A new high-speed rail route will connect the Spanish capital of Madrid with Portugal’s Lisbon.
The direct route is currently undergoing construction and hopes to be fully operational by 2030.
The inauguration date would coincide with the World Cup 2030, when Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be sharing hosting duties.
Currently travelling from Madrid to Lisbon takes nine hours by train, with a stop in Badajoz.
By 2027, the route will be reduced to six hours thanks to upgrades on high speed routes in both Spain and Portugal.
By 2030, the time will be just three hours following the completion of the Evora-Elvas section.
The 100km stretch in Portugal is crucial for the Lisbon-Madrid connection.
Spain is also advancing its high-speed rail infrastructure, with plans to connect Madrid to the Portuguese border via Extremadura by 2030.
These upgrades will allow for a direct route between Madrid and Lisbon.
The plan is part of the EU’s Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Atlantic Corridor, with significant funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
It hopes to offer a competitive alternative to air travel, potentially reducing the 40 daily flights between Lisbon and Madrid. It also supports the EU’s goals for sustainable transport and regional development.
