Spain Transportation and City Rides

Introduction

The beautiful country of Spain is one of the most prominent holiday destinations in the world. Nestled in the Southwestern part of Europe, the country is known for its unique culture, traditions, art, natural landforms and history. Transportation in the region is very well-established, offering fluent international and intranational connectivity. If you have chosen Spain as the prime destination for your next foreign tour, you can rest assured about the options for travelling to and within this country.

Go through this page to learn everything you need to know about Spain's transportation and city rides for a smooth tourism experience.

Best way to reach Spain

Here are some of the best ways to reach Spain from almost all corners of the world;

1. By air

One of the best ways to reach Spain is by flight because it is faster and more convenient than the other alternatives. Spain has several international airports spread across its major cities, such as Palma de Mallorca, Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Malaga, Barcelona, etc. Popular carriers like Air India, Air France, IndiGO, RyanAir, etc., operate on this route and feature daily flights. For example, a 1-stop flight from Mumbai to Barcelona via Munich can take around 11 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

2. By road

Travelling to Spain from India by road is not a viable option. However, individuals planning to visit Spain from countries like Portugal or France may opt for a drive. Do note that you will need an international driving licence, proof of insurance, and other documents for this.

3. By rail

Similar to road transport, there’s no direct train route between Spain and India. However, individuals travelling from other European nations can opt for the Eurail service to reach Spain. For instance, the France to Spain high-speed route only takes around 6 hours to complete.

Individuals on their Europe trips often choose to travel to Spain from Portugal or France by car. If you are starting your journey from France, you can take the A-9 motorway if your destination in Spain is the Mediterranean coast or Barcelona. Otherwise, it's better to stick to the AP-8 toll motorway, which is ideal for inland destinations like Madrid. As for individuals travelling to Spain from Portugal by road, the best motorways are A-62, A-5., A-55 and A-2.

Best transport options from the airports in Spain

Depending on the city, you can get access to various transport options from the airport in Spain. Some examples include;

• Bus: After landing at the airport, the most common and affordable form of transport you can opt for is bus service. You can find bus terminals within walking distance of major airports in the country. Besides public buses, you can also opt for private buses, whichever suits your travel requirement.
• Private taxi: Another popular transport option available right outside of the airports in Spain is private taxis. They are fast and comfortable but can be a bit expensive due to their high fares. However, if you are short on time and want a comfortable journey, consider going for private taxis.
• Metro: Subways are one of the main pillars of local transport in Spain, often located close to the major airports in the country. For instance, after landing at the Barcelona - El Prat Airport, individuals can simply choose to travel via Aeroport T1, which is the southern terminus of the Barcelona Metro Line 9’s airport branch.
• Hotel shuttles: Some hotels offer the facility of shuttles, where they send private cars to pick up their guests directly from the airport. So, if you have a pre-hotel booking in the city, enquire about it and make use of this service after landing at the airport.

Do note that all Barcelona metro tickets are valid for 75 minutes. While locals usually go for a T-Casual card, tourists can opt for the Hola Barcelona Card, which includes bus, funicular, metro, tram and even airport transport. It costs around 7 euro per day, which is quite economical.

Best way to travel within Spain/ Types of transport available

Here are some of the best transport options that tourists can choose to travel within Spain;

1. Domestic flights

One of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel longer routes in Spain is via domestic flights. The country has several airports across its region, featuring frequent domestic flights at reasonable prices. It is a great option for travellers who are visiting Spain for a short vacation and want to witness all its glory.

2. Train

The railway connectivity in Spain is very well-established. It offers frequent and reliable long-distance trains, which makes travelling between major cities a simple deal. However, there are a few tourist-centric locations in Spain not connected by train lines, such as western Costa del Sol.

3. Bus

Travelling by bus is a very economical mode of transport available in Spain. It not only allows visitors to travel between major cities but also offers reliable intracity transportation. You can find major bus terminals almost everywhere in the region.

4. Ridesharing apps

The availability of online ridesharing apps in Spain has greatly influenced tourism. If you are looking for a comfortable way of getting around in Spain, consider options like Cabify, BlaBlaCar, FreeNow, etc.

5. Metro

One of the best ways to travel within major Spanish cities is via the metro. The elaborate network and high frequency of rides make it a favourite local transport option for locals and tourists. Some popular metros in Spain are Barcelona Metro, Metro Bilbao, Madrid Metro, etc.

6. Ferries

Ferry services are offered at certain locations in Spain, which allows tourists to reach some of the prominent tourist attractions in the country. Some popular ferry routes include Cádiz to Gran Canaria, Cádiz to Lanzarote, Cádiz to Tenerife, Huelva to Gran Canaria, etc.

In some Spanish cities, there are a few unique transport options that you can opt for short-distance travel. For instance, if you are looking for ways for getting around in Madrid, you can go with BiciMAD. It is a public transport system comprised of more than 7,500 electric bicycles and 611 stations. Its annual subscription is quite cheap, and the general price is around 1 to 2 euros per hour.

