Exploring Spain: Best Transportation Methods For Your Trip

There are many ways to travel around Spain, including by plane, train, bus, ferry, or car. The best option for you will depend on your travel style, budget, timeframe, and destination(s). For example, if you're looking to explore big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, or Seville, travelling by train is likely your best option. However, if you want to get off the beaten path and explore rural areas, renting a car might be a better choice.

High-speed trains

Spain has a vast landscape as the fourth largest country in Europe, with a reliable network of high-speed trains covering nearly 14,000 km (8,700 mi) of railways. This makes the train the best way to travel around Spain, especially if your plan is to visit large cities.

The country's national railway company, RENFE, operates around 5,000 trains each day across Spain. The AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) trains are the best and fastest way to travel long distances, with Madrid as their principal terminal. They are comfortable, efficient, and incredibly fast, travelling at speeds of up to 310 km/h (192.6 mph). This high-speed service can connect you from Madrid to Barcelona in just 2.5 hours.

Other high-speed train options include the RENFE Alvia trains, which connect northern cities and regions to Madrid, and the RENFE Avant mid-distance high-speed trains, which are a great choice for day trips. The newest addition to the fleet is the Avlo, a high-speed, low-cost option with excellent accessibility features for travellers with reduced mobility. All entrances to the Avlo carriages are at platform level, and the trains feature designated seats and adapted toilets for travellers with disabilities.

Spain's high-speed trains offer a convenient, fast, comfortable, and reliable way to explore the country, especially if your itinerary includes Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville. With their extensive network and efficient service, you can easily criss-cross between Spain's principal cities and make the most of your time in this beautiful country.

Road trip

Spain is a great country to embark on a road trip. With its advanced and accessible public transport infrastructure, it is easy to get around the country. However, if you want to explore beyond the large cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, or Valencia, a road trip is the best option. Here are some reasons why:

Freedom and Flexibility

The beauty of a road trip is the freedom and flexibility it offers. You can go at your own pace, explore off the beaten track, and stop whenever you like. Spain's well-maintained roads and highways make it easy to get off the main roads and discover amazing villages and landscapes.

Explore the Islands and Coastline

If you plan to visit the beautiful islands off the coast of Spain, such as the Balearic or Canary Islands, a rental car is the best way to get around. Public transportation to these islands can be limited, so having your own vehicle gives you the freedom to explore all the extraordinary places these islands have to offer.

Similarly, if you want to explore Spain's coastline and admire its rugged shoreline, a road trip is a great option. Spain's northern and southern coasts offer miles of uninhabited scenery that you can easily access with a rental car.

Mountain Adventures

Having a car in Spain also allows you to explore the mountains and discover amazing hiking trails. There are countless scenic hikes throughout the country that are easily accessible with your own vehicle.

Convenience and Comfort

When travelling by car, you can fill the trunk with all kinds of luggage and not worry about restrictions on the number of bags or their weight, as you would on a train. A rental car is also a more comfortable option if you are travelling with children, as it offers more flexibility and space to move around.

Short Distances

Spain's relatively short distances compared to other countries make it ideal for exploring by car. With a rental car, you can easily cover different regions and experience the diverse landscapes and cultures that Spain has to offer.

So, if you're planning a trip to Spain and want to explore beyond the big cities, consider a road trip. It's a great way to discover the country at your own pace and have unique experiences along the way.

Ferries

International Ferries to Spain

Spain has a highly competitive ferry sector, with several major companies operating services out of its biggest ports. There are also companies based outside of Spain that ferry passengers into the country. Some of the most popular international ferry routes to Spain include:

• Civitavecchia (Italy) to Barcelona
• Porto Torres (Italy) to Barcelona
• Plymouth (UK) to Santander
• Portsmouth (UK) to Santander
• Rosslare (Ireland) to Santander
• Tolón (France) to Alcudia (Mallorca)
• Nador (Morocco) to Motril (Granada)
• Al-Hoceima (Morocco) to Motril (Granada)
• Tangiers (Morocco) to Algeciras (Cádiz)
• Tangiers (Morocco) to Barcelona
• Ghazaouet (Algeria) to Almería

Domestic Ferries in Spain

Domestic ferries in Spain often connect the mainland to the islands. They are short and cheap, and you can book tickets for all of these routes online. Some of the most popular domestic ferry routes in Spain include:

• Barcelona to Mahon: A direct route to the popular destination of Menorca. This route is covered by providers such as GNV and it takes less than 8 hours on average.
• Algeciras to Ceuta: Ceuta is an autonomous region in North Africa, across the Strait of Gibraltar and bordered by Morocco. You can take this ferry in about an hour, providing a rapid way to cross the strait.
• Mallorca to Barcelona: A direct route to the mainland that takes about 7.5 hours with GNV but is usually much shorter with Balearia.
• Ibiza to Barcelona: Another link between a popular island and the Catalonian capital. This route is also covered by both Balearia and GNV and it takes between 8 and 9 hours.

Tips for Travelling by Ferry in Spain

• Travel in the off-season to save money. The weather is still good outside of summer and there are big savings to be made on ferry tickets and accommodation.
• Check visa requirements if you’re visiting another country by ferry.
• Check ticket requirements. Many tickets can be used as e-tickets, but some ferry tickets may need to be printed out at the station.
• Book your ferry ticket early to save money and ensure you get the room you want. Early bookings are also important if you’re taking a car, as there is limited garage space.

