Spain - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services: Difference between revisions

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A 4.5 km loop off the Vigo - A Coruña high speed line, on the original formation, serves Portela. The original section of line south of this is completely closed and northwards is a dead end freight branch. The one train each way calling at Portela uses this loop.
A 4.5 km loop off the Vigo - A Coruña high speed line, on the original formation, serves Portela. The original section of line south of this is completely closed and northwards is a dead end freight branch. The one train each way calling at Portela uses this loop.
The stop at Portela is "discrecional" (i.e. on request). On a recent journey, nobody requested the Portela stop in either direction, so this line may be considered at risk.


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Revision as of 17:10, 25 November 2018

Introduction

Spain does not necessarily change its timetables in line with other European countries. Individual regions not infrequently change their timetables on a date convenient for them. This list is based on the timetable in effect at 10 December 2017.

No official downloadable timetable is available for RENFE. Route numbers shown on the relevant map are given for the RENFE Cercanias network plus where possible Timetable numbers from the European Rail Timetable [ex Thomas Cook]. Standard abbreviations used are explained in General Information.

In the heading to each entry, the map references - prefixed by 'ERA' - refer to the European Railway Atlas 2017 All Europe - Concise Edition (M.G.Ball; published by European Railway Atlas)

Obscure services

La Pereda Riosa – Soto de Rey

[Asturias C1, ERT685] (ERA 20A1) ES18/1

South of the Soto de Rey (El Portazgo) triangle on the León - Oviedo main line, there are two separate reversibly signalled single tracks following different routes: the longer via the river valley, serving Olloniego station; the shorter via the 2.6 km "new tunnel" (number 83 bis) with no intermediate station. The longer route must be used by Cercanías C-1 trains booked to call at Olloniego; other trains tend to use the "new tunnel" route - although either route can be used if required for train regulation purposes.

Villallana – Ujo

[Asturias C1, ERT685] (ERA 20B1) ES18/2

On this section of the León - Oviedo main line there are two separate reversibly signalled single tracks (without intermediate stations) following different routes: the original (and longer) via the river valley and the shorter via the 2.5 km "new tunnel" (number 81 bis) further west. Normally, southbound Cercanías trains run via the old route and all other trains via the tunnel.

El Berrón curves

(ERA 20A1) ES18/3

Since the absorption of FEVE by RENFE, production of timetable PDFs has ceased. Train services must be identified using the RENFE former FEVE services Journey Planner.

The Oviedo - Santander and Gijón - Laviana lines cross here on the level. Connecting curves exist in all four angles, although the east <=> south curve runs through the works and cannot be considered a proper running line. Two of the other three curves are used by regular passenger trains:

  • the west <=> north curve is used by direct services between Oviedo and Noreña which run Mondays to Saturdays only; most of these run to/from Gijón.
  • the west <=> south curve is used Mondays to Fridays only by through four Laviana - Oviedo round trips; look for Laviana services not requiring a change at El Berrón.

Llovio – Ribadesella Puerto

(ERA 20A4, not shown) ES18/4

This branch is used usually on the first Saturday in August each year (4 August in 2018) for an excursion Tren Fluvial from Oviedo in connection with the annual river canoe race - La Fiesta de las Piraguas - from Arriondas (starting at noon) to Ribadesella. However, it is possible that the train may be withdrawn owing to the poor condition the Ribadesella Puerto branch.

The train is very popular and has consisted of as many as 20 coaches in the past, albeit only 7 in 2017. Prior reservation is essential as only passengers with special tickets are admitted to the train.

Amorebieta Geltokia – Amorebieta Geralekua

(ERA 22A1) ES18/5

Most trains to or from the Bermeo branch run direct to Bilbao and use the west <=> north curve avoiding Amorebieta Geltokia (the main line station). Overnight on Sunday mornings a two-hourly shuttle operates instead between Amorebieta Geltokia and Bermeo using the east-facing curve; for times see the EuskoTren website.

Altsasu triangle

[ERT653] (ERA 22B1) ES18/6

All the sides of this triangle carry passenger trains. Those using the north <=> west and east <=> west curves are quite easily determined from the journey planner. The north <=> east curve is used only by trains between Pamplona and Irún.

