A tunnel between Europe and Africa is moving closer, and the 65-kilometer plan could turn ferries into the old way to cross

A fixed rail link between Europe and Africa via a tunnel under the Strait of Gibraltar has resurfaced as a viable project, with new technical assessments and public funding advancing the plan. The most recent concept, backed by German firm Herrenknecht, proposes a 65-kilometer twin-tube railway with a service tunnel, though completion is unlikely before 2035-2040. Spain’s Ministry of Transport allocated €1.73 million in March 2026 for further technical studies, focusing on feasibility and environmental impact. The tunnel would stretch approximately 38.7 kilometers total, with 27.7 kilometers underwater, reaching a maximum depth of 475 meters below sea level. Gradients would be limited to 3%, and cross-passages would be spaced every 340 meters to ensure safety. Earlier designs suggested a shorter 38.7-kilometer route, but the longer alignment is now favored for operational efficiency. Proponents argue the tunnel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by shifting freight and passenger traffic from road and air transport, which account for 73% of the EU’s transport-related emissions. Trains are at least 12 times more energy-efficient per passenger than air travel, according to the International Energy Agency, making rail a key climate solution. However, the Strait of Gibraltar is an ecologically sensitive area, home to protected cetaceans and critical migration routes for marine mammals like fin and sperm whales. Construction noise and disturbance could disrupt these species, while ongoing shipping traffic adds operational risks. Conservationists highlight the need for rigorous environmental assessments before proceeding. The project remains dependent on resolving geopolitical, financial, and ecological challenges. If successful, it could redefine trade and travel between Europe and Africa, but opponents warn of irreversible damage to the strait’s fragile ecosystems.