Spain - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

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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 from 13 December 2020.

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.

Map references for each route entry are given in parentheses ( ). References prefixed "ERA-E" refer to the European Railway Atlas (All-Europe Edition) by M.G. Ball. Template:Map Refs ERA-R-ES-PT

Obscure services

La Pereda Riosa – Soto de Rey

[Asturias C1, ERT685] (ERA-E 20A1; ERA-R 52B4) ES21/1

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.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Villallana – Ujo

[Asturias C1, ERT685] (ERA-E 20B1; ERA-R 52B4-C4) ES21/2

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.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


El Berrón curves

(ERA-E 20A1; ERA-R 52B5) ES21/3

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. Only one of the other three curves is 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.

Sotiello (Aguja Enlace Veriña) – Veriña (Aguja Enlace Sotiello)

(ERA-E 20A1 not shown fully; ERA-R 52A5) ES21/4

This 5km line connects the El Berrón - Gijón FEVE line with the Gijón - Pravia line, thereby avoiding Gijón. It is extremely likely that it is used by the Costa Verde Express Luxury Train (which runs between between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela) when it travels directly between Arriondas and Candás. See the Costa Verde Express Luxury Train website for dates and details. The compilers would greatly appreciate confirmation of the train using this route

Note that this train also uses the previous entry.

Llovio – Ribadesella Puerto

(ERA-E 20A4; ERA-R 43A2, not shown on either atlas) ES21/5

This branch has been used on the first Saturday in August each year for an excursion Tren Fluvial from Oviedo (dep normally 08:10) in connection with the annual river canoe race - La Fiesta de las Piraguas - from Arriondas (starting at noon) to Ribadesella. The Fiesta scheduled for 8 August 2020 did not take place owing to the Covid-19 pandemic but apparently the train did run as a tribute to those who had died as a result of it. The Fiesta scheduled for 7 August 2021 will not take place owing to the pandemic, although some limited canoeing will be permitted.

The train is extremely popular and prior reservation is essential as only passengers with special tickets are admitted. However, it is possible that the train may be withdrawn owing to the poor condition of the Ribadesella Puerto branch.

Amorebieta Geltokia – Amorebieta Geralekua

(ERA-E 22A1; ERA-R 47A3) ES21/6

Almost all trains to or from the Bermeo branch run direct to Bilbao and use the west <=> north curve avoiding Amorebieta Geltokia (the main line station). Historically overnight on Sunday mornings a two-hourly shuttle operated instead between Amorebieta Geltokia and Bermeo using the east-facing curve. The shuttle trains connected with trains from Bilbao but have been suspended during the Covid-19 epidemic and, as at September 2021, had not resumed.

Hendaye (France) – Irún (standard/broad gauge)

[ERT 689] (ERA-E 22A1; ERA-R 47A5) ES21/7

There have been no standard gauge services from Hendaye to Irún since December 2017. The only cross-border service when the lockdown started in March 2020 was the Hotel Train to and from Lisboa Santa Apolonia. This is currently suspended and its future is uncertain, so the only service across the border is the metre gauge Euskotren line.

Altsasu triangle

[ERT653] (ERA-E 22B1; ERA-R 47B1) ES21/8

All three 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 San Sebastián/Donostia or Irún.

Santiago de Compostela avoiding line: Bif. A Grandeira – Bif. Río Sar

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2 (not shown); ERA-R 39B2) ES21/8A

This east – west curve, which opened on 14 June 2021, links the high speed line from Ourense with the line to Pontevedra and Vigo.

SSuX 4275 Madrid Chamartin - 11:25 Ourense - Vigo Urzáiz
SuX 4165 Madrid Chamartin - 20:27 Ourense - Vigo Urzáiz
SuX 4484 08:55 Vigo Urzáiz- Madrid Chamartin
SX 4354 15:32 Vigo Urzáiz- Madrid Chamartin

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

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2; ERA-R 39B2) ES21/9

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

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

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2; ERA-R 39C2) ES21/10

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 journey in October 2018, 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-E 20B2; ERA-R 39C2) ES21/11

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

  • The high speed line running 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.

