Practical Guide to Public Transportation in Spain

Published on October 2, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Spain boasts a modern and well-developed public transportation network, offering numerous options for getting around cities and between regions easily. Whether you’re a newly arrived expatriate or a passing traveler, this guide will help you master Spanish transportation like a true local. Discover the different available modes of transport, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the budget to plan for your daily commutes.

A High-Speed Rail Network Worthy of the Best

Spain can pride itself on having one of the most efficient rail networks in Europe. At the heart of this system is the AVE (Alta Velocidad Española), the Spanish high-speed train that connects the country’s main cities at speeds of up to 310 km/h.

The AVE is the national pride in transportation. Imagine yourself comfortably seated in a spacious seat, speeding through Spain’s varied landscapes, from Madrid to Barcelona in just 2 hours and 30 minutes, or from the capital to Seville in barely more time. It’s fast, it’s comfortable, and it’s an experience in itself.

But the AVE isn’t the only player in Spanish rail. The network also includes regional and commuter trains, called Cercanías, which serve metropolitan areas and their surroundings. These trains are perfect for the daily commutes of workers and students.

Good to know: If you plan to use trains frequently in Spain, inquire about the discount cards offered by Renfe (the national railway company). They can save you up to 60% on your tickets!

The Metro: The Lifeline of Major Spanish Cities

In large cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, or Bilbao, the metro is the king of transportation for getting around quickly and efficiently. These underground networks are typically extensive, well-maintained, and easy to use, even for beginners.

The Madrid Metro, for example, is one of the largest in Europe with its 12 lines and over 300 stations. It allows you to reach almost any point in the capital in record time. In Barcelona, the metro is just as efficient, with 8 lines covering the city and its suburbs.

One of the great advantages of the Spanish metro is its frequency. During peak hours, you typically won’t have to wait more than 3 to 5 minutes between trains. Additionally, the stations are often true works of art, with modern designs or historical frescoes worth seeing.

For expatriates, the metro is often the most convenient and economical means of transport for daily commutes. Monthly or annual subscriptions offer very advantageous rates, especially if you combine them with other modes of transport.

Urban Buses: To Explore Every Corner of the City

If the metro is ideal for long trips, urban buses are perfect for exploring Spanish city neighborhoods in detail. Each major city has its own bus network, typically well-developed and covering even areas not served by the metro.

In Madrid, for example, the EMT (Empresa Municipal de Transportes) manages over 200 bus lines that crisscross the city day and night. In Barcelona, the TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) bus network is just as extensive, with regular buses and high-level service buses that have dedicated lanes to avoid traffic jams.

One of the advantages of Spanish buses is their accessibility. Most are equipped with ramps for people with reduced mobility and have information screens indicating the next stops. Additionally, many cities have implemented mobile apps allowing you to track bus arrivals at your stop in real time.

For expatriates, buses are often included in combined transport subscriptions, thus offering great travel flexibility. This is especially convenient if you live or work in an area less well-served by the metro.

The Tramway: The Alliance of Charm and Efficiency

Although less widespread than the metro or bus, the tramway is experiencing a revival in several Spanish cities. It’s a mode of transport that combines the efficiency of modern public transport with the charm of a historic vehicle.

In Valencia, for example, the tramway has become an essential element of the urban landscape. With its six lines, it efficiently serves the city and its suburbs, offering a pleasant alternative to the metro or car. In Barcelona, the Trambaix and Trambesòs complement the metro network by serving less central areas.

One of the great advantages of the tramway is its comfort. The vehicles are generally spacious, air-conditioned, and offer a panoramic view of the city. Moreover, running on the surface, they allow you to enjoy the urban landscape while moving.

For expatriates, the tramway can be an interesting option, especially if it serves your workplace or residential neighborhood. It’s often included in combined transport subscriptions, allowing you to use it in addition to the metro or bus at no extra cost.

Bike-Sharing: Pedal for Your Health and the Planet’s

More and more Spanish cities are implementing bike-sharing systems, offering an ecological and economical alternative to motorized transport. It’s an excellent option for short trips or to enjoy the beautiful Spanish weather.

In Barcelona, the Bicing system has become a true phenomenon, with thousands of bikes distributed throughout the city. In Seville, Sevici has helped make the city one of the most bike-friendly in Spain. In Madrid, BiciMAD even offers electric bikes to tackle the capital’s hills more easily.

The advantage of these systems is their flexibility. You can take a bike from one station and drop it off at another, which is ideal for one-way trips. Moreover, with the increase in bike lanes in many cities, cycling is becoming an increasingly safe and practical option.

For expatriates, subscribing to a bike-sharing system can be an excellent complement to traditional public transport. It’s often very economical and allows you to get some daily exercise.

Transportation Budget for an Expatriate: How Much to Plan For?

The cost of public transportation in Spain is generally more affordable than in France, which is good news for expatriates. However, the budget to plan for can vary considerably depending on the city and your travel habits.

In Madrid, for example, a monthly all-transport pass (metro, bus, commuter trains) for the central zone costs about €54.60 for an adult. In Barcelona, a similar subscription (the T-usual) costs about €40 per month. These rates are significantly lower than those in many other major European cities.

For young expatriates, there are often reduced rates. For example, in Madrid, those under 26 can benefit from an annual subscription for only €200, or less than €17 per month for unlimited access to all transport.

If you opt for single tickets, expect to pay about €1.50 to €2 per trip in most large cities. However, it’s almost always more economical to opt for multi-trip cards or subscriptions if you use public transport regularly.

For an expatriate using public transport daily, a monthly budget of about €50 to €60 should suffice in most major Spanish cities. This budget can be reduced if you benefit from youth rates or if you combine public transport with cycling, for example.

In conclusion, Spain offers a varied, efficient, and relatively affordable public transportation network. Whether you prefer the comfort of the train, the speed of the metro, the flexibility of the bus, or the ecological aspect of the bike, you’ll certainly find an option suited to your needs. As an expatriate, taking the time to understand and optimize your travel will not only allow you to save money but also to integrate more easily into your new Spanish life.