Portugal and Spain not only share open borders but the Iberian Peninsula. So, you would think that train links would be abundant and fast. And, you would be wrong. Since 2020, Lisbon and Madrid are no longer connected by direct rail, and the cross-border routes fell from 4 to 2. But, the good news is there are some huge changes on the way.
Welcome aboard as we embark on a look at traveling from Spain to Portugal by train today and what to get ready for tomorrow. The connection between Spain and Portugal via rail has a long and storied history, with plans for future developments poised to change cross-border travel. While the direct train link between the capitals of the two countries was discontinued in 2020, recent proposals and initiatives aim to enhance connectivity and streamline transportation between these neighboring nations. Spain has focused on building impressive intercity links and networks while Portugal boosted its lines from North to south, but cutting 30% of its rural network.
With the new Luis de Camões Airport will come a rail link from Lisbon to Madrid via Evora and Badadjoz, with the construction of a Third Tejo Crossing.
Lisbon-Madrid Rail Link Moves Forward
The governments of Portugal and Spain—together with the European Commission—have agreed to key milestones for a major cross-border rail project. By 2030, trains will link Lisbon and Madrid in approximately five hours. By 2034, the aim is a high-speed service cutting the journey time to about three hours.
To reach the 2030 goal, the plan includes:
Complete the Évora–Caia high-speed section by 2025, to enter service in 2026.
Begin duplication of the Poceirão–Bombel section in 2026, with completion by 2029 and operation by 2030.
Conduct studies and planning for upgrading gauge and interoperability by 2027.
Officials emphasise that this isn’t just about speed—it supports sustainable mobility, fewer flights between the two capitals, and deeper European rail integration.
Why it matters
Currently, there are more than 40 daily flights between Lisbon and Madrid. The new link offers a competitive, greener alternative.
The project is part of the EU’s broader push to knit together its transport network and reduce regional isolation.
For the Iberian Peninsula, it signals closer integration of Portugal and Spain into the European high-speed rail corridor.
What is Running Now:
The Celta train offers a direct connection between Porto and Vigo (Galicia). Operated jointly by CP-Comboios de Portugal and Renfe, this service provides a convenient and efficient way for travelers to journey between these two vibrant cities. Running twice daily in each direction, the Celta train completes the journey in 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it a nice option for travelers. Along the way, passengers can see the lush green landscapes of the Minho region, with stops at Viana do Castelo and Valença do Minho.
In addition to the Celta train, another scenic rail journey is the Comboio Raiano. Operating between Entroncamento in Portugal and Badajoz in Spain, this route offers great views of the Tejo River Valley and the Alto Alentejo's cork forests. With four daily connections, the Raiano train provides travelers with the only opportunity to travel from Lisbon to Madrid by rail. To do that, one gets a train from Lisbon to Entroncamento, then takes the Raiano to Badajoz, and connects to a Renfe train to Madrid. From the historic fortifications of Elvas to the charming towns and rapids along the Tejo, a Raiano journey offers a glimpse into the natural heritage of the region. But it takes 10 hours, versus 90 minutes by air: Even though Lisbon's airport is busy and crowded, while Madrid's massive airport is far from the city.
What is Coming?
Renfe, the Spanish railway operator, is planning to reintroduce its own high-speed train services to Portugal. This project aims to launch high-speed services as early as 2026. The high-speed line between Badajoz and Lisbon, now under construction, promises to significantly reduce journey times, offering travelers a new and sustainable transportation option. Renfe is building new engines for just that route that will run on the velar on both sides of the border.
And, by 2027, Renfe sees extending its services along Portugal's Atlantic coast, linking major Portuguese cities including Porto with Madrid.
Back in Portugal, ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the country's rail network are underway. Construction on a new high-speed line from Lisbon to Porto is set to start in 2025, with completion expected by 2030. The Beira Alta line is reopened with faster train times. Additionally, the refurbishment and reintroduction of historic rolling stock are both enhancing service quality and expanding capacity on existing rail lines. Tourists love the classic Schindler and Sorefame rail cars, and the cost was a fraction of buying new ones.
With these developments on the horizon, the future of rail travel between Spain and Portugal looks promising. As plans progress travelers can look forward to faster, more efficient, and more convenient cross-border transportation options, ushering in a new era of connectivity between these neighboring countries.
Traveling by train from Spain to Portugal is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B – it's an experience that allows us to connect with the essence of these two nations. And it is scenic but slow, it is about to get fast and useful.