Guillarei

[ERT696] (ERA-E 20B2; ERA-R 39C2) ES21/12

The line from (Porto –) Valença do Minho [Portugal] joins the Vigo – Ourense main line at Guillarei. There is also a west<=>north curve avoiding Guillarei.

The two curves are used by the following trains:

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

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, which run non-stop between Vigo and Valença do Minho.

  • Guillarei – Tui (Guillarei-Aguja km. 0.9)

This curve is used by Regional Express services between Vigo and Valença do Minho, which reverse at Guillarei. As at July 2021, these services are not running.

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

[ERT685] (ERA-E 20B4; ERA-R 44C1) ES21/13

With the through station at León having opened on 21 September 2021, this curve is no longer used by passenger trains.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


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

[ERT689] (ERA-E 20C4, not shown; ERA-R 44A2) ES21/14

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 in late 2021, and is thus likely to go out of use.

Medina del Campo – Zamora – Puebla de Sanabria

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B3-C4; ERA-R 39C5 and 44A1-B2) ES21/15

This 197 km broad gauge line, part of 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 station.

18322 Valladolid - 17:59 Medina del Campo - Puebla de Sanabria
18321 07:02 Puebla de Sanabria - Valladolid

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

[ERT679] (ERA-E 20C4, not shown; ERA-R 44B2) ES21/16

This connection is used by Alvia/Avant services, but no others, between Madrid and Salamanca, which change gauge before joining the broad gauge Salamanca line at Bif. Arroyo de La Golosa.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Venta de Baños – Bif. Cerrato – Villamuriel de Cerrato cambiador de ancho – Palencia (Villalobón)

[ERT684] (ERA-E 20B5; ERA-R 44A3) ES21/17

This connection links the high speed line from Valladolid with Palencia - via both the high speed line and the broad gauge line from Burgos. Although it is laid out with a grade separated junction at Venta de Baños, it appears to be operated as two separate single lines:

  • The western line (which would normally be the southbound line) continues to Palencia and onwards to León. It is used by all high speed trains between Madrid and the León line.
  • The eastern line (which would normally be the northbound line) runs to the Villamuriel de Cerrato gauge changer and joins the 'classic' broad gauge line to Palencia. It is used by all high speed trains between Madrid and the Santander line.

It is thought that the crossovers at Bif. Cerrato, which would enable the line to be operated as a conventional double track line, are not yet in use. The compilers would be grateful for any observations on the routing of the trains.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


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

[ERT681] (ERA-E 20B5; ERA-R 44A3) ES21/18

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, possibly in 2021.

Venta de Baños – Magaz

[ERT689] (ERA-E 20B5; ERA-R 44A3) ES21/19

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, possibly in 2021.

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

[ERT650a, 653] (ERA-E 22B1; ERA-R 43C5) ES21/20

This west <=> south curve is used by trains between Logroño and Burgos which do not call at Miranda de Ebro. No such trains are running at present owing to the Covid-19 epidemic as the Barcelona <> A Coruña/Vigo overnight service has been suspended.


Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


Miranda de Ebro – Pobes

[ERT653, 689] (ERA-E 22B1; ERA-R 43C5, not shown on either map) ES21/21

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.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


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 platforms 4 or 6.

  • 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 as use of the "short" curve requires the train to cross the layout on the flat at the east end of the station.

As at December 2020 the current use of the platforms is not known. The compilers would greatly appreciate information on the current use of the platforms.

The following information is given as a guide to possible use: in early 2017 the following trains were booked to use platform 4; all others were booked to use platform 6. However, it was 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


Zaragoza Area

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

[ERT650a] (ERA-E 22C2; ERA-R 48A2) ES21/22

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

Zaragoza avoiding line: Grisén – Cabañas de Ebro

[ERT650a] (ERA-E 22B2; ERA-R 48A2) ES21/23

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

Zaragoza (Bif. Huesca) – Tardienta

[ERT652, 670] (ERA-E 22B2-C2; ERA-R 48A3) ES21/24

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 through AVE service (Fridays and Saturdays excepted) 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-E 22C2; ERA-R 48C1) ES21/25

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-E 22C3; ERA-R 48A5) ES21/26

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-E 22A5; ERA-R 51C4) ES21/27

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-E 20C4; ERA-R 44B2) ES21/28

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
18318 18:56 Valladolid - Salamanca La Alamadilla
18302 07:12 Salamanca - Valladolid
SSuX 18306 14:00 Salamanca - Palencia

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

[ERT677] (ERA-E 21A4; ERA-R 41A5) ES21/29

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.

