Portugal and Spain announce plans for a five-hour train journey between Lisbon and Madrid by 2030

Published October 31, 2025

The governments of Spain and Portugal, together with the European Commission, plan to integrate state high-speed railways into the European Union by 2030. The construction of the new railway between Madrid and Lisbon is still pending, and will take about 5 hours to visit. The basic vision of the project is to establish high-speed link connections with an optimal duration of up to 3 hours by 2034.

These new developments will significantly improve transport across the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, this will improve the travel period between the capitals of Portugal and Spain, and will largely align with the growing EU objectives regarding sustainable mobility across national borders.

Details of the railway line and project schedule

According to the Portuguese Ministry of Infrastructure, the Iberian strategy to connect Lisbon and Madrid by rail includes a series of measures and infrastructure projects, aiming to build a direct railway line by 2030, with a high-speed connection to follow in 2034. The plan is designed to improve railway infrastructure, enhance efficiency, and modernize transport services across Portugal and Spain.

Some key aspects of the project include:

• Completion of the Evora to Kaya high-speed line: Scheduled to be completed by 2025with Operations begin in 2026. This section will serve as a crucial link in connecting Lisbon to the wider high-speed rail network.
• Plasencia Talayuela Department (Cáceres): Set to enter the process with 2028providing a more direct route to Madrid.
• Construction of the second track from Bucerau to Bombel: It is expected to start on 2026with completion 2029 And operations begin 2030. This section is essential to accommodate the increasing traffic and improve the overall efficiency of the railway system.
• Study and planning of the Lisbon-Évora high-speed line and the third crossing over the Tagus River: These studies are scheduled to be completed by 2027to meet the future needs of railway communications in Lisbon.

These measures are part of a broader EU railway modernization strategy, which also includes the implementation of the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in several sections between Lisbon and Madrid by 2034. This will ensure railway interoperability across different regions, further integrating the railway systems of the Iberian Peninsula into the European network.

Improved connectivity and economic impact

The new railway line is expected to have significant economic and social benefits for both countries, especially in the areas of tourism, business and trade. By offering a fast, efficient and sustainable alternative to air and road travel, the railway will make it easier for travelers to travel between Lisbon and Madrid, two of the most popular destinations in southern Europe.

Tourism is expected to benefit from the railway project, as it will enable smoother travel between the two cities, both of which are essential for international travel routes in Europe. According to the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism, the high-speed rail line will make the journey between Madrid and Lisbon more convenient, contributing to the overall growth of tourism and cross-border activities in the region.

In addition, the railway line will support business travelers who frequently move between the two capitals, providing a reliable and time-efficient option for meetings, conferences and negotiations.

Sustainability and technological modernization

The European Commission has recognized the importance of this project as part of its broader commitment to sustainable mobility and the Green Deal. The new railway line will help reduce carbon emissions by offering a greener transport option compared to cars and planes. The shift towards high-speed trains will also reduce road congestion and reduce the environmental impact of intercity travel.

A critical element of the project is the integration of the ERTMS system, which will enhance safety, capacity and speed across the rail network. The introduction of ERTMS will ensure that railway systems in both Spain and Portugal are able to work seamlessly with other European networks, contributing to the EU’s vision of an interconnected Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The Sustainable Transport Initiative set by the European Union in 2024 highlights the shift towards environmentally friendly means of transport, making this railway project a key component of the region’s sustainability goals.

Cross-border cooperation and future development

This railway project also represents a further strengthening of the relationship between Portugal and Spain, two countries already closely linked by cultural, historical and economic ties. The cooperation between the two governments, along with the support provided by the European Commission, is a testament to the importance of regional cooperation in developing infrastructure projects that benefit both countries and the broader EU community.

Looking ahead, future phases of the project will explore the construction of new high-speed railway lines between Caia and Badajoz, as well as the development of the Elvas-Badajoz International Railway Station, a key border crossing point for trains between Portugal and Spain. Portugal’s Ministry of Infrastructure has highlighted that further studies will determine how these initiatives can be achieved in line with sustainable goals.

Conclusion: Promoting travel in the Iberian Peninsula

The Lisbon-Madrid railway project is expected to become a landmark development for both Portugal and Spain, improving regional connectivity and setting a new standard for sustainable transport in Europe. The 2030 timetable for a five-hour direct link between the two capitals will provide new opportunities for tourists, business travelers and locals, providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to travel across the Iberian Peninsula.

With the long-term vision of a high-speed rail system linking the two countries, this project is a key element in the future of European rail travel, supporting economic growth, sustainability and cross-border cooperation.