Spain - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

Timetables

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 as at 20 December 2022.

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.

Maps

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

Station Names

Some Spanish stations have rather lengthy names, being named after some person of note. These are abbreviated here as follows:

Full Name	Abbreviated Name
Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor	Madrid Chamartín
Madrid Puerta de Atocha - Almudena Grandes	Madrid Atocha or Madrid Puerta de Atocha, where it needs to be distinguished from Madrid Atocha Cercanias

Obscure services

Asturias Region

La Pereda Riosa – Soto de Rey

[Asturias C1, ERT685] (ERA-E 20A1; ERA-R 52B4) ES23/1

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) ES23/2

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) ES23/3

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

The Oviedo - Santander and Gijón - Laviana lines cross here on the level and connecting curves exist in all four angles.

• The north <=> east curve has no passenger use.
• The east <=> south curve runs through the works and cannot be considered a proper running line.
• The south <=> west curve has no passenger use any longer.
• 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.

Llovio – Ribadesella Puerto

(ERA-E 20A4; ERA-R 43A2, not shown on either atlas) ES23/4

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 huge annual river canoe race - La Fiesta de las Piraguas - from Arriondas (starting at noon) to Ribadesella. The train ran on 6 August 2022 even though this might have seemed doubtful because of the poor condition of the Ribadesella Puerto branch When observed in November 2021. It consisted of 12 coaches and carried 500 passengers.‎
Note that the train is extremely popular and prior reservation is essential as only passengers with special tickets are admitted.

Basque Country (Euskadi) and Altsasu

Amorebieta Geltokia – Amorebieta Geralekua

[Euskotren E4] (ERA-E 22A1; ERA-R 47A3) ES23/5

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). However, on Saturday night/early Sunday mornings, a two-hourly shuttle operates instead between Amorebieta Geltokia and Bermeo, using the east-facing curve. The shuttle trains connect with trains from Bilbao.

Altsasu north <=> east curve: Altsasu/Alsasua - Altsasu/Alsasua Pueblo (Bif. Km 231.5)

[ERT653] (ERA-E 22B1; ERA-R 47B1) ES23/6

This curve is used only by direct trains between Pamplona and San Sebastián/Donostia.

		533	San Sebastián/Donostia - 08:55 Altsasu/Alsasua - Barcelona Sants
		530	Barcelona Sants - 19:30 Pamplona/Iruña - San Sebastián/Donostia

Catalunya/Catalonia

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

[ERT650] (ERA-E 22C3; ERA-R 48A5) ES23/7

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) ES23/8

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 separate west of there into two single lines. Although it would appear they are both reversibly signalled, they are used unidirectionally by Rodalies services: 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.

Martorell – Castellbisbal

[Barcelona R8] (ERA-E 22A5; ERA-R 51C4) ES23/8A

The single track 810m long Costablanca tunnel between Martorell and Castellbisbal was replaced in the 1980s by a parallel double track tunnel ca 200m to the north. To increase capacity as part of the Mediterranean Corridor project, the original single track tunnel has now been reinstated, forming a parallel route.
The double track tunnel is temporarily closed for an unknown period so all trains are using the single track tunnel, giving a rare opportunity of certainty of using this route.

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

[ERT669] (ERA-E 22C3; ERA-R 48B5) ES23/9

This high speed line links the Madrid - Barcelona LAV with the classic Barcelona - València line. The line from Camp de Tarragona is 1435 mm 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 1668 mm 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 1668 mm gauge Regional Express and Regional services between Tarragona and València or Tortosa.

Córdoba, Jaén and Antequera

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

[ERT661] (ERA-E 21B4; ERA-R 46A2) ES23/10

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 - 17:41 Andujar - Cádiz
		694	Cádiz - 10:11 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) ES23/11

This, the north curve of the Espeluy triangle, is the former 1668 mm 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 - 17:03 Linares-Baeza - Cádiz
		694	Cádiz - 11:21 Espeluy - Barcelona Estacio De França

Moreda west curve: Iznalloz (Bif. Almería) – Moreda

(ERA 21C5) ES23/12

This curve linking the Granada line with Moreda station is used by the Al-Andalus luxury train on its journey between Córdoba and Granada

Córdoba (Bif. Córdoba Mercancías) – Montilla – Fuente de Piedra

(ERA 21C4-C5) ES23/13

This 113 km line is part of the original 1668 mm gauge main line between Córdoba and Málaga. It no longer carries a passenger service but it is believed that it is used by the Al-Andalus luxury train on its journey between Córdoba and Ronda. The compilers would appreciate confirmation on this.