194 Madrid Chamartín - 19:05 Monfragüe - Badajoz
SSuX 197 Badajoz - 09:43 Mirabel - Madrid Chamartín
SSuO 199 Badajoz - 11:14 Mirabel - Madrid Chamartín


Madrid Area

Madrid: Las Rozas Triangle

[Madrid C3a, C7, C8, C10] (ERA-E 23B4; ERA-R 50B4) ES21/30

The line from Madrid Chamartín makes a triangular junction with the original Norte main line from Madrid Principe Pio to north western Spain. The Norte is the only company which had left hand running. The line from Chamartín, built in the 1950s has right hand running, like most of the Spanish network, and the line into Principe Pio was converted to right hand running. All three junctions at the triangle are grade separated and the connections from Pinar de las Rozas, at the north western apex, switch sides in order to give right hand running into Chamartín and Principe Pio. This results in a complex layout in this area.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


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

[Madrid C2, ERT651] (ERA-E 23B5; ERA-R 50B5) ES21/31

This line is normally 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 routes C1 and C10 to Aeropuerto T4.

As at December 2020, with a limited service running owing to the pandemic, the only trains are two (normally) Regional Express services between Madrid Chamartin and Soria.

Local (Cercanías) trains on route C2 normally run via Madrid Atocha and Vallecas. However, some Monday - Friday trains run via Fuente de la Mora. These can be identified by having a significantly shorter journey time (about 25 minutes) between Chamartín and Torrejón de Ardoz (and stations east of there) than those via Atocha.

Madrid Chamartín – Sol – Madrid Atocha Cercanías

[Madrid C3,C3a,C4, ERT651] (ERA-E 23B5; ERA-R 50B5) ES21/32

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 ES21/33. It is used by all Cercanías services on routes C3/3a (El Escorial/Chamartín - Atocha - Aranjuez) and C4 (Colmenar Viejo/Alcobendas - Parla).

The routing of Regionales and Grandes Lineas services between Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías via either ES21/32 or ES21/33 is dependent on platform usage at both stations.

Madrid Chamartín – Recoletos – Madrid Atocha Cercanías

[Madrid C1,C2,C7,C8,C10, ERT651] (ERA-E 23B5; ERA-R 50B5) ES21/33

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 ES21/32 It used by all Cercanías services on routes C1 (Aeropuerto T4 - Atocha - Principe Pio), C2 (Guadalajara - Chamartín), C7 (Alcalá de Henares - Atocha - Chamartín - Principe Pio), C8 (Cercedilla - Chamartín - Atocha - Guadalajara) and C10 (Aeropuerto T4 - Atocha - Villalba).

The routing of Regionales and Grandes Lineas services between Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías via either ES21/32 or ES21/33 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 ES21/33.


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

(ERA-E 23B5; ERA-R 50B5; not shown on either map) ES21/34

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 ES21/33 between Madrid Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías. The trains propel in both directions between Puerta de Atocha and Atocha cambiador de ancho, where they reverse.

Note that use of this route will cease when the third (1435 mm gauge) tunnel between Atocha and Chamartín is opened. There is no indication when this will happen.

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

(ERA-E 23C5; ERA-R 50B4) ES21/35

This line provides a link to the railway museum, the former Madrid Delicias terminus. It is used by the following trains:

  • The Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train), which runs between May and October (but not in July and August) to Aranjuez. Advance booking is essential.

The train did not run in 2020 owing to the Covid epidemic but has run in 2021.

The timings in 2019 were as follows: Museo del Ferrocarril 10:00; Aranjuez 10:44. Aranjuez 18:36; Museo del Ferrocarril 19:26.

  • The Tren de Navidad] (Christmas Train) runs in December and January, normally making three round trips between the Museo del Ferrocarril and Getafe. Advance booking is essential.

It is presumed the train did not run in 2020 owing to the Covid epidemic.

