Costa del Sol I No. 2148 I 3 - 9 September 2026 I FREE Newspaper Dep. Legal MA-74-2004 - ISSN 2488-1562
Full steam ahead TRAVELLING by train from Malaga to Madrid is becoming easier and getting back on track, with three high-speed operators giving passengers more choice than ever. Iryo is leading the latest expansion, planning 3,514 Madrid-Malaga services during 2027. That is a 63.7 per cent increase on this year, adding 1,367 journeys and giving Costa del Sol passengers many more options for business trips, appointments, shopping or weekends in the capital. Renfe is also strengthening its offer through its AVE and lower-cost Avlo services. The operator has added extra capacity on the route, including additional Avlo frequencies, giving passengers more budget-friendly
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MALAGA–MADRID RAIL LINKS WITH MORE TRAINS THAN EVER
More high-speed trains to Malaga.
ways to make the journey. French operator Ouigo completes the trio, offering direct high-speed services between Malaga and Madrid and adding further competition to the route. Together, the three
operators mean passengers can compare departure times, fares and ticket options before travelling, and competition on price is hotter than ever. Greater choice is particularly useful for people living on the
Costa del Sol who need to travel to Madrid without the hassle of driving hundreds of kilometres. High-speed trains connect the two cities several times a day, making it possible to travel into the capital and return home without necessarily needing an overnight stay. Rail travel also brings the advantage of city-centre connections. Malaga Maria Zambrano station provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas, while
Madrid Atocha and other central rail facilities put passengers close to many of the capital’s main attractions, offices and shopping districts. For regular travellers, the growing number of services could also make it easier to find fares that fit different budgets. With journey times of around three hours, Malaga-Madrid rail travel has never looked more attractive, offering a comfortable alternative to flying for Costa del Sol travellers.