By 2013 all the principle cities of Andalucia, Cordoba, Malage, Savilla and Granada will be linked by fast AVE trains. The existing line from Malaga to Cordoba and Madrid will be joined by a number of new lines. AVEs will run from Malaga to Saville in 55 minutes, and to Granada in 50 minutes. The largest towns along the routes will also be linked into the new system, via the link line that will connect Algeciras with Ronda and Antequera.
Most of the work already finished has been carried out on the line to Saville. This is being done in two phases. the first between Antequere and Marchene and the second between Marchene and Savilla. The Granada line is expected to be complted at the same time as the Marchene line. Work on the third line from Algeciras to Antequera via Ronda is expected to be finished in just under three years.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
New Underpass at Estacion de Cartama
The new underpass at Estacion de Cartama on the Malaga to Alora railway line has been opened to make it safer for pedestrians. The underpass will connet the northern area of Estacion de Cartama, where most people live with the southern area. The work as cost 1.3 million euros.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Velez - Malaga Trams in Collisions
Just two weeks after the most serious accident yet involving the Velez-Malaga tram line last Sunday saw another collision. A car hit the tram on the roundabout where Calle Las Arenas and Calle Azucarea meet Avenida de Andalucia in Torre del Mar at around nine o'clock in the evening.
Only material damage was caused. The car had lost part of its bumper in the collision but the owner drove off almost immediately after a confrontation with the tram driver. The tram only suffered a few scratches and was able to continue on its way to Velez.
On Monday, May 25th, at around 9 o'clock in the morning, three passengers had to be admitted to hospital with minor injuries after the tram they were travelling in ran past the last stop on the line, crashing into three parked cars and a lorry, at the Jurado Lorca Park in Velez-Malaga. The reson why the tram failed to stop is not known at this time. But it was the lorry that finally stoped it.
Only material damage was caused. The car had lost part of its bumper in the collision but the owner drove off almost immediately after a confrontation with the tram driver. The tram only suffered a few scratches and was able to continue on its way to Velez.
On Monday, May 25th, at around 9 o'clock in the morning, three passengers had to be admitted to hospital with minor injuries after the tram they were travelling in ran past the last stop on the line, crashing into three parked cars and a lorry, at the Jurado Lorca Park in Velez-Malaga. The reson why the tram failed to stop is not known at this time. But it was the lorry that finally stoped it.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
New Trains For Malaga, Fuengirola and Alora Lines
As part of a plan to replace old trains on the Malaga to Fuengirola and Malaga to Alora lines, two new Civia EMUs came into service on Monday 25th May 2009.
The Civia EMUs have improved accessibility, with lower floors and ramps on the third carriage for passengers suffering from reduced mobility. The third carriage will also offer for the first time on the lines space for a number of bicycles.
The carriages have no doors or obstructions between them to make movement up and down the trains easier. The complete order for five trains will be in service by October 2009. Ticket prices and timetables will remain unchanged.
www.myhelpyouesuccess.blogspot.com
The Civia EMUs have improved accessibility, with lower floors and ramps on the third carriage for passengers suffering from reduced mobility. The third carriage will also offer for the first time on the lines space for a number of bicycles.
The carriages have no doors or obstructions between them to make movement up and down the trains easier. The complete order for five trains will be in service by October 2009. Ticket prices and timetables will remain unchanged.
www.myhelpyouesuccess.blogspot.com
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Closure Of Malaga to Fuengirola Line
Work being carried out on the future Malaga airport connection means the C - 1 Costa del Sol local trains will not run between the airport and the Vialia - Maria Zambrano station on Malaga city for a week starting Saturday 6th June 2009. The large number of passengers who use the line between Fuengirola, Banalmadena, Torremolinos and Malaga every day will have to use a bus between Malaga and the airport stations. The work will not affect trains on the local service to Alora.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Trains in Andalucia
Spain's modern day railway system makes travelling by train a delight. Thanks to excellent infrastructure, comfortable trains and good service, more and more people are choosing this relaxing, ecologically friendly form of transport in order to truly experience the best of southern Spain.
The Spanish railway network is run by the state owned company Renfe. In recent years Renfe has made a tremendous investment in Spain's railway network, particularly in the new High Speed (Alta Velocidad) rail system. By 2010, the company will have acquired a total of 560 new trains with 103 dedicated to high speed routes Renfe is also an excellent form of transport for merchandise both within the country and for companies wishing to export products abroad.