Vilagarcía de Arousa – Pontecesures – Osebe (Bif. Angueira)

[ERT680] (ERA 20B2) ES18/7

The original line is now a 28 km loop off the Vigo - A Coruña high speed line, serving Catoira, Pontecesures and Padrón and used by Regionales services. MD (Media Distancia) services run via the high speed line.

Pontevedra (Bif. San Amaro) – Portela – Vilagarcia de Arousa (Faxil)

[ERT680] (ERA 20B2) ES18/8

A 4.5 km loop off the Vigo - A Coruña high speed line, on the original formation, serves Portela. The original section of line south of this is completely closed and northwards is a dead end freight branch. The one train each way calling at Portela uses this loop.

The stop at Portela is "discrecional" (i.e. on request). On a recent journey, nobody requested the Portela stop in either direction, so this line may be considered at risk.

12488 18:20 Vigo Guixar - Santiago de Compostela
12441 19:08 A Coruña - Vigo Guixar

Arcade (Bif. Arcade) – Redondela – Vigo

[ERT680, 682, 696] (ERA 20B2) ES18/9

There are two routes from Arcade, each serving a different station in Vigo.

  • The high speed line runniing mainly in tunnel via Redondela AV (Alta Velocidad) to the new Vigo Urzaiz station, on the site of the former passenger terminus but below ground level. This line is used only by electric trains between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela (- A Coruña).
  • The original line via Redondela, utilising the formerly goods branch to Vigo docks and running to Vigo Guixar station, which opened on 28 August 2011 on closure of the former terminus. This line is used by diesel trains between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela and also (but only between Vigo and Redondela) all other trains to and from Vigo Guixar.

O Porriño (Guillarei-Aguja km. 141.6) – Tui (Guillarei-Aguja km. 0.9)

[ERT696] (ERA 20B2) ES18/10

This curve avoiding Guillarei enables trains to run direct between Vigo and Tui without reversing. It is used by the through Trencelta services between Vigo and Porto Campanha. Regional Express services between Vigo and Valença do Minho do not use this curve as they reverse at Guillarei.

León avoiding line: Sahagún (Bif. Rio Bernesga) – La Robla (Bif. Torneros) [C - D]

[ERT685] (ERA 20B4) ES18/11

This curve is used by the following trains, which do not call at León.

Note that the new through station at León may open in the second half of 2018. This will almost certainly result in all trains, even those not calling at León, running via the station and this curve consequently losing its trains.

SX 4141 Madrid Chamartin - 15:51 Valladolid - Gijón
FO 4171 17:15 Madrid Chamartin - Gijón
SuX 4070 Gijón - 07:27 Oviedo - Madrid Chamartin
SuO 4160 Gijón - 16:53 Oviedo - Madrid Chamartin
SuO 4380 Gijón - 18:37 Oviedo - Madrid Chamartin


Segovia Guiomar (Bif. Cambiador Valdestillas) – Valdestillas cambiador de ancho – Valdestillas

[ERT689] (ERA 20C4, not shown) ES18/12

This 2 km connection links the high speed line and the broad gauge line south of Valladolid. It is used by all high speed trains between Madrid and the Burgos line. Note that this route will no longer be required when the high speed line to Burgos opens, possibly at the end of 2018, and is thus likely to go out of use.

Medina del Campo – Zamora – Carbajales de Alba (Bif. del Bolón)

[ERT680] (ERA 20C4) ES18/13

This broad gauge line, the previous main line to Galicia, is used by one Regionales train each way. Alvia services use the high speed line from Medina del Campo AV. Note that Bif. del Bolón is west of Zamora, so travellers need to continue beyond Zamora to cover the line.

18322 17:40 Valladolid - Puebla de Sanabria
18321 07:02 Puebla de Sanabria - Valladolid

Medina del Campo AV – Campillo (Bif. Arroyo de La Golosa)

[ERT679] (ERA 20C4) ES18/14

This connection is used by Alvia services, but no others, between Madrid and Salamanca, which change gauge before joining the broad gauge Salamanca line at Bif. Arroyo de La Golosa. Note that these trains run non-stop between Segovia AV and Salamanca, not calling at Medina del Campo AV.

