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We have outlined on other pages travel by foot, road, sea, air, hitchhiking, bike, train, bus etc but there are other alternatives if you want a really different holiday in Spain.

MOTORCYCLE / MOPED / THREE WHEELER
A very simple method is to hire a motorcyle (in large cities) or rent a bike. You could also get access to a moped or even the farm style three wheeler vehicles, for these however your travel will be slow.

Websites you can go to for rental include:
www.bmwmotorental.com
http://www.2wheeltravel.co.uk/Motorcycle%20Hire/spainhire.htm
http://www.imtbike.com
http://www.erento.co.uk/hire/vehicles-boats-aircraft/motorbikes-trikes-quads/motorbike/spain

You will also find mopeds for rent in many towns.

TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
This is a form of hitch hiking but truck drivers are often glad for a bit of company on the road and commercial or delivery drivers have been known to take tourists along for a ride in return for some help on the job.

If you know of any other means of alternative transport around Spain then please contact us with the details backpackspain@backpackglobe.com

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Advice about hitch hiking, where you should do it and when. We welcome your contributions.
Please check the city guides for specific information for hitching to and from particular locations. Please e-mail us at: backpackspain@backpackglobe.com

 

 

WHERE TO HITCH
Generally hitch hiking in Spain is not the done thing for getting around. This doesn’t mean you’ll be unsuccessful. In most rural areas Spaniards will s for hitch hikers. From big cities get a bus or train to the outskirts of town to get to a road leading to a motorway (expressway). If you've got a lift on a motorway, get dropped off at a service area rather than in town so you are not far from the motorway, there are food and toilet facilities and more chance of other travellers passing through. Hitch hiking is illegal so avoid motorways and stick to entrance ramps and service areas. It is important to talk to the driver in Spain so try out your even rudimentary Spanish by making small talk to win them over and then just do your best once underway! The road down the east coast (Barcelona-Valencia-Murcia) is reportedly difficult to get a lift as is getting out of Madrid or Barcelona. Regional areas are easier particularly in the Basque country. If you’re hitching in Andalucia it can be hot waiting in between rides so bring water and a hat for road side ss.

 

SIGNS
This is a cause for debate amongst hitchers. Some say drivers won't s if they don't know where you want to go. Others say it is safer not to use a sign so you can ask the driver where they are going before you accept a lift. A compromise is to use the name of the road you are travelling on. Most people that give you lifts will be people that have hitched themselves, or couriers or truck drivers who want company. To improve your chances of getting a lift:
- look neat and respectable.
- Face the oncoming traffic and smile.
- Choose a spot with plenty of room for the driver to safely s and where the traffic is not too fast. This way it is safer for cars to s and the driver has a chance to size you up.
- Stand confidently with your thumb out over the road.
- When a car ss ask where the driver is going to - you can still decline the lift if you don't like the look of them.
- Do not smoke in someone else's car.
- Travel light.
- Take an international drivers licence as the driver may wish to share the driving.

Note if it rains you've usually got less chance of people sping (visibility decreases and they might not want water in their car). It might be better to make your way to a cafe or autos and wait out the rain or stick it out and try to use the sympathy factor.

 

SAFETY
Despite the bad press the most hazardous thing about hitching is the chance of being involved in a car accident or being hit by a car if you are standing too close to the side of the road. Here are some more tips for safety:
- As a single female you will travel quickly but you may attract undue attention. Travelling with a guy helps as people may perceive you as a couple.
- Turn down the lift if you do not feel comfortable.
- Keep your luggage with you. Do not put it in the trunk.

 

USEFUL LINKS

http://www.digihitch.com/world/Europe/Spain
A great site offering forums and advice and even useful phrases for hitching

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Walking and hiking in Spain are great ways to experience culture, landscape and local traditions. Here are some tips about walking and what to take:

WHAT TO TAKE
As little as possible goes without saying. Packs somehow seem to weigh more at the end of the day than the beginning. Try and stash non-essentials in a place you can return to at the end of the trip. Make sure you pack for the seasons you will encounter, take good sturdy boots that you have used before and are comfortable, and have all the other necessary equipment with you.

 

FOOD AND WATER
Check your route before you leave. If clean water and essential food supplies are not available on-route then you need to hike them in. There are enough packet foods around now that make quick and easy meals. Fruit is great but it is heavy as are tins. Take a trail mix for nibbles along the way. This can be made up of anything (nuts, chocolates, sweets, dried fruit etc).

