Madrid to Andalucía rail disruption: what expats should do today

Anyone booked on a train between Madrid and Andalucía today should check with Renfe or Iryo before heading to the station, as high-speed services have been suspended after a deadly collision near Urda in Toledo province.

Adif (the state company that runs Spain’s rail network) stopped high-speed traffic on the Madrid-Andalucía line on Wednesday morning. Renfe says services between Madrid, Ciudad Real and Andalucía are interrupted, which covers trains to cities including Sevilla, Córdoba and Málaga. There’s no confirmed reopening time yet.

Check your exact train before going to the station

Look in the Renfe or Iryo app, on the operator’s website and in any messages about your booking. Your ticket may still show its original schedule, so check your specific train rather than assuming it’s running.

Renfe tickets can be changed or cancelled free

Renfe has enabled free changes and cancellations for all affected trains. Iryo passengers should contact the company directly to confirm what options apply to their booking, and check with the operator before buying another ticket yourself.

Think about the rest of your journey

If the delay could affect a flight, hotel, car hire or appointment, contact the provider as soon as you can. Keep your ticket, any messages from the operator and receipts for extra costs, as you may need them for a travel insurance claim.

Don’t count on a quick reopening

After January’s crash near Adamuz (Córdoba), high-speed services between Madrid and Andalucía were suspended for days, with extra flights, coaches and slower conventional trains used as alternatives. The Madrid-Sevilla line didn’t fully reopen until Tuesday February 17. Early reports are stating that this collision could be as bad or worse than the Adamuz incident, so travellers can expect a closure between Madrid and Andalucía for a considerable amount of time. Nobody has said yet how long the closure will last, but it’s worth having a back-up plan, such as a coach, a flight or a hire car, rather than simply waiting at the station.