueta, 1000 mm gauge).  
* [https://www.fgv.es/ Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana] (FGV) operates a network in Valencia (1000 mm gauge, 1500/750 V dc). Apart from sections of the Valencia tramway, these were converted from former FEVE lines, connected via new city centre through "metro" routes. Also Alacant - Creueta (1000 mm gauge, 750 V dc) and El Creueta - Benidorm - Dénia (electrification at 750V dc in progress from Creueta, 1000 mm gauge).  
* Ferrocarril de Palma de Mallorca a Sóller: Palma - Sóller. 914 mm gauge. Electrified at 1200 V dc.  
* [https://trendesoller.com/eng/index Ferrocarril de Sóller]: Palma - Sóller (Mallorca). 914 mm gauge. Electrified at 1200 V dc.  
* Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM): Palma - Sa Pobla and Manacor (1000 mm gauge). Electrification at 1500V through to Manacor was completed by January 2019.
* [http://www.trensfm.com/ Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca] (SFM): Palma - Sa Pobla and Manacor (1000 mm gauge).


==Tourist Lines==
==Tourist Lines==
* The [http://museos.gijon.es/page/5284-museo-del-ferrocarril-de-asturias Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias] in Gijón has a short ~ 150 m dual 60/75 cm passenger carrying demonstration line for industrial locos.
* The [https://www.gijon.es/es/directorio/museo-del-ferrocarril-de-asturias Museo del Ferrocarril de Asturias] in Gijón has a short ~ 150 m dual 60/75 cm passenger carrying demonstration line for industrial locos.


* [http://www.gipuzkoakomuseoak.net/museos/museo.php?id=es&Nmuseo=1259068818 Museo Vasco del Ferrocarril] (Basque Railway Museum); Azpeitia - Lasao: 10 km; 1000 mm gauge. The infrastructure is managed by ETS - Euskal Trenbide Sarea - the infrastructure authority for the Basque Region.  
* [https://museoa.euskotren.eus/en Euskotren - Museo del ferrocarril] (Basque Railway Museum); Azpeitia - Lasao: 10 km; 1000 mm gauge. The infrastructure is managed by ETS - Euskal Trenbide Sarea - the infrastructure authority for the Basque Region.  


* El Ferrocarril Turístic de l'Alt Llobregat [http://www.ferrocarrilturistic.cat/ El Tren del Ciment]; La Pobla de Lillet - Museum del Ciment; 3.5 km; narrow gauge.
* El Ferrocarril Turístic de l'Alt Llobregat [https://turistren.cat/en/trenes/tren-del-ciment/ El Tren del Ciment]; La Pobla de Lillet - Museum del Ciment; 3.5 km; narrow gauge.


* El Tren de Arganda [https://www.vapormadrid.org/ Vapormadrid] in Arganda del Rey on the south east outskirts of Madrid. La Poveda - Laguna del Campillo; 3.5 km; narrow gauge.
* El Tren de Arganda [https://www.vapormadrid.org/ Vapormadrid] in Arganda del Rey on the south east outskirts of Madrid. La Poveda - Laguna del Campillo; 3.5 km; narrow gauge.


* [http://parquemineroutrillas.com/ Pargue Temático de la Minería y el Ferrocarril de Utrillas]: in Utrillas north east of Teruel; restored 3.2 km of the former mine line connecting the Santa Bárbara Pozo (shaft) with the Carbón Lavadero (washery); 600 mm gauge,   
* [https://parquemineroutrillas.com/ Pargue Temático de la Minería y el Ferrocarril de Utrillas]: in Utrillas north east of Teruel; restored 3.2 km of the former mine line connecting the Santa Bárbara Pozo (shaft) with the Carbón Lavadero (washery); 600 mm gauge,   


* Museo Minero y Ferroviario in the [http://parquemineroderiotinto.es/?lang=en/ Parque Minero de Riotinto]: 11 km of the former Rio Tinto mineral system; Talleres Mina - Los Frailes, north of Huelva; 1067mm gauge, .
* Museo Minero y Ferroviario in the [https://desarrollo.parquemineroderiotinto.es/ferrocarril-minero/ Parque Minero de Riotinto]: 11 km of the former Rio Tinto mineral system; Talleres Mina - Los Frailes, north of Huelva; 1067mm gauge, .


==Metro==
==Metro==
Line 254: Line 266:
*Malaga Metro at [https://metromalaga.es/en/ MM Website].
*Malaga Metro at [https://metromalaga.es/en/ MM Website].


*Palma Metro at [https://www.tib.org/en/web/ctm/metro/ Metro Palma].
*Palma Metro at [https://www.tib.org/en/linies-i-horaris/metro/-/linia/M1 Metro Palma].


*Sevilla Metro at [https://www.metro-sevilla.es/en/ Metro de Sevilla].
*Sevilla Metro at [https://www.metro-sevilla.es/en/ Metro de Sevilla].
Line 265: Line 277:


== Trams/LRT-Systems ==
== Trams/LRT-Systems ==
Alacant/Alicante, A Coruña (suspended since 2011), Barcelona, Bilbao, Cádiz-Jerez (Train-tram opening heavily delayed; no date known), Granada, Jaén (After brief operation in May 2011 resumption of service seems unlikely) Madrid, Murcia, Parla, Sevilla, Sóller (Mallorca), Tenerife, Valencia, Vitoria/Gasteiz, Zaragoza.
Alacant/Alicante, A Coruña (suspended since 2011), Barcelona, Bilbao, Cádiz (a 1668mm gauge tram/train which shares RENFE tracks between Cádiz and Rio Arillo and is part of the Cercanías network), Granada, Jaén (after a brief period of operation in May 2011, a resumption of services seems highly unlikely), Madrid, Murcia, Parla, Sevilla, Sóller (Mallorca), Tenerife, Valencia, Vitoria/Gasteiz, Zaragoza.


The Sóller tram, owned by the Ferrocarril de Sóller S.A., is more of a tourist operation.
The Sóller tram, owned by the Ferrocarril de Sóller S.A., is more of a tourist operation.


Track plans for the Alacant/Alicante, Madrid, Sóller and Valencia light rail and tram systems are available on the [http://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site]. Track plans for the Barcelona and Tenerife systems are available on the [https://cartometro.com/ cartometro.com site].
Track plans for the Alacant/Alicante, Madrid, Sóller and Valencia light rail and tram systems are available on the [https://www.gleisplanweb.eu/ Gleisplanweb site]. Track plans for the Barcelona and Tenerife systems are available on the [https://cartometro.com/ cartometro.com site].


Some links are also available on the [http://sinfin.net/railways/world/spain.html Sinfin.net site].
Some links are also available on the [http://sinfin.net/railways/world/spain.html Sinfin.net site].
Line 275: Line 287:
See also [[Spain_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Spain- Tram services over obscure routes]]
See also [[Spain_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Spain- Tram services over obscure routes]]


==Recent and future changes (most recent first)==
==Recent and Future Changes==
===Changes in 2024===
The contract for the new underground platforms at Atocha, serving the line to Chamartín, was awarded in early February.
 
===Changes in 2023===
* The León - Asturias high speed line between La Robla (Bif. Pajares) and Pola de Lena (- Oviedo), including the 24.6 km Pajares tunnel, opened to public traffic on 30 November 2023, following a ceremonial opening the previous day. It opened as a broad gauge line, but with some mixed gauge track installed. As at that date, from León to Bif. Pajares there were dual gauge sleepers but mostly with only broad gauge rails. From Bif. Pajares, dual gauge rails were fully installed, as far as could be observed. Where the new line joins the old line, just south of Pola de Lena, the new line was broad gauge only, but on gauge convertible sleepers. The old main line over the Pajares Pass remains in use by one Regional train a day each way between Valladolid and Gijón until at least 31 March 2024. It is unclear if, when the passenger service is eventually withdrawn, it will also close to freight traffic.
* The single track 1668 mm gauge Xàtiva - L’Alcúdia de Crespins - Moixent - La Encina line (re)opened on 9 September. Xàtiva - Moixent closed on 16 May 2022, when the Cercanias service from Valencia was withdrawn temporarily for engineering work on the line. The section west of Moixent closed on 20 May 1992 (when the double track 1668 mm gauge line between Xàtiva and La Encina opened); it has reopened as far as an end-on junction with the double track line, about 5 km east of La Encina. The double track line east of this point closed on 9 September for regauging to 1435 mm and conversion to a high speed line.
* The Huesca - Canfranc line is closed from 19 June until May 2024 for engineering work.
* The final section of the FGV Alicante/Alacant - Dénia line from Gata to Dénia reopened on 16 January.