 

ACCOMMODATION
Bring your own tent for the most budget of walking trips, otherwise investigate on options along the way – there may be small villages, refuges or cheap places to stay, particularly if you are undertaking a pilgrimage walk such as the Camino. We recommend the Lonely Planet’s “Walking In…” series available through www.amazon.co.uk. We have a list of other accommodation that you can book online through www.hostelworld.com

 

TOUR OPERATORS

Explore
www.explore.co.uk
Features tours throughout Europe including Italy, France, Spain.

Spain Adventures
http://www.spainadventures.com
Walking and hiking tours in Spain’s beautiful landscapes such as the Spanish Alpujarras, The Pyrenees, Asturias and the legendary Camino de Santiago.
 

INDEPENDENT WALKING OPERATORS
If you are planning an independent walking holiday trip through Spain you need to be prepared. Here are some handy hints and absolute essentials:
- comfortable, well cushioned footwear suitable for the terrain you will be walking on and that you have walked in before over some distance (don't bring new shoes!)
- extra snack food and water (it can be a long way between towns in some parts, particularly if you get marooned with an injury or lost).
- pack light! You can buy extra food as you go and you really only need basic walking gear and a change of clothes for evenings in town.
- maps (detailed for side roads and routes that you might take)
- itinerary - give someone a copy of your itinerary and check in with them every few days so they know you are okay.
- helpful hints - there are lots of people that have walked through Spain and a lot of them have put up details on websites. Check the useful links below for some stories and advice.
- learn a little Spanish for directions and basic information. See our language guide for handy hints or consult stores like www.amazon.co.uk for handy phrasebooks. Remember Spanish might not be the local language if you are in Catalunya or Basque areas.

 

MAPS
A range of maps are available through stores like www.amazon.co.uk in the Lonely Planet series for example. Take a good map with you and make sure you know how to read it.

 

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Cycling around Spain can be fun, inexpensive and flexible. Not only will you see a lot of the country but you’ll meet a lot of people too. Many towns in Spain have bicycle-hire shops and Spaniards themselves are keen cycle fans so you will be well received and find facilities along the way. However do remember that Spain has the highest average land altitude in Europe after Switzerland and the mountainous terrain can take its toll. Plus it’s very hot in summer and the heat can be pretty tough. In summer you need to start out very early and try to rest when the temperature peaks. Try also to leave plenty of time in your day for sightseeing, picnicking or visiting little villages so it’s not all hard slog. Then you can try to cover more distance in the cooler afternoon hours.

You could also pack your own bike so you know you have something reliable, but usually your guesthouse or hostel will be able to point you in the direction of the nearest rental place if they don't rent the bikes themselves. There are bike shops in the larger towns and you should be able to find parts in garages. If you do travel with a bike check with the airlines how to pack it and what costs are involved. At the least you should deflate your tyres so they don’t explode in the unpressurized hold. If you want to put your bike on a Spanish train they can go in the guard’s van.

Spaniards do drive very fast and there is often a lot of traffic on major roads so you should take care. Most cars will hoot before they pass to give you some warning – or scare you right off the bike until you’re used to it! Always go single file on major roads.

 

Always lock your bike up when you’re not on it. Don’t leave it outside overnight, the hotel/hostel/pensiyon should have somewhere safe for you to keep it.


PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
If you are planning a cycling trip through Spain you need to be prepared. Here are some handy hints and absolute essentials:

- a basic repair kit and knowledge of bicycle repair. Make sure you take spare inner tubes, tools for adjusting seat heights
- extra snack food and water (it can be a long way between towns in some parts, particularly if you get marooned with an injury or fault on your bike)
- pack light! You can buy extra food as you go and you really only need bike riding gear and a change of clothes for evenings in town.
- maps (detailed for side roads that you might take)
- itinerary – give someone a copy of your itinerary and check in with them every few days so they know you are okay.
- helpful hints – there are lots of people that have biked through Spain and a lot of them have put up details on websites.
- learn some basic Spanish to get you through small towns and villages.

 

CAN YOU FIX YOUR BIKE?
If you are not going with a tour or with someone that knows their bikes then you need to have a working knowledge of your bike components. Most people that embark on this kind of holiday know their apparatus but obvious essentials are:
- spare inner tubes
- tyre repair kit and levers for tyre removal
- bike pump
- tools for adjusting brakes, seat height, and other parts of your bike
- lube or oil for your chain
- first aid kit
A trip to your local bike shop would be the best place for more advice.

