A French rail operator is launching new routes on its high-speed trains that will connect incredibly popular Spanish tourist destinations – and tickets are stupidly cheap
If you fancy visiting some of Spain’s most vibrant and beautiful cities next year, you could travel between them for less than the price of a portion of fish and chips.
The cost of everything seems to be increasing these days – from restaurant prices, to the weekly supermarket shop and energy bills – everyday life has become an expensive business. So it stands to reason that annual holidays may be at the bottom of many household’s priorities as they struggle to cope during difficult economic times.
Travelling around the UK has also become tricky for those with a limited budget and commuters have been hit hard with the increasing fares on trains. The cost of living crisis isn’t restricted to British shores and has seen goods and services worldwide increase massively.
However bucking the trend is one rail company in Spain which is launching new services between some of its major cities. French operator Ouigo will introduce the new routes connecting Madrid with Seville and Malaga at prices we could only dream of here at home. According to The Olive Press, the new services will offer a total of 35,000 seats on six weekly journeys between Madrid and Seville, and four between Madrid and Malaga, which will include stops in Cordoba.
Madrid is Spain’s capital and known for its famous museums housing grand works by renowned European artists such as Goya and Velázquez, top restaurants and a busy nightlife. The Andalusian city of Seville is heralded for its stunning architecture and palaces, flamenco and numerous tapas restaurants. The Province of Malaga is also located in Andalusia and is loved for its 16 stunning beaches on the coast of the Mediterranean. The birthplace of Picasso, it is home to over 30 fascinating museums and has a rich archaeological history, street markets and a buzzing nightlife scene.
Ouigo has invested over £33 million in train adaptations in the last five years and is reportedly hoping to cause a stir among its rival operators in the market in the southern Spanish corridor. It hopes to drive down average ticket prices and potentially make high-speed travel accessible for those who couldn’t previously afford it, such as families, students and young professionals.
The new routes open on 16 January 2025, with tickets starting at just over £7 for adults and under £6 for children, which you would struggle to get a portion of fish and chips for in the UK. Since entering the Spanish market, the company claims to have served 13 million passengers with a 90% occupancy rate. During the launch announcement at Seville’s Santa Justa station, Federico Pareja, Ouigo’s commercial director said: “We are the only operator compensating travelers for delays starting from 30 minutes.”
Would you consider using the new services for your next holiday? Let us know in the comments below.
