🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Spain
✈️ Flying to Spain
Main Airports
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) - Spain's largest international hub, 12km from Madrid city center. Modern, efficient, connected via metro, train, and bus.
Other Major International Airports:
- Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) - Second busiest, gateway to Catalonia and Mediterranean
- Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) - Andalusia's main hub, perfect for southern Spain
- Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) - Costa Blanca gateway, eastern Mediterranean coast
💡 Insider Tip
Fly into Seville or Granada airports for direct Andalusian access—often cheaper than Madrid-Barajas and skip the train journey south.
🚆 From Madrid Airport to City Center
Metro (Cheapest & Fastest)
Line 8 runs every 5 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios station. Journey time: 12-15 minutes. Ticket: €4.50-5 (includes airport supplement).
Cercanías Train
Direct service from Terminal 4 to Atocha and Chamartín stations. Journey time: 25-35 minutes. Ticket: €2.60.
Taxi
Fixed-price taxis available. Journey time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: €30 flat rate to city center.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from Morocco—Tangier to Tarifa (35 min) or Algeciras (1 hour). Around €35-55. Popular route. FRS, Baleària, Inter Shipping. North Africa gateway.
Ferry from UK—Portsmouth/Plymouth to Santander/Bilbao (20-24 hours). Around €100-250. Brittany Ferries. Alternative to flying for road trippers.
Train from France—high-speed AVE connects Paris-Barcelona (6.5 hours) and Paris-Madrid (10 hours via Barcelona). Scenic but expensive.
Land borders: France (Pyrenees), Portugal (west), Gibraltar (UK territory, south). Multiple road crossings open year-round. Popular driving routes.
Spain is well-connected to Europe by rail, road, sea. Flying usually cheapest and fastest for most travelers.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Schengen visa rules apply—your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Spain →🚗 Getting Around Spain
Trains (Renfe)
Spain's train network connects major cities efficiently. High-speed AVE trains run between Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia. Book in advance for best prices at renfe.com
Buses (Long Distance)
Extensive bus network covering areas trains don't reach. Main operators: ALSA, Avanza. Essential for reaching smaller towns and coastal areas.
Domestic Flights
Iberia, Vueling, Ryanair operate domestic flights. Worth considering for long distances (e.g., Madrid to Seville, Barcelona to Málaga).
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Consider the Spain Rail Pass for multiple train journeys. Available for 4, 6, 8, or 10 days of travel within one month. Great value for extensive travel.
🚋 Local Transportation in Madrid
Madrid Metro is extensive and efficient—12 lines covering the city and suburbs.
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: €1.50-2 (varies by zones)
- 10-journey ticket: €12.20 (better value)
- Tourist Pass: €8.40 for 1 day, €26.80 for 5 days
Barcelona has integrated metro, bus, and tram. T-10 ticket (€11.35) gives 10 journeys—best value for tourists.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended for exploring Andalusian white villages, northern coast, rural areas at your own pace.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Tolls (peajes) on major highways—bring cash or credit card
- Watch for narrow streets in old town centers
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 90-100 km/h (rural roads), 120 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies available at airports and city centers
⚠️ Parking Tips
Historic city centers have restricted zones. Blue lines = paid parking, green = residents, yellow = loading only. Park outside and walk or metro in.
🚗 Book a Rental Car in Spain
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: Renfe offers cheaper fares when booked in advance (up to 60% off)
- Use ALSA buses: Budget bus option, significantly cheaper than trains for long distances
- City tourist cards: Madrid/Barcelona cards include transport + museum entry—calculate if worth it
- Rent outside airports: City-center car rental often cheaper than airport pickup
- Compare car rental sites: Prices can vary significantly between platforms