Showing posts with label Trains in Andalucia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Trains in Andalucia. Show all posts
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Civia Trains Take Over On Costa Del Sol Line
The Costa Del Sol coastal railway line (C1 Cercanias line) between Malaga and Fuengirola has seen its last UT-446 EMU train now that RENFE the Spanish rail operator has replaced the entire fleet with new modern and comfortable Civia units. The Civia units can carry more passengers and are more wheelchair friendly. The UT-4 have been in service on the C1 line since 1989. The new Civia trains can reach a speed of 120 kilometres per hour nad have room for 600 passengers.I recently travelled on the new trains and they are a big improvement on the old ones.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Visit to Estacion de la Indian Railway Station
Visit to Estacion de la Indiana
I recently had the opportunity to visit the site of the closed railway station of Estacion de la Indiana on the Granada to Algerciras railway line. Estacion de la Indiana is located 10 km from Ronda, in Malaga Province, Andalusia. You approach the station on a narrow unclassified road off the main A376 Ronda to Jerez road via the hamlet of the same name passing 10 -12 houses and a venta.
The station site was still in a tidy condition although the site was deserted at the time of my visit, it consisted of the still occupied station house, the station buildings in decent condition, a new building housing a maintenance base and the old goods shed that was looking decidedly run down. Two old water towers and some of the old signaling remain. The station track layout consists of a passing loop and two sidings (empty with no evidence of recent activity). There are currently three passenger trains a day in each direction and regular freight trains to and from the Algeciras area.
In the future when the line form Bobbadilla to Algerciras is modernized as part of the AVE high speed trains network. Estaction de la Indiana may be developed as the main railway station for the Ronda area in a similar manor to the new AVE station at Colonia de Santa Maria for Antequera. At the moment the present route contains a long dog leg via Arriate. To overcome this it will need the construction of a new section of railway bypassing Ronda town centre station to allow AVE trains to run on a shorter more direct route.
It is always sad to visit a railway facility that is unused although the railway atmosphere is still much in evidence. If the plans work out it will be nice once again catch a train from the station.
I recently had the opportunity to visit the site of the closed railway station of Estacion de la Indiana on the Granada to Algerciras railway line. Estacion de la Indiana is located 10 km from Ronda, in Malaga Province, Andalusia. You approach the station on a narrow unclassified road off the main A376 Ronda to Jerez road via the hamlet of the same name passing 10 -12 houses and a venta.
The station site was still in a tidy condition although the site was deserted at the time of my visit, it consisted of the still occupied station house, the station buildings in decent condition, a new building housing a maintenance base and the old goods shed that was looking decidedly run down. Two old water towers and some of the old signaling remain. The station track layout consists of a passing loop and two sidings (empty with no evidence of recent activity). There are currently three passenger trains a day in each direction and regular freight trains to and from the Algeciras area.
In the future when the line form Bobbadilla to Algerciras is modernized as part of the AVE high speed trains network. Estaction de la Indiana may be developed as the main railway station for the Ronda area in a similar manor to the new AVE station at Colonia de Santa Maria for Antequera. At the moment the present route contains a long dog leg via Arriate. To overcome this it will need the construction of a new section of railway bypassing Ronda town centre station to allow AVE trains to run on a shorter more direct route.
It is always sad to visit a railway facility that is unused although the railway atmosphere is still much in evidence. If the plans work out it will be nice once again catch a train from the station.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Ride on the Costa del Sol Railway
Enjoyable Ride on the Costa del Sol Coastal Railway
The Costa del Sol coastal railway runs from the city of Malaga down the coast through Torremolinos, Benalmadena and terminates at Fuengirola. My wife and I recently went for a return journey from Carvaial (Two stops out of Fuengirola) to Malaga City.
The line serves a very busy built up costal area including commercial developments, holiday complexes and housing. Carvaial station like those on the rest of the line as been modernized and is kept in good condition. You buy your tickets from a machine that is multi lingual and easy to use. The fares are cheap and there is a train every half hour throughout the day.
The line itself is electrified and serves some 20 stations and is extremely busy. You can get many good views from the train including sea view. It is nice to see a different view of the Costa del Sol than the one you get used to from a car. As you travel into the City of Malaga you can see evidence of work on the new Malaga Metro You can also see the new high speed line and old line from the north trailing in on the left hand side. The new standard gauge high speed line is served by AVE trains to Madrid and Barcelona. The old line has a local service to Alora.
The newly rebuilt main station in Malaga is an impressive complex with many shops and entertainment venues. The railway facilities are first class and give passengers a very favorable impression of Malaga. We spent an hour looking round the station and had nice tapas at one of the many eating establishments in the new station. Our train on the return journey was packed with people standing. At each station those passengers who left were replaces by more who joined the train. It was only when we reached Benalmadena that everyone found a seat.
The old EMUs on the line are due to be replaced later in the year by new civia units. Plans to extend the line are in hand to extend the line in the short term to San Pedro de la Alcantara and eventually all the way to Algeciras. I would recommend that anyone visiting the Costa del Sol make at least one journey on the line for the views and that it is quite possible to organize a number of days out to various places served by the line as a very cheap alternative to using a car in what is at times an extremely congested road network.
See also www.andaluciadreams.blogspot.com
The Costa del Sol coastal railway runs from the city of Malaga down the coast through Torremolinos, Benalmadena and terminates at Fuengirola. My wife and I recently went for a return journey from Carvaial (Two stops out of Fuengirola) to Malaga City.
The line serves a very busy built up costal area including commercial developments, holiday complexes and housing. Carvaial station like those on the rest of the line as been modernized and is kept in good condition. You buy your tickets from a machine that is multi lingual and easy to use. The fares are cheap and there is a train every half hour throughout the day.
The line itself is electrified and serves some 20 stations and is extremely busy. You can get many good views from the train including sea view. It is nice to see a different view of the Costa del Sol than the one you get used to from a car. As you travel into the City of Malaga you can see evidence of work on the new Malaga Metro You can also see the new high speed line and old line from the north trailing in on the left hand side. The new standard gauge high speed line is served by AVE trains to Madrid and Barcelona. The old line has a local service to Alora.
The newly rebuilt main station in Malaga is an impressive complex with many shops and entertainment venues. The railway facilities are first class and give passengers a very favorable impression of Malaga. We spent an hour looking round the station and had nice tapas at one of the many eating establishments in the new station. Our train on the return journey was packed with people standing. At each station those passengers who left were replaces by more who joined the train. It was only when we reached Benalmadena that everyone found a seat.
The old EMUs on the line are due to be replaced later in the year by new civia units. Plans to extend the line are in hand to extend the line in the short term to San Pedro de la Alcantara and eventually all the way to Algeciras. I would recommend that anyone visiting the Costa del Sol make at least one journey on the line for the views and that it is quite possible to organize a number of days out to various places served by the line as a very cheap alternative to using a car in what is at times an extremely congested road network.
See also www.andaluciadreams.blogspot.com
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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