What is the new high-speed train in Spain?

Spain’s High-Speed Rail Network Spreads its Wings: Reaching Asturias and Beyond

Spain’s already impressive high-speed rail network took a significant leap forward in early 2024 with the inauguration of new AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) services, dramatically expanding connectivity to previously underserved regions. The most notable development is the extension of high-speed rail to Asturias, a northern principality previously reliant on slower conventional lines.

This expansion wasn’t simply a matter of laying new track; it represents a sophisticated technological advancement. While previous AVE lines primarily served major cities on the Iberian peninsula’s central plains, reaching Asturias required overcoming significant geographical challenges and integrating with existing rail infrastructure. The solution? Gauge-changing AVE trains.

These innovative trains are capable of seamlessly switching between the Iberian gauge (wider than standard gauge) and standard gauge, allowing them to navigate the diverse track configurations across Spain. This technological marvel allows for a truly high-speed connection between Madrid and Gijón, Asturias’s largest city, via a route that also includes stops in León and Pola de Lena. The journey, once a lengthy affair, is now significantly faster, thanks to these trains reaching speeds of up to 330 km/h (approximately 205 mph) on compatible sections of the line. The Leon-La Robla-Pola de Lena line itself also benefits from dedicated AVE services, opening up previously isolated communities to the benefits of high-speed rail.

The impact extends beyond mere travel time reduction. The improved connectivity promises economic benefits for Asturias, bolstering tourism and facilitating easier access to national markets for Asturian businesses. This development marks a significant step towards a more integrated and connected Spain, showcasing the nation’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure. The arrival of gauge-changing AVE trains represents not just an expansion of the high-speed network, but a paradigm shift in how Spain approaches long-distance rail travel, bridging geographical gaps and strengthening regional links. The extension to Castellón/Vinaros and Gijón further underscores this nationwide effort to enhance rail connectivity. This new high-speed rail infrastructure is a testament to Spain’s commitment to investing in its future, both economically and in terms of national integration.