High‑speed rail use in Spain surged 22.8 percent in 2024, reaching 39.01 million travelers, according to official transport statistics issued this Monday. The rise signals stronger demand for fast, reliable rail options for both business and leisure trips across the country. This growth mirrors a broader rebound in mobility as regional travel and commuting patterns recovered from previous disruptions and adjusted to post‑pandemic life.
Across 2024, public transport carried 5,584.5 million travelers, up 7 percent from 2023. This uptick indicates a broad strengthening of mobility across urban, peri‑urban, and intercity networks, with more trips spanning daily commutes, education, and tourism. The year also underscored how cities and regional corridors expanded service to meet growing demand while sustaining safety and efficiency for riders.
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Urban transport rose 8.1 percent in the year, while interurban travel increased by 7.1 percent. In cities, expanded bus and metro services, along with ongoing improvements to intra‑city rail links, helped residents and visitors move more quickly and comfortably between neighborhoods and regional hubs.
Within the interurban category, the bus network recorded a 9.5 percent rise, leading the gains. Domestic air travel followed with a 5.3 percent increase, then rail travel at 4.6 percent, and maritime travel at 1.4 percent. These varying rates reflect shifts in traveler preferences, airline schedules, rail upgrades, and the growing role of regional accessibility in Spain’s transport framework.
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In contrast, special and discretionary transport declined by 0.5 percent in 2024. This category typically covers trips outside standard public and commercial services, including special services and demand‑driven arrangements. The shrinkage suggests a shift in how some discretionary journeys were planned or redistributed, possibly influenced by changes in consumer behavior, pricing, or service offerings across the year.