===Changes in 2022===
===Changes in 2022===
* The line along the coast between Barcelona and Malgrat de Mar is suffering from coastal erosion. Rising sea levels have put its future in jeopardy. Sections have been washed away in recent years and it may have to be rebuilt further inland if it is to continue running. The section between La Pineda and Malgrat de Mar was replaced by bus services in April for this reason.
* The high speed line west from Orihuela towards Murcia opened on 20 December.
* Aranjuez - Cuenca, the last section of the 'classic' Aranjuez - Utiel (- Valencia) line, is under severe threat of closure. It was still running as at mid May. On 29 April the government sent formal letters to each of the municipalities served by the line, giving them 30 days to respond to the XCuenca Plan for final withdrawal of trains and implementation of bus substitution. These may have included a tacit inference that, if they want to retain the trains, some financial contribution will be required. So it may finally close at the end of May.
* The new 4.3 km section of 1668 mm gauge line in tunnel between El Clot Arago and Montcada opened on 11 December. The new Sant Andreu station opened, replacing the former Sant Andreu Comtal.
* The Ourense - Monforte de Lemos line closed on 21 November for conversion to 25 kV. It was scheduled to reopen in July 2023, but is not now due to open until April 2024.
* The heavily delayed ''Trambahía (Tranvía Metropolitano de la Bahía)'' 1668 mm gauge Cádiz tram-train system finally opened on 26 October. It shares the RENFE tracks from Cádiz to Rio Arillo and then diverges on a separate branch.
* The 1668 mm gauge line between El Clot Arago and Montcada closed on 17 September for work on the new route in tunnel
* Albacete - Archena-Fortuna closed temporarily on 13 September owing to engineering work in the Murcia area; however one pair of through broad gauge services (Madrid to Archena-Fortuna on Fridays, Archena-Fortuna to Madrid on Sundays) restarted from an unknown date. Archena-Fortuna to Murcia continued to be served by buses.
* Sevilla Cercanías line C-2 to Cartuja (which ceased running on 15 March 2020) reopened on 5 September.
* Madrid Cercanías line C-9 (the 18km long metre gauge Cercedilla - Los Cotos line, which ceased running on 15 March 2020) reopened on 3 September.
* The FEVE branch from El Berrón to Pola de Laviana closed to all traffic from 1 September until 15 March 2023 for track renewal. There will be partial closures between El Berron and Gijón from 1 September 1 2022 until 15 July 2023.
* The old single track Costablanca tunnel line between Martorell and Castellbisbal, closed in the 1980s, reopened on 20 August, enabling closure of the new double track line for conversion to mixed gauge.
* The (Valladolid -) Venta de Baños - Burgos high speed line (91.3 km, suitable for both passenger and freight traffic) opened on 22 July. It was supposed to be available for test running by summer 2018 but substandard work on Frandovínez viaduct required that to be demolished and rebuilt, delaying the opening by several years.
* Aranjuez - Cuenca, the last section of the 'classic' Aranjuez - Utiel (- Valencia) line, closed on 20 July, with trains being replaced by bus services.
* 44 km of the existing line between Cáceres and Bif. Peñas Blancas, north of Mérida, were permanently closed on 15 July to enable the new high speed line to be connected to the existing line southwards, in readiness for the public opening of a new section of the high speed line on 19 July. This is just a temporary phase, pending the opening of the next section south, the 'baipas Mérida', at some future date.
* The next section of the FGV Alicante/Alacant - Dénia line from Teulada to Gata re-opened on 13 July 2022.
* The 7km long third, standard gauge Madrid cross-city tunnel between Atocha and Chamartín, linking the existing AVE lines north and south of Madrid opened on 1 July, although initially it had no platforms at Atocha. The plans for Atocha include building new underground platforms serving the line to Chamartín. However, these will be in a box underneath the existing westernmost platforms, which required their temporary closure during the construction phase. This required that some services calling at Atocha were diverted during this period to reduce the demand for platform space. To accommodate this a “temporary” single track bore was constructed to the east of where the platform box will be. This enables some services from the south to be diverted to Chamartín but with no stop (or indeed platform or passenger access) at Atocha. The line involves use of three different signalling systems: LZB and ERTMS/ETCS Levels 1 and 2. Services to and from València and Alicante/Alacant were diverted in this way because they were the only ones that could access the tunnel. At the same time the second pair of tracks on the 28km section between Puerta de Atocha and Bif. Torrejón de Velasco (junction for the line to Valencia and Alicante/Alacant) was brought into use.
* The Valencia Cercanias line (route C2) between Xàtiva and Moixent closed on 16 May for the modernisation and electrification of the Xàtiva - L'Alcúdia de Crespins section.
* ''Avant'' regional high-speed services between Granada and Malaga started on 4 April, resulting in the opening to traffic of the south <> east curve at Antequera Santa Ana.
* ''Avant'' regional high-speed services between Granada and Malaga started on 4 April, resulting in the opening to traffic of the south <> east curve at Antequera Santa Ana.
* EuskoTran tram services started running over the 2.3 km section; Atxuri - Bolueta [former Euskotren tracks] from 25 March.
* EuskoTran tram services started running over the 2.3 km section; Atxuri - Bolueta [former Euskotren tracks] from 25 March.
* Owing to engineering work closing the line between Murcia and Archena-Fortuna, an additional high speed train was provided between Oruihuela and Madrid via Alicante from 28 February, thus opening the south - east curve at Monforte del Cid to passenger service.


===Changes in 2021===
===Changes in 2021===
Line 287: Line 322:
* Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara reopened on 15 December, with one train each way WFSuO, having been closed since probably 15 March 2020.
* Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara reopened on 15 December, with one train each way WFSuO, having been closed since probably 15 March 2020.
* The 1.6 km connection through the underground platform at León finally opened on 21 September. Restoration of the direct link between the Madrid line and the Oviedo line put an end to through traffic having to reverse at León or avoid it altogether and hence use of the León avoiding line [Sahagún (Bif. Rio Bernesga) – La Robla (Bif. Torneros)]. It also caused the reopening to passengers of the former route from León towards Astorga: Bif. Base León – Bif. Torneros – Bif. León.
* The 1.6 km connection through the underground platform at León finally opened on 21 September. Restoration of the direct link between the Madrid line and the Oviedo line put an end to through traffic having to reverse at León or avoid it altogether and hence use of the León avoiding line [Sahagún (Bif. Rio Bernesga) – La Robla (Bif. Torneros)]. It also caused the reopening to passengers of the former route from León towards Astorga: Bif. Base León – Bif. Torneros – Bif. León.
* Services to Almería, cut back to the former station of Huércal-Viator on on 14 November 2018, were reinstated 0n 28 July.
* The ''Torre del Oro'' Barcelona - Sevilla service was extended to Cádiz on 2 August.
* Special trains ran from Sevilla to Estadio Olimpico (on the now closed line C2 to Cartuja) on on 14 and 19 June for Euro 2020 football matches (deferred a year), so it is possible it might be used for major games in the future.
* Services to Almería, cut back to the former station of Huércal-Viator on on 14 November 2018, were reinstated on 28 July.
* Special trains ran from Sevilla to Estadio Olimpico (on the closed line C2 to Cartuja) on on 14 and 19 June for Euro 2020 football matches which had been deferred a year.
* The curve avoiding Santiago de Compostela, linking the high speed line from Ourense to the Vigo line, opened on 14 June.
* The curve avoiding Santiago de Compostela, linking the high speed line from Ourense to the Vigo line, opened on 14 June.
* Following a political agreement between the national government and the regional government of Andalucia on the use of the "variante de Aguadulce", the line between Osuna and Pedrera, which was breached on 21 October 2018 when a bridge was destroyed by floodwater, reopened on 31 May. Trains are now routed over the new line via the variante.
* Following a political agreement between the national government and the regional government of Andalucia on the use of the "variante de Aguadulce", the line between Osuna and Pedrera, which was breached on 21 October 2018 when a bridge was destroyed by floodwater, reopened on 31 May. Trains are now routed over the new line via the variante.
Line 295: Line 331:
* The Monforte el Cid - Elx - Murcia LAV opened between Monforte el Cid and PAET San Isidro (between Elche-Matola and Orihuela Miguel Hernández) on 1 February. Services run only between Madrid and Orihuela Miguel Hernández until the LAV into Murcia opens.
* The Monforte el Cid - Elx - Murcia LAV opened between Monforte el Cid and PAET San Isidro (between Elche-Matola and Orihuela Miguel Hernández) on 1 February. Services run only between Madrid and Orihuela Miguel Hernández until the LAV into Murcia opens.
* Heavy snow damaged the 'classic' Cuenca - Valencia line as a result of Storm Filomena. The Cuenca - Utiel section therefore closed on 9 January, with no replacement until a bus service was introduced in April.
* Heavy snow damaged the 'classic' Cuenca - Valencia line as a result of Storm Filomena. The Cuenca - Utiel section therefore closed on 9 January, with no replacement until a bus service was introduced in April.
===Changes in 2020===
* The Zamora - Pedralba de la Pradería (- Ourense) LAV opened on 27 October. The 1668 mm gauge line between Puebla de Sanabria and Pedralba de la Pradería thereby lost its passenger service.
* The '' 'Garcia Lorca' '' between Barcelona and Sevilla was renamed the '' 'Torre Oro' '' from 5 October and formed of variable gauge stock. This had the effect of reopening the line through the Alcolea gauge changer east of Còrdoba.
* part of the long term FGV closure for engineering works of the line to Dénia from Calp to Teulada reopened on 31 July
* The service between Cáceres and Valencia de Alcantara ceased on presumably 15 March, when the national lockdown started. It had not resumed as at November 2021 and is unlikely to do so.
* The Sevilla Cercanias line C2 to Cartuja ceased running on 15 March, when the national lockdown started. It is understood there is no intention of resuming regular services but there may be occasional football specials to Estadio Olimpico.
* Owing to modernisation work on the Toses tunnel, the service between Ribes de Freser and Puigcerdá/La Tour de Carol was bus substituted from 22 June.
* Avant services between Granada and Sevilla started on 16 February, reopening Loja station, but running via Córdoba.
* On 22 January the bridge over the river Tordera between Malgrat and Blanes, on the Barcelona - Mataro - Maçanet-Massanes line, was washed away. Services were bustituted between Malgrat and Blanes.
* The Camp de Tarragona - Vandellòs LAV opened on 13 January. The line east of La Boella is 1435 mm gauge but west of there is initially 1668 mm gauge with gauge convertible sleepers. The existing 1668 mm gauge line between Vandellós and Port Aventura closed on the same day.
===Changes in 2019===
* On 9 September Bermeo trains were diverted via the Bilbao Metro L3 line, thus withdrawing services between Bilbao Atxuri and Kukullaga.
* The Antequera Santa Ana - Granada line opened to traffic on 26 June 2019 but only for 1435 mm gauge high speed services. It comprises a ca 62 km 1435 mm gauge new line from Antequera Santa Ana to Venta del Rayo, with mixed 1435/1668 mm gauge on the existing line thence to Granada. The original 1668 mm gauge line closed to all traffic on 7 April 2015 for the conversion to mixed gauge. This (re)opening also resulted in withdrawal of the Talgo service between Granada and Madrid via the 'classic' main line, closing once again the curve between Moreda station and Bif. Almeria.
* The line between Bobadilla and Algeciras reopened from 14 May, having been closed since 21 October 2018 owing to storm damage.
* The Valencia ''Cercanias'' line (route C2) between L’Alcúdia de Crespins and Moixent, closed on 2 March 2010, reopened on 15 May.
* The ''Variante de Camarillas'', an 18.6 km cutoff between Agramón and Cieza on the Albacete - Murcia line, opened on 21 March. The former route via Calasparra closed completely on 2 March to allow the new line to be connected.
* SFM electric services from Enllaç to Manacor commenced on 8 January and the purely interchange station at Enllaç closed. All train services on Mallorca are now electric.


