Public transport in Spain

In most cities you buy a rechargeable electronic card (such as the standalone card in Madrid after registering personal data, and the T-casual in Barcelona for a set of journeys) or a monthly or three-monthly pass (abono) at a very reduced price supported by the state, and you sometimes need to register with personal data and a photo or NIE.

• You validate the card on entering the metro gate, and on the device in the bus.
• For travelling by city bus you can sometimes pay by bank card or phone.
• Single tickets are available at higher cost.
• Inspectors are widespread so always carry your ticket, and travelling without a valid ticket exposes you to a big fine on the spot.
• Some cities require zones (zonas) that determine the price, so make sure of your zone when buying.

Since 2023 the government and regions have subsidised public transport passes: there is a single pass (abono único) at twenty-nine euros for some groups, a reduction for young people under twenty-three with passes at symbolic prices in Madrid and elsewhere, and discounts for the elderly, large families, the unemployed and students.

• Passes have registration conditions, so ask the transport company in your city and the Consorcio Regional de Transportes.
• And government offers renewed annually and immediately provide discounts on trains (Cercanías and Rodalies) free for some distances, so check recent news.
• Compare the monthly pass with buying single journeys, since the pass is cheaper for someone who travels every day.

Renfe runs the national trains: Cercanías for suburbs, Media Distancia, Alvia, Avant and the high-speed AVE, in addition to new companies such as Ouigo and Iryo at competitive prices on lines between big cities.

• Buy tickets in advance via companies' sites or apps since prices rise near the travel date, and discounts are available for youth cards (Carné Joven) and families.
• Seats are assigned on high-speed trains, and bags are scanned when entering AVE stations.
• For planning use Google Maps, Moovit and Citymapper apps and the companies' apps, and comparison tools such as Trainline.
• And for intercity buses there are companies such as Alsa and FlixBus at lower prices.

Let passengers alight before boarding, step away from the door, and give your seat to the elderly, pregnant women and disabled people.

• Lowering the voice and not listening to music without headphones is expected.
• Light eating is allowed on trains, but smoking is not.
• In the metro people stand on the right on escalators and leave the left for those in a hurry.
• Taxis are available in the streets and via apps (Free Now and Cabify), with meters and set fares, and you can often pay by card.
• Uber is available in some cities.
• And rental bikes (BiciMAD and Bicing) are widespread in big cities by subscription, and bike lanes are increasing.
• And when driving respect the strict speed and parking rules.

Holders of a driving licence from an EU state can drive in Spain without exchange.

• Licences of other states are valid for driving in Spain for six months from your entry or residence, and afterwards must be exchanged for a Spanish licence (canje) if there is an exchange agreement between the two countries, or by passing the Spanish driving test (theory and practical) at the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT).
• The exchange requires an appointment, a medical check, your licence translated and legalised, photos, a form and a fee.
• Not all countries have an exchange agreement, so check the list of countries at the DGT.
• Driving without a valid licence or compulsory insurance is a serious offence.
• And a car requires compulsory insurance, periodic inspection (ITV) and tax (IVTM).

What is an abono?