Malaga-Sevilla rail link and commuter trains face 3-week closure with bus service

Rail passengers face widespread disruption on routes connecting Seville and Malaga as major infrastructure upgrades are forcing a full suspension of conventional train services. Operators will deploy hundreds of replacement buses to maintain connections during the essential works at key stations.

Disruption timeline and affected routes

Works begin on Friday, 22 May, and continue until 8 June, cutting conventional rail services between Antequera Santa Ana and Malaga. Travellers will have to complete journeys by road, with buses stopping at intermediate points. Media Distancia trains linking Seville and Malaga switch entirely to road transport throughout this period.

The Cercanias commuter line C-2 between Malaga and Alora also moves over to buses for sections from Cartama to Alora, affecting daily commuters in the Guadalhorce Valley. Services to El Chorro-Caminito del Rey will experience similar alterations, with dedicated taxis available at Bobadilla and El Chorro stations to adapt to individual passenger needs.

Replacement services and planning advice

Renfe is organising 384 special bus journeys to cover the gap and keep connections operational. Early services on Thursday, May 21, from Seville and initial departures on June 9 from Malaga already have road transfers organised. Passengers will benefit from free ticket changes and refunds to reduce inconvenience during this window.

Officials urge everyone to buy or validate tickets before departure and check updated schedules in advance. Extra time allowances help manage longer road journeys. Information updates appear through station notices, the Renfe app, WhatsApp alerts, public address systems, the official website, and the @Inforenfe account on X.

Longer-term network improvements

These upgrades form part of broader modernisation efforts across Malaga province’s conventional rail lines. Teams are focusing on renewing infrastructure elements at Aljaima and Pizarra stations to improve reliability in this important interior corridor.

Completion of the works will hopefully pave the way for gradual restoration of normal train timetables. Commuters, workers and students who rely on these routes should check communications closely for any final adjustments as services resume. Works on the C1 Cercancias train line are not scheduled until the end of 2027.