Portugal and Spain are advancing plans for a high-speed rail link between Lisbon and Madrid, with the goal of reducing travel time to approximately three hours by 2034.
The two governments, alongside the European Commission, have reached an agreement on a series of concrete actions. This initiative will enable direct rail connections between the Iberian capitals.
Portugal’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Housing announced the development on Thursday, calling it a “decisive step” toward bringing the cities closer.
The immediate objective is to establish a direct Lisbon-Madrid journey of around five hours by 2030. This will then be shortened to about three hours with high-speed service by 2034.
Miguel Pinto Luz, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Infrastructure, described the project as “a historic step” for the connection between the two countries. He stated the plan aims to ensure high-speed rail is a reality for people, the economy, and territorial cohesion.
The 2030 timeline includes the completion of a new high-speed line between Évora and Caia by 2025, with operations starting in 2026. Other segments, like Plasencia-Talayuela, are expected to be operational by 2028.
Construction is also set to begin on a second track between Poceirão and Bombel in 2026, targeting completion by 2029 and operation by 2030.
Studies for a new Lisbon-Évora line, including a third crossing over the Tagus River, are slated for completion by 2027.
Beyond 2030, the 2034 targets involve the full construction of the new Lisbon-Évora high-speed line. This also includes the third crossing over the Tagus and potential duplication of the Évora-Caia line.
The implementation of a European railway traffic management system across various sections between Lisbon and Madrid is also planned. Further studies and potential construction for a new high-speed section connecting Caia and Badajoz, alongside an international station at Elvas-Badajoz, are underway.
Officials highlight the new rail link as a more cost-effective and convenient alternative for passengers. It aims to compete with the more than 40 daily flights currently operating between the two capitals.
The project is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It promotes a shift to transport with a lower carbon footprint, contributing to more sustainable mobility.
This initiative aligns with Europe’s broader strategy for sustainable mobility and cross-border rail integration. It involves significant investments in infrastructure, technological modernization, and rail interoperability.
Portugal and Spain have committed to evaluate the socio-economic benefits and interoperability impact of migrating from the Iberian rail gauge to the standard European gauge. This assessment is expected by 2027.
Should the evaluation prove favorable, the two nations plan to present a coordinated strategy for this gauge migration.
All proposed actions will be incorporated into the respective national investment plans. This ensures both political and financial commitment to a modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly infrastructure.