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Ouigo expands high-speed rail service: Murcia to Madrid in under 3 hours

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Another new chapter has been opened for Murcia as one more train operator begins a route with Madrid

Ouigo expands high-speed rail service: Murcia to Madrid in under 3 hours

The Region of Murcia marks a significant milestone in its railway history as the French private operator Ouigo begins its high-speed service connecting Murcia with Madrid. This expansion comes after Renfe launched its high-speed route in December 2022, providing travellers with more options and competitive prices for journeys to the Spanish capital.

Starting this September, Murcia residents will have access to two daily Ouigo trains to Madrid, with a travel time of just 2 hours and 45 minutes, one of the fastest connections available.

The service will also include two daily return trains from Madrid’s Chamartín station to Murcia’s El Carmen station. This new addition to the high-speed network offers a significant boost to the Region’s connectivity with the capital, providing a faster and more affordable alternative to existing services.

The first, ceremonial Ouigo train from Madrid to Murcia pulls in at 11.01am on Wednesday September 4, signalling the start of commercial services as of Thursday 5. The inauguration event is being attended by the President of the Region, Fernando López Miras, the Mayor of Murcia, José Ballesta, and Ouigo’s General Manager, Hélène Valenzuela.

Ouigo's entry into the Murcia-Madrid route introduces a new level of competition, particularly with Renfe, the state-owned rail operator. Renfe currently operates five daily high-speed trains between Murcia and Madrid, but only two of these complete the journey in under three hours. Renfe also offers a low-cost option through its Avlo service, but this route takes longer, clocking in at 3 hours and 35 minutes due to additional stops.

Ouigo’s ability to offer faster travel times and lower prices presents a compelling alternative for travellers, likely pushing Renfe to enhance its services to maintain its market share.

As Ouigo begins operations, the landscape of rail travel in Spain continues to evolve, with private operators like Ouigo playing an increasingly important role in connecting cities and regions across the country.

Murcia-Madrid Ouigo train times and prices

Ouigo’s service from Murcia to Madrid will operate from Monday to Friday:

Departing Murcia: 12.39pm; arrives in Madrid 3.23pm
Departing Murcia: 8.39pm; arrives in Madrid 11.23pm

Departing Madrid: 8.15am; arrives in Murcia 11.01am
Departing Madrid: 4.15pm; arrives in Murcia 7.03pm

Tickets are available at highly competitive prices, reflecting Ouigo’s commitment to making high-speed rail travel accessible and affordable. For example, tickets for this Friday’s journey were priced at just 19 euros, with some fares as low as 13 euros for next week.

Now read: Murcia Airport sees mixed successes this summer

Image: ADIF

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