 

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
The Camino de Santiago in northern Spain is predominantly a walking route for pilgrims to the town of Santiago de Compostela but many people do cycle it as the route can accommodate bikes also. You won't be considered a real "pilgrim" but you can benefit from the rifugio's and services along the way. Go to these websites for more details:
http://homepage.mac.com/verbier7/index.htm
http://caminodesantiagobybike.blogspot.com
http://www.bikespain.info/en/d_santiago_en.asp
http://www.bikespain.info

Other options could include:
- The Guadalest Valley in Alicante and the surrounding area provide excellent road cycling and mountain biking.
- From Granada and up through the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain ranges.
- Head to Castilla to León and La Rioja to cycle through the mountain areas past rivers, valleys and plains. It’s also a well known wine region.

 

SAFETY
Always inform someone of your intended route and check in with them as regularly as possible. Make sure you have checked the weather forecast and know what the normal weather is for that time of year.

 

MAPS
Make sure you know where you are going, have a map and can read it!
www.amazon.co.uk has some good literature on this.

 

RENTAL COMPANIES AND TOURS

Cycle Espana
http://www.cyclespana.com
For small groups who like challenging tours.

Spain Adventures
http://www.spainadventures.com
Walking and hiking tours in Spain’s beautiful landscapes such as the Spanish Alpujarras, The Pyrenees, Asturias and the legendary Camino de Santiago.

Bike Spain
http://www.bikespain.info
Offers guided, self-guided, city tours and road cycling tours of Spain in regions including the Camino Santiago, Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia and along wine routes.

USEFUL LINKS
http://www.bikespain.info

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Getting around in Spain by plane is an expensive but viable option, and it is the fastest means of travelling long distances. Look for special bargain rates that can defray costs. Train and bus connections between airports and city centres are usually smooth.

SPANISH AIRPORTS
International airports include Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Malaga, Almeria, Alicante, Valencia, Palma de Mallorda, Ibiza and Mao (Menorca). Usually the cheapest destinations are Malaga, the Balearic Islands, Barcelona and Madrid. Barcelona, or rather Girona, is popular with travelers as it's served by many of the cheaper airlines (particularly out of the UK).

Transport to and from the airports:
There are shuttle buses or even trains running to Spanish airports from all main train or bus terminals.

From Madrid Airport (Barajas Airport) a regular bus service, 200, leaves from Terminal 2 and passes Terminal 1, then heads to the Avenida de America interchange. Here you have to take the Metro. The bus departs about every 10 minutes from 6am-11.30pm. The metro is probably the easiest way into town. There are metro stations in Terminal T2 and Terminal T4 and trains depart every 5mins from 6am-2am. Take line 8 for Nuevos Ministerios Metro station and central Madrid.

Barcelona's airport is 14 km southwest of the city centre at El Prat de Llobregat. Trains go from the airport every 30 mins to Estació Sants, Passeig de Gracia or Clot which are serviced by metro ss. You can also take the Aerobús which leaves every 15mins. It is slightly more expensive. It departs from Plaça de Catalunya and Estació Sants for all three airport terminals. Suburban buses (EA and EN from Plaça d'Espanya) also run to the airport and are cheaper but only run every 80 mins.

http://www.barcelona-airport.com
http://www.airwise.com/airports/europe/BCN/BCN_01.html
http://www.worldairportguide.com/airport/279/airport_guide/Europe/Barcelona-Airport.html


BUYING A TICKET
Return tickets to Spain are usually cheaper and are a good defence against immigration officials who want to be assured that you are going to leave the country. Get a ticket with an airline that allows you to make changes to the ticket without any problems. If you are working or studying in Spain for more than one year you may wish to get a one-way ticket and utilise the cheap tickets out of London to come home.

Students or travellers under 26 years should always ask for youth / student fares. If you are flying from Australia or New Zealand, ask about sovers to break the journey.

Buying tickets with a credit card can double your frequent flyer points and is an insurance against dodgy travel agents. This way you have time to check you have a ticket and can cancel the charge if there is a problem.

If you are arriving late or departing early check to see if the airport is open all-night so you can catch some sleep on comfy sofas before heading off again. Some places can close down and public transport services s for the night.

