Spain is preparing for a major increase in travel on Wednesday, August 12, as people head to viewing points for the total solar eclipse.
The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced a special transport plan covering roads, trains, ports, boats and airports.
The path of totality will cross Spain from west to east, passing through several parts of the country before reaching the Balearic Islands. The eclipse will take place close to sunset, with totality occurring at around 20:30 in areas directly on its path.
For those of us on the Costa Blanca, one of the most useful parts of the plan is the additional rail capacity. Renfe will strengthen several services in eastern Spain, including the Valencia-Alicante-Murcia-Cartagena route.
Extra trains for the eclipse
Renfe expects increased demand as people travel to suitable locations to
watch the eclipse and return home afterwards.
The rail operator will add capacity to a number of Medium Distance and local services across Spain.
In eastern Spain, Renfe plans to strengthen the Alcázar de San Juan-Albacete-Valencia, Barcelona-Valencia, Valencia-Alicante-Murcia-Cartagena and Valencia-Xàtiva-Alcoi connections.
Some services will operate with double train formations, providing additional seats for passengers.
The biggest increases will focus on northern Spain, including Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and northern Castilla y León.
Between August 7 and 16, Renfe plans to provide more than one million seats on 3,038 AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed and Intercity trains.
More staff at busy stations
Renfe will also strengthen local commuter services in areas where it expects particularly high passenger numbers.
Extra staff will work at some stations to help passengers before and after the eclipse. Renfe also plans additional security and passenger information at busy locations.
The measures reflect concerns that large numbers of people could travel at similar times, particularly once the eclipse finishes.
Passengers planning to travel by train should therefore allow plenty of time for their journeys.
Measures on Spain’s roads
The Directorate-General for Roads will work with Spain’s Directorate-General for Traffic, better known as the DGT, during the eclipse.
Authorities plan to switch on road lighting where appropriate, particularly during the darkest part of the eclipse and as daylight begins to disappear.
They will also try to reduce disruption from existing roadworks where possible. The aim is to lower the risk of traffic jams and blocked routes during the busiest periods.
The timing of the eclipse makes road safety particularly important. Drivers could experience rapidly changing light conditions at the same time as increased traffic.
Anyone driving should concentrate on the road rather than attempting to watch the eclipse from behind the wheel.
Special precautions for people watching from boats
Spanish authorities also expect many people to head out to sea to watch the eclipse.
The Directorate-General for the Merchant Marine has issued safety advice for recreational boat owners and users.
Officials expect increased numbers of vessels around some of the best viewing areas.
Skippers should take extra care because other boats may be nearby. They should also monitor VHF channel 16 for safety information and instructions.
Boats must not carry more passengers than their certificates allow.
Maritime Rescue prepares for August 12
Spain’s Maritime Rescue service, Salvamento Marítimo, has also prepared a specific plan for the eclipse.
It will monitor maritime traffic using satellite and aerial systems and issue safety information before, during and after the event.
The service will remain in contact with port authorities and the Guardia Civil’s Maritime Service.
Rescue boats, tugboats and helicopters will be ready in several parts of Spain.
The Mediterranean operation includes resources in the Balearic Islands and Valencia, while other teams will cover northern Spain.
What about airports?
The government does not expect air travel to play a major role in eclipse-related movements, so airlines have not planned a specific increase in capacity.
However, airport operator Aena has prepared measures for terminals and road access at airports around Spain.
Passengers arriving at airports close to or within the path of totality will receive practical information about the eclipse.
Airport approach lighting will also operate during the eclipse.
A warning for drone users
Spain’s Aviation Safety Agency, known as AESA, has also issued advice for anyone thinking about using a drone to film the eclipse.
Normal drone regulations will continue to apply.
Operators must have the appropriate training and registration. They must also check airspace restrictions and obtain any permissions required for the planned flight.
Most importantly, Spanish rules prohibit flying drones over crowds in the circumstances highlighted by AESA.
This could become particularly relevant at popular eclipse viewing locations, where thousands of people may gather.
Authorities warn that drones could create an additional risk as visibility and light levels change during the eclipse.
Anyone who sees a drone being used improperly should report it to the police or other security services.
Planning your journey on August 12
Anyone travelling to watch the eclipse should expect some routes and public transport services to be busier than usual.
This will be particularly important after the event. Large numbers of people may leave viewing locations at roughly the same time, shortly before or after sunset.
For Costa Blanca residents using public transport, the planned reinforcement of the Valencia-Alicante-Murcia-Cartagena rail corridor is particularly relevant.
It is worth checking your journey before setting off and allowing additional time at stations and on the roads.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- Spain has prepared a special transport plan for the total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12.
- The eclipse will take place close to sunset, with totality at around 20:30 along its path.
- Renfe will increase capacity on several routes.
- The Valencia-Alicante-Murcia-Cartagena rail connection is among those receiving additional capacity.
- More than one million seats will be available on Renfe’s long-distance commercial services between August 7 and 16.
- Road authorities will introduce measures to reduce traffic problems and deal with changing light conditions.
- People taking boats out to watch the eclipse should expect increased maritime traffic.
- Salvamento Marítimo will have additional rescue resources ready.
- Airports will provide information to passengers, although no special increase in flight capacity is planned.
- Drone users must follow normal aviation rules and must not fly over crowds.
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