Spain has one of the most efficient, modern and traveler-friendly transportation systems in Europe. Whether you are exploring major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, discovering coastal towns, visiting Andalusia’s historic cities or traveling between islands, you will find a reliable network of high-speed trains, metros, intercity buses, ferries, domestic flights and easy-to-use local transport options.
This guide explains every mode of transportation in Spain, including prices, tickets, passes, airport transfers, long-distance travel, driving rules and insider tips. It is written for both first-time travelers and returning visitors who want to move around Spain with confidence.
It also connects with the rest of our Spain travel pages:
How to Travel Around Spain
Spain’s transportation system is divided into several major categories:
- High-speed trains (AVE, AVLO, OUIGO): Fast and comfortable travel between major cities.
- Regional & local trains (Renfe Media Distancia & Cercanías): Ideal for short-distance travel.
- Long-distance buses: Affordable and extensive coverage.
- Domestic flights: Essential for Canary Islands, Balearics and long distances.
- Ferries: Connect mainland with islands.
- City metros & trams: Fast urban transportation.
- Taxis & rideshare: Easy and widely available.
- Car rentals: Best for rural areas and scenic drives.
1. High-Speed Trains (AVE, AVLO, OUIGO)
Spain’s high-speed rail network is one of the largest in the world. Trains connect major cities at speeds up to 300 km/h, offering a clean, comfortable and efficient way to travel.
Main High-Speed Routes
- Madrid → Barcelona (2.5 hours)
- Madrid → Seville (2.5 hours)
- Madrid → Valencia (1.5 hours)
- Barcelona → Valencia (3 hours)
- Madrid → Málaga (2.5 hours)
- Madrid → Alicante (2–2.5 hours)
- Madrid → Zaragoza (1.5 hours)
Train Companies
- AVE: Premium Renfe high-speed trains with comfort, café, Wi-Fi.
- AVLO: Renfe’s low-cost high-speed service.
- OUIGO: French low-cost operator with very cheap fares.
Ticket Prices
- Madrid–Barcelona: €20–€80 (depending on class and time)
- Madrid–Valencia: €10–€40
- Madrid–Seville: €20–€75
Book early for best prices. Last-minute AVE tickets are expensive, while AVLO and OUIGO offer excellent deals.
2. Regional & Local Trains
Renfe’s Cercanías (commuter trains) and Media Distancia (regional trains) connect suburbs, smaller towns and nearby cities.
Cercanías Cities
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Seville
- Málaga
- Bilbao
- Santander
These trains are reliable, cheap and ideal for day trips, commuting and exploring surrounding regions.
3. Long-Distance Buses
Spain has excellent long-distance bus companies that offer budget-friendly travel when trains are expensive or unavailable.
Main Bus Companies
- ALSA: Largest national network.
- Avanza: Central and Mediterranean routes.
- Socibus: Andalusia routes.
Typical Prices
- Madrid → Granada: €15–€25
- Barcelona → Valencia: €12–€20
- Madrid → Porto (Portugal): €25–€35
Buses are slower than trains, but still comfortable, modern and cost-effective.
4. Domestic Flights
Flying is the best option for long distances or island travel.
When Flights Make Sense
- Traveling to the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote).
- Traveling to the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca).
- Cross-country routes like Barcelona → Seville.
Main Airlines
- Iberia
- Vueling
- Air Europa
- Ryanair
- EasyJet
Average Prices
- Madrid → Tenerife: €40–€120
- Barcelona → Mallorca: €20–€60
5. Ferries
Ferries connect mainland Spain with the Balearic and Canary Islands, as well as routes to Morocco and Italy.
Main Routes
- Barcelona → Mallorca / Menorca / Ibiza
- Valencia → Ibiza / Mallorca
- Cádiz → Canary Islands
- Algeciras → Morocco (Tangier)
Companies
- BALÉARIA
- Trasmed
- Fred Olsen Express
6. City Transportation (Metro, Tram & Bus)
Almost every major Spanish city has efficient public transportation.
Cities With Metro Systems
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Bilbao
- Seville (Light Metro)
Metro is fast, reliable and affordable — ideal for tourists.
Madrid Metro
- One of Europe’s largest metro networks
- Runs from 06:00 to 01:30
- Tickets: €1.50–€2 (depending on zones)
Barcelona Metro
- Extensive coverage across the city
- Safe and clean
- Tickets: €2.40 per journey
7. Taxis & Rideshare
Taxis are regulated and safe, with fixed pricing. Rideshare services are widely available except in some restricted zones.
Available Services
- Uber
- Cabify
- Bolt
- Local taxis (white with red stripe in Madrid, black/yellow in Barcelona)
Average Prices
- Airport → City Center (Madrid): €30 flat rate
- Airport → City Center (Barcelona): €30–€35
8. Renting a Car
Renting a car is the best way to explore rural Spain, small towns, vineyards and beaches.
Best Regions for Driving
- Andalusia (White Villages Route)
- Costa Brava
- Basque Country coastal roads
- La Rioja wine region
Rules to Know
- Driving is on the right side.
- Speed limits: 120 km/h on highways.
- Roundabouts work clockwise.
- Parking zones are color-coded.
9. Airport Transportation
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
- Metro: Fast and cheap.
- Cercanías Train: Convenient for city center.
- Taxi: €30 fixed rate.
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
- Aerobús: Direct shuttle to the center.
- Metro Line L9: Airport connection.
- Train (R2 Nord): Fast and cheap.
Seville, Valencia, Málaga
Each has efficient buses or train links, usually €3–€5 to the center.
10. Transportation Costs in Spain
Spain is generally affordable for transportation. Here are realistic prices:
- Metro ride: €1.50–€2.50
- City bus: €1.30–€2
- High-speed train: €15–€80
- Taxi: €1–€2 per km
- Car rental: €25–€45/day
When Is the Best Time to Travel Internally?
Transportation is easiest in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). Summer is busy — book trains early. Winter is great for budget flights and fewer crowds.
