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

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.