Rodalies will restore train services on the R3 line between Puigcerdà and Ribes de Freser from Monday after improvement works were completed on the last section affected by Storm Harry in January, according to official notices from Rodalies, Renfe and ADIF, the state rail infrastructure manager.
For residents, commuters and visitors in Cerdanya and Ripollès, that means the rail link between the two towns reopens, but journeys may still involve buses on some services. Renfe said complementary buses will remain in place because temporary speed restrictions and infrastructure maintenance windows still affect part of the timetable.
What changes on the R3 from Monday
Rodalies said the line will operate again between La Garriga and Puigcerdà with five trains a day in each direction.
- Route restored: Puigcerdà to Ribes de Freser
- Start date: Monday, 7 July
- Overall section in service: La Garriga to Puigcerdà
- Planned frequency: 5 trains daily in each direction
- Extra transport: Buses remain on some journeys
"Renfe mantindrà els autobusos complementaris per cobrir tota l'oferta ferroviària que encara no es pot oferir per les limitacions temporals de velocitat i les hores de manteniment de la infraestructura que afecten algunes circulacions."
That means not every scheduled movement can yet be covered by train alone. Passengers should check the latest service notice before travelling through the official Rodalies notice, the operator app, or Renfe's journey information pages.
Why the line was disrupted
The affected section had been under repair after Storm Harry caused damage in January. ADIF and the Catalan government's infrastructure department said works were needed on the final stretch before through rail services could resume.
Storm Harry's impact on the R3 corridor has led to months of disruption for passengers using the mountain section that connects Ripollès with Cerdanya. The R3 is a key regional line for local travel, work trips and access to schools and services.
Where passengers may still face limits
Even with trains returning, the service is not yet back to full normal operation. Official statements say two factors still affect some journeys:
- Temporary speed limits on parts of the line
- Maintenance periods required on the infrastructure
Those restrictions explain why replacement buses are still being kept in service alongside the restored rail connection.
What passengers should do before travelling
Passengers travelling from Puigcerdà, Ribes de Freser or intermediate stations should check whether their specific service is by train or by bus before leaving home. This matters especially for early and late journeys, when maintenance windows can affect operations.
Useful official updates are available through Rodalies, Renfe and local council notices, including information published by the Source Transparency page and our Editorial Policy on how service changes are reported.
For the latest timetable and incident status, travellers should use the Rodalies app, Renfe's live information channels, or station notices at Puigcerdà, Ribes de Freser and other R3 stops.
Primary sources: Rodalies de Catalunya (Gencat), Renfe, Gobierno de Cataluña (Departamento de Infraestructuras), Renfe (Official Operator), Barcelona City Council (Ajuntament de Barcelona), Government of Catalonia (Gencat). Reported by Ajuntament de Puigcerdà, Ferroviarios.org, ADIF (Administrador de Infraestructuras Ferroviarias), Met de Catalunya (Catalan Meteorological Service), Rodalies de Catalunya (Official Operator), Diari de Girona.
