The long-awaited high-speed rail link between Madrid and Lisbon is set to drastically improve travel in the Iberian Peninsula. This ambitious project, which is expected to be completed by 2034, aims to significantly reduce travel times.
Many analysts also believe there will be enhanced economic ties between Spain and Portugal as a result, with the EU’s free movement of labour and capital being used to its full advantage.
Currently, there is no direct train service between the two capitals, a situation deemed “unacceptable” by María Guardiola, the president of the Spanish region of Extremadura.
The new high-speed line will initially cut the journey from Lisbon to Badajoz from three and a half hours to under two hours, with future phases connecting Madrid and Lisbon in just three hours by 2034.
Portugal’s Infrastructure Overhaul: New Airport and High-Speed Rail
In parallel with the high-speed rail project, Portugal is also investing in a new international airport near Lisbon, expected to be operational by 2034. This airport, located in Alcochete, will alleviate the pressure on Lisbon’s current Humberto Delgado Airport, which is operating at full capacity. The new airport will be complemented by a third bridge over the Tagus River, improving connections from Lisbon’s city centre.
The new railway should also take some stress off Lisbon’s current airport. It may be a popular alternative for conscious travellers, of which many arrive looking to complete the Camino de Santiago. As seen in the number of Scottish and Sicilian trails, Portugal is another popular starting point.
Eurostar’s Expansion: Meeting the Demand for Sustainable Travel
Meanwhile, Eurostar is responding to the booming demand for sustainable travel by planning significant expansions. The company aims to add more routes from London to various European destinations, supported by the acquisition of 50 new trains.
This expansion follows a record revenue of over €2 billion in 2023 and a passenger count nearing 19 million. The new routes, potentially operational by early 2025, reflect Eurostar’s commitment to sustainable and efficient travel options.
Challenges and Opportunities in Cross-Border Rail Services
The development of the Madrid-Lisbon high-speed rail link is not without its challenges. Renfe, Spain’s national rail operator, needs to invest €15 million to adapt its rolling stock to Portuguese infrastructure, addressing issues like electrical voltage discrepancies and signalling systems. These technical hurdles must be overcome to ensure seamless operation across borders.
The interruption of the previous direct overnight train services due to the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for robust and resilient infrastructure. The Trenhotel Lusitania, which connected Madrid and Lisbon, was suspended in 2020 and has not been reinstated. The new high-speed rail project aims to fill this gap, providing a faster alternative to road and air travel that should help the countries reach their CO2 targets.
Future Prospects: Enhancing Mobility and Sustainability
Both the Madrid-Lisbon high-speed rail link and Eurostar’s expansion plans are part of broader efforts to enhance sustainable mobility in Europe. The projects align with the EU’s vision of decarbonising transport and promoting rail travel as a viable alternative to short-haul flights – something that was recently banned in France.
In summary, the Madrid-Lisbon high-speed rail project and Eurostar’s expansion reflect a shift towards sustainable and efficient transport solutions in Europe; something that budget airlines had compromised for many years.