AIRLINES
The main Spanish airlines are:
Iberia – Spain’s flag carrier with domestic flights to most airports.
Spanair – also another big carrier with lots of flights.
Easyjet – not a Spanish company but flies from Madrid, Oviedo, Barcelona, Alicante, Bilbao and Ibiza to other European centres.
Clickair – A number of internal Spanish routes including Barcelona to Granada, Alicante and Cadiz.
Lagunair – a small domestic carrier with a few routes.
Air Europa - Flights all over Spain.
Air Nostrum - Iberia's regional airline with a network of internal flights.
Ryanair - Ryanair also offers some internal flights as well as connections with other European centres.
A number of other international airlines fly into Spain.

CHEAP DEALS
Many of the cheap airlines cut their prices by reducing services i.e you will not be served meals or drinks. They also offer online reservations which cuts out the commissions normally paid to travel agents.

Halcon Viajes (http://www.halconviajes.com) often has cheap fares from Spain, especially if you're under 26 years. Many of the other cheap airlines coming in or out of Spain cut their prices by reducing services i.e you will not be served meals or drinks. They also offer online reservations which cuts out the commissions normally paid to travel agents. Most travel agents as a result will boycott booking for these airlines.

Ryan Air
www.ryanair.com
Ryan Air flies to locations all over Europe and the United Kingdom from London Stansted. For flexible travellers these cheap flights are a big saving. However special deals are offered only during certain periods, check their website regularly for details. Flights can be booked by credit card and tickets are picked up at the airport. Ryan Air does not refund cancellations and only 20 kilograms are allowed as weight allowance. Usually one piece of hand luggage is permitted.

EasyJet
Also operates out of London but has more limited flights than Ryan Air throughout Europe. easyJet is a ticketless airline, so all you need at check-in is your confirmation number and positive proof of ID (a passport for International flights).
For Further information visit the easyJet web site: www.easyJet.com

Here are some tips to surviving air travel:

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Ferries are an easy means of access to Spain's outlying islands and across to Morocco if you want to avoid more expensive air fares. Ferries also cross to the UK, however with cheap flights available through Ryan Air and Easy Jet to UK centres it's probably only for those with a lot of luggage, a car or time on their hands.

 

SPANISH DESTINATIONS
This list details the Spanish ports in Spain and the destinations where ferries travel to from these ports:
Barcelona - Ballearic Islands
Valencia - Ballearic Islands
Palma de Mallorca - Ballearic Islands
Ballearic Islands (Ibiza, Menorca) - mainland eg. Barcelona, Valencia
Alicante - Sant Antoni, Ibiza, Palma de Mallorca (Ballearic Islands)
Algeciras - Tangier (Morocco), Ceuta (Morocco), Melilla (Morocco)
Cadiz - Canary Islands
Denia - Ballearic Islands
Cabo de Gata - Melilla (Morocco)
Tarifa-Tangier
Girbraltar-Tangier

Trasmediterranea (www.trasmediterranea.es)
Runs passenger services linking the Spanish Peninsula with the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla. Trasmediterranea runs from ports in Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, the port of Mao on Menorca and Ibiza City.

There are a lot of routes on this network, please click through to their website or see this abbreviated list:
Valencia-Ibiza (4.5 hours)
Barcelona-Mao (8.5 hours)
Barcelona-Ibiza city (8.5 hours, 14.5 hours via Palma)
Valencia-Palma (7-8 hours)
Valencia-Ibiza (4.5 hours)
Palma-Ibiza (2 hours 20 mins)
Palma-Mao (5.5 hours)
Inter-island routes include Palma-Ibiza and Palma-Mao. Ibiza-Formentea (25 minutes by fast ferry, 1 hour by regular ferry). 20-25 ferries arrive daily at La Savina on the north-west coast of the island from Ibiza.

Balearia (http://www.balearia.com)
Ibiza to Barcelona
Ibiza to Denia
Ibiza to Valencia
Ibiza to Formentera
Ibiza to Mallorca
Ibiza San Antonio to Barcelona
Ibiza San Antonio to Denia
Ibiza San Antonio to Valencia
Formentera to Denia
Mallorca to Denia
Mallorca to Menorca
Mallorca to Valencia
Mallorca to Barcelona
Alcudia to Barcelona
Alcudia to Ciutadella
Palma to Barcelona
Palma to Denia
Palma to Valencia
Ciutadella to Barcelona
Menorca to Barcelona
Mahon to Barcelona

Iscomar (http://www.iscomar.com)
Iscomar operates on the following routes:
Ibiza to Barcelona
Ibiza to Denia
Ibiza to Valencia
Ibiza to Palma
Ibiza to Formentera
Alcudia to Ciutadella
Palma to Barcelona
Palma to Valencia
Mahon to Barcelona
Mahon to Valencia

 

ACCOMODATION
Obviously this will depend on your mode of transport. If you are coming ashore at night you may consider some of the accommodation options we offer through our booking engine. If you are camping on a water route make sure you practice low impact camping (i.e what you bring in you take away – note that on some water ways even human waste is supposed to be brought out).

