Planning your budget for your Spanish vacation doesn’t have to be complicated. Spain’s endless fiestas, mysterious castles, tantalizing Mediterranean cuisine, and relaxed rhythm are undeniably hard to resist. So, how much will it cost to travel to Spain? Drawing from our own Spanish adventures and curated itineraries for countless travelers, we’re here to provide insights for your travel budget in euros and US dollars. In this blog post, we’ll cover estimated costs for flights, accommodations, transportation, tours, dining, souvenirs, shopping, and more. Let’s crunch some numbers before you go. Read on!

How much will it cost to travel to Spain?

Airline Costs  

Coming from North America, your airline ticket will cost at least $700 to $1100 or more for a round trip. The low season is in the winter, so this is when it’s the cheapest, and the high season is in the summer.

Common airlines that fly between Europe and North America are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Iberia, and Air Canada. They provide both direct and connecting flights from major cities (such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Toronto) to Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Málaga.

Use a flight comparison tool such as Kayak or Skyscanner to compare prices between airlines and seasons to fly.

Book at least three months in advance for better deals, and don’t forget any additional fees for baggage or seat selection, which may increase your prices significantly.

Airline Cost: $500 – $900 for a round trip on economy

Transportation Costs 

Spain’s high-speed train network is called the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) and offers travelers a convenient way to explore the country’s regions. 

It connects major cities and regions, including Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. They also offer economy to first class, with varying levels of amenities and comfort.

Ticket prices can vary based on factors such as distance, class, and whether you book in advance.  On average, you might expect to pay around €60 to €100 ($65 to $110) for a one-way ticket between major cities like Madrid and Barcelona.

Transportation Cost: €60 to €100 ($65 to $110) for a one-way trip 

Car Rental Costs 

Renting a car in Spain can be a convenient and flexible way to explore the country’s landscapes, charming towns, and historical sites. Several international and local car rental companies operate in Spain, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Goldcar, and Sixt. Car rental prices in Spain can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, rental duration, and location.

On average, prices start at €30 to an average of €70 ($33 to $76) per day for a standard compact car. Prices may increase during peak tourist seasons and decrease if you book in advance or for longer periods of time.

Car rental expenses include not only the daily rate but also fuel, tolls, parking fees, and potential insurance costs, which you should take into consideration. 

To secure the best rates and availability, book your rental car well in advance and consider purchasing comprehensive insurance to cover potential damage and accidents. 

Car Rental Cost: €30 to €70 ($33–$76) per day 

Fuel Costs

Fuel has always been more expensive in Europe than in North America. Let’s make a rough estimate of how much you’d spend if you drove a car from Madrid to Seville.

The distance between the two cities is approximately 530 kilometers (330 miles), and the drive takes around 5–6 hours. The average price per liter is around €1.68 ($1.83).  Using these estimates, the fuel cost for driving from Madrid to Seville could range from approximately €90 for gasoline.

Fuel Cost: €1.68 per liter, or $6.92 per gallon 

Costs of Taxis, Ubers, and Private Drivers 

The costs of hiring a private driver, taking taxis, and using ride-sharing services like Uber in Spain can vary depending on factors such as the city, distance traveled, time of day, and demand. Here’s what to expect:

Taxi Costs 

Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Spain, especially in urban areas. Taxi fares typically consist of a base fare, a distance charge, and sometimes additional charges for waiting time or airport pickups.

The starting fare for taxis in major Spanish cities is around €2.40 to €3 ($2.60 to $3.30), and the cost per kilometer ranges from €0.90 to €1.20 ($1 to $1.30). A typical 10-kilometer taxi ride could cost approximately €10 to €15 ($11 to $16). Nighttime or holiday fares are usually slightly higher.

Uber operates in several Spanish cities, including Barcelona and Madrid. Similar to taxis, Uber fares are calculated based on a base fare, distance, and time. While specific rates may vary, Uber rides in these cities generally have similar pricing to taxis. Another popular ride-sharing app to try is Cabify.