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) ES23/14

This connection off the high speed line is used by through Altaria services between Madrid Atocha and Algeciras, which make use of the gauge changer here.

Antequera-Santa Ana Avoiding Line (Bif.Bobadilla – Bif. Gobantes)

(ERA-E 21C4, not shown; ERA-R 46A5) ES23/15

This 7.5km east <> south curve avoiding Antequera-Santa Ana is used by direct Avant services between Granada and Málaga.

Extremadura

Plasencia / Monfragüe Area

[ERT677] (ERA-E 21A4; ERA-R 41A5) ES23/16

The opening of the 1668 mm gauge high speed line between Plasencia and Cáceres resulted in there now being two triangles in the Plasencia area.

The use of each possible route is as follows:

Monfragüe-Plasencia – Plasencia Aguja km. 7,2

ES23/16A

Trains between Madrid and Plasencia.

Monfragüe-Plasencia – Plasencia Aguja km. 9,2

ES23/16B

Trains between Madrid and Cáceres not calling at Plasencia and using the high speed line. Typically, these take 36-39 minutes between Monfragüe-Plasencia and Cáceres.

Monfragüe-Plasencia – Mirabel (Monfragüe Aguja km. 255.4)

ES23/16C

There are no longer any trains taking this route.

Plasencia Aguja km. 7,2 – Plasencia Aguja km. 9,2

ES23/16D

Trains between Plasencia and Cáceres except those listed in ES23/16E.

Plasencia Aguja km. 7,2 – Mirabel (Monfragüe Aguja km. 255.4) – Bif. Casa de la Torre

ES23/16E

One train a day each way between Plasencia and Cáceres, calling at Mirabel, Cañaveral and Casas De Millán.

	SuX	17021	06:15 Cáceres – Madrid Atocha Cercanías
	SX	17018	Madrid Atocha Cercanías – 21:28 Plasencia – Cáceres

Galicia Region

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

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2 (not shown); ERA-R 39B2) ES23/17

This east – west curve links the high speed line from Ourense with the line to Pontevedra and Vigo. It is used by those Alvia services between Madrid and Vigo which run between Ourense and Pontevedra without calling at Santiago de Compostela; the majority do this.

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

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2; ERA-R 39B2) ES23/18

This, the original main 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) ES23/19

A 4.5 km loop off the Vigo - A Coruña high speed line, on the original formation, serves just Portela station. 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) ES23/20

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 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) ES23/21

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 has been used by Regional Express services between Vigo and Valença do Minho, which reverse at Guillarei. However, as at December 2022, these services are still suspended.

León

León Aguja Km. 123,6 – Bif. Asturias – Bif. Torneros – Bif. León (– Astorga)

[ERT685] (ERA-E 20B4; ERA-R 44C1) ES23/22

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

Services for the Ponferrada (– Monforte de Lemos) line which start or terminate at León use the south facing bay platforms and take the more southerly route via Bif. Rio Quintana and Bif. León. However, through services between places south of León and the Ponferrada line run via this route, which is the original line (prior to the opening of the southerly route) from the north end of the through station at León.

Madrid Area

Madrid: Las Rozas Triangle

[Madrid C3a, C7, C8, C10] (ERA-E 23B4; ERA-R 50B4) ES23/23

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 was 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) ES23/24

This line is used by a number of Media Distancia services between Madrid Chamartín and Guadalajara (mostly to/from Siguenza or Soria) not calling at Madrid Atocha Cercanías. Between Chamartín and Hortaleza it is common with Cercanías routes C1 and C10 to Aeropuerto T4.