 

INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

MOROCCO
Ferry services from Spain run on the following routes: Algeciras-Tangier, Algeciras-Ceuta (Spanish Morocco), Malaga-Melilla, Almeria-Melilla, Almeria-Nador, Tarifa-Tangier and Cabo de Gata-Melilla. Generally the best route to Morocco is via Algeciras with the fastest, cheapest and most frequent schedules. The vessels are mostly car ferries, operated by Compania Trasmediterranea, Islena de Navigacion SA, Comarit, Limadet and Transtour.

Trasmediterranea (www.trasmediterranea.es) has international services to Morocco (via Tangier and Nador)
Balearia (www.balearia.com) also has routes from Tangier to Algeciras and Algeciras to Ceuta (Spanish Morocco).
FRS (http://www.frs.es) has the following routes Tangier to Algeciras, Tangier to Gibraltar, Tangier to Tarifa, Algeciras to Ceuta (Spanish Morocco).

ALGERIA
Trasmediterranea (www.trasmediterranea.es) has an international service to Algeria (via Ghazaouet and Oran).

UK
There are two ferry services to the United Kingdom:
Brittany Ferries (www.brittanyferries.com) runs from Santander to Plymouth and Portsmouth.
P&O European Ferries (www.poferries.com) runs from Bilbao to Portsmouth.

GIBRALTAR-TANGIER
Gibraltar is actually self-governing and not under Spanish sovereignty but has been included in this section. FRS (www.frs.es) runs the ferries between Gibraltar and Tangier.

ITALY
There are some routes between Spain and Italy mostly between Barcelona and ports in Italy such as Genoa and Rome. The annual schedule changes depending on the season so please check for updated schedules. Here are some of the routes:
Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Transmed and Viamare)
Barcelona to Ciutadella (Balearia)
Barcelona to Genoa (Grandi Navi Veloci)
Barcelona to Livorno, Civitavecchia or Porto Torres (Grimaldi Ferries)

 

SAFETY
Weather conditions can change fast on water. Know the weather forecast and the expected weather at that time of year. Also keep an eye on tides and estimated sun down times. Always take a medical kit with you. Remember any trip on the water should be planned bearing in mind it could turn into an overnight trip even if it is supposed to be a 1-day activity. The best solution for the first signs of hypothermia are a warm, sweet drink. Take a compass, first aid kit and additional supplies of food and water with you.

 

BOATING IN SPAIN
If you are planning to do your own sailing, kayaking or canoeing trip then you need to prepare adequately. We would assume people doing their own kayaking or canoeing trips will have adequate experience and skill on the water and examine the route they are taking carefully. Some of the following handy hints and absolute essentials should be obvious:
- a basic repair kit and safety equipment for your boat. This will include extra rope (make sure it is tied up and out of the way), life jackets, a towrope (if you need to help someone out), flares etc.
- extra snack food and water (it can be a long way between towns in some parts, particularly if you get marooned with an injury or get lost!)
- pack light! You can buy extra food as you go and you really only need basic water gear and a change of clothes if you go into towns.
- get some maps (detailed for any small rivers that you might take)
- itinerary - give someone a copy of your itinerary and check in with them every few days so they know you are okay.
- learn some Spanish that you will need to use in small towns or on the water for directions.

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Train travel in Spain is reliable but buses can be faster and more economical and it's always best to compare schedules and prices before going. Sometimes the bus routes are faster, although not always as the high speed AVE train from Madrid to Cordoba and Seville is the quickest option on this line. Other really fast routes are Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Segovia-Valladolid and Madrid-Córdoba-Málaga. Spanish trains are predominantly operated by RENFE (http://www.renfe.es) but there are also regional train operates like Euskotren (http://www.euskotren.es) in the Basque Country. But the advantage of trains is that there is only one main station in each place and most are operated by these 1-2 companies.


TYPES OF TRAINS
RENFE have a number of train services:

Regionales - all s trains and are generally cheaper but slower.
Expresso and Rapido - are the next step up and run regular, daytime long-distance inter-regional trains
InterCity (IC) - are quicker and make fewer ss.
Talgos - are the fastest trains and only s at the major cities.