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-E 23C5; ERA-R 50C5) ES21/36

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

3930/3940 Barcelona Sants - 10:20 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Granada
3942/3992 Barcelona Sants - 17:33 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga
3943/3931 Sevilla Santa Justa/Granada - 10:39 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants
3941/3991 Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga - 16:41 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants

The services struck through are suspended as at May 2021.
Note that there may be 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-E 23C4; ERA-R 50C4) ES21/37

This 6 km long curve connecting the Madrid - Sevilla and Madrid - Valencia high speed lines was used by direct services between the Valencia region and Andalucia but there are none as at May 2021. It is not known when services will resume.

Variante de Vandellós: Camp de Tarragona/Vila-Seca – L'Ametlla de Mar (Vandellós)

[ERT669] (ERA-E 22C3; ERA-R 48B5) ES21/38

This high speed line links the Madrid - Barcelona LAV with the classic Barcelona - València line. The line from Camp de Tarragona is UIC gauge and passes through a gauge changer at La Boella before the south <=> west curve from (Tarragona –) Vila-Seca joins at Bif La Feredat. The line to Vandellós is Iberian gauge but will eventually be converted to mixed gauge.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.


  • The line from Camp de Tarragona is used by variable gauge main line services between Barcelona and València.
  • The curve from Vila-Seca is used by Iberian gauge Regional Express and Regional services between Tarragona and València or Tortosa.

València Area

File:Valencia Area.jpg


València Joaquin Sorolla

[ERT669] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B5) ES21/39

Thee are two connections between València Joaquin Sorolla station and the 1668 mm gauge line from València Nord.

  • The more northerly (1668 mm gauge) is used by Alvia, Euromed and Intercity services to/from the Madrid, Alacant ans Barcelona lines. These pass through the gauge changer at Joaquin Sorolla station if they run via the high speed line from or to Madrid.
  • The more southerly (1435 mm gauge) is used only by AVE services to/from Castellón de la Plana or Vinaros, which make use of the mixed gauge track on the Barcelona line.

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

[ERT669] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B5) ES21/40

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 Madrid via Aranjuez. These trains reverse at València Fuente San Luis.

Buñol

[València C3] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B3, not shown on either map) ES21/41

Buñol is a Y shaped station, with through platforms 1 and 2 curving away from terminal platform 4. It appears that trains normally use through platform 2 unless the presence of other trains requires use of platform 4 by trains starting or terminating at Buñol.

  • The following trains from/to València Nord have been observed using platform 4 in past years.

Arr 15:39; Dep 17:25.

  • The following trains from/to València Nord are thought to use platform 4. The compilers would appreciate confirmation of this.

Arr 10:18; Dep 13:50. One of the arrivals at 21:01 or 21:34, and also at 22:42 and 23:29, stable in platform 4

La Encina avoiding line: Moixent (Bif. Alacant) – Caudete

[ERT672] (ERA-E 23B2; ERA-R 49C1) ES21/42

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

Note that the two lines run parallel for quite a long way north of Caudete but with no physical connection until Caudete station.

Xàtiva – Moixent

[València C2, ERT668] (ERA-E 23A2-B2; ERA-R 49B3-C3) ES21/43

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.

Sevilla Area


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

[ERT660] (ERA-E 21C4, not shown; ERA-R 42A1) ES21/44

This connection off the high speed line north of Sevilla is used by through Alvia trains between Madrid Atocha and Cádiz. It was also used by through trains between Madrid and Huelva, calling at Sevilla Santa Justa. However, none are running as at May 2021.

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

[ERT671] (ERA-E 21C4; ERA-R 42A1) ES21/45

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


(La Rinconada (Majarabique) –) Bif. Tamarguillo – Bif. La Negrilla and La Salud-Aguja km. 10,2 – La Salud

[ERT671] (ERA-E 21C4; ERA-R 42A1-B1) ES21/46

This route bypassing Sevilla to the east is thought to be used by through Alvia services between Madrid Atocha and Cádiz which do not call at Sevilla Santa Justa.

A 2164 16:15 Madrid Atocha - Cádiz
B SX 2175 Cádiz - 18:05 Jerez de la Frontera - Madrid Atocha

A: This train has not been observed but this is thought to be its normal route.
B: This train has been observed taking this route and it is believed this is its normal route.

