Spain is riding a rail travel wave like never before. High-speed trains are drawing both domestic and international passengers.
One of the star routes is Alicante to Madrid and has seen bookings soar by more than 70% compared with last year. In just two and a half hours, travellers can swap sandy beaches for the grand landmarks of Madrid.
Spain dominates Europe’s fastest-growing routes
Alicante isn’t alone in this surge. Spain claims six of the top ten fastest-growing rail routes in Europe. Madrid–Malaga leads the pack with a 74% rise in bookings, followed closely by Madrid–Seville and Madrid–Valencia. It’s clear, travellers are increasingly turning to trains to avoid airport queues, baggage fees, and the environmental toll of short flights.
Trains: The future of Spanish travel
The growth in rail travel reflects a wider European trend. Forecasts suggest train journeys could expand by over 12% a year until 2029, making rail the fastest-growing form of transport across the continent.
For Spain, this means more tourists exploring not only big cities but also regional towns and cities like Alicante.
The appeal is obvious: fewer delays, comfy seats, and the chance to watch Spain’s landscapes unfold outside the window. For many, the train journey is no longer just a way to get from A to B, it is an essential part of the holiday.
