Since tolls were reduced by 90% in December 2024, traffic along the Perthus Tunnel, the only rail connection on standard gauge between Spain and France, has been skyrocketing. The initiative has also increased interest in the route, as companies are looking into increasing service frequencies.
During the first six months of 2025, 966 trains ran through the border crossing operated by LFP Perthus. This is 28% higher than the same period last year (725 trains) and, more importantly, 20% higher than in 2019 (806 trains), the year before the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.
The majority of trains run between Barcelona and Antwerp, with another significant portion going to German destinations. Other ‘smaller’ connections are to France, Austria and Poland. The one to Poland, connecting Barcelona to Swarzędz twice a week, sees the participation of CLIP Group, which plans to double frequency after the summer, according to Spanish media El Mercantil. The company is also considering a new link to Germany.