Renfe puts on extra Malaga-Madrid train services with over 51,000 seats for Easter holiday travel
All high-speed trains from Malaga to Madrid suspended.
Credit: Colin M Thompson - Shutterstock
Renfe has seriously ramped up capacity on the vital Malaga-Madrid route ahead of the busy Easter break. Travellers can access more than 51,300 seats between Friday 27 March and Sunday 5 April despite ongoing disruption on the high-speed line.
Increased daily services offer greater flexibility
Renfe now schedule up to 15 daily trains on the Malaga-Madrid corridor. Numbers have risen to 16 services on Sundays, March 29 and April 5 with an extra late-afternoon departure in both directions. Eight trains leave Madrid daily from 7.20am, to 7.50pm, plus additional evening options at 8.35pm and 9.20pm on most days. Departures from Malaga begin at 7.45am, to 5.38pm, with evening trains at 8.05pm on weekdays and adjusted timings at weekends.
Mixed bus and AVE journeys still unavoidable
Passengers still face a bus transfer between Malaga and Antequera Santa Ana because of the major landslide that damaged the high-speed track near Alora in early February. Engineers continue complex repair work on the affected section, forcing Renfe to maintain its Alternative Transport Plan. Travellers complete the Malaga-Antequera leg by coach before switching to AVE services onwards to Madrid. The bus ride is said to add 30 minutes to the total journey time.
Most Read on Euro Weekly News
Extra Capacity Concentrated on Peak Travel Days
Additional high-capacity trains will boost seat availability during the busiest periods. Extra services target Friday and Ash Wednesday for journeys towards Malaga, while Easter Sunday sees strengthened departures back to Madrid. These reinforcements will help meet rising demand without restoring fully direct high-speed connections.
Long-term repairs underway on major infrastructure
Renfe stresses it remains the only operator providing a stable alternative to guarantee mobility between the Costa del Sol capital and Madrid. Ouigo and Avlo are still suspending services until the line is completely repaired all the way to Malaga. Officials describe the recovery operation as technically challenging due to site constraints and resource demands. Full direct AVE services will resume only once engineers complete the slope stabilisation and track restoration near Alora.
Holidaymakers planning trips during Semana Santa should check exact timings, as minor operational adjustments may occur. Booking early ensures the best choice of seats on these enhanced services while the temporary bus-rail arrangement continues.