Estrellas - are the night time version of Rapidos.

Cercanias - are the local commuter trains that travel between major cities to surrounding suburbs and hinterland and sometimes cross regional boundaries.

AVE –  of the range, high speed train from Madrid to Seville (2.5 hours) , Madrid to Zaragoza (1.5 hours) or Madrid to Toledo (30 mins)

EUROMED - high speed train from Barcelona to Valencia (2 hours 50 mins)

Arco - line between Barcelona and Valencia, sping at main cities on the Mediterranean.

Alaris - high speed line between Madrid and Valencia (3.5 hours)
 
Largo recorrido are long distance trains. Daytime trains are diruno, night trains are estrella.

Euskotren service in the Basque country consist mainly of Euskopullman that link Bilbao, San Sebastian and Hendaye in France. These are complemented by Intercity services linking Bilbao with San Sebastian.

 

TICKETS
Buying a ticket in Spanish train stations can be confusing particularly at the enormous stations in Barcelona and Madrid. There are ticket booths and information points everywhere. First find the sign for the kind of train you plan to take eg. Cercanias, Regionales etc and then go to the manned information booth, in large cities there will be someone here who speaks English. You may need to take a ticket for your turn in the line, so look out for dispensing machines. You can expect to wait 30-60 minutes to get to the front of the queue so make sure you line up in the right place! In smaller towns the wait should not be as long (do note for buses you rarely have to wait long at all).

Tickets in Spain are generally cheaper than in France or Germany, but as indicated earlier not usually cheaper than buses. Try and make use of some of the discount cards and passes for more savings. You can save up to 20% on Carnet Joven, Euro<26, GO25/IYTC and ISIC. Purchasing return tickets usually enables another 20% discount.

Spanish trains often require supplements even on ordinary trains like the expressos and rapidos. Check in advance so you are not fined on the train. If you are making a reservation in advance you will definitely need to pay a supplement. Even if you have an Interail or Eurail pass you will have to pay a supplement on AVE and Talgo trains.

InterRail (zone F), Eurail, Eurodomino and Europass tickets are valid on RENFE trains and are supplemented by the Spain Flexipass.

 

RAIL PASSES
RENFE offers the following deals and discounts:

Dias Azules (Blue Days) – on dates that do not coincide with holidays you receive a 50% discount.
Tarjeta Joven (Youth Card) - allows 12-25 year olds a 50% discount on all tickets on Blue Days.
Tarjeta Turistica (Tourist Card) or Spain Flexi Pass - reserved for non-Spanish travellers alowing unrestricted circulation and no distance limitation on any RENFE line. Prices vary depending on the duration of travel time requested, which may be 3, 5 or 10 days within a two month period. Supplements are still required for AVE, Talgo and sleeper reservations.

Other passes:
Euro- Railpass (Eurail Pass)
To be purchased in the country of origin and provides unlimited travel rights on any line. It can be 15, 25, 30, 60 or 90 days in duration. Many consider this as the best pass for travelling in Europe as it covers up to 21 countries and is especially good for those with limited time. You can choose a global pass (21 countries), select pass (3, 4 or 5 countries), regional pass or one country pass. There are a variety of durations available. Discounts are available for those under 26 years. Make sure you check out what discounts are available to you as a senior, student or child.

Eurail Spain Pass

This pass is a single country only pass offered by Eurail. It is valid for unlimited travel on Renfe trains for between three and 10 days in a two month period. Supplements are required for AVE and Talgo trains in addition to seat/couchette/sleeper reservations.

InterRail One Country Pass – Spain

This is availabe to European residents and allows them 3-8 days of unlimited train travel in Spain within a one month period.

Iberic Railpass
Can be used in Spain and Portugal for 3-10 days of 1st class travel within 2 months.
 
France’n Spain Pass
This gives the bearer unlimited train travel on the national rail networks of France and Spain although it can not be used on FEVE, FCG, EUSKOTREN and FGV trains in Spain. There is a choice of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 days of unlimited train travel within a two month period.

Italy Spain Pass
Similar to the France’n Spain this pass is between Spain and Italy with up to 10 days of unlimited travel within a two month period.

Eurail Spain Rail 'n Drive

This pass gives you 3 days unlimited train travel (first class) and 2 days hire car rental in Spain. It is for non-European citizens only. You should check that this one is actually saving you money.

We recommend you look into buying your rail passes before you leave as they can be more expensive overseas. Also remember that rail passes do not guarantee seats on trains. You still need to book a reservation ahead of time as many trains are often crowded.