Following is a basic look at service, which should be complemented by a consultation with your travel agent or Renfe’s excellent online information service.
International Train Service to Andalucia
International trains from France terminate at either Madrid or Barcelona. From there you can catch a train to many of the cities in Andalucia - or anywhere else in Spain, for that matter. You can also travel by Renfe trains between some of the main provincial capitals on the Avant and Medium Distance trains in the south of Spain, and to some of the smaller villages as well, thanks to the numerous "Cercanías", local train routes.
High Speed Long Distance Trains in Andalucia
The magnificent AVE high speed (alta velocidad) trains runs on a special line between:
Madrid and Cordoba (1 hrs. 45 min.)
Madrid and Seville. (under 2 hrs. 30 min.)
Madrid and Málaga (2 hrs 30 min.) with service to Antequera and Puente Genil as well
Málaga and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Seville and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Medium Distance Trains in Andalucia
This service interconnects the entire country. In Andalucia it brings together such provincial capitals as Málaga, Córdoba and Seville.
There is also a service from:
Sevilla-Cádiz
Sevilla-Córdoba-Jaén
Huelva-Sevilla
Sevilla-Málaga
Sevilla-Granada-Almería
Granada-Linares Baeza
Algeciras-Granada
See these routes on the map below:
AVANT
The Renfe Avant trains are high Speedy trains for medium distance routes. In Andalucia, they circulate between Seville, Córdoba and Málaga.
Sevilla-Córdoba: 45 minutos
Córdoba-Málaga: 1 hora 05 minutos
Sevilla-Málaga: 1 hora 55 minutos
Local Train Networks (Cercanias)
Among the routes of these stopping trains are the following:
Malaga to Fuengirola (Calling at Malaga airport)
Malaga to Álora
Seville to Cazalla-Constantina
Seville to Loria del Rio
Seville to Utrera
Seville C-4 Sevilla Santa Justa – Palacio de Congresos (Congress Hall)
Cadiz to Jerez de la Fronterra
Booking and Tickets
Booking is very easy thanks to an excellent website that simply requires you to enter basic data to obtain information and booking services. It is advisable to book ahead for travel on the High Speed Long Distance trains especially if travelling at weekends and bank holidays. Booking can also be made at main stations and Renfe agents which includes many travel agents.
Tickets are reasonably priced but prices vary depending on the class (Club, Preferente, Turista) of service and the peak hour times (Llano, Valle).
Special Prices
Children six and under ride free on local trains with children four and under free of charge on the rest of trains. In the next category, children up to age 14 have a 40 percent discount on their ticket price that can not be combined with any other offer. If you are travelling with a group of students, inquire about special pricing structures.
If you have 3 or more children and live in Spain, you can apply for a "Familia Numerosa" card and obtain a 20 percent discount for all family members and 50 percent off for those who fall in the "special" category.
Various special rates are available for citizens over the age of 65 years old. To obtain special rates in this category it is necessary to first acquire the "Tarjeta Dorada" (Gold Card) either from a Renfe agent or a travel agent. The cost of the card is 5 euros and it must be renewed annually. A Renfe agent or cooperating travel agent can determine if you qualify for other discounts, such as the youth card, group rates, cruise rates or the “Estrella” and “Web” special promotions that can save you up to 40 and 60 percent respectively off your ticket prices.
Refunds
Ticket costs may be partially or totally refunded when a train does not arrive on time, depending on the cause of the delay and how late the train arrives to its final destination. Be sure to save your proof of purchase and if your train arrives late, ask a RENFE representative for more information regarding possible refunds.
Pets
One small domestic pet (up to 6 kilos maximum) per passenger is allowed on all trains provided other users do not complain, that there is space available and that safety and hygiene standards are met. Pets must be in a cage (maximum dimensions = 65x35x35 cm) with facilities to eliminate waste. Check for possible additional restrictions on some medium and short distance routes as well as ticket prices.
The Spanish railway network is run by the state owned company Renfe. In recent years Renfe has made a tremendous investment in Spain's railway network, particularly in the new High Speed (Alta Velocidad) rail system. By 2010, the company will have acquired a total of 560 new trains with 103 dedicated to high speed routes Renfe is also an excellent form of transport for merchandise both within the country and for companies wishing to export products abroad.
