Spain - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

Introduction

Timetables

Spain has no national timetable change date and does not necessarily change its timetables in line with other European countries, other than for international services to and from France. Individual regions not infrequently change their timetables on a date convenient for them. This list is based on the timetables in effect as at 10 December 2024.

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 are explained here.

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. References prefixed "ERA-R" refer to the European Railway Atlas (Regional Series: Book 1) by M.G. Ball.

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 (the ground level terminus) when it needs to be distinguished from Madrid Atocha Cercanias (the low level through suburban station).
Burgos Rosa Manzano	Burgos
Málaga María Zambrano	Málaga

Obscure services

Asturias Region and Castile & León

La Pereda Riosa – Soto de Rey

[Asturias C1, ERT685] (ERA-E 20A1; ERA-R 52B4) ES25/1

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) ES25/2

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) ES25/3

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 normal running line.
• The south <=> west curve has had no passenger use since the direct trains between Oviedo and Laviana were withdrawn.
• 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) ES25/4

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, which will be on 9 August 2025. The Tren Fluvial ran on 3 August 2024 but it is not yet known if it will run in 2025. In 2023 it consisted of 12 coaches, carrying 500 passengers. In past decades it has consisted of over 20 coaches.
Note that the train is extremely popular and prior reservation is essential as only passengers with special tickets are admitted.

La Robla (Bif. Pajares) – La Pola de Lena via the Pajares Pass

[ERT685] (ERA-E 20B4; ERA-R 43B1-A1) ES25/5

This section of the old main line, ca 85km in length, was replaced by the Variante de Pajares through the 24.6 km Pajares tunnel on 30 Nov 2023. The new line is used by all main line trains. However, one Regional train a day each way between Valladolid and Gijón is still booked to use the old main line. As at December 2024, these trains were loaded in the timetable only until March 2025 inclusive.

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

[ERT681] (ERA-E 20B5; ERA-R 44A3) ES25/6

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

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.

Note A		621	Vigo Guixar - 14:19 Palencia - Barcelona Sants
Note A		625	A Coruña - 14:19 Palencia - Barcelona Sants
Note B		622	Barcelona Sants - 15:35 Burgos - Vigo Guixar
Note B		626	Barcelona Sants - 15:35 Burgos - A Coruña

Note A: Trains 621 and 625 run on differing days, providing a daily service between them

Note B: Trains 622 and 626 run on differing days, providing a daily service between them

Basque Country (Euskadi) and Navarre (Navarra)

Amorebieta Geltokia – Amorebieta Geralekua

[Euskotren E4] (ERA-E 22A1; ERA-R 47A3) ES25/7

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 <=> north 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) ES25/8

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

		533	San Sebastián/Donostia - 08:30 Altsasu/Alsasua - Barcelona Sants
		530	Barcelona Sants - 18:46 Pamplona/Iruña - San Sebastián/Donostia

Miranda de Ebro – Pobes

[ERT653, 689] (ERA-E 22B1; ERA-R 43C5, not shown on either map) ES25/9.

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 face 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.

In practice all trains to/from Burgos probably use platforms 4 or 6.

The following services between Madrid and Bilbao, run in multiple with a service between Madrid and Irún, or vice versa, between Madrid and Miranda de Ebro; therefore it is very likely that they will run via the lower numbered platforms and the "short" curve. Confirmation of this would be welcomed by the compilers. These schedules applied in early December 2024.

	SuX	4187	Madrid Chamartín - 10:19 Miranda de Ebro - Bilbao Abando (in multiple with train 4087 from Madrid to Irún, as far as Miranda de Ebro)
		4267	Madrid Chamartín - 20:43 Miranda de Ebro - Bilbao Abando (in multiple with train 4167 from Madrid to Irún, as far as Miranda de Ebro)
	SX	4366	Bilbao Abando - 17:58 Llodio - Madrid Chamartín (in multiple with train 4176 from Irún to Madrid, from Miranda de Ebro)

