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Getting around Spain
Spain has an extensive domestic flight network connecting Madrid, Barcelona and other major cities, as well as the Balearic and Canary Islands. Flights are particularly useful for travelling between the mainland and the islands, and for covering long distances such as Madrid to Málaga, Seville or Bilbao when time is limited.
Iberia, Iberia Express, Air Europa, Vueling, Binter and other airlines operate domestic services. The Canary Islands have frequent inter-island flights, while Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are connected to several mainland cities.
Spain has an extensive road network linking major cities, coastal resorts and inland regions. Motorways provide fast connections between Madrid and cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Zaragoza, while regional roads serve smaller towns, villages and rural areas. The country's varied terrain means that driving conditions range from broad highways across the central plateau to steep, winding roads in the Pyrenees and other mountain regions.
Driving is particularly useful for exploring rural Andalusia, the northern coast, national parks and smaller communities where public transport is less frequent. Traffic can be heavy around major cities and popular coastal destinations, particularly during summer holidays.
Spain does not require a motorway vignette. Most roads are toll-free, although charges apply on certain motorways. Tolls can generally be paid by cash, card or the VIA-T electronic payment system. Petrol stations are widely available along major roads and in towns, but can be less frequent in remote rural and mountain areas.
Motorways and principal roads are generally well-maintained, with good signage and modern infrastructure. Secondary roads vary in quality, particularly in mountainous and remote areas, where roads may be narrow and winding.
Snow and ice can affect roads in the Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada and other upland areas during winter. Heavy traffic and congestion are common around Madrid, Barcelona and major coastal resorts, particularly during holiday periods.
Autopistas and autovías are Spain's principal high-capacity roads. Autopistas are generally identified by AP followed by a number, while autovías commonly use A followed by a number. Some autopistas charge tolls, although the distinction between toll and toll-free routes is not determined solely by the road designation.
National roads are generally identified by N followed by a number, while regional and provincial roads use various letter and number combinations. Motorways radiating from Madrid include the A-1 towards Burgos, A-2 towards Zaragoza and Barcelona, A-3 towards Valencia, A-4 towards Andalusia, A-5 towards Extremadura and Portugal, and A-6 towards northwestern Spain.
Car hire is widely available at airports, major railway stations, cities and popular holiday destinations. International and Spanish rental companies operate throughout the country, with particularly extensive availability in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
A hire car is useful for exploring rural areas, mountain regions and smaller towns, although it is often unnecessary in major cities with good public transport. Parking can be difficult in historic centres, where narrow streets, pedestrian zones and vehicle restrictions are common.
Drivers planning to take a hire car across international borders or between the mainland and the islands should check the rental company's conditions beforehand. Restrictions and additional charges may apply.
Taxis are widely available in Spanish cities, towns and tourist destinations. Licensed taxis are usually metered, although fixed fares may apply on certain airport routes. Visitors can find taxis at designated ranks, hailed where permitted or booked by telephone or app.
Taxi colours and markings vary by city; Madrid's taxis are generally white with a red diagonal stripe, while Barcelona's are black and yellow.
Ride-hailing services such as Cabify, Uber and Free Now operate in selected cities, although availability varies and local regulations differ.
Cycling is popular throughout Spain, with routes ranging from urban cycle paths and coastal promenades to demanding mountain trails. Cities including Seville, Valencia and Barcelona have developed cycling infrastructure and public bicycle-sharing schemes, while long-distance routes such as the Vías Verdes follow former railway lines converted into walking and cycling paths.
Road cycling is particularly popular in Mallorca, the Pyrenees and other mountain regions. Cyclists should be prepared for steep gradients, summer heat and varying road conditions. Bicycles can be carried on many regional trains, although restrictions and reservation requirements vary by operator and train type.
Spain has an extensive network of intercity and regional buses, often providing connections to destinations not served by rail. Long-distance coaches link major cities, while regional services connect smaller towns, villages and rural areas. Buses can be particularly useful in parts of Andalusia, Galicia and the interior where rail services are limited.
