Why are there no trains from Lisbon to Madrid?

The Missing Link: Why You Can’t Currently Train Directly From Lisbon to Madrid

For travelers dreaming of a romantic, overnight train journey between the vibrant capitals of Lisbon and Madrid, the harsh reality is this: the direct rail link is currently unavailable. This absence leaves many wondering why such a seemingly obvious and desirable connection is missing from Europe’s extensive rail network. The answer, as with many disruptions in recent years, lies at the feet of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, a night train service offered a convenient, though admittedly lengthy, direct route between the two Iberian capitals. Passengers could board in the evening, settle into a sleeper carriage, and wake up the next morning, ready to explore a new city. However, as the pandemic swept across the globe, Spanish rail operator Renfe made the difficult decision to suspend all night train services, citing significant drops in passenger numbers and heightened concerns over hygiene and social distancing in enclosed spaces. This suspension included the vital Lisbon-Madrid connection.

While the reasons for the initial cancellation were understandable given the global health crisis, the continuing absence of the service raises eyebrows. As travel rebounds and life gradually returns to a semblance of normalcy, why hasn’t the night train been reinstated?

The answer is complex and multifaceted. Reintroducing a complex logistical operation like a night train service requires significant planning, investment, and coordination between rail operators on both sides of the border. Track maintenance, rolling stock availability, and staffing levels all need to be carefully considered. Furthermore, there’s the question of economic viability. Renfe needs to be confident that the demand for the service will be strong enough to justify the operational costs.

The good news is that Portuguese Railways (CP) has publicly expressed its intention to reinstate night train services to Spain, including, crucially, the Lisbon-Madrid route. This commitment offers a glimmer of hope for travelers yearning for the return of this convenient and enjoyable journey.

However, hope is tempered by uncertainty. The exact timeline for implementation remains unclear. CP has not yet announced a definitive date for the resumption of the service, leaving potential passengers in a state of limbo. Factors such as ongoing negotiations with Renfe, securing necessary approvals, and ensuring the readiness of the infrastructure all contribute to the delay.

So, for now, the direct train journey between Lisbon and Madrid remains a missing link in Europe’s rail network. While the future looks promising, travelers will need to rely on alternative routes, such as flying or combining daytime trains with bus connections, to travel between the two cities. The dream of a comfortable overnight train journey remains, for now, just that: a dream. Hopefully, it’s one that will soon be realized, reconnecting two of Europe’s most captivating capitals by rail once more.