Catalunya/Catalonia

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

[ERT650] (ERA-E 22C3; ERA-R 48A5) ES25/10

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 Rubí) – Rubí

[Barcelona R8] (ERA-E 22A5; ERA-R 51C4) ES25/11

The line running westwards from (Mollet St. Fost -) Rubí Can Vallhonrat splits at its western end and makes two triangular junctions with the Barcelona - Martorell Central line. This divergence is not an actual junction and the lines separate west of there into two single lines. Although both are reversibly signalled, they are normally used unidirectionally by Rodalies services: the more northerly line carries westbound traffic and the more southerly line carries eastbound traffic. However, use in the opposite direction has been observed when engineering work is in progress.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

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

Martorell – Castellbisbal

[Barcelona R8] (ERA-E 22A5; ERA-R 51C4) ES25/12

The single track 810 metre long Costablanca tunnel between Martorell and Castellbisbal was replaced in the 1980s by a parallel double track tunnel ca 200 metres to the north. To increase capacity as part of the Mediterranean Corridor project, the original single track tunnel was reopened to traffic on 20 August 2022, forming a parallel route, so three tracks are now available for traffic. It is understood the lines are reversible so could be done in either direction, although it is likely that right hand running will remain the norm. Reports of trains using the single track tunnel would be greatly appreciated by the compilers.

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

[ERT669] (ERA-E 22C3; ERA-R 48B5) ES25/13

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 1668 mm 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 Bif. Vila-Seca to Bif. La Feredat 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) ES25/14

This connection, west of Alcolea de Córdoba station and running through the Alcolea gauge changer, 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 Sants - 17:37 Andujar - Cádiz
		694	Cádiz - 10:16 Córdoba - Barcelona Sants

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

[ERT661] (ERA-E 21B5; ERA-R 46A4) ES25/15

This is the former 1668 mm gauge main line between Madrid and Sevilla. Trains between Madrid and Jaén use the east curve of the Espeluy triangle, and those between Córdoba and Jaén use the west curve. The only trains via the north curve are:

		697	Barcelona Sants - 17:03 Linares-Baeza - Cádiz
		694	Cádiz - 11:29 Espeluy - Barcelona Sants

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

(ERA 21C5) ES25/16

This curve, linking the Granada line with Moreda station, is used by the Al-Andalus luxury train on its journey between Linares-Baeza and Granada and vice versa.

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

(ERA 21C4-C5) ES25/17

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 is used by the Al-Andalus luxury train on its journey between Ronda and Córdoba and vice versa.

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) ES25/18

This connection off the high speed line is used by the once daily through Alvia service between Madrid Atocha and Algeciras, which makes use of the gauge changer here.

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

(ERA-E 21C4, not shown; ERA-R 46A5) ES25/19

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) ES25/20

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

The use of each possible route is as follows:

Monfragüe-Plasencia – Plasencia Aguja km. 7,2

ES25/20A

Trains between Madrid and Plasencia.

Monfragüe-Plasencia – Plasencia Aguja km. 9,2

ES25/20B

Trains between Madrid and Cáceres not calling at Plasencia, and using the high speed line. Typically, these take 35-39 minutes between Monfragüe-Plasencia and Cáceres.

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

ES25/20C

There are no longer any trains taking this route.

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

ES25/20D

Trains between Plasencia and Cáceres except those listed in ES25/20E.

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

ES25/20E

This is the old route between Plasencia and Cáceres. One train a day each way between Plasencia and Cáceres, calling at Mirabel, Cañaveral and Casas De Millán.

	SuX	17021	06:09 Cáceres – Madrid Atocha Cercanías
	SX	17018	Madrid Atocha Cercanías – 21:01 Plasencia – Cáceres

Mérida Avoiding Line: (Bif. Granja-Las Encinas – Bif. La Isla)

[ERT677] (ERA-E 21A3; ERA-R 41B5) ES25/21

This curve avoiding Mérida is used by trains between Cáceres and Badajoz not calling at Mérida. As at mid December all trains are calling at Mérida, probably awaiting further changes associated with the opening of the high speed line connection to Mérida.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

Galicia Region

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

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2 (not shown); ERA-R 39B2) ES25/22

This east – west curve links the high speed line from Ourense with the line to Pontevedra and Vigo. It is used by the majority of main line services between Ourense and Pontevedra, as they do not call at Santiago de Compostela.

