Spain Rail Crash Leaves Major Route Shut as Strikes Loom
Spain’s high-speed route between Madrid and Andalusia was still closed on 5 November, following the crash near Urda, Toledo, that killed 69 people on 28 October. A Renfe train struck a stationary Iryo service, and Transport Minister Óscar Puente has since resigned. The closure has left journeys to Seville and Málaga disrupted, while planned railway strikes threaten further changes later this month.
Where to Check Affected Services and Dates
- Line status: Madrid–Andalusia high-speed service suspended; check Adif’s live updates.
- Still open: Madrid–Toledo and Málaga–Seville sections.
- Iryo: Published southern-route cancellations through 11 November.
- Ouigo: All Madrid–Andalusia trains cancelled through 15 November.
- Renfe coaches: Madrid–Ciudad Real–Puertollano until 12 November.
- Strikes: Renfe drivers, 10 November (full day) and 12 November (partial); Adif workers, 17 November (planned).
- Tickets: Contact your operator before setting out.
Renfe’s replacement coaches leave Madrid-Atocha Cercanías on Calle Méndez Álvaro, not the high-speed platforms. Eight departures run daily towards Ciudad Real and Puertollano, with the last leaving Madrid at 22:30. The road journey takes about two and a half hours to Ciudad Real, then another half-hour to Puertollano. See Renfe’s published timetable; these coaches do not continue to Seville or Málaga.
Ouigo is cancelling its Madrid–Andalusia trains until at least 15 November and has arranged a separate bus-ticket refund scheme with Movelia for affected customers. To qualify, book an eligible route through Ouigo’s dedicated Movelia scheme using the same email and passenger details as your cancelled train booking. This bus reimbursement is additional to the train refund; buying through another site does not qualify.
Passengers facing a cancellation expected to delay arrival by more than an hour can choose a refund or rerouting under EU rail passenger rights. If the operator offers no rerouting information within 100 minutes of scheduled departure, reasonable replacement rail, coach or bus costs may be recoverable. Check the conditions before paying yourself and keep receipts. With strikes pending, reconfirm each journey leg before travelling.
