How do people get around in Spain without a car?

How do most people get around in Spain? Spain's railways are the fastest ways to cross long distances with most lines converging in Madrid. High-speed trains and slower regional trains provide locals and visitors a quick, comfortable, and convenient way to explore the country.



Spain boasts one of the most efficient and comprehensive public transportation networks in Europe, making it exceptionally easy to navigate without a car. The crown jewel is the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) high-speed rail network, operated primarily by Renfe but now joined by competitors like Ouigo and Iryo. These trains connect major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia in just a few hours. For regional travel, "Cercanías" commuter trains serve metropolitan areas. Complementing the rail is an extensive intercity bus network, with companies like ALSA offering affordable and frequent service even to remote white-washed villages that lack train stations. Within major cities, the Metro (subway) systems in Madrid and Barcelona are world-class, and most cities offer robust public bike-sharing programs like BiciMAD. Taxis and ridesharing apps like Cabify and FreeNow are also widely available, providing a seamless "last-mile" solution for car-free travelers.

People Also Ask

Travelling by train 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.

MORE DETAILS

Public Transportation
  • Train: Train travel is a popular way to get around. ...
  • Bus: Bus is also popular for getting around Spain. ...
  • Taxi Cab: A taxi cab rental is available in most Spain cities.


MORE DETAILS

Use public transportation, but skip the tourist ticket Public transportation in Spain is affordable, clean and as relatively reliable as anywhere else in the world. Whenever possible, opt for the bus or metro over a cab, but think twice before you buy that unlimited multiday pass.

MORE DETAILS

Cabify – the best Uber alternative in Spain Operating much like Uber, Cabify is one of the most commonly used alternatives to Uber in Spain. Cabify is available in Alicante, A Coruña, Barcelona, Benidorm, Madrid, Málaga, Marbella, Murcia, Santander, Seville, Valencia, and Zaragoza.

MORE DETAILS

Uber in Spain operates in exactly the same way that it does in every country. Therefore, if you already have the app downloaded and an active account – away you go. However, if you haven't used the platform yet you will need to download the app from your app store (find it for Android here and Apple here).

MORE DETAILS

What is this? In terms of practical considerations, Spain offers a high standard of living combined with a relatively affordable cost of living—Numbeo pegs the cost of living in Spain at 31.68% lower than in the United States. The healthcare system is excellent, with both public and private options available.

MORE DETAILS

You should plan to spend around €150 ($161) 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, €40 ($42) on meals for one day and €27 ($29) on local transportation.

MORE DETAILS

The cheapest time to visit Spain is usually from December to March, though you can also enjoy affordable flights and hotels in early spring and late autumn. The winter months see many vibrant markets and activities dedicated to annual celebrations such as Christmas, Carnival, and New Year's Eve.

MORE DETAILS

Italy vs Spain: cost To stretch your travel budget, Spain is typically slightly more affordable than Italy, even in expensive cities like Madrid.

MORE DETAILS

While the cost of living can vary depending on location and personal preferences, Portugal tends to be slightly cheaper than Spain for accommodation, food, and transportation. Both countries offer beautiful scenery, rich culture, and delicious food, making them great destinations for travelers on a budget.

MORE DETAILS

If you're by yourself, you can live on €1,000 per month in Spain. This includes room rent, groceries, health insurance, rare use of public transport, eating out a few times a month and shopping moderately.

MORE DETAILS

In Short: Uber's service in Barcelona is spotty at best due to its ambiguous legality. Better to use taxis in Barcelona, they are plentiful, efficient, and cheap. Thank you SO MUCH Scudder, Enric and Carlos.

MORE DETAILS

They have a green light that is on when they are free. To hail a taxi all you need to do is raise your hand. There are also several taxi ranks around the city, indicated by a blue sign with a white letter 'T'. Taxis must be taken from the corresponding ranks at railway and bus stations and at the airport.

MORE DETAILS

All rides are geolocated and we reveal the identity of every driver so you feel safe. You can select a contact to send your location to automatically anytime you request a Cabify ride. With our safety button, you can contact us, call emergency services, or share your ride. We are with you every on every ride!

MORE DETAILS