Valladolid Campo Grande (Bif. Cerrato) – Villamuriel de Cerrato cambiador de ancho – Palencia (Villalobón)

[ERT684] (ERA 20C4, not shown) ES18/15

This connection links the high speed line from Valladolid with the broad gauge line from Burgos, south of Palencia. It is used by all high speed trains between Madrid and the Santander line

Venta de Baños avoiding line: Palencia (Villalobón) – Magaz

[ERT681] (ERA 20B5) ES18/16

This east <=> west line avoiding Venta de Baños on the north side is used by trains between Burgos and Palencia. Note that high speed trains will presumably cease to use this line when the high speed line to Burgos opens, probably in late 2018.

Venta de Baños – Magaz

[ERT689] (ERA 20B5) ES18/17

This line is used by direct trains between Valladolid Campo Grande and Burgos which do not call (and reverse) at Palencia. Note that high speed trains will cease to use this line when the high speed line to Burgos opens, probably in late 2018.

Miranda de Ebro avoiding line: Pancorbo (Bif de Rioja) – Haro (Bif. Castilla)

[ERT650a, 653] (ERA 22B1) ES18/18

This west <=> south curve is used by trains between Logroño and Burgos which do not call at Miranda de Ebro:

SX 921 A Coruña/Vigo - 02:17 Burgos Rosa de Lima (SuX) - Barcelona Sants
SX 922 Barcelona Sants - 01:05 Logroño (SuX) - A Coruña/Vigo

Miranda de Ebro – Pobes

[ERT653, 689] (ERA 22B1, not shown) ES18/19

The branch from Miranda de Ebro to Bilbao forms what appears to be a conventional burrowing junction with the line to Irún but is in fact two separate single lines - a "short" inside curve and a "long" curve, which runs behind the depot and works and under the Irún line.

The platforms at Miranda de Ebro are numbered from 1 to 12 north to south. The station buildings are situated on the main island, whose north face is platform 4 and south side is platform 6. In early 2017 all services were booked to use these platforms.

  • Trains using platforms 1 - 4 must run via the "short" curve.
  • Trains using platforms 8 - 12 must run via the "long" curve.
  • Trains using platform 6 can run via either curve but are more likely to use the "long" curve; use of the "short" curve requires the train to cross the layout on the flat at the east end of the station.

In early 2017 the following trains were booked to use platform 4; all others were booked to use platform 6. The compilers would greatly appreciate information on the current use of the platforms. However, it is not unusual for trains to use a platform (and possibly also the route) other than that booked.

SuX 4187 Madrid Chamartin - 11:35 Miranda de Ebro - Bilbao Abando
SX 4267 Madrid Chamartin - 19:48 Miranda de Ebro - Bilbao Abando
SuX 4186 Bilbao Abando - 09:45 Llodio - Madrid Chamartin
SX 4266 Bilbao Abando - 17:23 Llodio - Madrid Chamartin

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Guadalajara Yebes (Bif. Cambiador Plasencia de Jalón) – Plasencia de Jalón cambiador de ancho – Grisén (Cambiador de Plasencia-Aguja km 308.6)

[ERT650a] (ERA 22C2) ES18/20

This connection links the high speed line west of Zaragoza with the ‘classic’ main line. It is used by through trains between Madrid Atocha and either Logroño or Pamplona, not calling at Zaragoza.

Zaragoza avoiding line: Grisén – Cabañas de Ebro

[ERT650a] (ERA 22B2) ES18/21

This line links the Calatayud and Tudela de Navarra lines west of Zaragoza. It is used by through trains between Madrid Atocha and either Logroño or Pamplona, not calling at Zaragoza.

Zaragoza (Bif. Huesca) – Tardienta

[ERT652, 670] (ERA 22C2-B2) ES18/22

There is both a broad gauge and a standard gauge line between Zaragoza and Tardienta. The standard gauge dives under the broad gauge line at Miraflores (not shown in the Ball atlas) and then parallels it all the way as a single line on the west side. However, it takes a slightly different alignment at San Juan de Mozarrifar where a 2km long embankment and flyover carries it over the freight-only branch to the military installation at San Gregorio which heads westwards here.