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 – Madrid Puerta de Atocha via the Estación Pasante Bypass

(ERA-E 23B5; ERA-R 50B5) ES23/25

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

This line via the third, standard gauge tunnel connects platforms 14 - 21 at Chamartín with the high speed line south of Madrid via a temporary single track Estación Pasante Baipas line. The bypass runs on the eastern side of the future Estación Pasante (located underneath Puerta de Atocha platforms 12 - 15) and is thought to be underneath Puerta de Atocha platforms 10 & 11. It is used by high speed trains between Madrid Chamartín and València, Alicante/Alacant & Murcia, which are therefore unable to call at Puerta de Atocha.
Use of this temporary alignment will cease when the Estación Pasante (Puerta de Atocha future platforms 16 - 19, now under construction) is opened to traffic.

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

(ERA-E 23C5; ERA-R 50B4) ES23/26

This line provides a link to the railway museum, the former Madrid Delicias terminus. It is used by the Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train), which runs between late April and early November (but not in July and August) to Aranjuez. Advance booking is essential. The schedule in 2022 was as follows: Museo del Ferrocarril 10:00; Aranjuez 10:44. Aranjuez 18:36; Museo del Ferrocarril 19:26.

Note that the Tren de Navidad (Christmas Train) now runs from Principe Pio and no longer uses this route.

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) ES23/27

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 - 10:32 Zaragoza - Granada/Sevilla Santa Justa
		3942/3992	Barcelona Sants - 17:11 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga
		3943/3931	Sevilla Santa Justa/Granada - 10:40 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants
		3941/3991	Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga - 16:40 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants

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) ES23/28

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. Services had ceased by December 2020 but were reinstated from 7 October 2022.

		3982	Valencia Joaquín Sorolla - 09:55 Cuenca Fernando Zóbel - Sevilla Santa Justa
		3891	Sevilla Santa Justa - 19:53 Puertollano - Valencia Joaquín Sorolla

Medina del Campo Area

Medina del Campo – Zamora – Puebla de Sanabria

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B3-C4; ERA-R 39C5 and 44A1-B2) ES23/29

This 197 km 1668 mm gauge line, part of the former main line to Galicia, is used by one Regionales train each way. Main line services to and from Galicia use the high speed line from Medina del Campo AV station. The broad gauge line beyond Puebla de Sanabria no longer has a service.

		18322	Valladolid - 17:59 Medina del Campo - Puebla de Sanabria
		18321	07:02 SSuX/07:30 SSuO Puebla de Sanabria - Valladolid

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

[ERT679] (ERA-E 20C4, not shown; ERA-R 44B2) ES23/30

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

This connection is used by Alvia/Avant services (but no others) between Madrid and Salamanca, which change gauge before joining the 1668 mm gauge Salamanca line at Bif. Arroyo de La Golosa.

El Pedroso de Armuña – Cantalapiedra – Fresno el Viejo

[ERT689] (ERA-E 20C4; ERA-R 44B2) ES23/31

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	18:56 Valladolid - Salamanca La Alamadilla
		18302	07:15 Salamanca - Valladolid
		18306	14:00 Salamanca - Palencia
		18312	20:50 Salamanca - Valladolid

Miranda de Ebro

Miranda de Ebro – Pobes

[ERT653, 689] (ERA-E 22B1; ERA-R 43C5, not shown on either map) ES23/32

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.

• 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.

The following information is based on the departure sheets seen at Miranda de Ebro in November 2021. The trains listed below were booked to use platform 4; all others were booked to use platforms 6 or 8. However, it is not unusual for trains to use a platform (and possibly also the route) other than that booked.

	SuX	4069	Madrid Chamartin - 11:35 Miranda de Ebro - Bilbao Abando
	SX	4165	Madrid Chamartin - 19:48 Miranda de Ebro - Bilbao Abando
	SuX	4084	Bilbao Abando - 09:45 Llodio - Madrid Chamartin
	SX	4164	Bilbao Abando - 17:23 Llodio - Madrid Chamartin

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) ES23/33

This connection off the high speed line north of Sevilla is used by (i) through trains calling at Sevilla Santa Justa en route between (Madrid Atocha or Barcelona –) Córdoba and Cádiz or Huelva and also (ii) trains listed in ES23/35 below.

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

[ERT671] (ERA-E 21C4; ERA-R 42A1) ES23/34

This connection off the AVE high speed line north of Sevilla is used by through Alvia services between Madrid Atocha and Huelva via Córdoba which do not call at Sevilla Santa Justa.

