High-speed rail usage grows across the Iberian Peninsula

High-speed rail services have become a primary travel alternative across the Iberian Peninsula, particularly during summer vacation periods. In Spain, an extensive network connects Madrid with major cities including Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Alicante, Valladolid, Galicia, and Asturias. The expansion of this infrastructure has reduced travel times and increased competition among operators such as Renfe, which manages AVE and Avlo services.

Portugal has also seen a progressive increase in long-distance rail usage and is preparing for a new phase of high-speed expansion. While official data for the summer of 2026 is not yet complete to confirm a joint record for both nations, recent trends show significant growth. Renfe reported that the summer of 2024 was the best in its historical series for high-speed and long-distance services, while the Portuguese operator CP concluded 2025 with its highest passenger numbers of the century.