Regional Trains - Algiciras to Granada

Cortes de la Frontera station is in the Guadiaro Valley  © Michelle Chaplow .
Cortes de la Frontera station is in the Guadiaro Valley

ALGECIRAS and Ronda to Bobadilla (& Antequera santa ana) and GRANADA TRAIN ROUTE

by Fiona Flores Watson

Time: 4hr 20 mins Frequency: four trains daily Stops: Algeciras, Los Barrios, San Roque-La Linea, Almoraima, Jimena de la Frontera, San Pablo, Gaucin, Cortes de la Frontera, Jimera de Libar, Benaojan-Montejaque, Arriate, Ronda, Setenil, Almargen, Teba, Campillos, Bobadilla, Antequera Santa Ana, Antequera Cuidad, San Francisco de Loja, Granada.
Frequency: Three per day. 

The Antequera to Granada section of this line has not had a regional train service since the line was closed in 2013 due to construction of the AVE line from Antequera to Granada. Renfe have not confirmed when the service will be restored. It is hoped the service will be resumed in late 2019 although it is entirely possible that it will never be resumed. Due to the low frequency of AVE trains on the new line it is more likely that a dual guage Talgo style service. wil be introduced. Curently Passengers who book a regional ticket on this route will take a special bus service from Antequera to Granada. The AVE service runs on the Antequera to Granada line. Read a detailed description of this line.

 

 

Algiciras to Bobadilla


The first part of this route from Algeciras to Bobadilla is known as the Hendersons Railway after its promotor. It was constructed between 1890 and 1892 by the Algeciras (Gibraltar) Railway Company Ltd . Here is more information about the history of the Henderson Railway

 


The train heads north-east out of Algeciras, following the bay round with the Rock of Gibraltar to your right. The first stop in the Campo de Gibraltar is Los Barrios ,whose town is at the southern point of the Sierra de los Alcornocales.The line then goes inland to San Roque-La Linea , the nearest station for Gibraltar. Then you start climbing up into the Sierra, and your next station is Almoraima, near the town of Castellar de la Frontera,followed by Jimena de la Frontera;between these two stations, the train follows the course of the river Hozgarganta.

The following stretch of track between Jimena and Ronda, as you pass from Cadiz province into Malaga, follows the route of the river Guadiaro, is one of the most stunning railway journeys in Europe, with spectacular scenery – mountains and gorges - and – beautiful pueblos blancos – white towns set on hillsides. You pass through many tunnels taking you beneath the peaks of the Serrania de Ronda.San Pablo is your next stop, for the leafy “new” village of San Pablo de Buceite, followed by Gaucin,famous for its artists - although the station is some way from the town itself, along a windy mountain road - followed by Cortes de la Frontera,between the Sierras de Alcornocales Natural Park and Grazalema

The line passes under the Cueva de la Pileta, stopping at Jimera de Libar and the station of Benaojan-Montejaque. Benoajan is famous for its chorizo (sausage). The line continues north to Ariate, before doubling back on itself into Ronda. 

After Ronda, the line heads north-west, stopping near the cave town Sentil, famous for its olives and almonds, where it joins the river Trejo. The next stop is Almargen, after which the train turns east, calling below Teba known for its Scottish historical connections; look out for its Castillo de la Estrella. Teba it sits high up above the river Guadalteba, with spectacular views towards the Guadalteba-Guadalhorce dam and reservoir, made up of three lakes, beyond which is El Chorro, the famous gorge of the river Guadalhorce.

The line then turns north briefly towards Campillos. After this you reach Bobadilla station, the main junction for Andalucia’s old train lines and a station on the 1865 Cordoba to Malaga railway.

Bobadilla to Granada

The train continues from Bobadilla to Antequera Santa Ana

The Antequera to Granada section of this line has not had a regional train service since the line was closed in 2013 due to construction of the AVE line from Antequera to Granada. Renfe have not confirmed when the service will be restored. It is hoped the service will be resumed in late 2019 although it is entirely possible that it will never be resumed. Due to the low frequency of AVE trains on the new line it is more likely that a dual guage Talgo style service. wil be introduced. Curently Passengers who book a regional ticket on this route will take a special bus service from Antequera to Granada. The AVE service runs on the Antequera to Granada line. Read a detailed description of this line.