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Travellers heading between Madrid and Málaga this Easter will see more services added, but the journey still will not be fully by train.

 

Renfe has confirmed it is increasing capacity by 51,300 seats between Friday March 27 and Sunday April 5, using a combined train and bus service while repairs continue on the high-speed line near Álora. The route will operate by rail between Madrid and Antequera, with passengers then transferred by bus for the final stretch to Málaga.

 

The disruption follows the collapse of a retaining wall earlier this year, which has kept the high-speed line closed and pushed back its expected reopening until at least late April.

 

From this week, Renfe is also adding more daily services. There will now be eight trains per day from Madrid to Málaga, while the return journey will run seven times daily, increasing to eight on Sundays. The operator said the extra capacity is aimed at the busiest travel days, including Holy Wednesday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

 

Despite looking at alternatives, Renfe has ruled out running a full rail service using the conventional network between Antequera and Málaga. The company had explored using Talgo S130 trains, which can switch track gauge, but decided against it after assessing operational constraints, including driver training and availability.

 

Instead, the mixed train and bus option will remain in place for now. Tickets are being sold as a combined journey, with prices varying depending on demand. Renfe said services “may be subject to change depending on operational needs.”

 

The ongoing disruption has also affected competition on the route. Both Ouigo and Iryo have suspended their services entirely until the high-speed line is fully operational again.

 

The line was initially expected to reopen in late March, but delays to the repair works have extended the closure well into the Easter travel period. Engineers are continuing work on the damaged section, with progress reviews taking place every two weeks to determine whether the reopening date can be brought forward or delayed further.

 

The situation has sparked criticism in recent days, with a political row emerging over the lack of a fully rail-based alternative during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

 

For now, passengers planning Easter journeys are being advised to allow extra time and check schedules in advance, as the combination of rail and road travel remains the only option available on this key route.

 

 

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