The standard gauge line is used by the daily through train (2 trains on Fridays and Sundays) between Madrid and Huesca. All other trains use the broad gauge line.

Note that the Tardienta - Huesca line consists of a dual gauge single track.

Zaragoza avoiding line ‘Ronda Sur’ (standard gauge): (Bif. Moncasi – Bif. Canal Imperial)

[ERT650] (ERA 22C2) ES18/23

This 21km long line forms part of the Madrid - Barcelona high speed line, bypassing Zaragoza to the south. It is used by high speed trains between Madrid and Barcelona not calling at Zaragoza.

Lleida avoiding line: (Bif. les Torres de Sanui – Bif. Artesa de Lleida)

[ERT650] (ERA 22C3) ES18/24

This 14 km long line carries the Madrid - Barcelona high speed line to the south of Lleida Pirineus station. It is used by high speed trains between Madrid/Zaragoza and Barcelona not calling at Lleida.

[Martorell –] Castellbisbal (Castellbisbal-Agujas Rubi) – Rubi

[Barcelona R8] (ERA 22A5) ES18/25

The line running westwards from (Mollet St. Fost -) Rubi splits at its western end and makes two triangular junctions with the Barcelona - Martorell Central line. The divergence at Rubi is not an actual junction and the lines west of there are unidirectional single lines: the more northerly line carries westbound traffic and the more southerly line carries eastbound traffic. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


  • Trains towards Martorell use the east <=> north curve of the more northerly line: Rubi – Bif. Papiol – Castellbisbal-Agujas Rubi.
  • Trains from Martorell head south towards El Papiol and then take the north <=> east curve of the more southerly triangle: Castellbisbal-Agujas Rubi – Aguja km 79.347 – Aguja km 4.104 – Rubi.

El Pedroso de Armuña – Cantalapiedra – Fresno el Viejo

[ERT689] (ERA 20C4) ES18/26

Most trains between Madrid/Medina del Campo and Salamanca do not call at Cantalapiedra and hence no doubt use the avoiding line, ca 2 km in length, which bypasses a sharp curve west of Cantalapiedra station. However, travellers should check for the possibility of two trains crossing here even if neither is booked to call. In this case it has been observed that one of the trains runs via the station and waits there. The only trains booked to call at Cantalapiedra are

SSuX 18300 07:35 Valladolid - Salamanca La Alamadilla
18308 13:35 Palencia - Salamanca La Alamadilla
18318 19:12 Valladolid - Salamanca La Alamadilla
18302 07:12 Salamanca - Valladolid
18306 14:00 Salamanca - Palencia
18312 20:53 Salamanca - Valladolid

Plasencia avoiding line: Monfragüe – Mirabel (Monfragüe Aguja km. 255.4)

[ERT677] (ERA 21A4) ES18/27

Most trains reverse at Plasencia, using the east <=> north and north <=> south curves west of Monfragüe, but these trains use the third (east <=> south) side of the triangle.

17194 Madrid Chamartín - 18:59 Monfragüe - Badajoz
SSuX 17197 Badajoz - 09:43 Mirabel - Madrid Chamartín
SSuO 17199 Badajoz - 11:17 Mirabel - Madrid Chamartín

(Madrid Chamartín –) Fuente de la Mora (Hortaleza) – San Fernando de Henares

[Madrid C2, ERT651] (ERA 23B5) ES18/28

This line is used by Media Distancia services between Madrid Chamartín and Guadalajara (mostly to/from Arcos de Jalón or Soria) not calling at Madrid Atocha Cercanías. Between Chamartín and Hortaleza it is common with Cercanías route C1 to Aeropuerto T4.

Local (Cercanías) trains normally run via Madrid Atocha and Vallecas. However, a limited number of additional rush hour trains run via Hortaleza. The "Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid" website gives the RENFE Cercanias timetables:

  • Go to the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid website and click "Select Language" in the bottom right hand corner, then “English”;
  • In the "Your Public Transport" block, click "Commuter Rail" and then "Lines";
  • Select route C2 from the list;
  • Click "Round schedule line" or "Schedule back line" for outward and return trains respectively;
  • Select trains in the block on Page 2 headed “Trenes CIVIS”.

