High-speed trains between Málaga and Madrid have been suspended after a serious collision involving two trains in Urda, Toledo, on Wednesday 28 October. Renfe has provisionally stopped selling tickets on the Madrid–Andalucía corridor until 13 December, but says services could restart sooner if infrastructure manager Adif reopens the line.
There is no official estimate for when the route will reopen. The discovery report says authorities expect the closure to last at least two or three weeks, while rail-sector sources cited by that publication put the minimum at 15 days. Adif said removing damaged material and repairing the track could take about a week, but work depends on investigators completing their examination and authorising the removal of the trains.
The disruption affects people travelling between Málaga and the capital, as well as passengers using high-speed services between Madrid and other Andalusian cities. At Málaga María Zambrano station, travellers sought information and alternative tickets after cancellations appeared on departure boards. The discovery report described queues at car-rental counters and Málaga’s bus station, alongside increased demand for car-sharing and flights.
Rail travel within Andalucía has not been suspended. Renfe says Media Distancia, Avant and Cercanías services are operating normally. From Málaga, the C1 commuter line runs to Fuengirola and the C2 to Álora; regional Media Distancia trains also connect Málaga with Seville. Avant services linking Málaga with Seville, Granada and Córdoba remain in operation.
Renfe is preparing alternative transport for the affected corridor. According to the discovery report, the plan is expected to include buses bypassing the closed section and a combined journey, with further details due to be announced. Travellers should check directly with Renfe before setting out, as the timetable and replacement arrangements may change.
Other operators have announced different suspension periods. Ouigo said its Madrid–Andalucía services would be stopped at least through Monday 2 November while it awaited information from Adif. Renfe’s halt on ticket sales until 13 December is provisional, not a guarantee that trains will remain off the line for that entire period.
Airlines have added capacity in response to demand. The discovery report says Iberia capped fares on routes between Madrid and Andalusian airports at €99 in economy and €149 in business until 8 November, and scheduled extra flights. Air Europa also added flights to Málaga and Seville. Availability and prices can change, so passengers should confirm arrangements with their carrier.
The investigation and track repairs will determine the next steps. Adif has said the timing of the work depends on the Guardia Civil and the court examining the site and permitting the removal of the trains. Until the line is cleared and formally reopened, the Madrid–Andalucía high-speed connection remains unavailable.