Everything You Need to Know About Transportation to, from, and within Spain

ALL THINGS SPAIN

Guide for Expats in Spain

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Guide for traveling in Spain

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More on Transportation

   Air Travel in Spain

   Train Travel in Spain

   Bus Travel in Spain

   Rental Cars in Spain

   Spanish Travel Agencies

   Taxis in Spain

   Subways in Spain   

Options for traveling around Spain

Getting around Spain is easy and cheap. The long-distance buses and trains are usually clean, efficient, and have stations located in or near the town centers. The growing popularity of low-cost European airlines has also made it possible to find national and international flights from Spain at rock-bottom prices (the earlier you buy your tickets, the better).

 

When choosing the best way to travel in Spain and the cheapest way to travel from Spain to other countries, consider the following:

For the low-cost airlines in Europe, there’s no difference in price if you buy a one-way flight or a round-trip flight, so you have more flexibility when making your European travel plans. Choosing your flights as far in advance as possible will help you find the best fares. Be aware, though, that some discount airlines quote a really cheap fare (as low as 0,01€), but then tack on taxes, budget fees, check-in fees, etc.

Night trains or night buses are often a good budget alternative to flights. Although low-cost European carriers are now giving the Spanish trains and buses some stiff competition, you can still save money by not paying for a hotel for one night.

Another advantage of traveling by train or bus in Spain is that the Spanish railway stations and Spanish bus terminals are often conveniently located in or near city centers. This could save time on short trips, since you don’t have to commute to and from the airport. For example, if you’re staying in the center of Madrid, you can get to Atocha train station in 10 minutes or Chamartin train station in about 25 minutes. To get to Barajas airport, you’ll need at least 30 to 50 minutes. Plus, with the trains and buses you can arrive five minutes before your trip and just hop on. For domestic flights in Spain, you still need to arrive at least 45 minutes before your trip (many budget airlines close check-in 30 minutes before each flight). Of course, the train or bus ride takes longer than a flight, but you can see the scenery, move about more, and save time and hassle from checking in and getting to and from the airport.

European rail travel also has no weight restrictions for baggage (except on Eurostar trains and some Hotel Trains). Whereas the low-cost airlines make a lot of money from checked luggage and excess baggage fees, the trains let you take on whatever you can carry. Some bus services in Spain also charge a fee for excess baggage. Most trains have overhead storage racks and additional storage areas for larger suitcases at the end of each wagon. You just need to keep an eye on your things and/or hope that nobody takes your luggage. Keep your most important items (travel documents, money, credit cards, etc.) with you at all times.

Safety can sometimes be an issue when traveling by bus in Spain. The bus stations in Spain tend to be hotspots for pickpockets, so keep an eye on your belongings at all times. If you need store things below the bus, try to get off the bus quickly once it stops to make sure nobody takes your luggage.

 

 

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