Stadler trains for Madrid Cercanías are now in the final approval phase at Renfe, with the new fleet expected to bring the largest trainsets in the Spanish operator’s rolling stock portfolio onto the capital’s commuter network.

Stadler trains for Madrid Cercanías near launch
Stadler trains for Madrid Cercanías near launch

The first units are due to enter passenger service by the end of summer. Before that happens, Renfe still has to complete acceptance of the first five trains, run operational simulations, test them in different service conditions, and finish driver training.

The new Cercanías trains will be supplied in versions of around 100 meters and 200 meters. Their capacity will be 20% higher than that of the current fleet. The design combines single-deck and double-deck cars and is intended to offer better accessibility, stronger onboard connectivity, and a more sustainable operating profile.

Stadler trains for Madrid Cercanías form part of a wider renewal plan

The first batch belongs to Renfe’s wider order for 79 Stadler trains, supported by an investment of more than EUR 1.3 billion, according to Renfe’s official update on the new Cercanías fleet. The contract also forms part of a broader fleet renewal plan worth approximately EUR 3.5 billion for new rolling stock across Cercanías and Rodalies services.

For Renfe, the Stadler units ordered for Cercanías will offer the highest passenger capacity in its fleet. The T100 model will have up to 912 seats, while the longer T200 version will offer up to 1,884 seats. That represents a 20% increase compared with the Civia trains, which had previously been the company’s largest units.

Renfe expects the first five trains to arrive in the coming weeks. This initial group will consist of three 100-meter units and two 200-meter units. Once delivered, the operator will move through commercial simulations, tests in different operating scenarios, and driver training before starting service by the end of summer.

Madrid Cercanías network will receive the first units

The first deployment is planned for the Madrid Cercanías network, the commuter rail system serving the Spanish capital. After these initial deliveries, shipments are scheduled to continue each month until Renfe completes the delivery of nine T100 trains and eight T200 trains by 2026.

The Stadler multiple units are designed as high-capacity trains with a mixed layout of single-deck and double-deck cars. Their configuration can be adjusted to passenger demand, since both versions can be extended in length when needed.

The trains are compatible with Iberian gauge infrastructure and can operate at speeds of up to 140 km/h. These specifications define the technical profile of the new Madrid Cercanías fleet.

Accessible trains designed for daily passenger flows

Renfe presents the new multiple units as high-capacity, reliable, and fully accessible vehicles for daily mobility. The passenger-focused layout includes spaces for people with reduced mobility, level boarding from the platform at all doors on single-deck cars, bicycle areas, and spaces for strollers.

The T100 units will provide space for up to six bicycles, while the T200 version will accommodate up to 18. These details form part of the wider accessibility and comfort package built into the new Cercanías trains from Stadler.

The new fleet is also intended to shorten boarding and alighting times. On the T100, 6 of the 10 doors will provide step-free level access; on the T200, the same feature will apply to 12 of the 20 doors. By reducing barriers between platform and train, Renfe expects smoother passenger movement and better flow inside the train.