Getting Around Spain

Road Network, Traffic

Spain has a good road and motorway network, partly free (depending on the region), making it easy to get around. However, cities like Madrid or Barcelona can be quite congested and a nightmare when it comes to parking. Driving rules are broadly the same as those in France.

Car, Camper Van

Rental

You can easily rent a vehicle at airports, major train stations, large cities, and tourist areas. Automatic transmission vehicles are sometimes available. To rent a car, you generally need to be at least 21 years old, provide ID, a credit card, and have held a valid driving licence for more than one or two years, depending on the rental company. However, an international driving permit is not required if you are a citizen of the EU or Switzerland (but it is for Canadians). Generally, you can also drive in France or Portugal (but not Morocco) with a vehicle rented in Spain.

Buses

Compared to what is typical in Europe, buses are well-developed in Spain. The network consists of several companies and serves around 170 cities across the country with modern, comfortable vehicles (see "schedules, fares, companies"). Additionally, prices are roughly half those of trains; expect to pay around 5 to 7 € per 100 km. In short, even if it doesn’t always go "everywhere," it’s a recommended mode of transport for those without their own vehicle.

Two Wheels

Motorcycle

Bike

Hitchhiking

While hitchhiking might work on the Balearic Islands or along the Mediterranean coast, it’s not always the case inland, especially in desert areas of Castile or Andalusia where traffic can be sparse and the summer sun relentless. In short, hitchhiking isn’t ideal for getting around, far from it.

Trains

Beyond its international connections with France and Portugal, Spain’s railway network, operated by RENFE, links all provincial capitals to Madrid, as well as many cities to each other, thanks in part to an increasing number of high-speed lines (called AVE). Overall, trains are fast, comfortable, and generally punctual, though prices are higher than buses.

That said, like in France, rail fares vary widely for the same journey depending on the day, time, passenger age, whether it’s a one-way or return ticket, etc. There are also passes like the InterRail Pass or the Renfe Spain Pass, which may or may not be worthwhile depending on your itinerary. In short, trains can be an interesting option for those without a car, but they require some research and flexibility to get the best prices.

Tourist Lines

More for the "tourist experience" than as a mode of transport.

For scenic train journeys in Spain, there are plenty of options, including routes from Barcelona to the Pyrenees, Madrid, or along the coast to Valencia. There are also mountain panoramas from León, or the Córdoba-Málaga route for canyon views.

Spain also has two luxury trains: "Al Andalus" for circuits from Madrid and Seville, and the "Transcantabrico" between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela. For fans of historic trains, there’s the "Strawberry Train" between Madrid and Aranjuez and the "Expreso de la Robla" in the north. Finally, the Balearic Islands feature a small scenic line on Majorca, the "Train de Sóller," between Palma and Puerto Sóller.

Boats

Setting aside the Canary Islands, you’re most likely to use boats in the Balearic Islands, with ferry lines both to the archipelago and between the islands.

Domestic Flights

Due to its size (and its islands, the Balearics and Canaries), Spain is one of the few European countries with a substantial and practical domestic flight network. You can easily find connections to travel from one end of the country to the other, often without needing to transit through Madrid or Barcelona, which are hubs for several carriers. Additionally, competition and the presence of several low-cost airlines mean you can often find (very) good year-round prices. In short, flying is a viable and even recommended option for those without a car who want to cover long distances within the country.

Several airlines offer domestic flights (excluding service to the Canary Islands):

• Air Europa: Spain’s third-largest airline, operating domestic flights as well as intra-European and several long-haul routes (often good deals), particularly to Latin America.

• Air Nostrum: A franchised airline branded as Iberia Regional, serving many domestic routes and various European destinations, including France.

• Helicópteros del Sureste: Operates regular passenger helicopter routes between Algeciras or Málaga and the Spanish enclave of Ceuta (in Morocco).

• Iberia: The national carrier (and Spain’s largest) also operates under the brands Iberia Express and Iberia Regional (actually Air Nostrum). It’s a major global airline with extensive service to Latin America and Europe, plus numerous domestic routes.

• Iberia Express: Iberia’s more or less low-cost subsidiary, handling domestic and intra-European flights.

• Melilla Airlines: This airline (which doesn’t own aircraft and charters instead) operates regular flights between Málaga and the Spanish enclave of Melilla in Morocco.

• Volotea: Spain’s newest low-cost airline, well-established in France, specializing in year-round or seasonal intra-European flights, including domestic routes in Spain and even other countries like France.

• Vueling: The Barcelona-based low-cost airline, still growing, offers 340 routes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It also operates domestic flights in Spain.

In addition to these Spanish airlines, Ryanair also offers a wide range of domestic flights in the country.

In Town

Taxis

Other Means

What to Choose for Getting Around?

As is often the case in Europe, having your own vehicle remains the best way to explore the country. Otherwise, buses (more economical than trains) can be a good option, especially if you’re mainly traveling between cities or tourist areas.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities in the country: