Train passengers tripled in the Region of Murcia thanks to cheaper prices
Rail tickets throughout Spain are now more than half the price they were five years ago
Back in 2020, Spain began the process of rail liberalisation – a process which has allowed private train companies to operate on the national rail network, once dominated by Renfe. This has revolutionised the public transport sector, and the Region of Murcia was one of the biggest winners in 2024.
According to a study carried out by Trainline, more than three times as many passengers travelled by train in the Region of Murcia last year than in 2023. This remarkable growth coincides with the entry of a new operator, Ouigo, on the Madrid-Murcia route, which has managed to reduce prices by 33%.
The Region of Murcia is not alone in reaping the rewards of greater competition between the rail companies. The Madrid-Malaga and Madrid-Sevilla routes have doubled their customers and increased passenger numbers by 58%, respectively, while other routes, such as Madrid-Alicante, have also reported record figures in 2024. In addition, routes such as Madrid-Barcelona maintain stable prices after a 58% reduction since 2019.
Trainline's director in Spain, Pedro García, has highlighted that this progress makes the country a European leader in railway transformation.
“We are seeing how Spaniards choose the train not only for its economic efficiency, but also because it is the most sustainable means of transport,” he said.
With the second phase of liberalisation underway, service provision and accessibility are expected to continue to improve at both regional and national levels.
You might also like: Half-price package holiday deals to Murcia in 2025!
Image: Archive
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