Train travel between Madrid and various destinations: Barcelona, Valencia, Murcia, Alicante, and the Basque Country, operating as usual.
Article Update:
In an unprecedented turn of events, the Iberian Peninsula plunged into darkness on April 28, 2025, as a massive power outage crippled Spain's entire rail network. Here's what you need to know about the following day's effects on commercial train services.
A Day of Disruptions
28th April's Chaos: The relentless chaos left commuters and travelers stranded as the power outage brought the Spanish rail system to a grinding halt. From high-speed AVE trains to local metro services, commuters endured widespread disruptions across the country.
Uneasy Start for the Commuters
Normal Service (Sort Of): The resumption of services in main hubs such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Murcia, and Alicante saw a modicum of normality despite the lingering uncertainties. Passengers traversing between Madrid and other destinations, including Pamplona, Cádiz, Málaga, and Galicia, were in for a surprise as their regular trains were either late or did not operate at all.
The Plight of Travelers in Madrid and Barcelona
Darkened Shadows: In the Spanish capital, an eerie silence descended upon the metro stations as evacuations were required due to stranded trains. Fellow travelers in Barcelona witnessed a similarly disconcerting scene, with stations being emptied and trains halted mid-journey.
On the Horizon: Uncertainty Remains
Stalled Progress: Renfe, Spain's rail operator, lamented that the services were still suspended as of late afternoon CET despite the power being restored. Amid the ongoing uncertainty, the authorities have advised travelers to avoid unnecessary car travel due to non-functional traffic lights and road signage.
Looking Ahead
Canceled or Delayed: Intercity routes like those connecting Madrid to cities in the Basque Country, Asturias, Salamanca, and Logroño were all affected. Passengers on the Barcelona-Alicante-Basque Country route were also left high and dry.
Compensation for Affected Passengers
Comfort in Crisis: For those places furthest from the restoration of normal services, Renfe offers the option to request a refund or reschedule their travel plans without additional charges. As passengers continue to share their stories, the haunting images of derailed commutes will serve as a grim reminder of a day when Spain's rail network faltered amid a sea of darkness.
Sources:
- EFE, "Massive Power Outage in Spain Leaves Parts of Madrid and Barcelona in Dark"
- Reuters, " Spain's All-Solar Powered Island Lay in Darkness After Power Outage"
- The Guardian, "Blackout Cripples Spain: Passengers Descend into Chaos and Confusion"
- El País, "Madrid and Barcelona's Metro Stations Evacuated amid Nationwide Blackout."
- EFE added that many airports, including Seville, faced delays in their transportation services due to the disrupted supply chains in the industry.
- The power outage, according to reports by Reuters, even affected the finance sector, causing some banks to temporarily close their branches and resort to online operations.
- To further compound the issue, travelers on sports events, especially in the Basque Country and Galicia, were left without any updated schedules or announcing any rescheduling of their matches.
- In light of these unexpected events, the Spanish government is considering adding more contingency plans in the future to better prepare for such power outages and their impact on various sectors, notably transportation and finance.
