Portugal and Spain are aiming to reduce journey times and boost regional tourism by renewing the railway line between Porto and Vigo with a £743 million investment. The major cross-border project is progressing rapidly and aims to create a key transport link between the two countries.
Shortens Travel Times and Accelerates Tourism
The new rail line will significantly speed up the existing 95-mile route between Porto and Vigo. Currently, the journey takes around two and a half hours, but with the new line in place, the journey time will be reduced to just 30 minutes. This innovation will not only speed up travel between Porto and Vigo, but will also strengthen the transport network in the region by connecting other important points such as Braga, Porto Airport and Valenca.
Connections to Europe's Highlights from Vigo
The new railway line will connect Vigo not only with Porto, but also with other major cities in Spain, such as A Coruña and Santiago de Compostela. This will give travellers easy access to Europe’s top destinations and significantly boost regional tourism.
Targeted Completion in 2032
Portuguese Infrastructure Minister Miguel Pinto Luz and Spanish authorities aim to complete the Porto-Vigo railway line by 2032. This first phase between Braga and Vigo demonstrates the great potential of the project and offers a significant opportunity for economic growth in the region. Pinto Luz stated that this line will increase the geostrategic value of the region and that Porto will become a major tourist destination together with Galicia.
Strong Ties Between Portugal and Spain
This high-speed rail link between Porto and Vigo will make the region an important transit point, not only for tourism but also for culture. There is currently no direct high-speed service between Porto and Vigo, but this project will make travel much faster, easier and more efficient. It will also effectively relieve congestion on existing routes such as Linha do Minho.
A Project That Gives Hope for the Future
The project has a budget of €900 million and promises to strengthen connections between the regions. Both tourists and locals believe that this transformation between Porto and Vigo will lead to an increase in regional exploration. With a target of 2032, this railway line will allow the western end of Europe to become more integrated and will usher in a new era of travel.
