Spain’s low-cost high-speed rail revolution is set to reach two Andalucia gems by 2027.
State infrastructure operator Adif has included both Cadiz and Huelva in the second phase of the country’s rail liberalisation.
READ MORE: Costa del Sol train: This is the route and when it will be ready (if it all goes to plan)
The plan will allow up to 16 new services along the Madrid–Cadiz–Huelva corridor, opening the door for operators such as Ouigo and Iryo to run budget alternatives – as already seen on the Madrid–Sevilla high-speed route.
It means a lot more services and cheaper prices are expected for travellers.
Adif moves to expand competitive corridors
Adif has now begun the consultation process for this next phase, sending a preliminary capacity proposal to rail operators for three key corridors:
- Madrid–Galicia (up to 32 new daily services)
- Madrid–Asturias/Cantabria (up to 24)
- Madrid–Cadiz/Huelva (up to 16)
The proposal precedes an official update to the Network Statement (Declaracion sobre la Red – DR), where operators can provide feedback before publication.
The modified DR will outline available time slots, service calendars, and the rules governing the entire liberalisation process. Operators will be invited to sign multi-year framework agreements with Adif or Adif AV, aimed at providing legal certainty and encouraging long-term investment in routes, rolling stock, and scheduling.
The entire process is being overseen by the Spanish National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) and is expected to conclude by the end of 2027, when new framework contracts will be signed.
Low-cost rail already reshaping the market
Spain first opened its high-speed rail market to competition in 2020, with the liberalisation of the Madrid–Barcelona, Madrid–Valencia, and Madrid–Seville/Malaga corridors.
That round concluded with three framework agreements signed with new passenger rail operators, sparking a transformation in ticket pricing and availability.
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