===Older Changes===
===Older Changes===
Line 320: Line 337:
===Future changes===
===Future changes===
====Standard gauge lines====
====Standard gauge lines====
* Work is in progress in January 2024 on an 8km extension of Galicia LAV northwards from Taboadela via the Rante tunnel to Seixalbo, where it will come alongside the 1668mm gauge line. The continuation north of Seixalbo (approximately the same length) to join the Monforte de Lemos line east of Ourense station appears not to be committed as yet.
* Work started in March 2022 on the 3.9 km link between the ''Trambaix'' and ''Trambesòs'' networks in Barcelona. Completion is planned in late 2023 and passenger service in the first quarter of 2024.
* Work started in March 2022 on the 3.9 km link between the ''Trambaix'' and ''Trambesòs'' networks in Barcelona. Completion is planned in late 2023 and passenger service in the first quarter of 2024.
* León-Asturias high speed line: La Robla - Pola de Lena (- Oviedo) including the Pajares tunnels, was originally scheduled to enter service in 2014. However, signalling and electrification contracts were awarded only in 2014, and the project has been subject to many issues: geological, funding and indecision on which gauge to use. It is now to be a  standard gauge tunnel, with one track mixed gauge and a gauge changer at Campomanes, south of Pola de Lena. Further delays were caused by a landslide at Campomanes. A diesel laboratory test train ran through the tunnel on 20 September 2021, the first train to do so. However, electrification, signalling, telecommunications and automatic train protection systems have yet to be installed, so the suggested opening in 2023 seems most unlikely.
* Palencia - Reinosa (- Santander) high speed line: work started on the Palencia - Alar del Rey section in July 2021. On 12 March 2024 drafting of the project for the 51.4km Alar de Rey - Reinosa section was approved.
* Almería - Murcia high speed line: in September 2021 tenders were invited for the 31 km Lorca - Pulpí section, one of the last outstanding stretches on this line.
* Murcia - Almería high speed line: in September 2021 tenders were invited for the 31 km Lorca - Pulpí section, one of the last outstanding stretches on this line. ADIF is forecasting completion of the track work to Almería in 2024. Electrification work between Murcia and Lorca started in mid 2023.
* València and Castelló de la Plana: work should have started in 2019 on construction of this high speed line, which might be finished by 2022, although this seems most unlikely.
* València and Castelló de la Plana: work should have started in 2019 on construction of this high speed line,  
* The third, standard gauge Madrid cross-city tunnel between Atocha and Chamartín to link the existing AVE lines north and south of Madrid, was announced as opening during "in the second half of of 2020" but a year after this there is no news. This was the first time in ten years that the Government had committed to a specific date! When the new tunnel opens there will initially be no platforms at Atocha. The plans for Atocha include building new underground platforms serving the line to Chamartín. However, these will be in a box underneath the existing westernmost platforms, which will require their temporary closure during the construction phase. This requires that some services calling at Atocha are diverted during this period to reduce the demand for platform space. To accommodate this a “temporary” single track bore has been constructed to the east of where the platform box will be. This will enable some services from the south and east to be diverted to Chamartín but with no stop (or indeed platform or passenger access) at Atocha. It is understood that services to and from València will be diverted in this way.
* The (Valladolid -) Venta de Baños - Burgos high speed line (91.3 km, suitable for both passenger and freight traffic) was supposed to be available for test running by summer 2018 but substandard work on Frandovínez viaduct required it to be demolished and rebuilt. This was completed in 2019 and the required load tests were successfully carried out. Tracklaying, overhead wiring and signalling were to have been completed in the first quarter of 2020. Driver training was in progress in October 2020 and the line was expected to open in spring 2021. However, this is now expected in March 2022.
* A new curve is being built at Almodóvar del Río, to avoid ''Avant'' services between Sevilla and Granada/Málaga having to reverse at Córdoba. The projected opening date is not known.
* A new curve is being built at Almodóvar del Río, to avoid ''Avant'' services between Sevilla and Granada/Málaga having to reverse at Córdoba. The projected opening date is not known.
* It is understood that the Madrid - Almeria service will be diverted via the LAV to Granada and then the gauge changer to be built north east of there. This will very probably mean that Linares-Baeza - Moreda will lose its passenger service.
* It is understood that the Madrid - Almeria service will be diverted via the LAV to Granada and then the gauge changer at Cerrillo de Maracena, north east of Granada. This will very probably mean that Linares-Baeza - Moreda will lose its passenger service.
* The LAV between Orihuela Miguel Hernández and Murcia had not yet opened as at December 2021, following the opening towards Monforte el Cid.
* In April 2012 the Minister for Public Works announced that the Mediterranean Corridor was to be equipped for standard gauge freight traffic by converting one track of the existing main line to dual gauge. Castellbisbal (Barcelona) - Valencia was supposed to be in service by 2015 and Valencia - Alacant by 2016. However only in May 2019 were tenders invited for the work on the last section between Sagunto and Castellon. This was scheduled be completed in 2022, but this has not occurred.
* In April 2012 the Minister for Public Works announced that the Mediterranean Corridor was to be equipped for standard gauge freight traffic by converting one track of the existing main line to dual gauge. Castellbisbal (Barcelona) - Valencia was supposed to be in service by 2015 and Valencia - Alacant by 2016. However only in May 2019 were tenders invited for the work on the last section between Sagunto and Castellon. This should be completed in 2022.
* Following the opening of the line between Perpignan (France) and Figueres Vilafant, some sections of the Figueres – Barcelona line are available for through UIC gauge freight traffic but the others require freights to use interlaced track on the existing main line.
* Public consultation has started on the Burgos - Miranda de Ebro - Vitoria/Gasteiz line. The alignment has already been decided for the Burgos - Pancorbo section but there are six options for the Pancorbo - Vitoria/Gasteiz. Work is in progress on the 'Basque Y', the high speed line from Vitoria/Gasteiz to both Bilbao (90.8 km) and San Sebastián/Donostia (- Irún) (89.8 km from the start at Bergara to the French frontier). It is unclear what progress has been made on the construction and when the line(s) will open. The San Sebastian line will terminate between Hernani and Astigarraga, about 5 km south of San Sebastián. A contract was awarded in April 2016 to install mixed-gauge track between this point and and Irún. Consultation has also started on a line, suitable for both passenger and freight traffic, to connect the Basque Y with Pamplona. There are two options.
* Public consultation has started on the Burgos - Miranda de Ebro - Vitoria/Gasteiz line. The alignment has already been decided for the Burgos - Pancorbo section but there are six options for the Pancorbo - Vitoria/Gasteiz. Work is in progress on the 'Basque Y', the high speed line from Vitoria/Gasteiz to both Bilbao (90.8 km) and San Sebastián/Donostia (- Irún) (89.8 km from the start at Bergara to the French frontier). It is unclear what progress has been made on the construction and when the line(s) will open. The San Sebastian line will terminate between Hernani and Astigarraga, about 5 km south of San Sebastián. A contract was awarded in April 2016 to install mixed-gauge track between this point and and Irún. Consultation has also started on a line, suitable for both passenger and freight traffic, to connect the Basque Y with Pamplona. There are two options.


====1668 mm gauge lines====
====1668 mm gauge lines====
* Following the reopening of the Valencia Cercanias line between L’Alcúdia de Crespins and Moixent on 15 May 2019, it is thought that all services were to be diverted over this line whilst the parallel main line is closed for conversion to 1435 mm. However no information was available as at December 2021.
* The line between Chinchilla and Murcia, closed for engineering work since September 2022, '''may''' reopen in February 2024.  
* The first part of the Bay of Cádiz tram-train system was expected to open in 2018, but this had not occurred as at December 2021.
* On 29 June 2022, ADIF invited tenders for the extension of Madrid Cercanías line C-4B by ca. 10 km from Colmenar Viejo to Soto del Real. This would be a reopening to passengers of this section of the former ''Directo de Burgos''.
* Construction began in 2015 of a new 4.5 km rail link between Barcelona-El Prat Airport and El Prat de Llobregat. It was to be completed in 2018 but is now expected some time in 2022.  
* Martorell - Castellbisbal is being converted to mixed gauge
* Zaragoza - Teruel - Sagunt (Port). Upgrade work is in progress, including removal of speed restrictions between Teruel and Barracas and provision of more freight loops. This was to be completed in 2020. In January 2021 tenders were invited for electrification of the line at 25 kV 50 Hz in order to be compatible with the sections of high speed network designed for mixed traffic. The work was expected to take 24 months.
* Construction began in 2015 of a new 4.5 km rail link between Barcelona-El Prat Airport Terminal 1 and El Prat de Llobregat. It was to be completed in 2018 and was later expected some time in 2022. However, a contract for the trains was awarded only in September 2022, so it is unlikely to open until 2025.
* Following abandonment of the Madrid - Caceres - Merida - Badajoz (- Lisboa) high speed line, the Spanish section has been scaled back considerably. All that is being built is a single track unelectrified 1668 mm gauge Plasencia - Caceres - Badajoz ''"línea de altas prestaciones"'' ('high performance line'). This is at present under construction including connecting curves from the West enabling trains to either call at or avoid Plasencia. Opening was planned for 2019 but there was no sign of progress as at December 2021. Electrification of this isolated new Plasencia - Caceres - Badajoz section was planned to start in 2020.
* Zaragoza - Teruel - Sagunt (Port). Upgrade work is in progress, including removal of speed restrictions between Teruel and Barracas and provision of more freight loops. This was originally to be completed in 2020. In January 2021 tenders were invited for electrification of the line at 25 kV 50 Hz in order to be compatible with the sections of high speed network designed for mixed traffic. Seven new 740m long passing loops were commissioned in September 2023 and this will be followed by electrification work.
* There are plans to divert the main line through Valladolid into a tunnel with a new underground station. Construction started on a new 1668 mm freight bypass to the east but the current situation is unknown.
* The extension of the Plasencia - Badajoz ''"línea de altas prestaciones"'' from Bif. Peñas Blancas to Aljucén (- Mérida) and Bif. San Nicolas (- Badajoz) was originally planned to open in late 2022. It was supposed to open in December 2023 but had not done so as at late January 2024. Electrification of the isolated Plasencia - Caceres - Badajoz section was scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. Caceres - Badajoz went live on an unknown date in December 2023
* There are plans to divert the main line through Valladolid into a tunnel with a new underground station. The earthworks of a new 1668 mm freight bypass to the east are complete. in April 2022 ADIF invited tenders for tracklaying and electrification of the line, which will be suitable for passenger traffic.


