The Foreign Office has updated its Spain travel warning to flag “significant disruption to rail services” after a fatal collision between two high-speed trains in the province of Toledo. Flights, ferries and most package holidays are running normally. Anyone planning to travel by train through central and southern Spain this autumn should check their plans.
What has the Foreign Office changed?
The FCDO update was published on 28 October 2026 and was still in force on 1 November. It adds details of the crash between the towns of Mora and Orgaz, near Urda in the province of Toledo.
A Renfe high-speed service heading from Madrid to Seville ploughed into a train run by private operator Iryo, which was standing still on the same line. According to the Daily Mirror, the crash killed at least 69 people and left dozens more injured. Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has pledged to establish the cause.
The new information sits in the Warnings and insurance section of the official advice. It explains that trains on affected routes may be delayed, or cancelled with little warning, while the investigation and repair work continue.
Which areas and routes are affected?
The disruption is centred on high-speed lines through Castilla-La Mancha, the main rail corridor linking Madrid with the south of the country.
Since late October, some trains between Madrid, Ciudad Real and parts of Andalusia have been cut back or suspended altogether. Certain AVE and long-distance services are also running late or on diverted routes. That matters if you planned to reach Seville, Córdoba, Málaga or Granada by rail from the capital.
Train drivers also staged a strike over rail safety the day after the crash. The action had been called before the collision happened.
- Most affected: high-speed and long-distance trains between Madrid and Andalusia via Castilla-La Mancha.
- Running as normal: flights, ferry crossings and most package holidays to Spain.
- Overland travellers: if you are driving or travelling through France or Gibraltar, check the separate FCDO pages for those places too.
What the Spain travel warning means for package and independent travellers
If you booked a package holiday
Most winter sun packages, such as a flight to Tenerife, Mallorca or Málaga with a coach or taxi transfer, are unlikely to rely on the affected rail lines.
If your trip does include train travel arranged by your tour operator, look out for direct messages about changes and check your online booking regularly. Your operator should get in touch if a rail leg needs to change.
If you are travelling independently
Independent travellers may need to do more of the legwork. Confirm with the rail operator that your train is running before you set off for the station. If it has been cancelled, the operator’s own refund and rebooking policy applies.
Domestic flights, long-distance coaches and hire cars are the main alternatives. If your plan involves landing from the UK and catching a high-speed train the same day, consider an overnight stop or leave a generous buffer. Flexible fares, where available, make changes easier.
Flights, insurance and extra costs
Flights to Spain are operating as scheduled. If rail disruption leaves you with extra costs, keep receipts for meals, hotels and alternative transport. It is also worth checking what your travel insurance says about delays and missed connections.
Why it matters for UK travellers
Spain is a firm favourite with British holidaymakers, and the timing is awkward. With Christmas and New Year approaching, rail problems could put extra pressure on domestic flights, coaches and hire cars, so it may be worth arranging alternatives early.
The crash follows a collision in Andalusia in January that killed 46 people. The Spanish government has faced criticism over its handling of the railways ahead of a general election on 29 November.
Importantly, the FCDO does not advise against travel to Spain. Its wider guidance still notes a high terrorism threat and warns that demonstrations can happen with little notice, especially in big cities. Stay alert, follow local news and steer clear of large gatherings showing signs of tension.
Your quick checklist
- Read the latest FCDO Spain page shortly before you travel.
- Contact your tour operator or airline if you are unsure whether your booking is affected.
- Check your train’s status close to departure with the operator and on station boards.
- Keep all receipts if disruption forces changes.
- For information about passengers caught up in the crash, contact Renfe on +34 900 10 10 20.
- British nationals who are affected, or whose relatives are, should call the British embassy or consulate on +34 91 714 6300.
Planning a trip?
Spain remains open, and most holidays are going ahead as planned, from winter sun in the Canaries to city breaks in Andalusia. Browse our Spain holidays, or let an expert handle the logistics on one of our escorted tours of Spain.
FAQs
Is it still safe to travel to Spain?
Yes. The FCDO does not advise against travel to Spain, and flights, ferries and most package holidays are operating as scheduled. The latest update focuses on rail disruption after the Toledo crash. The wider advice still asks visitors to stay alert to terrorism and avoid tense demonstrations in large cities.
Does the Spain travel warning affect the Canary Islands and Balearics?
The rail warning concerns mainland high-speed lines, mainly between Madrid and Andalusia through Castilla-La Mancha. Holidaymakers flying to the Canaries or Balearics and transferring by road should not be affected by the rail problems. Flights are operating normally, but it is always sensible to check the FCDO page before travelling.
Can I get a refund if my train in Spain is cancelled?
If you booked rail travel independently, the rail operator’s refund and rebooking policy applies when a train is cancelled. If the train was arranged as part of a package, your tour operator should contact you with any changes. Keep receipts for extra costs and check your travel insurance terms.
