Renfe Expands International Rail Strategy Across Iberia and Europe

Renfe is redefining its international growth strategy, shifting from collaboration to solo operations as it expands its presence beyond Spain. The company is increasingly pursuing direct transportation projects with neighboring markets, aiming to liberalize rail services and secure a stronger foothold in cross-border routes.

Reports from the General Directorate of Development and Strategy indicate that leadership under Raul Blanco has shifted focus toward securing technical assistance for obtaining security certifications in Portugal and outlining the operational documents required for entry into the Portuguese rail network. This marks a move to run independent services and manage regulatory requirements without reliance on existing partnerships.

Currently, the two Iberian operators share the Celtic Train service between Vigo and Port, which stands as the sole international route with two daily services in each direction. Historically, Renfe has shown a willingness to cooperate rather than compete with its Portuguese counterpart, a stance that appears to be evolving as the companies pursue different strategic horizons. The immediate objective is to obtain the CSU, the Common Security Certificate, to enable independent operations across Portugal and to translate manuals into Portuguese for smoother deployment.

In addition to the CSU, Portugal’s infrastructure landscape highlights areas needing modernization, including legacy safety systems and overhead catenary upgrades, as well as a general push to expand international route indicators. These improvements would support the operation of newer rolling stock and facilitate the introduction of upgraded services into the cross-border network.

The upcoming tests for the Avril trains could feature the latest iteration of the 106 series, which awaits regulatory approval. If cleared, these trains may become the first to run at high speed along the Atlantic corridor on the far side of the Miño during international services.

Renfe’s forward-looking plan positions the company ahead of several private operators that have already expressed interest in the Lisbon-Porto-Galicia corridor. The European Commission has given initial approval for a potential joint service from A Coruña to Lisbon, with ambitions to launch before 2029. The Barraqueiros group, which operates under the B-Rail brand, contemplates linking Braga and Faro as a private cross-border operator, while Comboios de Portugal is renewing its rolling stock with Talgo trainsets slated for the best positions on new high-speed lines by 2026.

Across the border, Renfe’s strategic horizon also includes a formalization of initiatives under the banner Renfe International Projects, with a plan to identify international opportunities and design an organizational framework aligned to emerging needs. Entering the French market remains a priority in recent years, with the dissolution of some competitive ties and the consolidation of roaming permissions, alongside ongoing administrative adjustments in Spain to support cross-border operations. Complaints from the Spanish government have been resolved, clearing a path for broader expansion in the European rail network.

On the continent, Renfe holds a stake in the Czech Republic and maintains alliances in the United Kingdom, signaling a broader international footprint. Future plans anticipate partnerships to operate long-distance services alongside major hubs in Western Europe, as well as potential expansions into North America with coordinated ventures that require favorable government funding and regulatory alignment.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic Axis route linking Vigo-Urzáiz and A Coruña experienced operational delays on a recent morning service. A malfunction affected wagons on the MD 12411 service, resulting in delays of up to 50 minutes and impacting passengers traveling through Galicia. The incident included a wheel issue on a newer class of cars, which caused a halt in Padrón and additional time lost as crews assessed the problem. The Galician Middle Distance Association expressed regret for the disruption and emphasized that solutions hinge on better maintenance and proactive interventions to prevent similar outages in the future.

Rail authorities have intensified dialogue with multiple levels of government to address the timing challenges associated with ongoing reductions in this transport sector. In parallel, Renfe is encouraging passenger participation in the II Renfe Customer Experience Forums across Galicia, with events planned in Pontevedra, Santiago, and Ferrol to gather feedback and align service improvements with public expectations.

Change to previous plan

On February 14, the council of ministers approved continuing the commercial initiative known as Renfe International Projects, and the organization will pursue international opportunities while refining its structure to meet evolving needs. This strategic pivot supports a broader vision of cross-border growth and streamlined operations across Europe.

France remains a key target, reflecting long-standing interest in expanding the company’s footprint there. The decision to wind down certain ties with SNCF and adjust domestic roaming permits reflects a process of regulatory alignment that has progressed, with complaints from the government largely resolved. This sets the stage for renewed cross-border activity and smoother regulatory navigation as Renfe seeks to broaden its reach across the continent.

Across Europe, Renfe maintains a notable presence through strategic partnerships, including a 50 percent shareholding in a Czech venture and alliances in the United Kingdom. The push beyond traditional routes continues, with discussions about new high-speed connections and connected services that could eventually include North American partnerships. Government funding remains a critical factor in realizing these aspirations, and ongoing dialogues with authorities aim to secure the needed support.

New delay day of up to 50 minutes on the Atlantic Axis

Galicia continues to face challenges in rail passenger transport, with recent delays on the Atlantic Axis serving the Vigo-Urzáiz to A Coruña corridor. A morning service encountered a malfunction that caused delays of up to fifty minutes with the MD 12411 service. The fault involved a wheel issue on a newer generation of vehicles, leading to a halt in Padrón and a subsequent extension of waiting times for travelers. The Galician Middle Distance Association publicly expressed regret over the disruption and underscored the importance of reliable rolling stock in maintaining service quality.

Officials have stepped up communication with government bodies to emphasize the critical timing of investments in rail infrastructure during this period of electoral transition. Passengers are being encouraged to participate in the Renfe Customer Experience Forums in Galicia to share experiences and inform improvements in service delivery as the network continues to modernize.