====Metre gauge lines====
====Metre gauge lines====
* FGV Alicante/Alacant - Dénia: following the the long term closure for engineering work of the eastern end of the line, Teulada - Gata was due to reopen early in 2022, although this had not yet happened in mid April; Gata - Dénia is scheduled for 2023.
* On the FEVE line from El Berrón to Pola de Laviana work has been in progress for several years on diverting the line between La Felguera and Sama into a tunnel. It is now scheduled to be effected in 2024.
* The scheme to convert the León - Asuncion-Universidad section of the FEVE León - Bilbao line into a tramway has now been abandoned and reinstatement of a single track metre gauge heavy rail line back into León was initiated early in 2014. However this work was suspended because of technical difficulties and is now believed to have been abandoned. It will therefore remain a bus service for the foreseeable future.
* The Generalitat Valenciana has authorised FGV to request tenders for a connection linking the the TRAM d'Alacant Luceros terminus with a new underground station at the RENFE station.  
* A new 4.2 km Euskotren cross-city route through Donostia/San Sebastian, between Lugaritz and a point south of Amara, is under construction. It will replace the present Amara terminus, avoiding the need to reverse there. Completion is scheduled in 2022.
* The scheme to convert the León - Asuncion-Universidad section of the FEVE León - Bilbao line into a tramway has been abandoned and reinstatement of a single track metre gauge heavy rail line back into León was initiated early in 2014. However work was suspended because of technical difficulties and is also believed to have been abandoned. It will therefore remain served only by a bus service for the foreseeable future.
* A new 4.2 km Euskotren cross-city route through Donostia/San Sebastian, between Lugaritz and a point south of Amara, is under construction. It will replace the present Amara terminus, avoiding the need to reverse there. Work will start on installing the track and overhead electrification in autumn 2023 so it seems unlikely to be completed until mid 2025 at the earliest.


===Lines with a limited future===
===Lines with a limited future===
A number of lines have had passenger services severely pruned, and some lines may close.
A number of lines have had passenger services severely pruned, and some lines may close.
* The remaining Tarancón – Cuenca section of the conventional non-electrified Madrid – Cuenca – Valencia line is under severe threat of imminent closure.
* The last section of the Almeria line, from Huercal-Viator to Almeria, will close in the near future (early 2024?), although the date is unknown. This is to enable the line into Almeria to be put underground into a cut and cover tunnel, as the first phase of the construction of a train/bus interchange.
* The 'classic' line between Zamora and Puebla de Sanabria (- Ourense) carries one train a day each way, subsidised by the Castilla y León region.  
* At some point, the Madrid - Almeria service will be diverted via Cordoba and the high speed line to Granada and then (via a gauge changer) the 'classic' line to Almeria. This will almost certainly mean that Linares-Baeza - Moreda will lose its passenger service. Indeed, it is thought there may be no freight traffic, so the line may close completely.
* The new Pajares tunnel, on the main line between León and Oviedo opened to public traffic on 30 November 2023. The 'classic' line over the Pajares Pass between La Robla and Pola de Lena will apparently carry a Regional service until 31 March 2024, but after that its future as a passenger or even freight-carrying line is uncertain.
* The 'classic' line between Medina del Campo via Zamora to Puebla de Sanabria (on the former main line to Ourense) carries one train a day each way, subsidised by the Castilla y León region. The line between Puebla de Sanabria and Taboadela (near Ourense) has no booked traffic and is at grave risk of total closure.
* Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara reopened on 15 December 2021, after being closed for almost 2 years. With just one train each way on 3 days a week, its future must be very insecure.
* Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara reopened on 15 December 2021, after being closed for almost 2 years. With just one train each way on 3 days a week, its future must be very insecure.
* It is understood that the Madrid - Almeria service will be diverted via the high speed line to Granada and then the gauge changer to be built north east of there. This will almost certainly mean that Linares-Baeza - Moreda will lose its passenger service. Indeed, it is thought that there may be no freight traffic, so the line may close completely.
 
* Salamanca La Alamedilla – Vilar Formoso [Portugal]: the Madrid - Lisboa Tren Hotel is still suspended as at April 2022 and will probably never resume, leaving this line with no service.
* Huelva - Zafra: although this line has been substantially re-laid, both the local service between Huelva and Jabugo-Galaroza and that to Zafra are under threat of withdrawal; the latter is no longer an IC service to/from Madrid
* Huelva - Zafra: although this line has been substantially relaid, both the local service between Huelva and Jabugo-Galaroza and the IC service between Huelva and Madrid are under threat of withdrawal.
* Cercedilla - Segovia: the slow Regionales service over the section beyond this interchange for the narrow gauge line to Los Cotos was thought to be threatened by Avant services to Segovia Guiomar station on the high speed line to Valladolid. The service beyond Cercedilla was drastically reduced from 16 November 2008 but no further reductions have occurred.
* Cercedilla - Segovia: the slow Regionales service over the section beyond this interchange for the narrow gauge line to Los Cotos was thought to be threatened by Avant services to Segovia Guiomar station on the high speed line to Vallodolid. The service beyond Cercedilla was drastically reduced from 16 November 2008 but no further reductions have occurred .


==Special notes==
==Special notes==
Line 363: Line 380:
* Intercity: This term seems now to be applied to loco hauled trains of Talgo articulated stock on the following routes: Madrid - Algeciras/Almeira/Badajoz, Barcelona - Valencia/Murcia/Cartagena/Lorca and Albacete - Cartagena.  
* Intercity: This term seems now to be applied to loco hauled trains of Talgo articulated stock on the following routes: Madrid - Algeciras/Almeira/Badajoz, Barcelona - Valencia/Murcia/Cartagena/Lorca and Albacete - Cartagena.  
* Alvia: High speed trains which operate on both 1668 mm and 1435 mm gauge lines on the following routes: Madrid - Valencia - Castellón; Madrid - Albacete - Murcia - Cartagena; Alicante/Alacant - Madrid - Vigo, A Coruña, Gijón and Santander; Madrid - Sevilla - Cádiz; Madrid - Huelva; Madrid - Segovia - Salamanca & Zamora; Madrid - Vigo - Pontevedra; Madrid - A Coruña; Madrid - Valladolid - Bilbao and Vitoria; Madrid - San Sebastián - Irún; Madrid - Pamplona & Logrono; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Valladolid, Gijon, A Coruña & Vigo; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona - Irún; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Bilbao.
* Alvia: High speed trains which operate on both 1668 mm and 1435 mm gauge lines on the following routes: Madrid - Valencia - Castellón; Madrid - Albacete - Murcia - Cartagena; Alicante/Alacant - Madrid - Vigo, A Coruña, Gijón and Santander; Madrid - Sevilla - Cádiz; Madrid - Huelva; Madrid - Segovia - Salamanca & Zamora; Madrid - Vigo - Pontevedra; Madrid - A Coruña; Madrid - Valladolid - Bilbao and Vitoria; Madrid - San Sebastián - Irún; Madrid - Pamplona & Logrono; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Valladolid, Gijon, A Coruña & Vigo; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona - Irún; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Bilbao.
* Avant: ''Media Distancia'' high speed trains operating over shorter distances on the 1435 mm gauge high speed lines: Madrid - Segovia - Valladolid/Salamanca; Madrid - Toledo/Puertollano; Calatayud - Zaragoza; Barcelona - Lleida; Barcelona - Figueres Vilafant; Málaga/Granada - Córdoba - Sevilla; Ourense - Santiago - A Coruña; Valencia - Requena Utiel; Madrid - Cuenca.
* Avant: ''Media Distancia'' high speed trains operating over shorter distances on the 1435 mm gauge high speed lines.
* Trenhotel: Overnight trains with additional facilities, such as showers. Madrid - A Coruña and Ferrol; Barcelona - A Coruña and Vigo; Irún/Madrid - Lisboa. All overnight trains are currently suspended and may never resume.
* Media Distancia: Interurban local train.
* Media Distancia: Interurban local train.
* Regional: Rural local train.  
* Regional: Rural local train.  
Line 375: Line 391:
==See also==
==See also==
{{Navbox Spain}}
{{Navbox Spain}}
[[Category:General Information]]

Latest revision as of 16:24, 15 March 2024

Country Name

Spain (España)

National Railway System

Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (RENFE). Since 1 January 2014 this has been divided into four subsidiaries: Renfe Mercancías (freight), Renfe Viajeros (passenger traffic), Renfe Fabricación y Mantenimiento (manufacturing and maintenance) and Renfe Alquiler (equipment hire).

National Railway Operator

Train operation is the responsibility of RENFE Operadora. Initially, at least, the existing operating divisions continue, with passenger services provided by four divisions:

  • Cercanías - Suburban services around main towns and cities; this is known by the Catalan word Rodalies in and around Barcelona
  • Media Distancia - Interurban local services
  • Larga Distancia - Long distance
  • AVE - High speed trains using the Madrid - Valladolid - León/Burgos, Madrid - Medina del Campo - Zamora - Ourense, Madrid - Córdoba - Sevilla/Malaga/Granada, Madrid - Zaragoza - Barcelona - Perpignan, Madrid - Zaragoza - Huesca, Madrid - Cuenca - València/Alacant/Murcia and Madrid - Toledo lines.

RENFE launched a low-cost Avlo high speed service between Madrid and Barcelona in June 2021. Madrid to València services started on 21 February 2022.

