HSL between Madrid and Lisbon to Open in 2030

The HSL between Madrid and Lisbon will open in 2030, significantly reducing travel time between the capitals and improving the region’s environmental situation. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

HSL to Strengthen Transport Links in Western Europe

The European Commission plans to launch the Madrid – Lisbon HSL in time for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. EU authorities see the project as a strategic transport initiative.

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Apostolos Tzitzikostas, European Commissioner for Transport, stated that developing high-speed rail links between EU capitals is among the top priorities of his department.

He emphasized that the Madrid – Lisbon route will be a key part of the pan-European network and will play an important role in building a fast and sustainable transport system.

HSL to Reduce Travel Time and Lower Flight Volume

According to the Portuguese government, the new HSL will allow travel between the cities in just three hours instead of the current ten.

This improvement will ease the burden on air travel, as many passengers are expected to switch to rail. It will also contribute to a reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Portugal is simultaneously developing a domestic HSL project spanning 290 km between Porto and Lisbon. In October 2024, the country granted its first concession for the construction of this line.

The project is significant not only for Portugal but for the entire European rail sector. The European Commission aims to build a unified high-speed rail network across the EU.

In February, Apostolos Tzitzikostas highlighted that integrating HSL into the EU’s overall transport policy is a major goal for the new Commission.

The construction of the Madrid – Lisbon line will become part of a broader reform of the EU’s transport infrastructure.

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