Best Ticket-Buying Options For Travel Across Spain

Spain is a vibrant and colourful destination with a stellar high-speed railway network, making it an excellent country to explore by train. The official Spanish rail website is renfe.com, but it is plagued with technical issues when using non-Spanish credit/debit cards and odd translation issues are also common. Luckily, there are a number of third-party services that are much more user-friendly, such as Omio and Trainline. Both of these services connect directly with Spain's Renfe booking system and offer the exact same routes/prices. In most cases, train tickets purchased through Omio and Trainline are e-tickets that are sent straight to their smartphone app or via email. You can also use Omio and Trainline to book any kind of train ticket, from high-speed to local trains.

If you are looking to fly to Spain, there are a plethora of options available. The cheapest ticket to Spain from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $164 one-way, and $310 round-trip. The cheapest month to fly to Spain is currently September 2022. Iberia, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Qatar Airways, EL AL Israel Airlines, Delta and Air Canada all fly non-stop to Spain.

Buying train tickets in Spain

Where to Buy Tickets

You can buy train tickets in Spain online or at the station. Buying tickets online is a breeze thanks to platforms like Trainline, Omio, and Petrabax, which are trusted partners of major Spanish train operators including Renfe, OUIGO, and iryo. These platforms connect directly to the train companies' ticketing systems, guaranteeing valid tickets for your journey.

Buying Tickets Online

When buying tickets online, you can use either a user-friendly website or a handy app. The Trainline app, for example, stores your ticket so it's always at your fingertips when you need it.

Buying Tickets at the Station

You can also buy tickets at the station. Ticket machines in Spanish stations have instructions in English, and staff may also be on hand to help at larger stations. Tickets for short regional journeys will cost the same on the day as they would in advance, so there's no harm in buying them at the station before you depart.

Popular Spanish Railway Stations

Popular Spanish railway stations include Madrid Atocha, Barcelona Sants, Sevilla Santa Justa, and Valencia Estació del Nord.

Tips for Buying Tickets in Advance

Booking tickets in advance is a great way to access Renfe's discounted fares. Plus, you'll have a better chance of reserving a window seat. For high-speed AVE and Alvia trains, ticket prices work like airline tickets, becoming more expensive as the travel date approaches. By booking early, you can achieve discounts of up to 70% off the full price of a Básico fare. These discounted tickets can sell out quickly, so it's recommended to set a reminder 60 to 90 days before your travel date, depending on the route.

Renfe Fares Explained

There are three new fare options for Renfe trains: Básico, Elige, and Prémium. Básico is the cheapest and least flexible fare, Elige offers more flexibility and optional extras, and Prémium is the most expensive and most flexible fare with exclusive benefits.

Buying flight tickets to Spain

There are many ways to purchase flight tickets to Spain. You can either book your flight through an online platform or directly through an airline.

Online Booking Platforms

Online booking platforms such as Expedia, Skyscanner, and Omio offer a convenient way to search and compare flight prices from multiple airlines. These platforms allow you to find the best deals and book your flights with just a few clicks. They also provide flexible change policies and notifications for price drops.

Direct Booking with Airlines

Alternatively, you can book your flight directly through an airline's website or mobile app. This option may be preferable if you have a preferred airline or are a member of a loyalty program. Some popular airlines that offer flights to Spain include:

• Iberia
• American Airlines
• Delta
• United Airlines
• Air Europa
• Vueling Airlines
• British Airways
• Scandinavian Airlines
• TAP Portugal
• ITA Airways

When booking your flight, consider factors such as price, travel dates, and the number of layovers. It is generally cheaper to book flights in advance, and travelling on certain days of the week (e.g., Tuesdays and Mondays) can also result in lower airfares.

Popular Routes to Spain

Spain is a popular destination, and there are several well-travelled routes to the country. The busiest international flight routes typically arrive in Madrid, Seville, Valencia, or Barcelona. Some of the most common international destinations connecting to Madrid include Paris, London, and Amsterdam. Barcelona also has popular routes from Berlin and Lisbon, while Seville receives many flights from Brussels and Paris. Valencia is another popular destination, with frequent flights from Milan and Rome.

Main Airports in Spain

When planning your trip to Spain, it is helpful to know the main airports in the country:

• Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD): This is the largest airport in Spain and a major international gateway. It is located in Madrid and can be accessed by public transportation.
• Barcelona El Prat Airport: This airport serves Barcelona and is accessible via the L9 Sud, Aerobus T1 and T2, and R2 North Line.
• Palma de Mallorca Airport: Located in Palma, this airport offers amenities such as currency exchange, tourist information, and shopping outlets. It can be reached by bus or the A11, A32, A42, and A51 bus lines.

Additional Tips

When travelling to Spain, keep in mind that dinner is typically served after 9:00 pm, and it is customary to bring a gift for the host if you are invited to dinner. The currency used in Spain is the Euro, and Spanish is the primary language, although English is commonly spoken in tourist cities.