Things to consider when choosing transport options in Spain

Here are some things that you should consider when choosing transport options in Spain;

• Distance: One of the main things you should consider when choosing a transport option in Spain is the total travel destination. For example, you can go with taxis and buses for shorter routes, whereas domestic flights or rail travel is preferable for longer routes.
• Budget: Some transport options are more expensive than others, and you should go with an option that suits your travel budget the best. For example, by travelling by train instead of a domestic flight, you can save a ton of money during your trip. You can then utilise it towards sightseeing or food to maximise your trip experience.
• Comfort: If you are inclined towards comfort while travelling and have a flexible budget, you can consider luxury transport options that fit your requirement. For example, a bus journey can be cheaper, however, it may not be as comfortable as travelling by flight or train.
• Luggage requirement: Some transport modes may have restrictions and regulations on luggage weight and contents. So, make sure to consider an option that complies with your luggage to ensure a smooth trip.
• Safety: While most private and public transport options in Spain are quite safe, it is better to research them prior to travelling. Ensuring a safe and secure journey should be your number one priority when choosing transport options.
• Reliability and convenience: When visiting a beautiful country like Spain, you wouldn’t want to spend more hours on transport than sightseeing or exploring. So, consider a transport option that is easily available, offers frequent rides and takes reasonable travel time.

If you are specifically interested in checking out all the renowned sightseeing points in a city, make sure to sign up for a tourist bus tour. Besides being quite convenient and informative, this type of tour is better for first-time visitors to Spain. They usually go for around 1 to 2 hours and are priced between 25 to 40 euro per head.

Tips for travelling within Spain

If you are visiting Spain for the first time, here are some useful tips that can help you during your journey;

• Get familiar with the travel route: Researching the travel route you are planning on taking beforehand is an essential step you should follow. It will prepare you for what’s to come and reduce the risk of any errors.
• Carry vital documents: When in a foreign country, always carry your personal documents in a safe and accessible position, away from your main luggage. This way, even if you lose your main luggage, you will have your essentials to seek help from the authorities.
• Travel light: Carrying light luggage not only makes your journey easier but helps you save money on baggage fees during transit.
• Understand local currency: Always use local currency to pay for your transport fare. It is widely accepted and can save you from any scam. It is also advised that you research the transport fares in advance.
• Be flexible: Sometimes, depending on the situation, you may have to switch your preferred transport means. So, be flexible and ready to switch modes on the go.

The Valencia Metro has nine lines and is divided into 4 single zones, which are A, B, C and D. You can get a single journey ticket for 1.50 euro or 2.90 euro in return, while multi-zone covering tickets can range from around 2.10 to 3.90 euro. Also, note that in Valencia metro, a 10-journey ticket for a single zone only costs 7.20 euro.

How to save money when travelling within Spain?

Here are some of the best ways to save money while travelling in Spain;

• If you are visiting Spain on a budget, you can save a ton of money on transport by opting for cheaper alternatives. So, instead of domestic flights or private taxis, consider public transport.
• Most major cities in Spain feature several tourist attractions within close proximity. You can consider exploring them on foot or on a bicycle instead of hailing a ride.
• You can find great deals on transport fares online for buses, trains, flights, etc. So, make sure to take the help of the internet for this benefit.
• Make sure to invest in travel insurance which will keep you financially secure against a number of medical and non-medical issues when travelling.
• Consider a reloadable travel card where you can put a minimum balance or set a number of trips. It will allow you to use public transport services like metros and buses for cheaper rates per trip.

One of the best ways to save money for long-distance travel in Spain is by opting for train rides than flights. The national train network of the country, Renfe, is very cheap and reliable. Its high-speed train is called Alta Velocidad or AVE, which can cover the distance between Madrid and Barcelona, about 311 miles, in less than 3 hours. This ride is also quite affordable, costing just 50 euro per person. Renfe also offers children, aged 12 and below, a 50% discount on the base train fare.

Conclusion

Spain is a fascinating international holiday destination, suitable for a visit throughout the year. If you have it as the waypoint of your foreign trip, consider the transport options and tips mentioned above for a smooth holiday. Whether it's transport or international travel insurance, always plan ahead for your vacations to get the most out of your tourism experience.

FAQs

1. Are there any discounts on public transportation in Spain?

Yes. There are some discounts on public transportation in Spain, which mainly includes infants under 4, children under 14, students, seniors over 60, people with disabilities, large families, etc.

2. What is the best way to travel to Madrid from Barcelona?

The best way to travel to Madrid from Barcelona is by train, which takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

3. What are the transport options available in Seville?

If you are visiting Seville, the transport options you get access to include bike, taxi, metro, bus, rental car, etc.

4. Are there ride-hailing apps in Spain?

Yes. There are ride-hailing apps in Spain, and the most popular one is called Cabify.