Ouigo Launches New High-Speed Line Between Elche and Madrid This Thursday

The company Ouigo inaugurated this Wednesday the high-speed line connecting Elche and Madrid in two and a half hours, with a stop in Albacete. The first commercial trip will take place this Thursday, departing from Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station at 8:15 AM and arriving in Albacete in 1 hour and 8 minutes; reaching Elche in less than 2 hours and 25 minutes, and finally arriving in Murcia 2 hours and 45 minutes later.

The service will operate two daily frequencies, offering four trips with two departures and two returns, accommodating up to 14,000 passengers weekly. Tickets, available since May 22 on Ouigo's website and app, start at the usual general fare of 9 euros due to the use of double-decker carriages, with a fixed fare of 7 euros for children aged between 4 and 13 years, and free travel for children up to 3 years old as long as they travel on an adult's lap.

According to Ouigo's General Director, Hélène Valenzuela, these "competitive" travel times are possible because there is no stop in Alicante. "We are very pleased to bring the democratization of the railway sector to Murcia and Elche so that they can enjoy from tomorrow a sustainable and affordable alternative for their high-speed travels," said Valenzuela, who noted that the aim is to "bring the history, culture, and gastronomy of these regions closer to other communities."