Times Online announced, that between July and September, 651,498 passengers made the 314-mile train journey between Spain’s biggest cities, a rise of 21 per cent compared with the same period last year. In comparison, 643,512 travellers made the journey by aircraft during the same period, a fall of 7.5 per cent compared with the third quarter of last year.

Madrid-Barcelona is the fifth busiest air route in the world, with four airlines offering 116 flights a day, according to the Official Airline Guide in July.

The 236.3kmph rail link opened in 2008 and offers a journey time of 2 hours 40 minutes between the two cities.

The Madrid-Barcelona line success story is being followed closely in other countries. UK, USA and Russia are seeking advice from Spanish high speed rail operators.

Source: Times Online

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