Travel Between Spain and Morocco by Train, Tunnel Connecting Europe and Africa Nears Completion

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 3, 2024 17:30 PMNews
Share:
Passengers lined up for row to take their seats
Passengers lined up for row to take their seats. Source: pixabay

Travel between Spain and Morocco by train could soon become possible as plans for connectivity between the two countries come to the forefront after forty-five years. Since the idea was first discussed in 1979, the possibility of a tunnel linking Spain and Morocco has been on the table, but now it may become a reality, possibly ready by 2030 during the FIFA World Cup.

Currently, flights between Madrid and Tangier take one and a half hours, while driving takes nine hours, including a ferry crossing. The proposed train would operate from Madrid to Casablanca, providing a more stable and efficient journey, with a total travel time estimated at five and a half hours.

Despite the long history of discussions, Moroccan and Spanish authorities are currently conducting surveys to assess the physical feasibility of the project in the 2030s. Last month, the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Morocco to expedite the process, emphasizing the positive relations between the two countries as a key factor in infrastructure development.

If constructed, the tunnel would be 27.6 km long, with estimated costs in the billions of euros. Previous discussions on the project were revived in February 2023 by Spain's former Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasizing its strategic importance for both countries.

Currently, the Spanish government has allocated €2.3 million for further research into the physical feasibility of the project. The tunnel route would stretch from Tarifa to the Bay of Tangier, with a maximum depth of 300 meters and a gradient of three percent.

Completion of the project is planned within five years, possibly coinciding with the 2030 FIFA World Cup, offering a significant connection between Europe and Africa.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Railway worker repairing tracks during maintenance

Rail Closures to Disrupt Windsor Travel

Mar 22, 2025 12:27 PM
Spacious interior of Zurich Airport terminal with passengers seated near large glass windows

New European and North American Destinations from Zurich in 2025

Mar 22, 2025 10:31 AM

Hilton Announces Global Expansion for 2025

Mar 22, 2025 08:44 AM

Security Lane Upgrades at Liverpool Airport May Disrupt Travel Plans

Mar 22, 2025 06:29 AM
Busy Glasgow street with double-decker First Bus buses and historic architecture

Smart Travel Options Unveiled for Glasgow Matchday

Mar 22, 2025 04:32 AM
A historic stone archway in Cagliari, Sardinia, framing a scenic city view with palm trees and a lively square below

New Flight Routes Make Sardinia More Accessible for Travelers in 2025

Mar 21, 2025 23:35 PM
A close-up of a black British passport with a gold emblem on a white surface

British Travellers Urged to Check Passport Validity Rules Before Easter Holidays

Mar 21, 2025 21:44 PM
Burgas Airport departures terminal with travelers outside on a sunny day

Bulgarian Airports to Upgrade Landside Services

Mar 21, 2025 19:23 PM
A group of jockeys riding racehorses at full speed on a sandy racetrack, kicking up dust as they round a bend

Integrated Bus Service Enhances Travel to Scottish Grand National

Mar 21, 2025 17:34 PM

Air India and Air New Zealand Partner to Expand Travel Routes

Mar 21, 2025 15:46 PM

Hotels Turn to Personalization to Boost Rates

Mar 21, 2025 13:21 PM
A traveler with a suitcase walks through Hamad International Airport's modern terminal, featuring sleek architecture and spacious seating areas

Hamad International Airport Opens New Concourses to Ease Passenger Flow

Mar 21, 2025 11:36 AM
Emirates aircraft parked at Dubai International Airport during daytime

Emirates Expands A350 Network with New Destinations

Mar 20, 2025 22:38 PM
Cloud-covered green mountains with mist rolling over

Unsettled UK Weather This Weekend and Its Impact on Travel

Mar 20, 2025 20:41 PM
A Ryanair aircraft parked at the airport with a clear blue sky and passengers boarding in the background

Ryanair Expands Summer Schedule in Klagenfurt

Mar 20, 2025 18:24 PM

ixigo Expands Flight Options with Amadeus Integration

Mar 20, 2025 16:37 PM

Lufthansa Enhances First Class for Long-Haul Travelers

Mar 20, 2025 14:42 PM
An empty railway platform in Milan with a Trenitalia train in the background, marked with warning signs restricting track crossing

Rail Disruptions in Milan and Their Impact on Travel

Mar 20, 2025 12:26 PM
A seaside resort in Hurghada, Egypt, with palm trees and a view of the Red Sea and distant mountains in the background

Direct Flights from Aalborg to Hurghada Open New Winter Travel Options

Mar 20, 2025 10:39 AM
Amtrak locomotive at a station platform, ready for departure

Amtrak Unveils Exclusive Auto Transport Rail Deal for Florida Trips

Mar 19, 2025 23:49 PM
Railway construction work with heavy machinery near electrified tracks

Major Rail Delays Expected Near Loughborough This Weekend

Mar 19, 2025 20:36 PM
Statue of Lady Justice holding balanced scales, symbolizing fairness and law

Ryanair Takes Legal Action Over Passenger Misconduct

Mar 19, 2025 18:22 PM

ScotRail Warns Travelers of Disruptions for Hampden Match

Mar 19, 2025 16:47 PM

Joby and Virgin Atlantic Introduce Electric Air Taxi for Travelers

Mar 18, 2025 18:35 PM
Bustling pedestrian street in Chester with historic black-and-white timber buildings, shops, and outdoor cafes

Chester’s Historic Landmarks Become More Accessible with Open-Top Buses

Mar 18, 2025 16:23 PM
A commercial airplane approaching for landing against a pastel-colored sky at dusk

Stuttgart's Expanded Summer Routes Enhance Travel Opportunities

Mar 18, 2025 14:46 PM