Madrid Chamartín – Sol – Madrid Atocha Cercanías

(ERA 23B5) ES18/29

This line via the tunnel opened on 9 July 2008 is connected to platforms 5 - 7 at Atocha Cercanías and to platforms 1 - 6 at Chamartín. Platform 5 at Atocha Cercanías and Platform 6 at Chamartín are connected also to ES18/30. It is used by all Cercanías services on routes C3 (Chamartín - Atocha - Aranjuez) and C4 (Colmenar Viejo/Alcobendas - Parla).

The routing of Regionales and Grandes Lineas services between Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías via either ES18/29 or ES18/30 is dependent on platform usage at both stations.

Madrid Chamartín – Recoletos – Madrid Atocha Cercanías

(ERA 23B5) ES18/30

This line via the original tunnel is is connected to platforms 1 - 5 at Atocha Cercanías and to platforms 6 - 15 at Chamartín. Platform 5 at Atocha Cercanías and Platform 6 at Chamartín are connected also to ES18/29. It used by all Cercanías services on routes C2 (Guadalajara - Chamartín), C7 (Alcalá de Henares - Atocha - Chamartín - Principe Pio - Chamartín) and C8 (Atocha - El Escorial/Cercedilla).

The routing of Regionales and Grandes Lineas services between Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías via either ES18/29 or ES18/30 is dependent on platform usage at both stations. Alvia services that pass through the Chamartín cambiador de ancho must use Platform 15 at Chamartín and hence this route ES18/30.

Madrid Atocha Cercanías – Atocha cambiador de ancho – Madrid Puerta de Atocha

(ERA 23B5; not shown) ES18/31

This line connects Atocha Cercanías to the Atocha gauge changer and thence to the Puerta de Atocha terminus. It is used by through Alvia services between Valladolid and the south of Spain, which take route ES18/30 between Madrid Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías. The trains propel in both directions between Puerta de Atocha and Atocha cambiador de ancho, where they reverse.

Use of this route will cease when the third (1435 mm gauge) tunnel is opened, probably in 2018.

Museo del Ferrocarril (Paseo de las Delicias) – Bif. Museo – Madrid Santa Catalina – Villaverde Bajo – San Cristóbal Industrial

(ERA 23C5) ES18/32

This line provides a link to the railway museum, the former Madrid Delicias terminus. It was used by the "Tren de la Fresa“ (Strawberry Train) to Aranjuez in summer 2016 and by the "Tren de Navidad“ (Christmas Train) in 2015/2016 but not since then. From these dates, these trains have used Principe Pio. If use of Paseo de las Delicias does not resume this entry will be deleted at the end of 2018.

Delicias – Bif. Museo – Madrid Santa Catalina – Villaverde Bajo – San Cristóbal Industrial

(ERA 23B5-C5) ES18/33

This line provides a link between the Cercanias line on the western side of Madrid and the 'classic' main line to the south. It is used by the „Tren de la Fresa“ (Strawberry Train), which runs between May and October (but not in July and August) to Aranjuez. Note that it is not used by the „Tren de Navidad“ (Christmas Train), which is thought to make a circular journey via Las Rozas, Chamartin and Atocha Cercanias. The compilers would appreciate information on the route taken by this train in 2017/2018.

Madrid Atocha avoiding line: Guadalajara Yebes (Vallecas A.V.-Aguja km 12.3) – Ciudad Real Central (Los Gavilanes-Aguja km 13.4: Bif. Valdemingomez)

[ERT660] (ERA 23C5) ES18/34

This curve connecting the Madrid - Barcelona and Madrid - Sevilla high speed lines is used by direct services between Barcelona and Andalucia.

3940/3990 Barcelona Sants - 10:20 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Malaga
3942/3992 Barcelona Sants - 17:33 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga
FO 3946 Barcelona Sants - 18:04 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa
3943/3993 Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga - 10:39 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants
3941/3991 Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga - 16:39 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants
SuO 3945 Sevilla Santa Justa - 16:41 Córdoba - Barcelona Sants

Note that there are additional services at peak holiday periods

Madrid Atocha avoiding line (Torrejón de Velasco curve): Ciudad Real (Yeles Aguja km 13.4) – Cuenca Fernando Zóbel (Bif. Blancales)

[ERT660] (ERA 21A5) ES18/35

This 6 km long curve connecting the Madrid - Sevilla and Madrid - Valencia high speed lines is used by direct services between the Valencia region and Andalucia.

