What you need to know about the planned Madrid to Lisbon high-speed train

Summary

The EU-backed plan to connect Madrid and Lisbon with a high-speed rail line promises to slash the nine-hour journey to just three hours by 2030, boosting sustainable travel between neighboring capitals. While Spain and Portugal are separately upgrading their railway systems, challenges remain in aligning schedules and pricing for this ambitious cross-border project. The initiative aims to reduce reliance on flights and traffic congestion, promoting eco-friendly alternatives for travelers.

Additional Summaries

The EU-supported high-speed rail project between Madrid and Lisbon aims to cut travel time to three hours by 2030. Currently, the journey takes over nine hours with multiple stops. Spain is upgrading routes on its Madrid-Extremadura corridor, while Portugal advances its Évora-Elvas line. This collaboration could reduce flights and congestion, lowering emissions.

A groundbreaking plan to boost connectivity between Madrid and Lisbon promises to slash travel time from over nine hours to just three by 2030, with the EU backing the initiative. Spain has already started upgrading key routes in the Badajoz corridor, setting the stage for a smoother journey, while Portugal works on its own high-speed link from Évora to Elvas. This ambitious project could slash travel time and reduce reliance on flights, boosting both sustainability and economic opportunities.

Aims to launch a high-speed rail service between Madrid and Lisbon, cutting travel time to just three hours, with EU backing and potential completion by 2030 ahead of the 2030 World Cup. The project will involve Spain improving its Extremadura rail network and Portugal constructing a parallel track, aiming to reduce flight demand, lower emissions, and boost sustainable transport options.