Lisbon and Madrid have gotta be two of Europe’s most vibrant, exciting capitals, but getting between them isn’t the easiest as they’re not directly connected by train.
That could all be about to change though – by the end of the decade, at least. A while ago we reported that Portuguese authorities have announced that they’re aiming to launch a direct service between Lisbon and Madrid, and now the EU is backing plans to have it all completed in five years’ time.
The European Commission says it is planning to sign off an official implementation decision later this year, and the goal is to have it completed by 2030, in time for when the two countries are co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
At the moment, the journey can take over nine hours, longer than catching the bus (seven hours) and driving (six), and often involves up to four changes.
But travellers can rejoice, as a direct service is now looking possible thanks to the construction of a third bridge over the Tagus River, and both Spain’s and Portugal’s governments are working to build their share of the line.
And it’s not just good news for travellers, given the journey could soon take a mere three hours. The service will also cut emissions and help the EU meet its climate target as well as ease pressure on lorries and motorways.
There are also plans to improve existing connections between Porto and Vigo and Porto and Lisbon. The train between Porto and Lisbon will be twice as fast, and there could also be a direct route from Vigo to Lisbon (at the moment, passengers have to change at least once).
So, journeying between these two Iberian capitals should soon be a whole lot smoother. And in a win for the environment, there are hopes that the 40 daily flights between Lisbon and Madrid – and the 20 between Lisbon and Porto – will be drastically cut too, according to The Local.
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