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

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2; ERA-R 39B2) ES25/23

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 (Bif. Faxil)

[ERT680] (ERA-E 20B2; ERA-R 39C2) ES25/24

This 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. However, a more recent traveller reported that the train called at Portela even though nobody got on or off, and that there did not appear to be any means of requesting a call.

		12488	18:15 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) ES25/25

There are two routes from Arcade, each serving a different terminus in Vigo. The two stations are about 600 metres apart. However, the Journey Planner provides only one station to choose from - Vigo (Todas) = Vigo (All), covering both stations.

• 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 electrified at 25kV AC and is used only by electric trains between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela (- A Coruña or Madrid).
• The original line via Redondela Picota, 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 passenger terminus. This line is electrified at 3kV DC and is used by Regional diesel trains between Vigo and Santiago de Compostela and also (but only between Vigo and Redondela) all other trains to and from Vigo Guixar.

Taboadela Cambiador de Ancho – Taboadela

[ERT680, 682, 696] (ERA-E 20B3 (not shown); ERA-R 39C3) ES25/26

The standard gauge high speed line from (Madrid -) Zamora splits into two lines just before the gauge changer at Taboadela. One line runs into the gauge changer and the other bypasses it on the south side. West of the gauge changer, the two lines merge into a mixed gauge line. This is then joined south of the former Taboadela station by the broad gauge line from Zamora, which no longer has a passenger service.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

Trains running beyond Ourense run through the gauge changer. Trains starting or terminating at Ourense use the bypass line if they are formed of standard gauge stock. These must use platforms 1 or 2 at Ourense. If they are formed of variable gauge stock they will probably take this route as the broad gauge platforms at Ourense are used quite intensively.

Madrid Area

Madrid: Las Rozas Triangle

[Madrid C3a, C7, C8, C10] (ERA-E 23B4; ERA-R 50B4) ES25/27

The line from Madrid Chamartín makes a triangular junction here 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 at the same time. 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) ES25/28

This line is used by the following services:

• 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 Cercanías 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) ES25/29

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 places further north) and València, Alicante & Murcia, which are therefore unable to call at Madrid 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) ES25/30

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 late April and early November (but not in July and August) to Aranjuez. Advance booking is essential. The schedule in 2024 was as follows: Museo del Ferrocarril 10:00; Aranjuez 11:00 (approx). Aranjuez 18:38; Museo del Ferrocarril 19:45 (approx).

• The Tren de Navidad (Christmas Train), which has run from Principe Pio in recent years. However, it has returned to run from the railway museum in 2024/25, and hence once again uses this line. Its route is not given but the website says that it "travels along part of the Madrid railway network on a journey lasting approximately one hour". It runs from from 21 December to 5 January (except on 31 December 31 and 1 January 1), providing two trips a day. Advance booking is essential.

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) ES25/31

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

		3930	Barcelona Sants - 08:38 Zaragoza - Granada
		3990/3940	Barcelona Sants - 10:31 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga
		3942/3992	Barcelona Sants - 17:13 Zaragoza - Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga
		3943/3993	Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga - 10:37 Ciudad Real - Barcelona Sants
		3931	Granada - 17:09 Córdoba - Barcelona Sants
		3941/3991	Sevilla Santa Justa/Málaga - 18:33 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 34.397) – Cuenca Fernando Zóbel (Bif. Blancales)

[ERT660] (ERA-E 23C4; ERA-R 50C4) ES25/32

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.

		3982	Valencia Joaquín Sorolla - 10:11 Cuenca Fernando Zóbel - Sevilla Santa Justa
		3981	Sevilla Santa Justa - 19:00 Ciudad Real - 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) ES25/33

This 197 km broad 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 standard gauge high speed line, calling at Medina del Campo AV, Zamora and Sanabria AV stations. Note that the Medina del Campo and Sanabria AV stations are some distance from their broad gauge counterparts. The broad gauge line beyond Puebla de Sanabria no longer has a passenger service.

		18322	Valladolid - 18:29 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) ES25/34

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

This connection is used by Alvia 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) ES25/35

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	13:58 Salamanca - Palencia
		18312	20:50 Salamanca - Valladolid

Sevilla Area

Majarabique cambiadores de ancho

There are two gauge changers at Majarabique, served by short sections of separate parallel lines: the more easterly line serves the Talgo gauge changer and the more westerly the CAF gauge changer. Referring to the map above, the northerly connection to the gauge changers is from the high speed line north of Sevilla. Immediately south of the gauge changers, broad gauge trains can access either the line towards Sevilla and Cádiz or the line towards Huelva. Trains formed of Talgo stock use the Talgo gauge changer, trains formed of CAF units use the CAF gauge changer. Services using the gauge changers are listed in the following two entries.