Following is a basic look at service, which should be complemented by a consultation with your travel agent or Renfe’s excellent online information service.
International Train Service to Andalucia
International trains from France terminate at either Madrid or Barcelona. From there you can catch a train to many of the cities in Andalucia - or anywhere else in Spain, for that matter. You can also travel by Renfe trains between some of the main provincial capitals on the Avant and Medium Distance trains in the south of Spain, and to some of the smaller villages as well, thanks to the numerous "Cercanías", local train routes.
High Speed Long Distance Trains in Andalucia
The magnificent AVE high speed (alta velocidad) trains runs on a special line between:
Madrid and Cordoba (1 hrs. 45 min.)
Madrid and Seville. (under 2 hrs. 30 min.)
Madrid and Málaga (2 hrs 30 min.) with service to Antequera and Puente Genil as well
Málaga and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Seville and Barcelona (5 hrs. 30 min. appx.)
Medium Distance Trains in Andalucia
This service interconnects the entire country. In Andalucia it brings together such provincial capitals as Málaga, Córdoba and Seville.
There is also a service from:
Sevilla-Cádiz
Sevilla-Córdoba-Jaén
Huelva-Sevilla
Sevilla-Málaga
Sevilla-Granada-Almería
Granada-Linares Baeza
Algeciras-Granada
See these routes on the map below:
AVANT
The Renfe Avant trains are high Speedy trains for medium distance routes. In Andalucia, they circulate between Seville, Córdoba and Málaga.
Sevilla-Córdoba: 45 minutos
Córdoba-Málaga: 1 hora 05 minutos
Sevilla-Málaga: 1 hora 55 minutos
Local Train Networks (Cercanias)
Among the routes of these stopping trains are the following:
Malaga to Fuengirola (Calling at Malaga airport)
Malaga to Álora
Seville to Cazalla-Constantina
Seville to Loria del Rio
Seville to Utrera
Seville C-4 Sevilla Santa Justa – Palacio de Congresos (Congress Hall)
Cadiz to Jerez de la Fronterra
Booking and Tickets
Booking is very easy thanks to an excellent website that simply requires you to enter basic data to obtain information and booking services. It is advisable to book ahead for travel on the High Speed Long Distance trains especially if travelling at weekends and bank holidays. Booking can also be made at main stations and Renfe agents which includes many travel agents.
Tickets are reasonably priced but prices vary depending on the class (Club, Preferente, Turista) of service and the peak hour times (Llano, Valle).
Special Prices
Children six and under ride free on local trains with children four and under free of charge on the rest of trains. In the next category, children up to age 14 have a 40 percent discount on their ticket price that can not be combined with any other offer. If you are travelling with a group of students, inquire about special pricing structures.
If you have 3 or more children and live in Spain, you can apply for a "Familia Numerosa" card and obtain a 20 percent discount for all family members and 50 percent off for those who fall in the "special" category.
Various special rates are available for citizens over the age of 65 years old. To obtain special rates in this category it is necessary to first acquire the "Tarjeta Dorada" (Gold Card) either from a Renfe agent or a travel agent. The cost of the card is 5 euros and it must be renewed annually. A Renfe agent or cooperating travel agent can determine if you qualify for other discounts, such as the youth card, group rates, cruise rates or the “Estrella” and “Web” special promotions that can save you up to 40 and 60 percent respectively off your ticket prices.
Refunds
Ticket costs may be partially or totally refunded when a train does not arrive on time, depending on the cause of the delay and how late the train arrives to its final destination. Be sure to save your proof of purchase and if your train arrives late, ask a RENFE representative for more information regarding possible refunds.
Pets
One small domestic pet (up to 6 kilos maximum) per passenger is allowed on all trains provided other users do not complain, that there is space available and that safety and hygiene standards are met. Pets must be in a cage (maximum dimensions = 65x35x35 cm) with facilities to eliminate waste. Check for possible additional restrictions on some medium and short distance routes as well as ticket prices.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Welcome To My New Blog
Welcome to my new blog 'Trains in Spain 'I hope that it will become a place of interest to for those following railway developments in sunny Spain.
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