Lorraine Williamson
A new rail connection between Nerja and Algeciras could carry up to 60 million passengers annually, according to the Spanish Ministry of Transport.
The ambitious project, which would add 183 kilometres of track, aims to address growing demand and improve mobility along the Costa del Sol.
Projected passenger numbers
The plan includes four key routes, each with significant passenger potential:
- Nerja–Málaga: Estimated 26,763 passengers daily, or 9.8 million annually.
- Málaga–Fuengirola: Predicted annual ridership of 25.5 million passengers.
- Fuengirola–Estepona: Expected to serve 20.3 million passengers yearly.
- Estepona–Algeciras: Forecasted annual ridership of 4.9 million passengers.
If completed, these routes could revolutionise travel in one of Spain’s most densely populated and tourist-heavy regions.
Study on Costa del Sol mobility
The findings are part of the report Mobility on the Costa del Sol and Pre-Feasibility Analysis of the Rail Extension to Algeciras and Nerja, led by José Alfonso Gálvez Salinas, Director General of Mobility Strategies. The study was presented on 28 October to representatives from the central government, Junta de Andalucía, Provincial Council, and local municipalities.
Connecting the Costa del Sol
The proposed rail extension would complement existing infrastructure, improving links between key cities and towns. Current travel times between Nerja and Algeciras are expected to range between two hours and 15 minutes and two hours and 30 minutes. The new track would significantly expand the region’s rail network, as the current C-1 line spans just 30 kilometres and the C-2 covers 38 kilometres.
Overcoming existing challenges
The Costa del Sol’s rail network faces two main challenges:
- C-1 Line: Overcrowding during peak travel seasons, particularly in summer.
- C-2 Line: Limited accessibility, with stations located far from population centres such as Cártama, Álora, and Pizarra.
The proposed extension would address these issues by offering better connectivity and increasing capacity.
Population coverage and ridership potential
The report identifies the population and travel patterns for each route:
- Nerja–Málaga (52 km): Serves 774,000 residents. Train travel could replace 18% of the 150,523 daily journeys.
- Málaga–Fuengirola (30 km): Covers 818,867 residents. Approximately 22% of 322,909 daily trips could switch to rail.
- Fuengirola–Estepona (51 km): Benefits 409,120 residents, with 16% of 341,323 daily journeys moving to trains.
- Estepona–Algeciras (50 km): Connects 317,594 residents. Around 12% of 115,599 daily trips may use the new rail line.
Recommendations for feasibility
The report proposes measures to enhance the project’s feasibility, including:
- Increasing service frequency on heavily used lines.
- Introducing express services to major business hubs.
- Expanding and upgrading public transport infrastructure.
- Ensuring universal accessibility.
- Digitising travel information for ease of use.
A new era for Costa del Sol travel
If realised, the rail link between Nerja and Algeciras would transform regional connectivity, reduce road congestion, and promote sustainable travel. With a projected 60 million annual passengers, it could become one of Spain’s most vital rail corridors.
However, the plan now awaits further discussion and funding decisions.