There is a separate division for freight, Mercancías, subdivided into various businesses. It was announced on 14 December 2017 that a ‘strategic partner’ is to be sought for the freight business to on continuing recent growth and increasing activity outside Spain.

Other Operators

  • Ouigo, a separate subsidiary company of SNCF (French Railways), started running between Madrid and Barcelona from 10 May 2021.
  • Iryo, the brand name of ILSA, a joint venture of Trenitalia and Air Nostrum, started running between Madrid and Barcelona from 25 November 2022, to València on 16 December 2022 and to Málaga and Sevilla on 31 March 2023. Madrid - Albacete and Alicante/Alacant services are scheduled to start on 2 June 2023.

The Elipsos agreement between SNCF and RENFE, which was the basis for cross-border services between France and Spain, formally ended at the end of 2022.

Languages

Spanish (Español) is the principal language. This is known as Castellano (i.e. Castilian) in Spain. Other languages predominate in certain regions: Català (Catalan) is used in Catalunya and a variant of it (Valenciano) in the València region; Gallego (Galician) is a Portuguese dialect, used in North West Spain; Euskara (Basque) is used in Euskadi (Pais Vasco, the Basque region): it is an isolate with no clear relationship to any other known language or language group. The regional languages are more likely to be encountered on notices and name signs than in spoken form. Català place names have been in general use for many years and are unlikely to cause confusion, although it is worth noting that the Valenciano for Alicante is Alacant. Gallego and Castilian names are mostly similar, except for prefixes. For example, La Coruña and El Ferrol are A Coruña and O Ferrol in Gallego. Place names in Castilian and Euskara can be quite different. San Sebastían is known in Euskara as Donostia and Vitoria as Gasteiz. It should be noted that the Euskara name for Pamplona (the main city of Navarra) is Iruñea or Iruña, which should not be confused with the border town, Irún.

Currency

Euro

UIC code

numeric 71, alpha E

Timetable

Journey Planner

  • The planner for RENFE Main line services defaults to a drop-down list of principal departure and arrival stations.
  • To make a query on all stations (except those served only by Cercanias (suburban) services) use the main line services planner and click on Ver todas las estaciones in the bottom right hand corner. This brings up an alphabetical list of stations. Click on the relevant letter and select the departure station. The system defaults to showing only stations served by direct services from the selected departure station. If the destination is not shown, click on lista completa de estaciones.

Note (a) neither option will initially advise if the potential journey is disrupted, e.g. long term engineering works. This will only be revealed if 'Query and Buy' is selected: a warning triangle then appears to the left of the ticket options and hovering the cursor over the triangle will reveal the issue, El servicio... autobus etc, etc
(b) requesting "Query and Buy" frequently results in the screen hanging and no answer displayed. Once this occurs click on the basket for "Internet Price" immediately above "Query and Buy" and a different screen displays any warning triangle, plus prices for all journeys deemed possible that day, not just the requested service...

Note that some surprisingly long routes are served only by Cercanías (suburban) services, so these should be checked if a station cannot be found in the journey planner. The longest is probably the 112 km long, rural Murcia - Lorca Sutullena - Águilas route, at present under long term closure as much of it is being rebuilt as part of the Murcia - Almeria high speed line.

For stations which are hard to find, an alternative source of apparently accurate information is the ADIF website. Enter the station name; further down the page this brings up is a tab showing departures and arrivals, but only forward from the time of your search. This gives either Cercanias or AVE/Media Distancia services, but not both...

As at September 2022 RENFE was in the process of launching a new App named dōcō, which will encompass travel by train, taxi, motorcycle, scooter and hire car, and in the future Metro, bicycle and bus. It will apparently enable users to choose parameters such as the fastest journey or the most sustainable and then suggest routes and modes of transport.

Downloadable Timetable

  • RENFE: No known downloadable timetable is available for RENFE.
  • RENFE Ancho Métrico - the former FEVE lines: the downloadable timetable seems to have been discontinued.
  • EuskoTren: Horarios de Tren and select the line required.
  • FGC: Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya Select the required line from the list.
  • FGV (Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana): ex FEVE Lines around Valencia here, or Tram/Train from Alicante via Benidorm to Dénia. For the latter there is no timetable per se, just a list of departures from Station Timetables on their Journey Planner page.
  • SFM: Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca Click on 'ENG' then the 'Timetables / Fares' tab.

Printed Timetable

  • RENFE: RENFE does not publish a national timetable and printed timetable books have not been published for many years. Individual leaflets are available for particular routes, but these are distributed only in the area served and may not be widely available. However, coverage of Spain in the European Rail Timetable is quite comprehensive.
  • RENFE former FEVE services: Individual timetable leaflets for particular routes are sometimes available.
  • FGC: Timetable leaflets are available for particular routes
  • EuskoTren: No timetable book is published but individual leaflets are available for particular routes.

Engineering and Current Performance Information

  • Engineering
    • ADIF: Current closures and a list of disrupted services.
    • RENFE: Some information is provided in English on the 'Alerts' page but it is extremely limited and may apply only to international traffic with France. Use the Renfe al día/Avisos page in Spanish, select the required region and, if necessary, translate it by means of Google Translate.
    • RENFE former FEVE services: Limited information at the RENFE FEVE Page.
    • EuskoTren: The Noticias page.
  • Current Performance Information
    • Positrén gives a map of the network showing the location of trains. Click on a train symbol to find its location or on a station for real time arrivals and departures.

Bus Information

The compilers are not aware of a national bus journey planner. One of the largest companies is Alsa

Timetable information for all companies operating in Andalucia is avaialble at Transportes Generales Comes > English

Maps

Printed Maps

Web-based Maps

  • A map dated 2022 is available on Geotren.
  • Useful maps exist on ADIF's Network Statement page: scroll down to "Mapas de la Red Ferroviaria de Interés General" for the link to a downloadable PDF file plus elsewhere on their website here.
  • Thorsten Büker's Iberia Map, with enlargements for Barcelona and Madrid
  • Some useful maps and plans are available on the via libre website but last additions/upload dates are 2015.
  • Maps and Plans - Spain.
  • Some AVE line diagrams with stations, junction names and distance are linked in the individual AVE line pages from this wiki
  • Former FEVE System ; Cercanías and Overall route maps.

Ticketing

Following the fiasco of the new rolling stock for the FEVE network being too large for the tunnels on the network, it was announced that travel on the network in the Asturias and Cantabria will be free of charge until the new stock starts coming into service in early 2026.

Conventional Tickets

Anybody contemplating travel in Spain is strongly advised to make their reservations before leaving their home country to guarantee travelling on the train of their choice as one is necessary to travel on any train other than Regional or Cercanías services.

At most main stations access to platforms used by long-distance trains is possible only upon production of a valid reservation. At busy times trains may become fully booked days in advance and standing passengers are not admitted. Tickets can be purchased through the RENFE website: foreign credit cards and addresses are accepted by the system. Reservations can also be made at main stations. Although the system is quite efficient, long queues can develop at the busier stations and it is often necessary to obtain a 'queue ticket'. Waiting times are generally much shorter early in the morning.

Conventional fares vary according to the type of train and time of travel. RENFE maintains a rigid distinction between the four passenger service divisions. If a through journey involves a connection between trains of different divisions, a separate ticket will be issued for each division's portion of the journey. Note that when booking an inter-city journey, a free Cercanías (commuter) ticket can be requested for the networks in both the origin and destination or if quoted on it as a "Combinado Cercanias", the ticket barcode will open barriers.

Usually fares are more expensive at busy times, but on Madrid Cercanías (commuter) services fares are higher at weekends. AVE passengers have a money-back guarantee if the train is more than five minutes late and refunds may be available in event of extreme lateness on other long-distance services.

RENFE offers over 60s the annual [or since at least early 2023] three year Tarjeta Dorada which gives significant discounts on ordinary fares, including on Cercanías and FEVE services. The Tarjeta Dorada reference number can be entered into ticket machines to obtain the discount, though some machines only display this option in the Spanish language setting but note on most Cercanias machines that the Tarjeta Dorada discount is only available by presenting a Spanish Resident "credit card" version, with no option offered when using the English language setting. Also note if you buy any paper Cercanias ticket that a small fee is added as it is has a chip and can be re-loaded [in the same Cercanias area of purchase] but whether a chip paper Tarjeta Dorada ticket can be reloaded is not known...

Tickets can be purchased on the RENFE Apps - there are separate Apps for 'Renfe Cercanías' (commuter) and 'Renfe' main line services. Experience shows that both require a good quality internet connection to work reliably. The Tarjeta Dorada reference number can be stored in the App for use by the registered user.

Passes

RENFE does not offer any type of network ticket. However, the RENFE Spain Pass enables non-residents to purchase a predetermined number of journeys up to 10 within one month at a flat rate, but from the 2023 prices this is an option only if long high speed journeys are planned as it is more expensive than a One Country Pass. Note it has features potentially making it attractive but a ticket must still be obtained for the actual journey:

  • Purchase of the Pass itself and all train reservations can be made in advance from home.
  • There are no additional booking fees or extra charges for trains requiring reservation, even for AVE services. In contrast most other passes are not valid on AVE services. Holders of other types of pass have to pay reservation fees, because these include compulsory travel insurance, and on certain long-distance trains may be able to obtain only a discounted fare.
  • Reservations can be made on any train with available seats. Unlike other passes, there are no quotas for Spain Pass holders; the number of seats available for other passes can be quite low, resulting in it being impossible to obtain a reservation.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure Authority

  • RENFE/FEVE: Infrastructure is owned and managed by a public authority, Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias (ADIF).
  • Basque Region/Euskadi: Euskal Trenbide Sarea - Red Ferroviaria Vasca (ETS-RFV) is the infrastructure authority for the Basque Region.
  • Catalunya: Infraestructuras Ferroviàries de Catalunya IFERCATis the infrastructure authority for Catalunya.

Network Statement

See ADIF's Network Statement webpage.

Gauge

Gauge is more of an issue in Spain than in any other European country. Most of the RENFE system is 1668 mm gauge but there is probably an unspoken ambition to convert the network to UIC (1435 mm) gauge; many main lines are now being renewed with dual gauge sleepers even where no 1435 mm gauge track exists there. RENFE operates freight and passenger rolling stock able to work on both 1668 mm and 1435 mm gauge lines.

