The Malaga-Sevilla commuter train and rail link will be closed for 3 weeks with the bus service

Rail passengers are facing widespread disruptions along the route between Seville, Malaga and other cities in Spain due to major infrastructure upgrades that have forced a suspension of all conventional train services. The operators will deploy hundreds replacement buses to maintain connection during essential works at key station.

Date and routes affected by disruption

Work will start on Friday 22 May and continue through 8 June. Rail services between Antequera Santa Ana & Malaga will be cut. Buses will stop at intermediate points to allow travelers to complete their journeys. Media Distancia, the trains that connect Seville with Malaga, will be replaced by road transport for this entire period.

Cercanias C-2 commuter route between Malaga & Alora is also moving to buses in sections from Cartama – Alora. This affects daily commuters within the Guadalhorce Vally. El Chorro – Caminito del Rey services will also undergo similar changes, with taxis at Bobadilla & El Chorro to meet individual passenger requirements.

Plan and replace services

Renfe has organised 384 special bus trips to cover the gaps and maintain connections. Road transfers have already been organised for the early services departing Seville on Thursday May 21 and the initial departures from Malaga on June 9. To reduce the inconvenience, passengers will be able to benefit from free ticket exchanges and refunds.

Officials encourage everyone to purchase or validate tickets prior to departure and check the updated schedules well in advance. Extra time is needed to manage long road trips. The Renfe App, WhatsApp Alerts, Public Address Systems, Official Website, and Station Notices provide information updates. @Inforenfe Account on X.

Longer-term network improvements

These upgrades are part a broader effort to modernise the conventional rail lines in Malaga Province. The teams are working to renew infrastructure elements at Aljaima, Pizarra and other stations in order to improve reliability along this important corridor.

The completion of these works should pave the path for a gradual return to normal train schedules. Commuters who depend on these routes, including workers and students, should monitor the communications to ensure that any final adjustments are made as soon as services resume. Construction on the C1 Cercancias rail line will not begin until the end 2027.