Budget-friendly travel

Spain is a large country with a lot to offer, from its vibrant culture and stunning architecture to its delectable cuisine and laid-back lifestyle. While it is already considered an affordable destination in Europe, there are many ways to further stretch your budget and make your trip more economical. Here are some tips for budget-friendly travel in Spain:

Accommodation

• Opt for youth hostels, which offer dorm beds and private rooms at affordable prices. Many hostels also include perks like free breakfast, city tours, and bar crawls.
• Consider staying in a "hostal," which are often small hotels providing excellent value for money.
• If you're staying in a city for an extended period, book a weekly travel pass for public transportation to save money.
• For a unique and cost-effective experience, try Couchsurfing or housesitting. Couchsurfing allows you to stay with locals for free, while housesitting involves caring for someone's home and pets while they're away.
• Wild camping is banned in Spain, so if you wish to pitch a tent, find a proper campsite. Smaller and cheaper options are available, especially in rural areas.

Transportation

• Long-distance buses are a cost-effective way to travel between cities, offering clean and comfortable rides at lower prices than trains. Book in advance with companies like ALSA for the best deals.
• Car-sharing services like BlaBlaCar are popular in Spain and can be a budget-friendly alternative to renting a car.
• When travelling by train, book your tickets in advance on the RENFE website to secure the best prices. High-speed trains (AVE) are more expensive, so consider taking the slower regional trains to save money.
• If you plan to visit multiple cities, flying between them with budget airlines can be cheaper than taking the train.

Food

• Spain offers a variety of budget-friendly dining options:
• Take advantage of the menu del día, a fixed-price menu available at most restaurants and cafes. It typically includes a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, and a drink for around €10.
• Look for tapas bars that offer free tapas with your drink. This is more common in the south and smaller towns, but some bars in Madrid also offer this.
• Avoid eating near major tourist attractions, as these restaurants tend to be overpriced.
• Dine out during lunchtime, as many restaurants offer a menu del día, which is a cheaper option than dining out for dinner.
• Shop at local markets and grocery stores for fresh ingredients to cook your meals, especially if you have access to a kitchen in your accommodation.

Attractions and Activities

• Many cities offer free walking tours, which only require a tip for the guide at the end. This is a great way to explore a new place on a budget.
• Visit museums and attractions during their free entry days or hours. For example, the Museo del Prado in Madrid offers free entry during certain evenings and on Sundays.
• Participate in local festivals and free events, such as La Tomatina in Buñol or the Feria de Abril in Seville. These experiences provide a glimpse into Spanish traditions without breaking the bank.
• Enjoy Spain's natural wonders and outdoor spaces for free, such as the rugged coasts of Costa Brava or the historical Playa de Bolonia.
• Look for free activities in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Granada.

By following these tips and planning your trip carefully, you can explore Spain on a budget and make your money go further.

Accessible travel

Spain is a highly accessible destination for travellers with disabilities. Almost all infrastructure and tourism-related services meet accessibility requirements, and transport, sights, accommodation, and activities can be enjoyed without barriers.

Air Travel

All airports in Spain provide free assistance services for people with reduced mobility or mental, hearing, or visual disabilities. An assistant will help from the moment you arrive at the terminal, with check-in processes, security and border controls, boarding, disembarking, and luggage collection. This service can be requested on the AENA website, which is available in Spanish and English.

Train Travel

Spain's national railway company, RENFE, runs about 5,000 trains each day across the country. The trains are comfortable and efficient, and the stations are designed for accessibility, with designated spaces and adapted features for people with disabilities, including ramps, visual and auditory reinforcements, and lifts. The RENFE Avant mid-distance high-speed trains and the Media Distancia (mid-distance) trains are good options for day trips. The high-speed, low-cost Avlo trains are the best option for passengers with reduced mobility, with entrances at platform level, seats for wheelchair users, and adapted toilets.

On medium and long-distance trains, you can request an assistance service through the Atendo programme. This personal accompaniment service is also available for international journeys to and from countries belonging to the International Union of Railways (UIC).

Bus Travel

Inter-city bus services are often more frequent and cheaper than regular trains, and will usually take you closer to your destination, as some train stations are located a few kilometres outside the town or village they serve. Buses are comfortable and usually have free Wi-Fi and toilets on board. The main bus stations are typically close to city centres.

Getting Around Cities

Public transport in large cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, is generally adapted for travellers with disabilities. In Madrid, around 70% of Metro stations are accessible, while in Barcelona, it's around 90%. Local buses in both cities are 100% accessible, with spaces for one or two wheelchairs. Madrid's Metro has installed universal accessibility features in all its stations, with lifts and ramps for wheelchair access, reinforced step edges, and elevator signs and handrails with Braille markings. Barcelona's entire metro (except for two stations) is accessible and has advanced features such as directional devices for blind people and luminous door devices on trains.

If you plan to travel by taxi or rental car with a driver, it is recommended to download mobile apps or get customer service telephone numbers for each city to request an adapted vehicle.

Sights, Accommodation, and Activities

The "Spain is accessible" website provides a realistic and complete guide for travellers with disabilities, allowing you to filter by tourist destinations, themes, or types of disability to find accessible activities, accommodation, sights, beaches, and leisure parks. Another useful tool is Tur4All, a collaborative platform that provides updated information on the accessibility of various tourist services in 11 languages.

Frequently asked questions