Round-trip train tickets in Spain are about 20 percent cheaper than two one-way fares . Advance-purchase discounts for expensive AVE trains are available about 60 days ahead. ... Consider skipping the train: Buses tend to be cheaper than trains, and are sometimes also faster and/or more frequent for certain connections.
Is public transport expensive in Spain?
In Spain, public transport by bus is operated locally , which means that bus fares vary from city to city. In general, a single ticket costs around €1.40 to €1.60, though some cities (such as Barcelona) charge over €2 for a ticket.
Are trains in Spain expensive?
Tickets for AVE trains are by far the most expensive . ... Buying a return ticket often gives you a 10% to 20% discount on the return trip. Students and people up to 26 years of age with a Euro<26 Card (Carnet Joven in Spain) are entitled to 20% to 25% off most ticket prices.
Are trains in Spain good?
Spain has a good train network with the most high-speed trains anywhere in Europe, and with good connections to France and Portugal.
How is the train system in Spain?
Spain’s high-speed rail network is efficient, comprehensive, and blisteringly fast . The AVE trains will catapult you between major cities at over 180 miles per hour. If you’re traveling between Madrid, Barcelona and France, look for the Renfe-SNCF trains; if you’re traveling to Portugal, look for Internacional trains.
What is the best way to travel around Spain?
The best way to travel long distances in Spain is to book the high-speed train or AVE (Alta Velocidad) which run between most major cities. A train ride from Barcelona to Madrid covers some 500km (311 miles) in just 2hrs 40 minutes, while a train from Madrid to Seville takes around the same time.
Is it easy to get around in Spain?
Given its well-designed and prompt public transportation network and a highway system that’s easy for drivers to follow, Spain is a simple destination to navigate. Nearly the entire country is covered by rail lines — some of them high-speed — and by bus routes that safely carry you between big cities and towns.
What does AVE stand for in Spain?
Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) is a service of high-speed rail in Spain operated by Renfe, the Spanish national railway company, at speeds of up to 310 km/h (193 mph).
Is there a train from Spain to Portugal?
No, there is no direct train from Spain to Portugal . However, there are services departing from Sol and arriving at Lisboa – Santa Apolonia via Madrid-Atocha Cercanias, Badajoz and Entroncamento. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 11h 52m.
Can I travel by train in Spain?
Spain is perfectly set up for train travel . It may be a large and diverse country, but it always feels as if you’re a scenic high-speed train ride away from the next big adventure – whether you’re devouring pintxos in Basque Country, or marveling at the white villages of Andalucía.
How can I go to Spain without flying?
The fastest route is to take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International Railway Station then change in Paris to catch a high speed train to Figueres, Girona and Barcelona. From Barcelona there are trains throughout Spain, including to Madrid and south to destinations such as Cordoba, Seville and Malaga.
How fast is the AVE train in Spain?
With 3,100km of track the Spanish high-speed AVE trains operate on the longest high-speed network in Europe. Running at speeds of up to 310 km/h this extensive network allows for fast connections between cities in Spain. Travel from Madrid to Barcelona in less than 3 hours!
What should I avoid in Spain?
- Don’t expect to eat early. ...
- Do not rush or take punctuality too seriously. ...
- Do not get involved in discussions about regionalism. ...
- Don’t limit yourself to Costa del Sol. ...
- Do not call a Catalan Spanish. ...
- Do not expect to see Flamenco everywhere. ...
- Don’t bring too many clothes.
How much money should I bring to Spain for a week?
How much money will you need for your trip to Spain? You should plan to spend around €119 ($141) per day on your vacation in Spain, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €32 ($37) on meals for one day and €22 ($26) on local transportation.
How can I get around Spain cheap?
Flying a budget airline between Spanish cities is almost always cheaper than taking the high-speed train, and a good portion of the time, it’s cheaper than taking a slow train. If the trains, buses, and flights don’t go where you want to go when you want to go, arrange a rideshare with Bla Bla Car instead.