For these and other train passes consider using Backpackglobe.com to buy your tickets as the revenue raised goes directly back into improving the site and helping you. Rail Connection www.railconnection.com has more details on the Eurail pass. Europrail www.europrail.net offers Eurail and other European passes.


 

CLASSES
All Spanish trains have first and second classes and prices will vary accordingly. On local trains the higher first-class fare might not get you much more than in 2nd class but on long-distance trains the wider seats and more legroom can make the journey far more comfortable. Remember to always make seat reservations in advance, for either class.

 

SAFETY
Traveling by night is inexpensive, but never leave your belongings unattended and make sure the door of your compartment is well locked. Train stations in Spain are not the best places to spend the night although they are generally well attended by police.

 

USEFUL LINKS

Inter rail
www.inter-rail.net

Rail Connection
www.railconnection.com

Europrail
www.europrail.net

Eurail
www.eurail.com

Rail Europe
www.raileurope.com


YOUR ADVICE
It's not worth falsifying dates on your Eurail pass or even writing it in pencil. Ours were confiscated! Fortunately we got them back in the morning but it was a close shave. (Martha, Australia)

 

 

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INTERNATIONAL BUSES
Eurolines is the largest network of international buses in Europe and they operate through major towns in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga). They also work affiliately with the local line Alsa. Eurolines Peninsular is also an agent for Eurolines and along with many smaller bus operators provide an extensive choice of international bus routes.

People under 26 years are around 10% less than the adult full fare. There are circular routes, individual tickets and passes where you can make the route up as you travel allowing greater flexibility for the traveller. The Eurolines pass is probably the best travel deal in Europe allowing unlimited travel between 46 destinations in 26 countries on the Eurolines network.

Busabout is another pass option for travellers and will also book accommodation for you in advance. However most of these are camping sites outside major towns. Eurobus also operates providing a hop on and off service. Busabout buses serve the following Spanish destinations: Barcelona, Bilbao, Costa del Sol, Granada, La Linea, Madrid, Salamanca, San Sebastian, Seville, Tarifa and Valencia.

LOCAL BUSES
There are many different companies operating throughout Spain so you are best to check out the local companies and what connections exist if you are not following a straightforward route. Most private bus lines have a ticket office or allow you to pay when you board.

CITY BUSES
For city buses you usually buy your ticket from a machine or newsstand and stamp it on board in validating machines. You can sometimes get tickets from the driver. Buses going to the airport can differ from this system.

PAYING
Some bus companies will require pre payment before boarding the bus, others allow you to pay onboard. Check for each bus you take. Most tourist offices provide paying information and timetables.

USEFUL LINKS
Spanish bus companies include:

ALSA
http://www.alsa.es
31 routes in Galicia and northern Spain

Autocars Costa Azul
http://www.costazul.net
Regular services between Alicante-Cartagena, Murcia-Torrevieja, Dolores-Alicante and Cartagena-Barcelona.

AISA Group
http://www.aisa-grupo.com
Madrid, Spain - express coach services

AvanzaBus
http://www.avanzabus.com
serving Spain and Portugal

Autocorb
http://www.autocorb.com
Urban and interurban bus services in and from Barcelona

For more go to this url: http://www.busstation.net/main/busspa.htm

Other useful links:

Eurolines
www.eurolines.com
Services within Europe. Tickets available online.

Bus Éireann
www.buseireann.ie
Irish National bus company providing local bus services, Expressway long distance intercity services, Eurolines services with destinations in Britain and abroad.

The Bus Station
www.busstation.net
Bus, coach, tram, trolleybus and transit links all over the world

BusWeb
www.busweb.com
Index of links to bus, coach, and motorcoach related web sites.

National Express Coaches
http://www.gobycoach.com
information and online booking service for National Express, Eurolines, and airport link coach and bus services.

 

 

 

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There are definitely a few issues to contend with when deciding to drive in Spain and for some the hassle may not be worth your while. For example Spain is almost as notorious as Italy and other European centres for its fast driving, narrow lanes and difficult parking. And petrol here, as it is throughout Europe, may certainly seem more expensive depending where you hail from as are the costs of parking and tolls. Train and bus services are certainly adequate in Spain but for real exploration of small towns and villages and greatest freedom a car is ideal. And if you are dividing the cost between a group of friends it may not work out more expensive.

We advise that you read through the information below and note that driving outside your own country can be a scary and harrowing experience, but if you’re game the freedom of having your own transport will be rewarding.