SuX 3982 Valencia Joaquin Sorolla - 09:03 Cuenca Fernando Zóbel - Sevilla Santa Justa
MFSuO 3974 Valencia Joaquin Sorolla - 18:13 Cuenca Fernando Zóbel - Málaga
FSO 3971 Málaga - 11:50 Ciudad Real - Valencia Joaquin Sorolla
SuO 3973 Málaga - 18:38 Ciudad Real - Valencia Joaquin Sorolla
SX 3981 Sevilla Santa Justa - 20:06 Ciudad Real - Valencia Joaquin Sorolla

València San Isidre – València Fuente San Luis (Bif. Clasificación Valencia F.S.L.)

[ERT669] (ERA 23A2) ES18/36

This east <=> west connection links the classic València - Cuenca - Aranjuez line with the rail network in the Valencia area pending the reconstruction of the direct curve between València San Isidre and València Nord. It is used by Cercanias C3 services between València and Utiel, a few of which are actually Media Distancia services between València and Aranjuez. These trains reverse at València Fuente San Luis.

Moixent (Bif. Alacant) – Caudete

[ERT672] (ERA 23B2) ES18/37

This east <=> south curve avoiding La Encina is used by trains between València and Alacant.

Xàtiva – Moixent

[València C2, ERT668] (ERA 23A2-B2) ES18/38

There are two separate routes on this section of the 1668 mm gauge Madrid - València main line. Cercanias services are booked to use the original alignment via L’Alcúdia de Crespins whilst all other services use the new double track main line further south, in places almost 2 km distant. However, Cercanias services terminate at L’Alcúdia de Crespins and trains between there and Moixent have been replaced by buses since 2 March 2010. Work on upgrading the original alignment west of L’Alcúdia is at a standstill with no known date for resumption of train services. After this happens, the new main line is due to be converted to 1435 mm gauge as part of the Valencia - La Encina high speed line.

[Córdoba –] La Rinconada (Majarabique) – Majarabique cambiador de ancho – Sevilla Santa Justa (Bif. Los Naranjos)

[ERT660] (ERA 21C4, not shown) ES18/39

This connection off the high speed line north of Sevilla is used by through high speed trains between (Madrid Atocha -) Córdoba and Cádiz and also the following trains, which call at Sevilla Santa Justa.

D FO 2364 16:20 Madrid Atocha - Huelva
D SuO 2375 Huelva - 19:19 Sevilla Santa Justa - Madrid Atocha

[Córdoba –] La Rinconada (Majarabique) – Majarabique cambiador de ancho – Carrión de los Céspedes (Bif. San Jerónimo)

[ERT671] (ERA 21C4) ES18/40

This connection off the AVE high speed line north of Sevilla is used by those through Alvia services between Madrid Atocha and Huelva via Córdoba which do not call at Sevilla Santa Justa. Note that there are also other services between Madrid Atocha and Huelva which run via Zafra, and hence do not call at Sevilla Santa Justa, but do not use this route.

SX 2384 Madrid Atocha - 19:52 Córdoba - Huelva
SSuX 2285 08:00 Huelva - Madrid Atocha
SO 2205 10:25 Huelva - Madrid Atocha
SuO 2365 16:20 Huelva - Madrid Atocha

Linares-Baeza (Espeluy-Aguja Km. 338.8) – Espeluy (Espeluy-Aguja Km. 340.1)

[ERT661] (ERA 21B5) ES18/41

This, the north curve of the Espeluy triangle, is the former broad gauge main line between Madrid and Sevilla. Almost all trains run between Madrid and Jaén via the east curve and between Córdoba and Jaén via the west curve. The only trains via the north curve are:

697 Barcelona Estacio De França - 17:47 Linares-Baeza - Sevilla Santa Justa
694 Sevilla Santa Justa - 10:59 Espeluy - Barcelona Estacio De França

Antequera-Santa Ana / Bobadilla Area


Fuente de Piedra – Bobadilla (Antequera-Santa Ana Aguja km 50.4)

[ERT673] (ERA 21C4, partly shown) ES18/42

There are two separate lines southwards from Fuente de Piedra:

  • the original western track ("Linea actual Córdoba - Malaga")

This is used only by Media Distancia (MD; broad gauge) services between Sevilla and Malaga, which bypass Antequera-Santa Ana.

