Renfe restores direct AVE trains between Málaga, Zaragoza, and Barcelona. Starting May 4, Renfe is resuming direct AVE services between Málaga, Zaragoza, and Barcelona. Tickets are already on sale, and passengers can change or cancel their reservations for free if the new conditions don't suit them.
The restoration of direct high-speed AVE trains between Malaga, Zaragoza, and Barcelona has become a key event for rail connections in the south and northeast of Spain. After a forced suspension caused by infrastructure damage from the severe February storm, Renfe has announced the return of these routes, significantly easing travel between Andalusia, Aragon, and Catalonia.
According to the updated schedule, starting May 4, direct AVE trains will once again run between Malaga and Barcelona via Zaragoza—one trip in each direction daily. For passengers from Granada, service will be restored even earlier: from April 30, two daily AVE trains will link the city with Zaragoza and Barcelona without the need to transfer in Madrid. This decision is especially important for those who prefer to avoid unnecessary transfers and value direct connections between regions.
Resuming after a break
The temporary suspension was caused by the aftermath of the February storm, which damaged a section of the high-speed line near Malaga. As a result, regular routes between the south and northeast of the country were disrupted for several months. Now, after the completion of restoration work, Renfe is gradually reinstating previous routes, helping to restore important cross-connections between Andalusia, Aragon, and Catalonia.
In the case of Malaga, direct service to Zaragoza and Barcelona will resume on May 4, and for Granada—on April 30. Each of these routes will be served by one train in each direction daily. For many passengers, this will mean reduced travel time and no need to transfer in the capital.
Schedule changes and conditions for passengers
Renfe has already started selling tickets for the restored routes. However, the company warns that some schedules have been adjusted, so passengers are advised to check the latest departure and arrival times in advance. All changes are available on Renfe’s official channels, including the website, where tickets for the new routes can be purchased.
Special attention is given to those who purchased tickets before the temporary suspension of service. These passengers can change or cancel their bookings free of charge if the new travel conditions do not suit them. Renfe is notifying customers about the details of these changes via messages, so everyone can make a decision that is convenient for them.
Additional trains from Seville
The restoration of rail connections has affected not only Malaga and Granada. Since March, direct AVE trains between Seville, Zaragoza, and Barcelona have already been operating daily in both directions. Now, starting May 4, a second daily pair of trains will run on this route, further strengthening transport links between Andalusia, Aragon, and Catalonia.
Renfe emphasizes that the return of direct routes is an important step towards normalizing rail traffic after months of restrictions. However, some routes still run on single-track sections, which affects the timetable and requires additional attention from passengers when planning their trips.
