A new high-speed train route linking Madrid and Lisbon aims to be operational by 2030 – when the two countries will be co-hosting the FIFA World Cup.
The two capitals have not been linked by a direct train since 2020, when Spain’s state-owned rail company Renfe discontinued its overnight train-hotel service.
The new route – which will cut the journey time from over 10 hours to just three – has received official sign-off from the European Commission.
“We’re working on a plan to strengthen high-speed connections between major European capitals – and Madrid–Lisbon is one of our top priorities,” said EU Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
Portugal’s government says the train links are key to decarbonising transport and will see flights between the capitals reduced.
That said, the government is also planning a new airport in the Lisbon region as part of the push to improve connections to the country.
Here’s everything we know so far.
New Madrid-Lisbon high-speed train to cut journey time from 10 hours to three
