By Farah Mokrani •
Updated: 30 Nov 2024 • 15:44 • 1 minute read
Efforts are underway to restore the iconic Lusitânia and Sud-Expresso night train services, strengthening Iberian connectivity.
Reviving a historic rail link between Portugal and Spain
The Portuguese and Spanish governments have taken a significant step towards reintroducing night train services connecting the two countries. This decision follows the approval of a proposal by Portugal’s Livre party, marking a milestone in enhancing Iberian railway connectivity.
Set to resume in the first half of 2025, the Lusitânia and Sud-Expresso trains will once again serve as key links for travellers and commuters between Portugal and Spain. These services, once integral to the region’s rail network, were halted, leaving a void in sustainable travel options.
The reactivation of these trains is part of a broader commitment outlined in the Portuguese National Railway Plan, which aligns with Spain’s transport strategy. The collaboration is designed to:
Reinforce sustainable travel between the two nations.
Promote cross-border cooperation through rail networks.
Expand the role of night trains in reducing reliance on air travel.
Portugal’s government has pledged to work closely with its Spanish counterparts to ensure the seamless operation of the services, led by the national rail operators CP Comboios de Portugal and Renfe.
The advantages of reviving night train travel
This initiative has been widely praised for its potential to:
Offer a low-carbon alternative for international travel.
Enhance convenience for travellers seeking overnight routes between major cities.
Strengthen economic ties between Portugal and Spain.
A representative from Livre hailed the decision as a significant step toward making sustainable travel more accessible while fostering cultural and economic exchange.
Negotiations will continue as both governments aim to finalise the operational framework. With support from rail companies and international cooperation, the return of the Lusitânia and Sud-Expresso services promises to transform travel across the Iberian Peninsula.
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