Torrevieja has a train station.
But no trains have stopped here for decades.
For many visitors, this sounds almost impossible. A growing coastal city, full of tourists and expats — yet no railway connection at all. So what happened? And will trains ever return?
A Railway Built for Salt, Not Tourists
The story of Torrevieja’s railway doesn’t begin with tourism — it begins with salt.
In the late 19th century, Torrevieja became one of Spain’s most important salt production centers. The nearby pink salt lakes weren’t just beautiful; they were economically vital. To transport this salt efficiently, a railway line was built connecting Torrevieja to the inland network via Albatera.
This line wasn’t designed for beachgoers or weekend trips. It existed for one main purpose: moving tons of salt across the country and beyond.
And for decades, it worked.
When the Trains Stopped Running
By the late 20th century, things began to change.
Freight transport patterns shifted. Roads improved. Trucks became more flexible and cost-effective. Slowly but surely, the railway lost its primary function.
Passenger numbers were never strong enough to justify keeping the line alive on their own.
Eventually, the inevitable happened:
👉 The railway line was closed in 1970.
From that moment on, Torrevieja became one of the few sizable cities in Spain without a train connection.
The Strange Reality Today
Here’s the unusual part: the station never truly disappeared.
The old Torrevieja station building still exists today, repurposed and integrated into the city. In some areas, traces of the old railway line can still be found, though most of the infrastructure has either been removed or transformed.
And this leads to one of the most surprising facts:
👉 Torrevieja is one of the largest cities in Spain without a railway connection.
For a place that attracts thousands of international visitors every year, that’s highly unusual.
Will the Train Ever Return?
Over the years, there have been multiple discussions and proposals to reconnect Torrevieja to the rail network.
Plans have been suggested to link the city to Alicante, improving accessibility and reducing road traffic. On paper, it makes perfect sense.
But in reality?
Nothing has happened.
Like many infrastructure projects in Spain, the Torrevieja railway has become a recurring idea — often mentioned, rarely progressed.
Realistically, while a future railway connection isn’t impossible, it remains a long-term concept rather than an imminent development.
How Do You Get to Torrevieja Without a Train?
Since there is no railway, visitors rely on other transport options — and fortunately, there are several.
Most travelers arrive via Alicante Airport and continue by:
- Direct airport buses
- Private transfers
- Rental cars
- Taxis
👉 If you’re planning your journey, check out this complete guide:
Getting from Alicante Airport to Torrevieja (all options explained)
This route is one of the most important travel connections in the area, especially because the train is not an option.
A Forgotten Line — But Not Forgotten Story
Torrevieja’s railway may be gone, but its story is still very much part of the city’s identity.
It’s a reminder of a time when salt powered the local economy, and trains were essential infrastructure — not a missing convenience.
Today, the absence of a railway feels unusual. But in a strange way, it also makes Torrevieja stand out.
No trains.
Still one of the Costa Blanca’s most popular destinations.
FAQ
Did Torrevieja ever have a train station?
Yes, Torrevieja had a functioning railway station connected to the national network until 1970.
Why was the railway closed?
The line became economically unviable as freight transport shifted to road and passenger demand remained low.
Are there plans to reopen the railway?
There have been proposals, but no confirmed construction or timeline exists.
What is the best way to reach Torrevieja today?
The most common route is via Alicante Airport using bus, car, or private transfer.
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