	SO	2394	Madrid Atocha - 11:34 Córdoba - Huelva
	SX + Su	2384	Madrid Atocha - 19:59 Córdoba - Huelva
	SSuX	2285	08:00 Huelva - Madrid Atocha
	SO	2205	10:21 Huelva - Madrid Atocha
	SuO	2365	16:15 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) ES23/35

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

		2164	16:10 Madrid Atocha - Cádiz
		2175	Cádiz - 18:45 Jerez de la Frontera - Madrid Atocha

València Region

València Joaquin Sorolla

[ERT669] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B5) ES23/36

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 and 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 and Intercity services to/from Castellón de la Plana or Vinarós, which make use of the 1435 mm element of the dual 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) ES23/37

This east <=> west connection links the Utiel line (the remaining section of the now closed classic València - Cuenca - Aranjuez line) with the rail network in the Valencia area. It is used by Cercanias C3 services between València and stations on the Utiel line. These trains reverse at València Fuente San Luis.

There have been proposals to reinstate the direct curve between València San Isidre and València Nord, which would no doubt result in this connection losing its service, but there has been no movement on this for several years.

Buñol

[València C3] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B3, not shown on either map) ES23/38

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.

Arr 10:19; Dep 13:50. One of the arrivals at either 21:01 or 21:34, and also at 22:42 and 23:29, stable in platform 4.
The compilers would appreciate any information on the current use of these platforms.

Xàtiva – Moixent

[València C2, ERT668] (ERA-E 23A2-B2; ERA-R 49B3-C3) ES23/39

There are two separate routes on this section of the 1668 mm gauge Madrid - València main line. Cercanias services 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 have been replaced by buses since 16 May 2022 for engineering work and it is not known when the line will reopen.

La Encina avoiding line: Moixent (Bif. Alacant/La Encina Aguja Km. 2,963) – Caudete

[ERT672] (ERA-E 23B2; ERA-R 49C3) ES23/40

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.

Monforte del Cid west curve (Bif. Murcia - Bif. Vinalopó)

[ERT672] (ERA-E 23B2; ERA-R 49C1) ES23/41

This curve links the high speed line between Madrid and Alicante/Alacant with that from Alicante/Alacant to Murcia.
It is used by by direct AVE services between Madrid and Murcia not calling at Alicante/Alacant.

Valladolid Area

Venta de Baños

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

Venta de Baños north curve: Palencia (Bif. Cerrato) – Burgos (Bif. Soto de Cerrato)

[ERT681] (ERA-E 20B5; ERA-R 44A3) ESES23/42

This 1435 mm gauge curve links the high speed lines to León and to Burgos. It is used by the Alvia services between Vigo/A Coruña and Barcelona.

		621	Vigo Guixar - 14:30 Palencia - Barcelona Sants
		626	Barcelona Sants - 15:46 Burgos - A Coruña

Venta de Baños – Magaz

[ERT689] (ERA-E 20B5; ERA-R 44A3) ES23/43

Almost all trains on the 1668 mm gauge line between Valladolid Campo Grande and Burgos call (and reverse) at Palencia. Only a small number run direct.

		631	Salamanca – 13:53 Valladolid – Barcelona Sants
	FO	18009	Madrid Principe Pio – 18:06 Valladolid – Vitoria/Gasteiz
		632	Barcelona Sants – 15:55 Burgos Rosa Manzano – Salamanca
	SuO	18008	Vitoria/Gasteiz – 18:43 Burgos Rosa Manzano – Madrid Principe Pio

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) ES23/44

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) ES23/45

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) ES23/46

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 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 AVE service 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) ES23/47

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.