The AVE high speed lines between Madrid and Sevilla/Malaga/Granada, Toledo, Madrid and Burgos/León/Ourense (15km short of there), Madrid and Barcelona (- Girona - French border)/Huesca, and Madrid and Valencia/Alacant/Murcia are 1435 mm gauge, as is also the new freight access to Morrot (Barcelona) port. The high speed lines between Ourense and Santiago de Compostela and between Plasencia and Caceres are 1668 mm gauge but will be converted to 1435 mm gauge one day. The high speed line between Camp de Tarragona and Vandellós (SW of Tarragona) is 1435 mm gauge at its eastern end and 1668 mm gauge at its western end, which will be converted to mixed gauge.

One track of the existing main line between Girona and Vilamalla (south of Figueres) has been converted to mixed gauge (with 1435 mm gauge passing loops), and similarly both tracks of the Mollet Sant Fost - Cerdanyola - El Papiol line, avoiding Barcelona, in order to provide access to Morrot port. The highest priority is supposedly converting the Barcelona - Tarragona - València - Silla "Mediterranean Corridor" to mixed gauge in order to serve the needs of freight, in particular fruit & vegetable traffic and the Ford plant at Almusafes, where the company plans to convert the internal network to 1435 mm gauge.

The former FEVE system and the branch north of Madrid between Cercedilla and Los Cotos are 1000 mm as are the Alicante, Bilbao, Valencia and Vitoria-Gasteiz tramways.

Gauge Changers

There are more gauge-changing installations (cambiadores de anchos) in Spain than anywhere else in Europe, as follows. Only those installations which carried commercial passenger or freight traffic are listed.

Future Installations
Location In Service Type Usage
Granada, Cerrillo de Maracena 2024? Talgo/CAF Madrid - Almeria Altaria services via Antequera SA
Campomanes (North of Pajares tunnel) 2024? Talgo/CAF Madrid - Asturias region high speed services
In Use (Oldest first)
Location In Service Type Usage
Cerbère 1952 Axle changer Freights to & from France
Hendaye 1950 Axle changer Freights to & from France
Sevilla Majarabique 1993 Talgo Was used for Madrid - Cádiz and Huelva services but thought to be now out of use.
Plasencia de Jalón 2003 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Pamplona and Logroño
Zaragoza-Delicias 2003. Regular use from 15 September 2008. Talgo/CAF Barcelona - Salamanca/Galicia/Asturias/Basque region services. Also diesel unit transfers to workshops. Note: a plan for an installation at Miraflores, to the east of Zaragoza, was abandoned.
Antequera-Santa Ana 17 December 2006 2 x Talgo/CAF Madrid - Algeciras services. Madrid - Granada services ceased in 2015 and had no need to change gauge when they resumed.
Sevilla Majarabique 15 June 2009, replacing one dating from 1999 CAF Madrid - Cádiz and Huelva, plus from 2 August 2021 the Torre del Oro Barcelona - Cádiz service. Was used by the Cádiz - Jaén high speed service, withdrawn after 27 July 2013.
Alcolea [east of Córdoba] 15 June 2009 - 27 July 2013. In use again 5 October 2020 Talgo/CAF Cádiz - Jaén high speed service, which was withdrawn after 27 July 2013. However use resumed from 5 October 2020 by the Torre del Oro Barcelona - Sevilla service (extended beyond Sevilla to Cádiz from 2 August 2021).
València Joaquín Sorolla 19 December 2010 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Castelló de la Plana Alvia (not AVE) services.
Albacete 19 December 2010 - 18 June 2013. In use again 17 September 2018 Talgo/CAF Initially Madrid - Alacant & València Alvia services. Out of use after the high speed lines to these cities were opened. Not used by Madrid - Murcia/Cartagena services until 2018, when these became variable gauge Alvia trains. Temporarily out of use from 13 September 2022 when through services between Madrid and Archena-Fortuna withdrawn for engineering work.
León Mercancias [at Vilecha] 30 September 2015 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Asturias services; high speed services to and from the Monforte de Lemos line
Villamuriel de Cerrato [south of Palencia] 30 September 2015 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Cantabria (Santander) services
Medina del Campo AV 17 December 2015 CAF Madrid - Salamanca services
La Boella (Tarragona) 13 January 2020 2 x Talgo/CAF Barcelona - Valencia etc Euromed and Alvia services
Taboadela (Ourense) 21 December 2021 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Galicia services running beyond Ourense
Burgos Rosa Manzano 22 July 2022 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Basque region (Bilbao/Irún) and Barcelona - Galicia services
Out of Use for Passenger Traffic or Dismantled (Most recently out of use first)
Location In Service Type Usage
Valdestillas 22 December 2007 - 22 July 2022 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Bilbao/Irún services. Out of use since opening of the high speed line to Burgos.
Madrid Chamartin 2007 - 1 July 2022 Talgo/CAF Gijon/Santander - València/Alicante services. Out of use since opening of the standard gauge tunnel through Madrid and now disconnected.
Madrid Puerta de Atocha 1992 - 1 July 2022 Talgo Gijon/Santander - València/Alicante services. Out of use since opening of the standard gauge tunnel through Madrid.
Pedralba de la Pradería [NW of Zamora] 27 October 2020 - 21 December 2021 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Galicia services. Replaced by Taboadela
León Clasificación 30 September 2015 - 21 September 2021 Talgo/CAF Asturias and Galicia services using the standard gauge platforms at León. Out of use since opening of the low level through station.
Zamora 1 February 2016 - 27 October 2020 Talgo Madrid - Galicia services. Replaced by Pedralba de la Pradería and now removed.
Medina del Campo 10 April 2008 - 1 February 2016 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Galicia services; diverted to new line from 1 February 2016
Valladolid Campo Grande Spring 2008 - 12 September 2015 Talgo/CAF Madrid - Basque region. It is thought this was removed to make room for standard gauge tracks north of Campo Grande.
Irún 1981 - 15 December 2013 Talgo Talgo trains between Madrid and France. Out of use.
Portbou 1969 - 15 December 2013 Talgo Talgo trains between Barcelona and France. Dismantled.
Huesca 2003 - 28 April 2008 CAF Out of use since through services to Jaca were withdrawn
Roda de Bará 19 December 2006 - 20 February 2008 2 x Talgo/CAF Madrid - Barcelona Alvia & Talgo services. Out of use
Puigverd de Lleida 19 May 2006 - 19 December 2006 CAF Madrid - Barcelona Alvia. Out of use
Lleida 2003 - 19 December 2006 Talgo Madrid - Barcelona Talgo. Out of use
Córdoba 1992 - 17 December 2006 Talgo Madrid - Malaga Talgos. Out of use.

Electrification

  • The standard RENFE system is 3000 V dc.
  • The AVE lines are 25 kV 50 Hz (including the broad gauge Ourense - Santiago de Compostela and upgraded Vigo - A Coruña lines) and also the broad gauge Medina del Campo AV - Salamanca line. Salamanca - Vilar Formoso (Portuguese border) was planned to be completed in 2022 but was still in progress in late 2023. Ourense - Monforte de Lemos is still being converted from 3000 V DC to 25 kV AC as at March 2024. Monforte de Lemos - Lugo and the new Plasencia - Caceres - Mérida/Badajoz broad gauge line are being electrified at 25 kV.
  • The Euskotren and FEVE systems in northern Spain, the FGC metre- and standard-gauge lines in Catalunya, the Madrid Cercanias Cercedilla - Los Cotos line, Bilbao Metro and the SFM Mallorca system are all 1500 V dc.
  • Most tramway systems are 750 V dc.

Rule of the road

Generally right-hand running. Broad-gauge routes of the former FC del Norte, north and west of Madrid, are left-hand running. The changeover between left- and right-hand occurs by means of flyovers at the Las Rozas triangle: right-hand running applies south (towards Príncipe Pio) and east (toward Chamartín) of Las Rozas. However, right-hand running applies on the Madrid Chamartín - Valladolid - León, Olmedo - Zamora (although this is largely single track) and Ourense - Santiago de Compostela LAVs and on the upgraded Vigo - Santiago de Compostela - A Coruña line. The former FEVE [now RENFE] metre gauge lines in the Oviedo area are left-hand running, including the El Berrón Crossing, although they are reversibly signalled.

Distances

A list of stations and junctions by line number, with distances for each, dating from about 2009 is available here.

Comprehensive information for the high speed network exists on the Ferropedia website.

Lists of current and former lines with km distances for stations at Federación Castellano Manchega de Amigos del Ferrocarril .

Other railways

  • Eusko Tren (Eusko Trenbideak, Ferrocarriles Vascos): Bilbao - Donostia [San Sebastían] - Hendaia [Hendaye]; Bilbao: Lutxana - Sondika; Kukullaga-Etxebarri - Sondika - Lezama; Amorebieta - Bermeo; Errekalde - Lasarte-Oria; Herrera - Altza; Bilbao Metro line 3: 1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc.
  • Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC): Local services around Barcelona, principally Plaça d'Espanya to Igualada and Manresa (1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc) and Plaça de Catalunya to Terrassa and Sabadell (1435 mm gauge, 1200 V dc), plus the rack lines Ribes de Freser - Núria in the Pyrenees and Monistrol - Montserrat ( both 1000 mm gauge, 1500 V dc) and the Lleida - Pobla de Segur branch, taken over from RENFE in 2016. Also freight-only branches Manresa to Suria and Sallent, and San Boi de Llobregat to Barcelona Docks [Morrot] (1000 mm gauge, diesel).
  • Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) operates a network in Valencia (1000 mm gauge, 1500/750 V dc). Apart from sections of the Valencia tramway, these were converted from former FEVE lines, connected via new city centre through "metro" routes. Also Alacant - Creueta (1000 mm gauge, 750 V dc) and El Creueta - Benidorm - Dénia (electrification at 750V dc in progress from Creueta, 1000 mm gauge).
  • Ferrocarril de Sóller: Palma - Sóller (Mallorca). 914 mm gauge. Electrified at 1200 V dc.
  • Serveis Ferroviaris de Mallorca (SFM): Palma - Sa Pobla and Manacor (1000 mm gauge).

