Traveling Around Spain by Train, Plane, Bus, or Boat

Exploring destinations across Spain is simple and convenient, whether you choose to travel by land, air, or sea. The country's efficient multi-modal public transport system has seen significant upgrades in recent years.

Spain is also praised for its universally accessible travel. Visitors with mobility challenges find it easier to get around compared to many other European nations. The public transport infrastructure—including trains, buses, and terminals—is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring designated spaces and adaptations for individuals of all ages with disabilities or mobility issues.

Navigate Spain effortlessly with its extensive train network

RENFE is the national railway operator in Spain, running around 5,000 trains daily across the nation. For long-distance travel, the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) is the quickest option, primarily departing from Madrid and reaching many major cities throughout the country.

AVE trains offer a comfortable, efficient, and incredibly fast experience, traveling at speeds up to 310 km/h (192.6 mph). They connect Madrid to Barcelona—over 600 kilometers apart—in just 2.5 hours.

The RENFE Alvia trains also serve high-speed routes connecting northern cities to Madrid, stopping along the way. For closer day trips, the RENFE Avant mid-distance trains and the Media Distancia trains provide the most efficient travel options.

The latest addition to RENFE's offerings is the budget-friendly Avlo trains. These are ideal for passengers with reduced mobility, featuring level entrances to carriages and H seats for wheelchair users, as well as accessible toilets for individuals with disabilities.

Buses are the most budget-friendly option

For travelers watching their expenses, taking the bus is the most economical way to explore Spain, even if it involves longer travel times. It's also the choice of locals due to its convenience, affordable fares, and access to smaller towns that trains don’t reach.

Every Spanish city has multiple bus service providers, many of which offer a comfortable journey with reclining seats and onboard wifi, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable travel experience over long distances.

While you can buy tickets directly from the bus driver, it's advisable to book and purchase them ahead of time. Be aware that the most popular routes and times fill up quickly.

Tip for locating a bus service To discover which bus services are available at your departure location, Movelia.es offers the most extensive information on national (and even international) bus routes, schedules, and ticket purchases, all in multiple languages.

Flights are ideal for reaching Spain's outlying islands

Flying is the fastest way to travel within Spain and the best option for accessing its distant archipelagos — popular tourist destinations like the Balearic Islands to the east or the Canary Islands in the Atlantic. Spain boasts regular domestic flights connecting its nearly 60 airports, with the main ones being Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport and Barcelona’s El Prat Airport.

Iberia Airlines serves as Spain’s national airline, frequently offering reasonably priced tickets when booked in advance. Its low-cost subsidiary Vueling also provides several domestic flights daily at competitive prices, often in partnership with Iberia.

Opt for a leisurely journey – explore Spain by boat

Numerous major cities and islands in Spain serve as vital cruise ports, including Barcelona, Cádiz, Valencia, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca, and Las Palmas in the Canary Islands. If you’re not pressed for time, taking a boat or ferry across the Mediterranean or Atlantic is a delightful, though slower, travel option. It’s also ideal for those wanting to transport their car, motorbike, or bicycle on board.

Spain's primary ferry companies, Baleària and Trasmediterránea, provide regular services from mainland cities and hourly connections between the Balearic Islands (linking Ibiza, Mallorca, Formentera, and Menorca) as well as the eight main Canary Islands. Passengers can choose to reserve seats or book cabins with beds for added comfort.

Embrace eco-friendly travel with Spain's carpooling options

Carpooling services offer a popular and sustainable way to navigate Spain's cities and regional areas. BlaBla Car is the leading platform for booking shared rides to various destinations across the country. If you're driving and looking for companionship (or want to share fuel costs), you can list your own rides, pick-up locations, and prices on the BlaBla Car website.

This not only provides a budget-friendly way to travel long distances, but also allows you to connect with locals and practice your Spanish skills!

Transportation options for everyone in Spain

Spain stands out as a highly accessible and inclusive travel destination for individuals with reduced mobility. All airports across the country offer complimentary assistance services for passengers with disabilities, from arrival to security checks and baggage claim. These services can be arranged through AENA, the state-owned operator of Spain's airports.

If you're traveling by train, RENFE’s Atendo service provides free assistance for passengers needing help with transitioning between stations and boarding or disembarking from trains.

In major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona, transport terminals and stations are largely designed to offer passengers complete autonomy. For instance, Madrid’s Metro has implemented universal accessibility features across all its stations, with more than half fully accessible via lifts and ramps for wheelchair users. Additionally, step edges are reinforced, and elevator signage and handrails include Braille. In Barcelona, the entire metro system is accessible except for two of its 165 stations, featuring advanced tools for visually impaired individuals, such as directional devices and luminous door signals. Local buses have also been modified for accessibility, equipped with tilting mechanisms, ramps, reserved spaces for wheelchairs and strollers, and Braille-embossed stop buttons.