Spain (ES)

Spain is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy of 17 autonomous communities stretching from the sun-scorched Andalusian coast to the Pyrenean peaks, renowned for its passionate flamenco and football culture, world-famous gastronomy from tapas to Michelin-starred restaurants, 300+ days of sunshine on the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands, and a relaxed Mediterranean pace of life that consistently ranks it among Europe's most desirable destinations for expats.

Capital: Madrid

Region: Europe

Language: Spanish

Currency: EUR (€)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 55)

Emergency: 112

Getting Around

Transport options for living in Spain.

Public Transport Overview

Spain has excellent urban public transport in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Bilbao (metro, bus, tram, Cercanías suburban rail). Intercity rail is dominated by Renfe and three AVE high-speed operators (Renfe, Iryo, Ouigo) — Madrid–Barcelona in 2h30 from €9 when booked early. Since 2022, free/heavily discounted Cercanías and Media Distancia passes have encouraged commuter rail use; in 2026 discounts continue at around 50%.

Main operators:

Renfe (national rail, AVE, Cercanías, Media Distancia)ALSA (long-distance bus)Metro de Madrid / EMT MadridTMB (Barcelona metro + buses)MetrovalenciaMetro BilbaoIryo (private AVE)Ouigo (low-cost AVE, SNCF)FlixBus

🎫 Transit Passes

Abono Transportes Madrid (Zona A) €32.70/month (adults 26–64, 40% subsidy through 2026); Abono Joven (under 26): €10/month all zones; Over 65: free

Unlimited metro, EMT buses, Cercanías, and regional Renfe within Zone A (central Madrid).

💡 Issued on a personal TTP contactless card from any metro customer service point. 2026 subsidy is unchanged from 2025 — Community of Madrid confirmed extension through Dec 31, 2026.

T-Usual Barcelona €21.35/month (2026, subsidised)

30 consecutive days of unlimited travel on metro, bus, tram, FGC and Rodalies within Zone 1 (Barcelona).

💡 Load on a T-mobilitat personalised card. Also available: T-Jove (€40/90 days, under 30) and T-Casual (10 single trips).

Abono joven (youth pass) Free or €10–20/month (Madrid, various regions)

Unlimited public transport for residents under 26.

💡 Huge discount — often free in Madrid since 2022. Apply with your NIE/TIE and empadronamiento.

Renfe + Cercanías free pass Free (refundable €10 deposit)

Unlimited Cercanías + Rodalies + Media Distancia travel on the registered route, renewed every 4 months.

💡 Must use the pass at least 16 times in the 4-month period or lose the €10 deposit. Continues into 2026 at 50% discount.

Renfe Tarjeta Dorada €6/year

25–40% discount on Renfe long-distance, AVE, Cercanías for seniors (60+) and people with disabilities.

💡 Great value. Buy at any Renfe ticket office.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are metered. Starting fare €2.50–4 in most cities. Short city rides €6–15. Airport supplements of €3–6. Free Now, Cabify and Bolt cover most cities with app-based taxi + ride-hail. Always request a receipt ("un recibo, por favor").

Rideshare (Long-distance)

BlaBlaCar is the main intercity rideshare platform. Uber operates in Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Málaga. Cabify is the strongest local alternative.

Cycling

Bike-sharing: BiciMAD (Madrid), Bicing (Barcelona), Sevici (Seville) — €25–60/year annual subs. Cycle lanes have expanded rapidly in Valencia, Vitoria, and San Sebastián. Helmet mandatory outside urban areas; under 16 always. Helmets optional within city limits for adults.

Intercity Trains

Renfe AVE is Europe’s second-largest high-speed network. Madrid–Barcelona 2h30, Madrid–Seville 2h30, Madrid–Valencia 1h40. Book online at renfe.com, Iryo or Ouigo 30–60 days ahead for cheapest fares (€9–19).

Driving

Spain drives on the right. Urban 50 km/h (30 km/h on single-lane streets from 2021 RD 970/2020). Secondary roads 90 km/h. Motorways (autovías/autopistas) 120 km/h. Most autopistas abolished tolls by 2022; remaining tolls in Catalonia, Basque Country. Winter tyres or chains mandatory when signposted in mountains.

Airports

Major airports: Madrid Barajas (MAD), Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Málaga (AGP), Alicante (ALC), Valencia (VLC), Bilbao (BIO), Seville (SVQ). All connected to city centres by metro, Cercanías or express bus. Taxis from MAD to Puerta del Sol: flat rate €33.