During our trip across Spain’s diverse geography, we learned how to travel the country with ease. Maybe you’ve also dreamt of touring Spain independently, either by riding a train while soaking in the Costa Brava seaside scenery or taking a rural road trip through the picturesque Rioja region. While major cities are well connected by a solid high-speed train system, reaching some of Spain’s hidden gems may require renting a car. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand Spain’s roads and public transport system so you can plan your trip. Continue reading our informative guide to getting around in Spain!
Getting Around in Spain
Taking Spain’s High-Speed Trains
PROS:
Spain has a fantastic high-velocity railway system. Trains are a great way to get to your destination quickly and easily, with speeds of up to 310 km/h. For example, getting from Madrid to Barcelona takes just two and a half hours. From Madrid to Seville, it takes just three hours. Boarding doesn’t require long lines of security checks, so traveling by train takes a fraction of the time it would take by car or plane.
The oldest and most complete service is the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), run by RENFE, Spain’s national railway company. It covers major cities and works quite efficiently.
The AVE also has spacious seats, a standing cafe car, and scenic views along the way. Every seat has 220V sockets and a small TV monitor to watch a film (their choice). They’ll provide earphones, and you can choose your preferred language. They also have a coche en silencio, a car that does not allow noise, so you can relax peacefully. It’s also very punctual. If the train arrives late, you can get a fare refund.
AVE covers many Spanish cities, but there are other budget-friendly options with limited destinations. AVLO, runs between Madrid, Zaragoza, Barcelona, and Figueres, with points in between. Ouigo is a French operator that has destinations in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, with stops in between. Iryo runs from Madrid to Barcelona and, towards the south, to Seville and Málaga.
CONS:
AVE tickets can be expensive, especially if you book them at the last minute or during peak seasons.
Avlo, Ouigo, and Iryo are more affordable, but destinations are limited. Even AVE’s network may not cover some areas or regions of Spain that you want to visit. You may have to change trains or use other modes of transportation to reach your destination.
Avlo and Ouigo also have stricter luggage limitations.
Another thing to keep in mind is that train schedules may not suit your itinerary. You may have less freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations or make spontaneous stops along the way
HOW TO BOOK:
You can book tickets directly at the train operator’s website, at the train station, or through third-party websites like Trainline.
To save money, plan ahead and book at least a month in advance to get better prices. Keep in mind that ticket prices may vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and season.
Renting a Car and Driving
PROS:
Driving a car in Spain gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore Spain at your own pace. After choosing your own destinations, you can discover hidden gems spontaneously that you can’t do on a train or plane.
It can also be exhilarating to drive through the winding roads and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Forget about timetables, delays, crowds, or luggage restrictions too!
Also, roads, freeways, and toll highways in Spain are well maintained, so driving is a breeze. We have a free, detailed guide to renting a car and driving in Spain. It has our personal tips from our road trips through Spain. Check it out!
CONS:
Car rental fees can be expensive, especially if you book an automatic car or a premium model. You may also have to pay extra for insurance, tolls, parking, gas, or fines.
There’s also a slight learning curve when it comes to driving rules and habits in Spain, such as speed limits, traffic signs, roundabouts, or overtaking.
And finally, you may have difficulty finding parking spaces or driving on narrow streets in some cities or towns in Spain. You may also have to pay high parking fees or risk getting towed away if you park illegally.
But overall, driving a car in Spain can still be a fun and convenient way to travel.
HOW TO BOOK:
To drive in Spain, you need to be 18 or older and have a valid driving license. The country allows drivers with European Union driving licenses or an international driving permit (IDP). Get one here if you’re from the US, or here if you’re Canadian.
To rent a car, you must be 21. Book a car by searching for major car rental companies in North America (Hertz, Enterprise, etc.). Also, check AutoEurope, which will compare prices for you.
Taking an Airplane for Longer Distances
PROS:
Taking an airplane in Spain can be a great way to travel between distant destinations. This is especially true if you’re traveling from one end of the country to the other, such as from Barcelona to Seville, which takes one hour and 45 minutes, or from Málaga to Bilbao, which takes one hour and 30 minutes.
You can also reach the Balearic Islands or Canary Islands that are not connected by road or rail, such as Menorca or Tenerife.
And finally, you can avoid the fatigue and boredom of long drives or rides by taking a plane. You can also enjoy amenities such as air conditioning, entertainment, and catering.
So, if you’re looking for a fast and comfortable way to travel around Spain, taking an airplane might be your best bet.
CONS:
For one thing, plane tickets can be expensive, especially if you book them at the last minute or during peak seasons. You may also have to pay extra for cancellation fees, baggage fees, or other charges.
Additionally, you may have to deal with the hassles of airports, such as check-in, security, or delays. This can be especially frustrating if you have a lot of luggage. So, while airplanes can be a great way to get around Spain quickly and comfortably, they’re not always the most convenient or cost-effective option.
HOW TO BOOK:
Spain has several major airports that cater to tourists, including Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), Barcelona International Airport (BCN), Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), and Sevilla Airport (SVQ).
Some of the major airlines that operate in Spain, including Vueling, Ryanair, and Iberia, are used for domestic flights.
To book a flight with one of these airlines, you can visit their websites directly or use a travel booking site like Skyscanner.
Other Forms of Transportation in Spain
Other ways to travel between Spanish cities are private buses, which can be budget-friendly but can be a tedious, bumpy ride with frequent stops between small villages.
To get to the Balearic Islands, you can also take a ferry from Barcelona.
And within major cities, trams, metros, buses, and taxis are also options.
Spain has several commuter regional train companies that offer services to many of the country’s main cities and towns, including Euskotren Trena, which operates metro networks and commuter rail lines in the Basque Country, and Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC), which operates commuter rail in and around Barcelona.
Which Mode of Transportation is Best for You?
Our personal recommendation is that if you plan on checking out small towns and off-the-beaten-path places, renting a car is the way to go. For example, if you want to visit the Rioja wine region, the white villages in Andalusia, or the charming seaside towns in the Basque Country, driving a private vehicle is very convenient.
Take the AVE train if you’re only looking to visit major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia.
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Spain?
Spain has a reliable public transport system, and it’s easy to get around the country. The high-speed train (AVE) is the quickest way to travel long distances in Spain and is very comfortable. Flying is also a quick and convenient way, but you have to factor in security lines. If you want to have full freedom over where and when you go in Spain, then driving is the best option.
How do people get around in Spain without a car?
Spain has one of the best public transport systems in Europe. The country has a variety of transportation options, including high-speed trains, buses, and metro systems. Spain’s trains and routes are generally efficient, easily available, and affordable, and they connect to other countries as well.
Does Uber work in Spain?
Yes, Uber is available in many large cities throughout Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. However, it’s not as popular or readily available as it is in America or other big European cities. Because there are very good, comprehensive public transportation options in the big cities of Spain and because taxis are super regulated and safe, there is not such a big demand for Uber. Because of the low demand, there is also a low supply.
If you need help putting together a Spain itinerary or have any other travel-related questions, contact us. We’re experts in creating customized travel itineraries, helping you see Spain’s spectacular sights while efficiently navigating its transportation system. Safe travels!