  • the newer eastern track ("Eje transversal de Andalucia")

This line takes a straighter alignment, almost 1 km away in places from the “Linea actual Córdoba - Málaga”, and serves Antequera Santa Ana broad gauge platforms. It is used by Media Distancia (MD; broad gauge) Sevilla <=> Granada services. The southernmost portion between Antequera Santa Ana broad gauge platforms and Antequera-Santa Ana Aguja km 50.4 is also used by Algeciras <=> Granada services, which reverse at Antequera Santa Ana (broad gauge).

NOTE: All services between Antequera Santa Ana and Granada are provided by bus whilst the line is converted to 1435 mm gauge. As at autumn 2018 there is no known date for its reopening to rail traffic.

Antequera Santa Ana (standard gauge platforms) – Antequera cambiador de ancho – Antequera (Antequera-Santa Ana Aguja km 50.4)

[ERT673] (ERA 21C4, not shown) ES18/43

This connection off the high speed line is used by through Altaria services between Madrid Atocha and Algeciras.

Moreda avoiding line: Iznalloz (Bif. Almería) – Benalúa de Guadix (Bif. Granada)

[ERT673] (ERA 21C5) ES18/44

Trains between Granada and Almería not calling at Moreda use this east <=> west connection avoiding Moreda on the south side.

Other sparse services

The following sections have services which are sparse, even by Spanish standards (fewer than three trains per day or runs on fewer than five days a week):

Irún – Hendaye (France) There have been no standard gauge services from Hendaye to Irún since December 2017. The only cross-border services are all broad gauge: 310 (Hotel train from Lisboa Santa Apolonia), IC 280 from A Coruña and 313 (Hotel train to Lisboa Santa Apolonia), which began running from Hendaye from an unknown date in 2018.
Cáceres – Valencia de Alcantara One Regional Express each way TuX. Note that this line is potentially threatened with closure.
Ourense - Santiago de Compostela (broad gauge line) One Regional service each way plus one in one direction on Sundays
Salamanca La Alamedilla – Ciudad Rodrigo – Fuentes de Oñoro – Vilar Formoso [Portugal] One Tren Hotel service each way
Jaca – Canfranc
Linares-Baeza – Granada (Moreda north <=> west curve) This was traversed only by the long-suspended Barcelona - Granada sleeping car train. RENFE will introduce a direct Talgo service between Madrid and Granada by this route from 26 November 2018.
Huelva – Zafra One Regional service each way (SX) runs between Huelva and Jabugo-Galaroza. Three IC services per week run between Huelva and Zafra (- Madrid).
Cazalla-Constantina – Zafra One train each way
FEVE Cistierna – Guardo – Balmaseda One train each way
FEVE Ribadeo – Navia
FEVE Llanes – Cabezón de la Sal
Guillarei – Tui (– Valença do Minho [Portugal])
Valencia C1 Xeraco – Platja i Grau de Gandia Three trains per day on weekdays and two at weekends
Cádiz C-1a Las Aletas – Universidad Trains run only Monday to Friday during the university term

Deletions since previous edition

ES17/6 Altsasu – Altsasu-Pueblo (Bif. Km 231.5) Merged into one entry for the Altsasu triangle
ES17/7 Altsasu avoiding line: Altsasu-Pueblo (Bif. Km 231.5) – Araia (Bif. Km 534.0) Merged into one entry for the Altsasu triangle
ES17/37 València Fuente San Luis (Bif. Clasificación Valencia F.S.L.) – Alfafar-Benitússer No evidence of trains propelling round this curve for over a year
Balaguer - La Pobla de Segur No longer a sparse service

See also