# Spanish high-speed rail ridership and service changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-high-speed-rail-ridership-and-service-changes
> Updated: 2026-08-12T07:16:03.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

In the first half of 2026, Spain’s high-speed rail services, including AVE, recorded a 15% drop in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. This decline in ridership, which fell to 3.6 million users in June, follows a broader downturn in long-distance rail travel. The reduction is attributed to passenger distrust resulting from technical failures, frequent delays, and a serious crash near Adamuz that necessitated speed restrictions on parts of the network.

In response to shifting mobility patterns, Renfe announced schedule adjustments for several AVE services connecting Barcelona with Málaga and Granada, effective September 14, 2026. The reorganization aims to increase seat availability during high-demand periods. Renfe has offered passengers who already hold tickets for the affected dates the option for free changes or cancellations.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-12: Renfe to adjust AVE train schedules for Barcelona, Málaga, and Granada

Renfe is adjusting AVE high-speed train schedules between Barcelona, Málaga, and Granada starting September 14, 2026, to better meet passenger demand and mobility patterns.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/renfe-to-adjust-ave-train-schedules-for-barcelona-mlaga-and-granada

### 2026-08-07: Spanish AVE high‑speed rail ridership falls 15% in first half of 2026

Spain’s high‑speed AVE rail ridership fell 15% in the first half of 2026, amid delays and a crash, while air and bus travel modestly grew.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-ave-highspeed-rail-ridership-falls-15-in-first-half-of-2026

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Cite as: Spanish high-speed rail ridership and service changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spanish-high-speed-rail-ridership-and-service-changes