Traveling through out Spain, like any country, has its own peculiarities and ways of doing things. To avoid the many mistakes that many make, including us, this page will provide you with all the ins and outs of the various modes of traveling in Spain. Its important to know that for the most part, we will not provide any hotel suggestions because, well, everyone is very different in what they consider to be an acceptable hotel or rental. Please read on and save yourself hours if not days of grief!
As a mention, unlike many countries like the United States, the train, major roadways, trams, airports and bus lines along with the car rental places are in great shape and well run. And also very safe.
NOTE: Taxi or Uber, that is the question! Each city in Spain is different. Some cities love uber, others hate it. You just need to find out by trying to book each, and compare price and pick up times. I suggest you always do this, especially at airports because the price difference can be substantial.
Note: When renting a car, always get the basic insurance. Any issues in Spain could ruin your holiday taking you tons of time to work out. Also, the fees they charge for one way drop off are outrageous. Keep that in mind. Lastly, always check with your rental company regarding tolls charged on the route you are taking. Some tolls require the car to be equipped with auto toll charges, which your rental company can set up for you.
Travel by Car
As the photos prove, there are some interesting aspects when traveling by car in Spain. But don’t let all the other websites scare the steering wheel out of you, because the roads in Spain for the most part are better than in most countries, including the USA. And the driving rules are pretty much just like the USA too. Here’s the important stuff to know…
When renting a car, most rental agencies require a valid drivers license from your country of primary residence, and if not a EU citizen, an international drivers license. Don’t freak out, its easy to get one, just go here and apply in advance for yours for 20 dollars. https://www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html
For entering many smaller towns and villages, as well as large cities, street parking is rare if non-existent! Make sure any hotel you book have parking available, or you’ll spend hours trying to find a spot or a parking lot.
Keep in mind that much of Spain is mountainous, so if you’re from the flatlands, it may be a bit of a challenge.
For rental cars, it pays to check around for prices. Rental car companies off the airport, in town and out of the airport are often way cheaper.
Travel by Bus
I won’t lie, we rarely travel by bus since the trains and planes in Spain are so affordable, accessible and easy. However, there are times when the only way to get from point A to point B was by bus. All in all, the intercity buses are modern, comfortable, safe and have bathrooms. So no worries. You usually have to get to one of several bus stations or pick up places, but that’s rarely an issue. And it is a great and relaxing way to see the countryside.
For the city tour buses, they are entitle jump on, jump off and are a sure fire way to get around the larger cities without having to walk yourself to death like my wife makes me do! The costs are reasonable but make sure you note where you got off, so you can get back there to get on again!
Travel by Plane
Let’s face it, traveling by plane is still the fastest, and in Spain it is often the cheapest. Iberia and Ryan Air are the big dogs in air travel, with Iberia being well run and reasonably comfortable and Ryan Air being really low cost, horribly run and as comfortable as the Spanish Inquisition! But cheap, so hard to beat…
Always, and I mean always, check to see if travel by air will be more affordable in time, cost and hassle as compared to train, bus, tram, covered wagon or car. It often turns out it is! Also, many Spain airports can be reached via a train line so no expensive taxis or Ubers to take.
Note: Almost all airport do not list the exact gate to board your flight until an hour or so before departure. And then you need to be there to get in line an hour or so before departure. Get it??? So stay vigilant. And get to your airport about 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international.
Travel by Train
Unlike some countries like the United States, train travel is Spain is the way most people get around. Whether it’s from one close town to another or all the way across the country. It would be a lie to say all the trains are state of the art, but we have found all of them to be acceptable and all have bathrooms, with the high speed trains and longer distance trains having good club cars for food and booze, uh drinks. Most of the train stations are not only functional, but many are standing works of art too. And many have good spots to grab a bite and a drink either there or to go. Many also have fully functioning ticket offices that can help you book the tickets you need. You can book online but you will either pay more, get an almost non-functioning website or get totally frustrated.
A few things to keep in mind. We recommend going a day or two before your trip to book you tickets. Always make sure to ask for either first (primero) or second (segundo) class if they have it. And when you see your track listed 20 or so minutes before your train arrives, always check your trains number with the listing board. Sometimes they will have two different trains going to the same city or route.
Trams, Bikes & Boats
I put these categories together because there’s not a whole lot to get into, I mean, it’s kind of like riding a bike. I mean, it is, and so it’s not too complicated.
Bikes: Many of Spain’s cities cater to bikes with marked bike lanes, etc.… And it is a great way to get around. Just keep in mind that you always need to be vigilant of cars and always, and I mean always lock your bike up, even for a second, or it will be gone! There are many great places to rent or buy bikes too.
Trams: Some cities in Spain have trams, which can quickly, conveniently and cheaply take you all over the local city or beyond. I recommend locating the main tram station and taking a photo of the route map, and then go to the ticket office and buy a multi-trip ticket. Almost all have entrance kiosks where you need to scan your card or ticket to enter and exit. Note: If you are traveling with a ticket rather than a card DO NOT throw your ticket away on boarding, chances are you will need it to exit at your destination.
Boats/Ferry: What can I say, you go to the ferry or boat office at the marina, book a ticket, show up, board and go. Many of Spain’s coastal towns have ferry’s that go across the bay, across the channel or across the ocean to Africa. No kidding. Just check online or go to the local marina and ask.