Madrid's Estación Sur is one of the country's principal long-distance bus terminals, while Barcelona's Estació del Nord serves numerous domestic and international routes. Other major cities have central bus stations offering regional and intercity services. ALSA, Avanza and numerous regional companies operate services, with tickets available online, at bus stations and, on some local routes, from the driver.
Traffic drives on the right. Unless signs indicate otherwise, the general speed limits for cars are 120km/h (75mph) on motorways and dual carriageways, 90km/h (56mph) on conventional roads, and 20km/h (12mph), 30km/h (19mph) or 50km/h (31mph) on urban roads, depending on the road layout.
Seat belts are compulsory for all occupants, and children must use an appropriate child restraint. Drivers may not use handheld mobile phones while driving. Spain has strict drink-driving limits, and penalties for traffic offences can be substantial.
Many Spanish cities have introduced low-emission zones (Zonas de Bajas Emisiones, or ZBE), which may restrict access for certain vehicles. Travellers should check local rules before driving into city centres, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona.
Vehicles must carry the legally required emergency warning equipment. From January 2026, the connected V16 emergency warning beacon replaces traditional warning triangles for vehicles registered in Spain. Travellers driving foreign-registered vehicles should check the requirements applicable to their vehicles.
For emergencies, call 112. Roadside assistance is provided by motoring organisations, insurers and specialist recovery companies, including RACE and RACC. Travellers driving a hire car should contact the rental company using the emergency number provided with the vehicle.
Drivers must carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration document and proof of insurance. Driving licences issued by EU and EEA countries are recognised in Spain. Visitors from other countries should check whether an International Driving Permit is required in addition to their national driving licence.
Drivers using their own vehicles should ensure that their insurance covers travel in Spain and that they have the necessary vehicle documentation. Additional requirements may apply to vehicles registered outside the European Union.
Madrid has an extensive public transport network of metro trains, suburban rail services and buses. The Madrid Metro serves much of the city, while Cercanías commuter trains connect the centre with surrounding towns and suburbs. Barcelona has a similarly comprehensive network of metro trains, buses, trams and suburban rail services.
Other cities, including Valencia, Seville, Bilbao, Málaga and Granada, have metro, tram or light-rail systems alongside local buses. Tickets and travel passes vary by city, with integrated ticketing available in many metropolitan areas. Contactless payment, transport cards and mobile ticketing are increasingly common.
Historic city centres are often best explored on foot, particularly in destinations such as Toledo, Salamanca, Córdoba and Santiago de Compostela. Parking restrictions and pedestrianised streets can make driving less convenient in these areas.
Spain has one of Europe's most extensive high-speed rail networks, connecting Madrid with Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Zaragoza, Valladolid and numerous other cities. High-speed services operate under brands including AVE, Avlo, iryo and OUIGO, with journey times considerably shorter than conventional rail on many major routes.
Renfe operates most conventional passenger rail services, including Media Distancia regional trains, long-distance services and Cercanías commuter trains in major metropolitan areas. Regional rail networks also operate in parts of northern Spain, Catalonia and other autonomous communities.
Tickets can be purchased online, through railway operators' apps and at stations. Reservations are generally compulsory on high-speed and many long-distance services. Fares can vary considerably according to demand, travel date and ticket conditions.
Spain is covered by Eurail and Interrail passes, which can be used on participating rail services. Seat reservations and supplements are required on most high-speed trains and some other long-distance services. Passholders should check the conditions of individual operators, as not all commercial high-speed services accept these passes.
Ferries provide important connections between mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands and North Africa. Regular services link ports including Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia with Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca, while ferries also operate between the Balearic Islands.
In the Canary Islands, inter-island ferries connect Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. Operators include Fred. Olsen Express and Naviera Armas. Ferry services also connect mainland Spain with Ceuta and Melilla.
Passenger boats, harbour cruises and seasonal coastal excursions operate in many seaside destinations, although these are generally recreational rather than essential transport services.
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