Ouigo Opens 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, arriving in Albacete in 1 hour and 8 minutes; in Elche in less than 2 hours and 25 minutes, and finally reaching Murcia 2 hours and 45 minutes later.

It will feature two daily frequencies, four trips in total with two outbound and two return journeys, accessible to 14,000 travelers weekly. Tickets, available since May 22 on the Ouigo website and app, start from the usual general fare of 9 euros due to the use of double-decker carriages, with a fixed fare of 7 euros for children between 4 and 13 years old, and free 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 due to the absence of a stop in Alicante. "We are very pleased to bring the democratization of the railway sector to Murcia and Elche so that they can enjoy a sustainable and affordable alternative for their high-speed travels starting tomorrow," Valenzuela stated. She also noted that the aim is to "bring the history, culture, and gastronomy of these regions closer to the rest of the communities."