Spain's national rail operator, Renfe, has recently launched new routes to France and is now looking into developing a high-speed line to Portugal.
Renfe discontinued its only direct overnight train services between the two countries' capitals in 2020 due to the global pandemic.
Portugal is developing a new high-speed train line, which is expected to be completed in 2024, which will contribute to Renfe's plan to improve connectivity between the two countries.
The new Portuguese 100km line from Elvas to Evora will cut the journey time between Lisbon and Badajoz, in west Spain, from three-and-a-half to under two hours.
The line will be part of a broader Iberian high-speed rail network that will connect Lisbon to Porto in just over an hour – less than half the time it currently takes.
According to La Información, the Renfe line that will connect Madrid and Lisbon via Badajoz in six hours, is expected to be operational by 2027.
For the route to be operational, Renfe will have to invest €15 million (R303 million) to adapt part of its rolling stock to operate on Portuguese infrastructure. These adaptations include standardising its stock’s electrical voltage and signalling systems with the Portuguese systems.