Tourist Lines

  • Euskotren - Museo del ferrocarril (Basque Railway Museum); Azpeitia - Lasao: 10 km; 1000 mm gauge. The infrastructure is managed by ETS - Euskal Trenbide Sarea - the infrastructure authority for the Basque Region.
  • El Ferrocarril Turístic de l'Alt Llobregat El Tren del Ciment; La Pobla de Lillet - Museum del Ciment; 3.5 km; narrow gauge.
  • El Tren de Arganda Vapormadrid in Arganda del Rey on the south east outskirts of Madrid. La Poveda - Laguna del Campillo; 3.5 km; narrow gauge.
  • Museo Minero y Ferroviario in the Parque Minero de Riotinto: 11 km of the former Rio Tinto mineral system; Talleres Mina - Los Frailes, north of Huelva; 1067mm gauge, .

Metro

Barcelona, Bilbao (line 3 is operated by Euskotren), Madrid, Malaga, Palma, Sevilla, Valencia.

Information on metros is given a:-

Basic line diagrams and other details can be found at the UrbanRailNet website

A track plan for the Barcelona system is available on the cartometro.com site.

Trams/LRT-Systems

Alacant/Alicante, A Coruña (suspended since 2011), Barcelona, Bilbao, Cádiz (a 1668mm gauge tram/train which shares RENFE tracks between Cádiz and Rio Arillo and is part of the Cercanías network), Granada, Jaén (after a brief period of operation in May 2011, a resumption of services seems highly unlikely), Madrid, Murcia, Parla, Sevilla, Sóller (Mallorca), Tenerife, Valencia, Vitoria/Gasteiz, Zaragoza.

The Sóller tram, owned by the Ferrocarril de Sóller S.A., is more of a tourist operation.

Track plans for the Alacant/Alicante, Madrid, Sóller and Valencia light rail and tram systems are available on the Gleisplanweb site. Track plans for the Barcelona and Tenerife systems are available on the cartometro.com site.

Some links are also available on the Sinfin.net site.

See also Spain- Tram services over obscure routes

Recent and Future Changes

Changes in 2024

The contract for the new underground platforms at Atocha, serving the line to Chamartín, was awarded in early February.

Changes in 2023

  • The León - Asturias high speed line between La Robla (Bif. Pajares) and Pola de Lena (- Oviedo), including the 24.6 km Pajares tunnel, opened to public traffic on 30 November 2023, following a ceremonial opening the previous day. It opened as a broad gauge line, but with some mixed gauge track installed. As at that date, from León to Bif. Pajares there were dual gauge sleepers but mostly with only broad gauge rails. From Bif. Pajares, dual gauge rails were fully installed, as far as could be observed. Where the new line joins the old line, just south of Pola de Lena, the new line was broad gauge only, but on gauge convertible sleepers. The old main line over the Pajares Pass remains in use by one Regional train a day each way between Valladolid and Gijón until at least 31 March 2024. It is unclear if, when the passenger service is eventually withdrawn, it will also close to freight traffic.
  • The single track 1668 mm gauge Xàtiva - L’Alcúdia de Crespins - Moixent - La Encina line (re)opened on 9 September. Xàtiva - Moixent closed on 16 May 2022, when the Cercanias service from Valencia was withdrawn temporarily for engineering work on the line. The section west of Moixent closed on 20 May 1992 (when the double track 1668 mm gauge line between Xàtiva and La Encina opened); it has reopened as far as an end-on junction with the double track line, about 5 km east of La Encina. The double track line east of this point closed on 9 September for regauging to 1435 mm and conversion to a high speed line.
  • The Huesca - Canfranc line is closed from 19 June until May 2024 for engineering work.
  • The final section of the FGV Alicante/Alacant - Dénia line from Gata to Dénia reopened on 16 January.

Changes in 2022

  • The high speed line west from Orihuela towards Murcia opened on 20 December.
  • The new 4.3 km section of 1668 mm gauge line in tunnel between El Clot Arago and Montcada opened on 11 December. The new Sant Andreu station opened, replacing the former Sant Andreu Comtal.
  • The Ourense - Monforte de Lemos line closed on 21 November for conversion to 25 kV. It was scheduled to reopen in July 2023, but is not now due to open until April 2024.
  • The heavily delayed Trambahía (Tranvía Metropolitano de la Bahía) 1668 mm gauge Cádiz tram-train system finally opened on 26 October. It shares the RENFE tracks from Cádiz to Rio Arillo and then diverges on a separate branch.
  • The 1668 mm gauge line between El Clot Arago and Montcada closed on 17 September for work on the new route in tunnel
  • Albacete - Archena-Fortuna closed temporarily on 13 September owing to engineering work in the Murcia area; however one pair of through broad gauge services (Madrid to Archena-Fortuna on Fridays, Archena-Fortuna to Madrid on Sundays) restarted from an unknown date. Archena-Fortuna to Murcia continued to be served by buses.
  • Sevilla Cercanías line C-2 to Cartuja (which ceased running on 15 March 2020) reopened on 5 September.
  • Madrid Cercanías line C-9 (the 18km long metre gauge Cercedilla - Los Cotos line, which ceased running on 15 March 2020) reopened on 3 September.
  • The FEVE branch from El Berrón to Pola de Laviana closed to all traffic from 1 September until 15 March 2023 for track renewal. There will be partial closures between El Berron and Gijón from 1 September 1 2022 until 15 July 2023.
  • The old single track Costablanca tunnel line between Martorell and Castellbisbal, closed in the 1980s, reopened on 20 August, enabling closure of the new double track line for conversion to mixed gauge.
  • The (Valladolid -) Venta de Baños - Burgos high speed line (91.3 km, suitable for both passenger and freight traffic) opened on 22 July. It was supposed to be available for test running by summer 2018 but substandard work on Frandovínez viaduct required that to be demolished and rebuilt, delaying the opening by several years.
  • Aranjuez - Cuenca, the last section of the 'classic' Aranjuez - Utiel (- Valencia) line, closed on 20 July, with trains being replaced by bus services.
  • 44 km of the existing line between Cáceres and Bif. Peñas Blancas, north of Mérida, were permanently closed on 15 July to enable the new high speed line to be connected to the existing line southwards, in readiness for the public opening of a new section of the high speed line on 19 July. This is just a temporary phase, pending the opening of the next section south, the 'baipas Mérida', at some future date.
  • The next section of the FGV Alicante/Alacant - Dénia line from Teulada to Gata re-opened on 13 July 2022.
  • The 7km long third, standard gauge Madrid cross-city tunnel between Atocha and Chamartín, linking the existing AVE lines north and south of Madrid opened on 1 July, although initially it had no platforms at Atocha. The plans for Atocha include building new underground platforms serving the line to Chamartín. However, these will be in a box underneath the existing westernmost platforms, which required their temporary closure during the construction phase. This required that some services calling at Atocha were diverted during this period to reduce the demand for platform space. To accommodate this a “temporary” single track bore was constructed to the east of where the platform box will be. This enables some services from the south to be diverted to Chamartín but with no stop (or indeed platform or passenger access) at Atocha. The line involves use of three different signalling systems: LZB and ERTMS/ETCS Levels 1 and 2. Services to and from València and Alicante/Alacant were diverted in this way because they were the only ones that could access the tunnel. At the same time the second pair of tracks on the 28km section between Puerta de Atocha and Bif. Torrejón de Velasco (junction for the line to Valencia and Alicante/Alacant) was brought into use.
  • The Valencia Cercanias line (route C2) between Xàtiva and Moixent closed on 16 May for the modernisation and electrification of the Xàtiva - L'Alcúdia de Crespins section.
  • Avant regional high-speed services between Granada and Malaga started on 4 April, resulting in the opening to traffic of the south <> east curve at Antequera Santa Ana.
  • EuskoTran tram services started running over the 2.3 km section; Atxuri - Bolueta [former Euskotren tracks] from 25 March.
  • Owing to engineering work closing the line between Murcia and Archena-Fortuna, an additional high speed train was provided between Oruihuela and Madrid via Alicante from 28 February, thus opening the south - east curve at Monforte del Cid to passenger service.

Changes in 2021

  • The 104 km (Zamora -) Pedralba de la Pradería - Taboadela (- Ourense) section of the Madrid - Galicia LAV opened on 21 December. The parallel 1668 mm gauge line thereby lost its passenger service completely. It is possible it may close completely.
  • Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara reopened on 15 December, with one train each way WFSuO, having been closed since probably 15 March 2020.
  • The 1.6 km connection through the underground platform at León finally opened on 21 September. Restoration of the direct link between the Madrid line and the Oviedo line put an end to through traffic having to reverse at León or avoid it altogether and hence use of the León avoiding line [Sahagún (Bif. Rio Bernesga) – La Robla (Bif. Torneros)]. It also caused the reopening to passengers of the former route from León towards Astorga: Bif. Base León – Bif. Torneros – Bif. León.
  • The Torre del Oro Barcelona - Sevilla service was extended to Cádiz on 2 August.
  • Services to Almería, cut back to the former station of Huércal-Viator on on 14 November 2018, were reinstated on 28 July.
  • Special trains ran from Sevilla to Estadio Olimpico (on the closed line C2 to Cartuja) on on 14 and 19 June for Euro 2020 football matches which had been deferred a year.
  • The curve avoiding Santiago de Compostela, linking the high speed line from Ourense to the Vigo line, opened on 14 June.
  • Following a political agreement between the national government and the regional government of Andalucia on the use of the "variante de Aguadulce", the line between Osuna and Pedrera, which was breached on 21 October 2018 when a bridge was destroyed by floodwater, reopened on 31 May. Trains are now routed over the new line via the variante.
  • Following modernisation work on the Toses tunnel, the line between Ribes de Freser and Puigcerdá/La Tour de Carol reopened on 10 May.
  • The new station at Canfranc, on the opposite (east) side of the huge original station to the previous platform, opened on 15 April.
  • The Monforte el Cid - Elx - Murcia LAV opened between Monforte el Cid and PAET San Isidro (between Elche-Matola and Orihuela Miguel Hernández) on 1 February. Services run only between Madrid and Orihuela Miguel Hernández until the LAV into Murcia opens.
  • Heavy snow damaged the 'classic' Cuenca - Valencia line as a result of Storm Filomena. The Cuenca - Utiel section therefore closed on 9 January, with no replacement until a bus service was introduced in April.