Taxi or Ridesharing App Cost: €10 to €15 ($11 to $16) for a 10-kilometer (6-mile) ride 

Private Driver Costs 

Private drivers can be hired for single trips, day tours, or longer durations. Prices can vary widely based on the type of vehicle, distance, and duration of service. As a rough estimate, private drivers may charge around €30 to €50 per hour or more, plus any additional fees for waiting time, tolls, or parking.

Private Driver Cost: €30 to €50 ($33 to $54) per hour 

Costs of City Buses and Metros  

Lastly, buses run in major cities and will get you places in a pinch, if needed. Madrid and Barcelona have fantastic public transportation systems that are easy to use.

Public Transport Cost: €1.50 to €2.40 ($1.63–$2.61) for a one-way ride 

Accommodations Costs  

Accommodation prices differ in small towns and major cities in Spain. Here’s an estimate of costs:

Barcelona: 

• Airbnb: Private room: €50-€100 per night ($54.50-$109); Entire apartment: €80-€150 per night ($87.20-$163.50) 
• Mid-range hotel: €100-€200 per night ($109-$218) 
• 5-Star Hotel: €200+ ($218+) 
• Guesthouse or boutique hotel: €80-€150 per night ($87-$164) 

Madrid: 

• Airbnb: Private room: €40-€90 per night ($44-$98); Entire apartment: €70-€130 per night ($76-$142) 
• Mid-range hotel: €90-€180 per night ($98-$196) 
• 5-Star Hotel: €200+ ($218+) 
• Guesthouse or boutique hotel: €70–€140 per night ($76–$153) 

Salamanca: 

• Airbnb: Private room: €30-€70 per night ($33-$77); Entire apartment: €50-€100 per night ($55-$109) 
• Mid-range hotel: €60-€120 per night ($65-$130) 
• 5-Star Hotel: €200+ ($218+) 
• Guesthouse or boutique hotel: €50-€100 per night ($55-$109) 

We’ve got a travel hack for you:

Check out online travel agencies like Expedia and Booking to find hotel prices. Then go directly to the hotel’s website and compare its prices against those of the agencies.  

If you buy from Expedia or Booking, they can offer flexible cancellations and changes. But if you book directly with the hotel, they may offer better rates or can accommodate special requests because you’ll have priority service.

Here at I Spy Spain, when convenient for them, we prefer our clients stay at locally owned accommodations, and we book directly with the provider. This benefits the local communities, so it’s a win-win. These are the feel-good benefits of being unaffiliated and not needing to chase commissions. (We can help you with that.) 

Food and Drink Costs 

Food costs can vary depending on your dining preferences, the region you’re in, and whether you’re eating at restaurants, cafes, or markets. Overall, eating in Spain is a pleasure because of its reasonable prices and high-quality gastronomy. Here’s a rough breakdown of restaurant costs:

Breakfast: 

• Coffee and a pastry: €3-€5 ($3.30-$5.50) 
• Continental Breakfast at a café (coffee, pastry, fruit):  €4.50-€8.50 ($4.90-$9.30) 
• Traditional Spanish breakfast: toasted bread, ham and cheese, coffee or juice: €6.00-€10.50 ($6.60-$11.50) 

Lunch: 

• Mid-range menu del día (3-course lunch): €10-€20 ($11-$22)  
• High-end menu del día at an upscale restaurant: €40-€80 ($44-$88) 

Dinner: 

• Light meal or tapas at local spots: €10-€20 ($11.00-$22.00) 
• Mid-range, three-course dinner at a mid-range restaurant: €20-€40 ($22-$44) 
• High-end, gourmet dining restaurant: €80-€150+ ($88-$165+) 

Desserts and Snacks:

• Artisanal ice cream: €4-€7 ($4.40-$7.70) 
• Churros with chocolate: €6-€10 ($6.60-$11)  
• Premium glass of wine or craft beer: €5-€15 ($5.50-$16.50) 
• Specialty pastries or desserts: €4–€8 ($4.40–$8.80) 

Total Daily Food Budget Range:

• Mid-range Traveler: €50-€90 per day ($54 to $98 per day) 
• Indulgent Traveler (including expensive dining): €150-€300+ per day ($163 – $326+ per day) 

Again, these are estimates. Also, remember that tax is always included in the price, which is convenient.