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

[ERT660] (ERA-E 21C4, not shown; ERA-R 42A1) ES25/36

This connection off the high speed line north of Sevilla is used by (i) through Alvia services calling at Sevilla Santa Justa en route between Madrid Atocha / Córdoba and Cádiz or Huelva, (ii) the Torre del Oro services between Barcelona and Cádiz, and also (iii) trains listed in ES25/38 below. These trains are generally formed of Talgo stock so will use the Talgo gauge changer.

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

[ERT671] (ERA-E 21C4; ERA-R 42A1) ES25/37

This connection off the 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. These trains are generally formed of CAF units so will use the CAF gauge changer.

		2384	Madrid Atocha - 19:58 Córdoba - Huelva
	SuX	2285	08:00 Huelva - Madrid Atocha
	SuO	2365	16:05 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) ES25/38

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. These services also use obscure route ES25/36.

		2164	16:05 Madrid Atocha - Cádiz. Note that this train is non-stop from Madrid to Jerez de la Frontera.
		2175	Cádiz - 18:46 Jerez de la Frontera - Madrid Atocha. Note that this train is non-stop from Jerez de la Frontera to Madrid.

València Region

València Joaquin Sorolla

[ERT669] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B5) ES25/39

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

• The more northerly (1668mm gauge) is used by Alvia, Euromed and Intercity services to/from the Madrid, Alacant and Barcelona lines and also by class 106 gauge-changing AVE services to/from north of Madrid. All the above trains pass through the gauge changer at Joaquin Sorolla station if they run via the high speed line from or to Madrid.
• The more southerly (1435mm gauge) has been used only by 1435 mm gauge AVE services to/from Castellón de la Plana or Vinarós, which made use of the 1435 mm element of the dual gauge track on the Barcelona line. These trains could be most easily identified by the fact that they do not call at Sagunt/Sagunto.

Note: Owing to engineering work for the new València cross-city line, these trains have been replaced by buses between València and Castellón de la Plana since 15 October 2024 and this is likely to continue for a considerable time.

		5890	Madrid Atocha - 11:47 València Joaquin Sorolla - Castellón
		5990	Madrid Atocha - 21:55 València Joaquin Sorolla - Castellón
		5871	05:35 Castellón - Madrid Atocha
		5951	13:40 Castellón - Madrid Atocha

València Nord – València La Font de Sant Lluís (Bif. Clasificación València FSL)

[ERT669] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B5) ES25/40

There are two 1668mm gauge connections from València Nord into València La Font de Sant Lluís (València FSL): the direct curve and the alternative route shown in red on the València Area map. These are used by, amongst other services, Cercanías C3 services between València and stations on the Utiel line, which reverse at València FSL. In past years, all C3 services appeared to use the direct curve. However, in October 2023 some services were observed using the alternative route.
The compilers would appreciate any further information on the use of this alternative route.

Note: There have been proposals to reinstate the direct curve between València Sant Isidre and València Nord, which would no doubt result in this connection losing all C3 services. However, no progress has been observed on this for several years.

Buñol

[València C3] (ERA-E 23A2; ERA-R 49B3, not shown on either map) ES25/41

Buñol is a Y shaped station, with through platforms 1 and 2 curving away from terminal platform 4. It is not clear if there is any pattern as to which platform is used by trains starting or terminating at Buñol, but most seem to use the through platforms.

On 10 October 2023, the 11:45 train from Buñol to València Nord departed from platform 4, after shunting in from the sidings in the station area.

The compilers would appreciate any information on the use of platform 4.

Xàtiva – Moixent – La Encina

[València C2, ERT668] (ERA-E 23A2-B2; ERA-R 49B3-C3) ES25/42

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map. Note: this map shows the final completed layout in this area, and not the present (December 2024) arrangement: the high speed lines east of La Encina are still under construction.

