The old Madrid Atocha station building is now a greenhouse (photo © Lukasz Janyst / dreamstime.com).

18th edition: High-speed Spain (Route 22)

The fast run from Barcelona to Málaga

Route introduction

Our journey as presented here in Route 22 was made possible with the completion of the new fast line from Barcelona to Madrid in 2008. While our natural inclination is to avoid high-speed lines, this route for Europe by Rail really plugs a gap – and it’s an enjoyable run, full of quiet drama, with some fine views across expansive Spanish landscapes.

MAP Double click on the map (or double tap on mobile) to zoom in. You can connect onto other routes in places shown in red. Change to a layer showing a more familiar road map view by clicking on the menu at the top right of the map. Get back to the original view by clicking on the house icon shown in the top left menu on the map.

Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide

Whether you are making a long grand tour or just planning a couple of weekend breaks, Europe by Rail is the perfect guide. The book describes over 50 key routes in detail. Together, they span mainland Europe and – brand new for this 16th edition – now also the British Isles. Find out more about the guidebook below.

The 18th edition of the definitive guide to exploring Europe by rail will be published on 24 October 2024. With tips on ticketing, fares and accommodation, Europe by Rail has become the definitive guide to exploring Europe by train. Read here the book's word of welcome.
Europe by Rail contains all that's necessary to plan your rail journey through Europe: 50 route descriptions, a country gazetteer, rail connections, information on Eurail and Interrail passes and more.
The 18th edition of Europe by Rail: The Definitive Guide will be published on 24 October 2024. Here, we list a few places which have regularly stocked the 17th edition.