And note that while tipping is appreciated, it’s not obligatory in Spain. Locals often round up to the nearest euro or add a few euros to the bill. It’s more about showing your appreciation for their service, so tip as you wish!

Attractions Costs 

Entrance fees in Spain for historical sites, museums, and cultural attractions are reasonable. Costs are about €5 to €25 ($5 to $27). If you want special guided tours or private visits, expect to pay about €50. It depends on the duration, quality, location, and activity. Here’s an estimate:

• Short Tours (1-2 hours): €50-€150 ($55-$164) 
• Half-Day Tours (3-4 hours): €100-€300 ($109-$327) 
• Full-Day Tours (6–8 hours): €200–€500 ($218–$545) 
• Specialized Tours (e.g., wine tours, culinary tours): €150-€400+ ($218-$545) 

The rates may also be higher for tours that include exclusive access to certain sites, skip-the-line privileges, or additional services such as transportation or meals. 

Also, we encourage you to try a ceramics workshop, a paella cooking class, or a flamenco class to really immerse yourself in Spanish culture. They can range from €20-€200+ ($22-$218+), depending on the exciting experience you crave! 

Our suggestion for a daily activity is to balance a busy morning (for example, taking a walking tour of Madrid) with a relaxed activity (like a leisurely afternoon visit to the artful El Prado Museum). We can help you plan that!

Random Spending 

You’ll probably want to treat yourself to incredible Spanish souvenirs like a beautiful bottle of extra virgin olive oil or a gorgeous mantilla (Spanish shawl) in Seville.

Also, don’t forget all the snacks you may want to try at local markets, any spontaneous activities to try, or leaving tips for exceptional service at restaurants or for guided tours.

You might also want to factor in emergency expenses like minor pharmacy runs and miscellaneous fees.

To account for random expenses, it’s recommended to set aside around 10–20% of your overall travel budget. This allows you to enjoy unexpected opportunities and experiences without straining your budget!

Miscellaneous Expenses  

Travel insurance can provide you with financial protection in the event of unexpected events during your trip. The cost of travel insurance can vary based on factors such as your age, the duration of your trip, the coverage you select, and any pre-existing conditions. On average, travel insurance can range from 4% to 10% of your total trip cost.  

For example, if your trip costs $3,000, your insurance might cost between $80 and $300. Of course, you can have the most basic coverage, which is just medical coverage and not lost luggage, canceled flights, or anything else.

Insurance cost: $120 to $300+ for a $3,000 trip 

Also, be aware of any fees you’ll pay, such as currency conversion, ATM withdrawal fees, or foreign transaction fees.  Check your credit card’s terms and rates before you leave. (Read our blog post about how to pay in Spain also!) 

FAQs 

How much would it cost for a trip to Spain?

For a trip to Spain, estimated expenses may include round-trip airfare from North America (ranging from $600 to $1,200), accommodation (averaging $100 to $200 per night), meals (budgeting $30 to $60 daily), transportation within Spain (high-speed trains, car rentals, or private drivers), attraction entrance fees (approximately $10 to $30 per site), and miscellaneous spending. Overall, a 10-day trip to Spain could average around $1,600 to $3,000 per person.

What costs do I need to consider for a trip to Spain?

Costs for a trip to Spain include round-trip airfare, accommodation (hotels, Airbnb’s, or guesthouses), daily meals, transportation within Spain (such as high-speed trains, car rentals, or private drivers), entrance fees for attractions and cultural sites, potential guided tours or activities, local transportation, potential tipping, souvenirs, and insurance. Don’t forget unexpected expenses!

How much cash do I need for 2 weeks in Spain?

For a two-week trip to Spain, having a moderate amount of cash on hand might save you from any emergency situations. While credit, debit cards, and paying by phone are widely accepted, having around €300 to €500 ($327 to $545) in cash can cover minor expenses like taxis, local markets, and small shops that might not accept cards.

So now you’ve got a full-fledged guide to crafting a budget for your Spanish trip!  With some savvy planning and a grasp of possible expenses, you can create an enriching trip to Spain that flows seamlessly. Do you need help customizing an itinerary? Have questions about this budget? Let us know, and we’d be thrilled to help you!