Older Changes

For details of older changes dating back to the year 2004 see Spain - Older General Information.

Future changes

Standard gauge lines

  • Work is in progress in January 2024 on an 8km extension of Galicia LAV northwards from Taboadela via the Rante tunnel to Seixalbo, where it will come alongside the 1668mm gauge line. The continuation north of Seixalbo (approximately the same length) to join the Monforte de Lemos line east of Ourense station appears not to be committed as yet.
  • Work started in March 2022 on the 3.9 km link between the Trambaix and Trambesòs networks in Barcelona. Completion is planned in late 2023 and passenger service in the first quarter of 2024.
  • Palencia - Reinosa (- Santander) high speed line: work started on the Palencia - Alar del Rey section in July 2021. On 12 March 2024 drafting of the project for the 51.4km Alar de Rey - Reinosa section was approved.
  • Murcia - Almería high speed line: in September 2021 tenders were invited for the 31 km Lorca - Pulpí section, one of the last outstanding stretches on this line. ADIF is forecasting completion of the track work to Almería in 2024. Electrification work between Murcia and Lorca started in mid 2023.
  • València and Castelló de la Plana: work should have started in 2019 on construction of this high speed line,
  • A new curve is being built at Almodóvar del Río, to avoid Avant services between Sevilla and Granada/Málaga having to reverse at Córdoba. The projected opening date is not known.
  • It is understood that the Madrid - Almeria service will be diverted via the LAV to Granada and then the gauge changer at Cerrillo de Maracena, north east of Granada. This will very probably mean that Linares-Baeza - Moreda will lose its passenger service.
  • In April 2012 the Minister for Public Works announced that the Mediterranean Corridor was to be equipped for standard gauge freight traffic by converting one track of the existing main line to dual gauge. Castellbisbal (Barcelona) - Valencia was supposed to be in service by 2015 and Valencia - Alacant by 2016. However only in May 2019 were tenders invited for the work on the last section between Sagunto and Castellon. This was scheduled be completed in 2022, but this has not occurred.
  • Public consultation has started on the Burgos - Miranda de Ebro - Vitoria/Gasteiz line. The alignment has already been decided for the Burgos - Pancorbo section but there are six options for the Pancorbo - Vitoria/Gasteiz. Work is in progress on the 'Basque Y', the high speed line from Vitoria/Gasteiz to both Bilbao (90.8 km) and San Sebastián/Donostia (- Irún) (89.8 km from the start at Bergara to the French frontier). It is unclear what progress has been made on the construction and when the line(s) will open. The San Sebastian line will terminate between Hernani and Astigarraga, about 5 km south of San Sebastián. A contract was awarded in April 2016 to install mixed-gauge track between this point and and Irún. Consultation has also started on a line, suitable for both passenger and freight traffic, to connect the Basque Y with Pamplona. There are two options.

1668 mm gauge lines

  • The line between Chinchilla and Murcia, closed for engineering work since September 2022, may reopen in February 2024.
  • On 29 June 2022, ADIF invited tenders for the extension of Madrid Cercanías line C-4B by ca. 10 km from Colmenar Viejo to Soto del Real. This would be a reopening to passengers of this section of the former Directo de Burgos.
  • Martorell - Castellbisbal is being converted to mixed gauge
  • Construction began in 2015 of a new 4.5 km rail link between Barcelona-El Prat Airport Terminal 1 and El Prat de Llobregat. It was to be completed in 2018 and was later expected some time in 2022. However, a contract for the trains was awarded only in September 2022, so it is unlikely to open until 2025.
  • Zaragoza - Teruel - Sagunt (Port). Upgrade work is in progress, including removal of speed restrictions between Teruel and Barracas and provision of more freight loops. This was originally to be completed in 2020. In January 2021 tenders were invited for electrification of the line at 25 kV 50 Hz in order to be compatible with the sections of high speed network designed for mixed traffic. Seven new 740m long passing loops were commissioned in September 2023 and this will be followed by electrification work.
  • The extension of the Plasencia - Badajoz "línea de altas prestaciones" from Bif. Peñas Blancas to Aljucén (- Mérida) and Bif. San Nicolas (- Badajoz) was originally planned to open in late 2022. It was supposed to open in December 2023 but had not done so as at late January 2024. Electrification of the isolated Plasencia - Caceres - Badajoz section was scheduled to be completed in the first quarter of 2023. Caceres - Badajoz went live on an unknown date in December 2023
  • There are plans to divert the main line through Valladolid into a tunnel with a new underground station. The earthworks of a new 1668 mm freight bypass to the east are complete. in April 2022 ADIF invited tenders for tracklaying and electrification of the line, which will be suitable for passenger traffic.

Metre gauge lines

  • On the FEVE line from El Berrón to Pola de Laviana work has been in progress for several years on diverting the line between La Felguera and Sama into a tunnel. It is now scheduled to be effected in 2024.
  • The Generalitat Valenciana has authorised FGV to request tenders for a connection linking the the TRAM d'Alacant Luceros terminus with a new underground station at the RENFE station.
  • The scheme to convert the León - Asuncion-Universidad section of the FEVE León - Bilbao line into a tramway has been abandoned and reinstatement of a single track metre gauge heavy rail line back into León was initiated early in 2014. However work was suspended because of technical difficulties and is also believed to have been abandoned. It will therefore remain served only by a bus service for the foreseeable future.
  • A new 4.2 km Euskotren cross-city route through Donostia/San Sebastian, between Lugaritz and a point south of Amara, is under construction. It will replace the present Amara terminus, avoiding the need to reverse there. Work will start on installing the track and overhead electrification in autumn 2023 so it seems unlikely to be completed until mid 2025 at the earliest.

Lines with a limited future

A number of lines have had passenger services severely pruned, and some lines may close.

  • The last section of the Almeria line, from Huercal-Viator to Almeria, will close in the near future (early 2024?), although the date is unknown. This is to enable the line into Almeria to be put underground into a cut and cover tunnel, as the first phase of the construction of a train/bus interchange.
  • At some point, the Madrid - Almeria service will be diverted via Cordoba and the high speed line to Granada and then (via a gauge changer) the 'classic' line to Almeria. This will almost certainly mean that Linares-Baeza - Moreda will lose its passenger service. Indeed, it is thought there may be no freight traffic, so the line may close completely.
  • The new Pajares tunnel, on the main line between León and Oviedo opened to public traffic on 30 November 2023. The 'classic' line over the Pajares Pass between La Robla and Pola de Lena will apparently carry a Regional service until 31 March 2024, but after that its future as a passenger or even freight-carrying line is uncertain.
  • The 'classic' line between Medina del Campo via Zamora to Puebla de Sanabria (on the former main line to Ourense) carries one train a day each way, subsidised by the Castilla y León region. The line between Puebla de Sanabria and Taboadela (near Ourense) has no booked traffic and is at grave risk of total closure.
  • Cáceres – Valencia de Alcántara reopened on 15 December 2021, after being closed for almost 2 years. With just one train each way on 3 days a week, its future must be very insecure.
  • Huelva - Zafra: although this line has been substantially re-laid, both the local service between Huelva and Jabugo-Galaroza and that to Zafra are under threat of withdrawal; the latter is no longer an IC service to/from Madrid
  • Cercedilla - Segovia: the slow Regionales service over the section beyond this interchange for the narrow gauge line to Los Cotos was thought to be threatened by Avant services to Segovia Guiomar station on the high speed line to Valladolid. The service beyond Cercedilla was drastically reduced from 16 November 2008 but no further reductions have occurred.

Special notes

RENFE operates a confusingly wide range of train types, and special fares apply on those that are fastest or offer superior facilities.

  • AVE (originally meaning Alta Velocidad Española): High speed trains operating over the 1435 mm gauge lines: Madrid - Córdoba - Sevilla, Malaga and Granada; Madrid - Zaragoza - Camp de Tarragona - Barcelona; Madrid - Zaragoza - Huesca; Madrid - Cuenca - Valencia - Castellón/Castelló; Madrid - Valladolid - León; Madrid - Albacete - Alicante/Alacant; Barcelona - Sevilla and Malaga. Also the international services: Madrid - Barcelona - Marseille; Barcelona - París, Lyon and Toulouse.
  • Euromed: High speed trains between Barcelona, Valencia and Alacant.
  • Intercity: This term seems now to be applied to loco hauled trains of Talgo articulated stock on the following routes: Madrid - Algeciras/Almeira/Badajoz, Barcelona - Valencia/Murcia/Cartagena/Lorca and Albacete - Cartagena.
  • Alvia: High speed trains which operate on both 1668 mm and 1435 mm gauge lines on the following routes: Madrid - Valencia - Castellón; Madrid - Albacete - Murcia - Cartagena; Alicante/Alacant - Madrid - Vigo, A Coruña, Gijón and Santander; Madrid - Sevilla - Cádiz; Madrid - Huelva; Madrid - Segovia - Salamanca & Zamora; Madrid - Vigo - Pontevedra; Madrid - A Coruña; Madrid - Valladolid - Bilbao and Vitoria; Madrid - San Sebastián - Irún; Madrid - Pamplona & Logrono; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Valladolid, Gijon, A Coruña & Vigo; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Pamplona - Irún; Barcelona - Zaragoza - Bilbao.
  • Avant: Media Distancia high speed trains operating over shorter distances on the 1435 mm gauge high speed lines.
  • Media Distancia: Interurban local train.
  • Regional: Rural local train.
  • Cercanías: Suburban train.

Connections between Grandes Lineas and Regionales trains may not wait in event of late running. Indeed, in spite of some reasonable connections being generated by the RENFE website, the minimum connectional time generally recognised is 60 minutes.

Airport style luggage security checks using X-ray machines are made for nearly all main line services.

See also