The compilers would be grateful for confirmation of the routing

Córdoba (Bif. Cambiador Alcolea) – Alcolea cambiador de ancho – Alcolea (Alcolea-Aguja km 431.9)

[ERT661] (ERA-E 21B4; ERA-R 46A2) ES21/47

This connection links the high speed line east of Córdoba with the ‘classic’ main line via Linares-Baeza. It is used by the following trains:

697 Barcelona Estacio De França - 17:54 Andujar - Sevilla Santa Justa
694 Sevilla Santa Justa - 10:13 Córdoba - Barcelona Estacio De França

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

[ERT661] (ERA-E 21B5; ERA-R 46A4) ES21/48

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 - 17:14 Linares-Baeza - Sevilla Santa Justa
694 Sevilla Santa Justa - 11:22 Espeluy - Barcelona Estacio De França

Antequera-Santa Ana / Bobadilla Area


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

[ERT673] (ERA-E 21C4, partly shown; ERA-R 46A5) ES21/49

There are two separate lines southwards from Fuente de Piedra:

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

This was used by Media Distancia (MD; broad gauge) services between (Sevilla -) Pedrera and Malaga, bypassing Antequera-Santa Ana. When the Rio Blanco bridge, on the Sevilla line between Osuna and Pedrera, was washed away on 21 October 2018, trains ran only between Pedrera and Málaga, via Antequera-Santa Ana broad gauge platforms. This line therefore lost its service on this date.

  • 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 four Media Distancia (MD; broad gauge) services each way between Sevilla and Málaga. It is not used by Avant services, which run via the high speed line, reversing at Córdoba. The southernmost portion between Antequera Santa Ana broad gauge platforms and Antequera-Santa Ana Aguja km 50.4 is also used by Algeciras <=> Antequera Santa Ana MD services, which start and terminate at Antequera Santa Ana.

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

[ERT673] (ERA-E 21C4, not shown; ERA-R 46A5) ES21/50

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

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):

Cáceres – Valencia de Alcantara This line has no service since 14 March 2020 and is unlikely to reopen. It will be deleted from the list at the end of 2021 if it has not reopened by then.
Ourense – Santiago de Compostela (broad gauge line) One Regional service each way.
Salamanca La Alamedilla – Ciudad Rodrigo – Fuentes de Oñoro – Vilar Formoso [Portugal] The only train was the Madrid <> Lisboa Tren Hotel service, which is currently suspended.
Jaca – Canfranc Two trains each way
Ciudad Real – Puertollano (broad gauge) One Media Distancia train day each way; as at December 2020 running only 3 days per week. Note that there is a plentiful service on the roughly parallel high speed line.
Linares-Baeza – Moreda (– Benalua de Guadix) One Madrid – Almeria train each way. It is possible that this service may be diverted via Granada during 2021, leaving this line with no trains.
Huelva – Zafra One Regional service each way (SX) runs between Huelva and Jabugo-Galaroza. Three IC services per week (FSSuO) run between Huelva and Zafra (- Madrid).
Cazalla-Constantina – Zafra One Media Distancia train each way
FEVE Cistierna – Guardo – Balmaseda One train each way
FEVE Ferrol - Ribadeo – Navia - Cudillero One train each way
FEVE Llanes – Cabezón de la Sal One train each way
Valencia C1 Xeraco – Platja i Grau de Gandia Three trains per day on weekdays only
Sevilla C2 San Jerónimo – Estadio Olímpico (– Cartuja) Regular services ceased on 15 March 2020. However football specials ran on 14 and 19 June 2021 for Euro 2020 matches (deferred a year) at the Estadio Olímpico. It is possible it might be used for major games in the future. These would probably be advertised in the the Diario de Sevilla and on the RENFE website.
Cádiz C-1a Las Aletas – Universidad Trains run only during the university term, Monday to Friday

Deletions since previous edition

ES20/3 El Berrón west <> south curve Through Oviedo - Laviana trains discontinued
ES20/4A Bilbao: Basurto Hospital – Ariz El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo journeys between Bilbao and San Sebastian/Donostia were made by coach in 2020. None is scheduled in 2021 at present

See also