Getting Around Spain
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Madrid and Barcelona. Rural: Rent a car for Andalusia exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Madrid to your destination.
Train Travel
Renfe National Rail
Efficient and extensive train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Madrid to Barcelona €20-100, journeys under 3 hours on high-speed lines.
Tickets: Buy via Renfe app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 8-10 AM and 6-8 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Renfe Spain Pass offers 4-10 journeys across Spain for €205-355 (depending on class).
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, Renfe website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
AVE and Avant high-speed trains connect Madrid to Seville, Barcelona, and Malaga.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 70%.
Main Stations: Madrid Atocha and Barcelona Sants are key hubs for national connections.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Andalusia and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €25-45/day at Madrid Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-25.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90-100 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: AP-7 and other autopistas require electronic VIA-T device or cash (€10-30 for long trips).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Blue zones require parking discs, metered parking €1-3/hour in cities.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.40-1.60/liter for petrol, €1.30-1.50 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Madrid and Barcelona during rush hours.
Urban Transport
Madrid & Barcelona Metro
Extensive networks covering major cities, single ticket €1.50-2.50, day pass €8-10, 10-journey card €12-20.
Validation: Validate tickets at gates before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Official metro apps for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Bicing in Barcelona and similar systems in other cities, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Spain, especially in coastal and urban areas.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
EMT (Madrid), TMB (Barcelona), and regional operators provide comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: €1.50-2.50 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Intercity Buses: ALSA connects cities like Seville to Granada for €10-20.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Madrid or Barcelona Gothic Quarter for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Sep) and major festivals like La Tomatina.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Spain including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Movistar, Vodafone, and Orange offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2); Canary Islands UTC+0/+1.
- Airport Transfers: Madrid Airport 13km from city center, metro €5 (30 min), taxi €30, or book private transfer for €35-50.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to ancient architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €5-10), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €5-10, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Spain
Madrid-Barajas (MAD) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Madrid-Barajas (MAD): Primary international gateway, 13km northwest of city center with metro connections.
Barcelona-El Prat (BCN): Major hub 12km southwest, train to city €5 (20 min).
Malaga-Costa del Sol (AGP): Key for southern Spain, bus to city €3 (20 min).
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Sep) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Lisbon or Marseille and taking train to Spain for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Vueling, and EasyJet serve Barcelona and Madrid with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.