Buying tickets for attractions in Spain

Spain has a lot to offer when it comes to attractions and museums. Here are some tips and options for buying tickets for attractions in the country:

• Online Platforms: There are various online platforms that offer tickets for Spanish attractions. These include AttractionTickets.com, Viator, and GetYourGuide, among others. These websites often provide discounts and allow you to skip the long ticket lines at the venues.
• Skip-the-Line Tickets: Many attractions in Spain, such as the Sagrada Familia, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and the Alhambra, offer skip-the-line tickets. Purchasing these tickets in advance can save you time and provide a more seamless experience.
• Bundle Deals and Passes: Consider purchasing bundle deals or passes if you plan to visit multiple attractions. For example, the Go City: Barcelona Explorer Pass includes admission to various attractions in Barcelona, offering potential savings. The Barcelona Card also combines transportation and attraction entry for additional convenience.
• Advance Booking: Booking your tickets in advance is generally a good idea, especially for popular attractions. This can help you secure your spot and sometimes results in early bird discounts.
• Mobile Tickets: Many venues in Spain accept mobile tickets, which can be convenient and environmentally friendly. You can usually show these tickets on your smartphone or tablet, or even keep them in a mobile app provided by the ticketing platform.
• Free Entry Options: Some attractions offer free entry on certain days or during specific time slots. For example, many museums in Spain offer free entry on Sundays or during certain hours. Check the official websites of the attractions for such offers.
• Tourist Information Centres: If you prefer in-person purchases, you can visit tourist information centres or ticket booths at the attractions. These locations often provide information about the venue and may offer bundled tickets or passes.

Buying tickets for buses in Spain

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Spain and are a cheap and reliable way to get around. Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways, depending on the region and the bus company. Here is a comprehensive guide to buying bus tickets in Spain.

Where to Buy Bus Tickets

In larger cities, bus tickets can usually be purchased from the closest ticket office or automatic machine at the bus terminal. Tickets may also be available for purchase on board, but they will likely be more expensive.

Online Options

For long-distance coach services, it is possible to buy tickets online. Omio is a popular option for booking bus travel in Spain, offering tickets for a range of bus companies, including Alsa, Socibus, Avanza, Conda, Daibus, and Damas. FlixBus is another company that offers online tickets for select cities in northern Spain. Movelia is also an option and aggregates tickets from 23 bus operators.

Bus Companies

Alsa is one of the largest bus companies in Europe and the main bus company in Spain, connecting virtually all cities in the country. Other popular companies include Avanza, which operates short and medium-distance buses in and around Madrid; Daibus, which travels from Madrid to numerous destinations in southern Spain; and Socibus, which offers both long and shorter-distance routes within Spain.

On the Bus

When boarding a bus in Spain, passengers typically enter through the front door, next to the driver, and exit from the side or back door. There are buttons located throughout the bus to press when you wish to disembark.

Bus Schedules

Bus schedules vary from city to city, but services generally run between 6 am and either 11 pm or midnight. Some cities may operate a night bus service after midnight. In smaller rural towns and villages, bus services may be less frequent and not adhere to published timetables.

International Buses

International buses are a cheap way to travel from Spain to other European countries. Eurolines, for example, runs coach services from around 10 European countries to Spain. FlixBus connects Barcelona with 24 cities in France, Germany, and northern Italy.

Buying tickets for airport transfers in Spain

Most major airports in Spain offer shuttle bus and taxi services, while the main airports such as Madrid Barajas and Barcelona El Prat are directly connected to the city centre by train.

Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD)

You can reach the airport by taking the Cercanías train operated by Renfe or one of the city buses.

Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN)

The airport is located about 12 km south-west from the centre of Barcelona. You can reach it by taking the Cercanías train or the Aerobus from the city centre.

Bilbao Airport (BIO)

Bilbao Airport is 9 km away from the city centre, and you can easily get there by bus.

Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)

The airport is located 16 km from the city of the same name. You can reach it by bus from the city centre and the nearest cities, La Coruña, Lugo, and Sobrado.

Seville Airport (SVQ)

Seville Airport is located 3 km north-east of the city of the same name. The best way to get to and from the airport is by bus.

Malaga Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

The airport is located about 8 km from the centre of the city of Malaga and is easily accessible by train or bus from there and nearby cities.

Alicante Elche Airport (ALC)

Alicante Elche Airport is located about 8 km south-west of the popular city of Alicante. One of the best ways to travel to and from this airport is by bus, which departs from Alicante city centre and other main towns in the region.

Valencia Airport (VLC)

Valencia Airport is located about 8 km west of the capital of the Valencian Community. You can easily reach it by metro and bus from the city centre.

Girona Airport (GRO)

Girona Airport is located 13 km from the city of the same name and can be easily reached by bus from the city centre and the surrounding provinces.

Private Transfers

You can also opt for private transfers from or to the main airports, ports, and train stations in Spain. MyTransfers and Shuttle Direct are two companies that offer booking services for private transfers and taxis.

Frequently asked questions