A historic rail link returns in a new, modern form. By 2030, travellers between the Spanish and Portuguese capitals can count on a fast, sustainable connection.

After years without a direct train connection, there will again be a train from Madrid to Lisbon – but this time at an unprecedented speed. The planned high-speed train should reduce travel time between the two capitals from more than 10 hours to just three. It will revolutionise travel on the Iberian Peninsula.

The European Commission has now given the green light to the project, which is part of wider ambitions to connect European capitals more quickly and sustainably. ‘Madrid and Lisbon are among our priorities,’ said EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

New infrastructure being built

Portugal has already started building new rail sections. A major section, from Elvas to Évora, should be operational before the end of this year. This section will significantly speed up the connection between Lisbon and Badajoz, Spain, from three and a half hours to less than two.

This extension is part of a larger network that will not only connect Lisbon to Madrid, but also aims to eventually link other key cities such as Porto, Vigo and Salamanca to the high-speed network.

By 2027, a partial connection between Madrid and Lisbon could already provide a six-hour journey time. But not until 2030, when all the works are completed, will the full route be possible in three hours.

Challenged and investments

The return of the rail link comes after the disappearance of the night train ‘Lusitania Trenhotel’ in 2020. Since then, there has been no direct train connection between the two capitals. Technical differences such as variations in voltage systems and signalling have long hampered the restart.

To make the new connection possible, Spanish railway company Renfe is expected to have to invest around €15 million to adapt its trains to the Portuguese infrastructure.

Sustainable alternative to short-distance flights

The Portuguese government sees the new high-speed rail link as an important step towards a more climate-friendly transport system. By offering an attractive alternative to domestic and cross-border flights, it hopes to reduce air traffic emissions.

At the same time, plans are also being rolled out in Portugal for a new international airport in Alcochete, some 40 kilometres outside Lisbon. This should be operational by 2034 and will replace the overcrowded Humberto Delgado Airport.

Future based travelling

The reconstruction of the train from Madrid to Lisbon comes just in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by Spain and Portugal. The project promises to boost not only tourism, but also cross-border cooperation and sustainable mobility in Europe.