AVE from Madrid to Murcia marks a notable milestone in Spanish rail travel
Leaving Atocha on a Tuesday afternoon at 2:25, the AVE was expected to reach Carmen station by 6:10 PM but arrived with a 17-minute delay. Passengers were informed through the train’s announcements after a brief hold at Alicante due to an infrastructure issue, specifically a signaling system fault mentioned by Renfe sources. When delays reach 15 minutes or more, Renfe’s policy pledges a refund of 50% of the AVE ticket to those affected, a commitment highlighted in the company’s punctuality section on its site.
On this day, Murcians could finally ride the high-speed line toward Madrid, a journey many took out of curiosity, others for business purposes, as reported by La Opinión de Murcia of the Prensa Ibérica group.
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Early travelers already queued from dawn at Carmen station, passing baggage checks to board within half an hour. Some trains to Madrid did not stop at Atocha and instead headed toward Chamartín, influenced by equipment issues at baggage controls and occasional operational tweaks. Reporters noted that travelers expected to pass through Albacete, reflecting the evolving route pattern of the new high-speed link.
The regional authorities and railway officials emphasized the significance of high-speed connections, noting the broad interest in time savings. A first wave of passengers, including Ana Mari who joined the inaugural run with others, witnessed the public address system announcing the Madrid-bound service as a landmark event. The line renewal was presented as a fresh milestone for the corridor, highlighted by renewed announcements marking the celebration of the service expansion.
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Each convoys’ capacity stood at about 354 places, with some seats remaining unoccupied on the inaugural trip. Renfe officials confirmed overall passenger numbers, noting that most travelers originated from Murcia or boarded at Alicante stops, reinforcing the line’s regional importance. Several passengers planned business trips to Madrid, while others anticipated leisure time in the capital after arrival.
One passenger, reflecting on the choice to travel by rail, noted the trade-off between convenience and cost, while others voiced optimism about more frequent services that would better connect the Murcian community with the Spanish capital. A sense of historical significance accompanied the day as travelers joked about enjoying local produce during the journey and whether the new connection might accommodate future agricultural exports.
A quick visit and everyday travelers on the Madrid- Murcia corridor
Young travelers described the trip as a brief visit to family and friends, with many preferring public transport for its practicality. Some planned to return the same day, while others mapped out a longer stay to catch a show in Madrid. A few commented on the possibility of passing through Albacete as part of their travel plan, hinting at future routing adjustments as the network expands.
Travelers shared impressions of the train’s interior: wide seats, accessible power outlets, complimentary Wi-Fi through a dedicated app, and large wooden tables for reading or working. The crew announced a courteous welcome and wished passengers a pleasant journey, with conversations about the occasional annoyance of detours and the hope that planned improvements would reduce similar delays in the future.
Onboard experience, delays, and the route to Carmen
Inside the train, the ambiance was designed for comfort, and staff strove to deliver a smooth ride. The journey included several stops in Castilla-La Mancha and the Valencian Community before arriving at Carmen, Murcia, where some passengers disembarked and others prepared for onward travel. A public address update indicated a brief infrastructure issue in Alicante and surrounding segments, followed by a revised timetable and continued hope for punctuality.
As the train proceeded toward its destination, passengers weighed the balance of speed and price, recognizing the line’s potential to shrink travel times between major urban centers. The onboard announcements kept passengers informed about delays and expected arrival windows, while hospitality gestures—such as offering drinks like orange juice, water, wine, or cava—added a touch of warmth to the experience.
After passing Alicante, the schedule included a stop in Elche and Orihuela before reaching Carmen station in Murcia. The late afternoon update signaled a minor adjustment to the timetable, with an approximate delay of around 10 minutes announced, followed by a further update indicating a 15-minute delay. The working forecast remained that the AVE would reach Carmen around six in the evening.