Rail transport wins 4.8 million passengers over air and road in Spain
8 October, 2025The liberalisation of rail transport in Spain has transformed the mobility map. According to the latest CNMC report, there were 49 million train passengers in 2024, an increase of 42% compared to 2019, before the entry of new operators.
One of the most striking effects has been the modal shift: 4.8 million passengers who previously travelled by plane, car or bus opted for the train. Of these, 900,000 came from air transport and 3.7 million from private cars, resulting in estimated savings of €171.8 million in external costs linked to emissions, congestion, accidents and noise.
Competition between Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo has also led to an average price reduction of 33% on key corridors such as Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Levante and Madrid-Sur, which has directly benefited passengers, with estimated savings of €431.3 million.
In long distance, the train has reached a share of 56.5% compared to air travel, 5.2 points more than in 2019, consolidating its position as the preferred mode of transport for millions of users.