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):

	Ourense – Santiago de Compostela ('classic' line)	One Regional service a day each way. Note that there is a much better service on the roughly parallel broad gauge high speed line.
	Huesca – Canfranc	Two trains a day each way on weekdays and one train at weekends
	Torralba - Soria	Two trains a day each way and an additional train to Soria on Fridays and back Sundays. The entire service is by bus until 28 February 2023 inclusive.
	Salamanca - Salamanca-La Alamedilla	Trains run only from Salamanca to Salamanca-La Alamedilla, about 1 km; there are no departures from Salamanca-La Alamedilla and no passenger service west of there.
	Ciudad Real – Puertollano (broad gauge)	One train a day each way. Note that there is a much better service on the parallel high speed line.
	Cáceres – Valencia de Alcantara	One train each way WFSuO.
	Linares-Baeza – Moreda (– Benalua de Guadix)	One Madrid – Almeria train a day each way. It is possible that this service may be diverted via Granada during 2023, leaving this line with no service.
	Huelva – Zafra	One train a day each way FSSuO. There is also one train a day each way (SX northbound, SuX southbound) between Huelva and Jabugo-Galaroza, about half way along the line.
	Cazalla-Constantina – Zafra	Two trains a day each way
	Albacete - Archena-Fortuna	One broad gauge service each way, Madrid to Archena-Fortuna on Fridays, Archena-Fortuna to Madrid on Sundays. This service will presumably improve when the continuation beyond Archena-Fortuna to Murcia reopens following completion of engineering works in the Murcia area
FEVE	(León -) Cistierna - Guardo	Three trains a day each way on weekdays and two at weekends
FEVE	Guardo – La Calzada (Balmaseda) (- Bilbao)	One train a day each way
FEVE	(Ferrol -) Ribadeo – Navia - Cudillero	Two trains a day each way
FEVE	Llanes – Cabezón de la Sal (- Santander)	Two trains a day each way
Valencia C1	Xeraco – Platja i Grau de Gandia	Three trains per day on weekdays and two SSuO
Murcia C2	Murcia – Lorca – Aguilas	Replaced by a bus service since 2020. No known date for reinstatement
Cádiz C-1a	Las Aletas – Universidad	Trains run only during the university term, Monday to Friday

Deletions since previous edition

ES22/4	Sotiello (Aguja Enlace Veriña) – Veriña (Aguja Enlace Sotiello)	The Costa Verde Express Luxury Train no longer goes to Candás
ES22/7	Hendaye (France) – Irún (standard/broad gauge)	There have been no standard gauge services from Hendaye to Irún since December 2017. The only cross-border service was then the Sud Express to and from Lisboa Santa Apolonia, which ceased running on 17 March 2020.
ES22/15	Plasencia avoiding line: Monfragüe – Mirabel (Monfragüe Aguja km. 255.4)	With the opening of the high speed line, this curve is no longer used by passenger trains.
ES22/24	Madrid Chamartín – Sol – Madrid Atocha Cercanías	The routing of Regionales and Grandes Lineas services between Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías is no longer relevant following the opening of the new 1435 mm gauge tunnel
ES22/25	Madrid Chamartín – Recoletos – Madrid Atocha Cercanías	The routing of Regionales and Grandes Lineas services between Chamartín and Atocha Cercanías is no longer relevant following the opening of the new 1435 mm gauge tunnel
ES22/26	Madrid Atocha Cercanías – Atocha cambiador de ancho – Madrid Puerta de Atocha	Use of this route via the Atocha gauge changer ceased when the third (1435 mm gauge) tunnel between Atocha and Chamartín opened
ES22/32	Miranda de Ebro avoiding line: Pancorbo (Bif de Rioja) – Haro (Bif. Castilla)	The overnight service between Barcelona and A Coruña/Vigo has been suspended since March 2020 with no likelihood of resuming
ES22/42	Venta de Baños avoiding line: Palencia (Arroyo Villalobón) – Magaz	This is no longer used by the Alvia services between Vigo/A Coruña and Barcelona and is the standard route for Media Distancia services between Valladolid and Burgos.
ES22/44	Segovia Guiomar (Bif. Cambiador Valdestillas) – Valdestillas cambiador de ancho – Valdestillas	This 2 km connection linking the high speed line and the broad gauge line south of Valladolid went out of use when the high speed line to Burgos opened on 22 July 2022.
	Salamanca La Alamedilla – Ciudad Rodrigo – Fuentes de Oñoro – Vilar Formoso [Portugal]	The only train was the Madrid <> Lisboa Tren Hotel service, which has been suspended since March 2020 with no likelihood of resuming
	Manzanares - Ciudad Real	Now a much more frequent service
Sevilla C2	San Jerónimo – Cartuja	Regular service since 5 September.