The situation with rail transport in Spain directly affects the daily lives of millions of residents. For those who rely on trains every day, any schedule disruptions or lack of information are more than just inconveniences—they can disrupt work plans, family commitments, and even overall well-being. In recent months, passenger dissatisfaction has only grown louder: complaints about delays, cancellations, and unclear communication from operators are becoming increasingly frequent.
Railway issues impact not only major cities, where trains are part of daily routines, but also smaller towns, for which the railroad often remains the only convenient way to get to work or school. The situation feels especially acute for those forced to use commuter trains during peak hours: overcrowded carriages, constant delays, and a lack of information about disruptions have become a regular part of their journey.
At the same time, passengers on medium- and long-distance trains, as well as high-speed lines, are increasingly noting a mismatch between ticket prices and service quality. High fares, combined with frequent technical issues, cancellations, and delays, leave many feeling frustrated and unfairly treated. According to recent surveys, satisfaction with rail services in Spain has significantly declined compared to previous years.
Loss of trust
Just a few years ago, Spain ranked among the top European countries for public trust in its rail transport. However, the situation has changed: confidence in the railways is declining, and passengers increasingly compare the Spanish experience to the negative examples seen elsewhere in Europe. The UK, Germany, Italy, and France have also reported growing dissatisfaction with rail services, particularly in their capital regions.
There are several factors behind this decline. These include aging infrastructure, insufficient investment in updating rolling stock, and frequent labor disputes leading to strikes and widespread train cancellations. As a result, even those who previously favored trains over other modes of transport are now reconsidering their usual routes.
A major source of frustration for passengers is the lack of transparency: when disruptions occur, information about reasons and estimated resolution times is often delayed or not provided at all. This creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and further erodes trust in rail operators.
Different expectations
Passenger complaints vary depending on the type of train. Commuter line users most often face overcrowded cars and rush hour delays. For them, the train is an integral part of daily life, so any disruptions feel especially acute. Meanwhile, passengers on long-distance and high-speed trains are most frequently dissatisfied with high ticket prices and insufficient comfort.
Although serious incidents related to safety or technical failures aren’t very common, about 40% of respondents still report such issues. This suggests that even isolated cases can significantly affect the overall perception of the service.
In recent years, Spain’s railways have increasingly become a subject of political debate. Funding, management, and infrastructure modernization are discussed at the highest level, yet passengers have yet to see any tangible changes.
European context
The trend of declining satisfaction with rail transport is seen not only in Spain. In several European countries—including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom—passengers also deal with delays, cancellations, and strikes. The reasons are similar: outdated tracks, lack of investment, rising maintenance costs, and frequent labor disputes.
In 2018, according to pan-European studies, Spain ranked among the leaders in passenger satisfaction with its rail service. However, over the past few years, the situation has changed: the country is now moving in line with broader European challenges, losing its previous advantage.
Reflecting on recent events, it’s clear that Spain’s transport difficulties are not limited to the railways. For instance, Catalonia recently faced a transport crisis, with buses and trains overwhelmed by passenger demand and authorities forced to take emergency action. More details on the development of this situation can be found in RUSSPAIN.COM’s report, which analyzes the causes and consequences of the transport collapse in the region and explores possible scenarios for how events might unfold (transport crisis).
Reference context
In recent years, Spanish railways have repeatedly come under public scrutiny due to widespread strikes and technical failures. For instance, in 2024, a large-scale train drivers’ strike led to the cancellation of hundreds of services nationwide, sparking a wave of discontent among passengers and causing major disruptions to the transport system. Similar issues have been observed in other European countries: in France and Germany, ongoing labor disputes and outdated infrastructure have also resulted in numerous train delays and cancellations. These events highlight that the railway crisis is not just a Spanish problem, but a Europe-wide challenge that calls for comprehensive solutions and new approaches to industry management.