The single track 1668mm gauge Xàtiva - L’Alcúdia de Crespins - Moixent - La Encina line reopened on 9 September 2023, replacing the 1992-built double track route between these locations, which closed temporarily for conversion to a high speed line. See Spain - General Information - Changes in 2023 for more details.
The only line between Xàtiva, Moixent and the La Encina triangle open to traffic at present is the 1668mm gauge line, shown in dotted brown on the map. The main line line shown in thick red on the map is at present closed for conversion from 1668mm to 1435mm gauge.

Also from 9 September 2023, the (València Nord -) Xàtiva - Moixent Cercanias services via L’Alcúdia de Crespins restarted. However, the service is somewhat irregular and a bus service is still provided, both trains and buses being shown in the journey planner. The Cercanias services run into east-facing bay platforms 11 and 12 at Moixent, being effectively a short, ca. 800 metre branch off the "main" Xàtiva – Moixent (- La Encina) line.

Service patterns in this area will change again significantly when the high speed line opens at some future as-yet-unspecified date.

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

[ERT672] (ERA-E 23B2; ERA-R 49C3) ES25/43

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.

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

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) ES25/44

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.

		5962	10:00 Madrid Chamartín - Murcia
	SX	5792	Burgos - 19:15 Madrid Chamartín - Murcia
	SuX	5763	Murcia - 06:56 Elche AV - Burgos
		5843	Murcia - 14:22 Elche AV - Madrid Chamartín

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) ES25/45

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) ES25/46

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) ES25/47

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) ES25/48

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):

Line	Route	Remark
	Lugo - Betanzos-Infesta	Two trains a day each way
	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	The line has been closed since 19 June 2023 for engineering work and is still closed as at December 2024. Normally there are two trains a day each way.
	Torralba - Soria	Two trains a day each way and an additional train to Soria on Fridays and back on Sundays.
	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 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays although they do not always appear in the journey planner. Note that, owing to poor infrastructure, scheduled running times were being exceeded as at September 2024. The connection at Cáceres into the train to Madrid therefore should not be relied upon.
	Linares-Baeza – Moreda (– Benalua de Guadix)	One Madrid – Almeria Intercity train a day each way. Note that there is also one Madrid – Almeria Alvia train a day each way via Cordoba and Granada, which does not use this line.
	Huelva – Zafra	Replaced by buses since 1 July 2023 for engineering works, with no end date given. There was previously one train a day each way FSSuO and 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 -) Chinchilla - Murcia	The service south of Archena-Fortuna has been replaced by buses since September 2022 owing to engineering work in the Alcantarilla/Murcia area. For much of that time the only train was one from Madrid to Archena-Fortuna on Fridays, returning on Sundays. This is no longer running and, as at December 2024, no information is available on when the line might reopen.
	(Albacete -) La Encina - Caudete (- Alicante)	Two Media Distancia trains a day each way
Euskotren	Bilbao: Lutxana - Sondika	Monday to Friday only
Former FEVE	(León -) Cistierna - Guardo	Three trains a day each way on weekdays and two at weekends
Former FEVE	Guardo – La Calzada (Balmaseda) (- Bilbao)	One train a day each way
Former FEVE	(Ferrol -) Ortiguera – Ribadeo - Cudillero	Two trains a day each way
Former FEVE	(El Berrón -) Infiesto Apd – Cabezón de la Sal (- Santander)	Two trains a day each way
Valencia C1	Xeraco – Platja i Grau de Gandia	Two trains a day each way
Murcia C2	Murcia – Lorca – Aguilas	Closed long term since 2020 (with replacement bus service) for reconstruction as part of the Murcia - Almeria high speed line.
Cádiz C-1a	Las Aletas – Universidad	Trains run only during the university term, Monday to Friday

Deletions since previous edition

Reference	Line	Reason
ES24/22	León Aguja Km. 123,6 – Bif. Asturias – Bif. Torneros – Bif. León (– Astorga)	This route, the original line prior to the opening of the southerly route, ceased being used on an unknown date when through trains to and from the line to Monforte de Lemos started reversing in the 1435mm gauge terminal platforms at León.
ES24/44	Venta de Baños – Magaz	All Valladolid Campo Grande - Burgos Media Distancia services now run direct on the former main line and none reverse at Palencia.