ROAD CONDITIONS
Spain's roads vary enormously but are generally quite good. Auista's are the fastest. These are the multilane freeways between major cities and usually incur hefty tolls. Minor routes can be slower going but more scenic. If you are worried about tailgaiters or impatient drivers the best way to avoid it is to get out of the way. If you can't turn off the road then don't be intimidated to drive faster. Continue driving in a way you are comfortable until they are able to overtake or you can pull over safely.


RULES AND SPEED LIMITS
As in the rest of continental Europe, vehicles travel on the right and overtake on the left. Speed limits on the auistas are 120km/hr, 90-100km/hr on country roads and 50km/hr in built-up areas. In residential areas the maximum speed is 20 km/hr. Cars towing a trailer are limited to 80 km/hr on divided highways, 70 km/hr on other roads. Outside many towns are sensors which detect your speed as you approach. If you're speeding a traffic light at the edge of the town will turn red so you must s before entering the town. Two red lights mean No entry.

The minimum age of a driver is 18 years. Children under 12 years of age must be seated in an approved child seat to sit in the front of a vehicle. Seat belts are compulsory all passengers. The legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg or 0.05%

Motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet and keep their headlights on day and night. In tunnels all vehicles must use headlights. Visibility vests are now compulsory to wear outside the car.

In built-up areas horns may be used only in cases of immediate and extreme danger. Elsewhere only use the horn if necessary (eg. as a warning). In daylight outside built up areas you must use the horn to indicate your intention to pass, whereas at night flash your headlights instead. You must always use the directional signals in your vehicle to indicate any turns you make. If a vehicle comes up behind you signalling that it wants to pass check the road ahead is clear and signal right to acknowledge the situation. On motorways the use of indicators is strict and you can be fined if you don’t use them both to overtake or to pull back after overtaking. Also do not cross the solid white line when entering the motorway from a slip road, you must wait until the line is broken or risk a fine.

In Spain jaywalking is illegal and generally all traffic on the right has priority. Trams which are sped and accepting or letting off passengers may not be passed. Some helpful road signs include: Ceda el Paso (give way)

If you get a fine in Spain as a foreigner you must pay on the spot (20% discount) unless you can present a Spanish bail bond or address of a native friend or company who will guarantee payment of the fine. If you can't pay or provide an address the vehicle will be impounded and the driver detained until the fine is paid. You can dispute the charge, follow the directions on the back.

It is prohibited to use a cellphone when driving, although hands-free kits are permitted. It is also prohibited to use screen-based navigation systems.

FUEL
Fuel prices are government regulated and quite expensive. Some fuel stations accept credit cards but they may not work at automatic pumps (after hours or lunch time) outside of Autoroutes. Leaded petrol no longer exists in Spain but you can get a lead subsitute additive. Unleaded (gasolina sin plomo) super petrol has an octane rating of 95. Diesel (gasoleo 'A') is called gas-oil. LPG is called gases licuados del petróleo. Petrol is called benzin. You are allowed to carry additional petrol in a car.


DRIVING LICENSES
Spain recognizes driving licenses and other traffic documents that are valid in other countries. An International Driver's Permit is a good idea. In Australia get it from the nearest RACQ, RACV or equivalent office. In America and Canada and the United Kingdom it is available from the automobile association. You only need to be 18 to drive in Spain but 21 to rent a car.
The EC format pink/green licence is accepted; old-style green or non-European licences must be accompanied with an International Driving Permit or simply get them updated.


VALUABLES
Generally don't leave valuables inside your car.


PARKING
Long term parking in large cities like Barcelona and Madrid can be expensive. Check if your hotel provides free or good rate parking. Parking garages are a safe alternative but it can be expensive.

Here are some helpful hints to help you interpret parking signs otherwise your car may be towed if you are parking illegally:
Blue line on the street - resident-only parking
One way streets - parking allowed on even dates along the side with even addresses and on odd dates on the side with odd addresses. Park in the direction of traffic flow
Intersections or public entrances - do not park within 5 metres
Blue Zones (Zona Azul) - 1.5 hour parking between 8am-9pm
Zona ORAs - parking allowed with display of a ticket bought at a tobacconist for 30, 60, or 90 minutes
Yellow line on the street – no parking and you risk being towed away especially if you are in a foreign car.

Parking discs can be obtained from hotels, travel agents, or the town hall.


TOLLS
The auista's incur the heaviest tolls but are the fastest routes and generally free of traffic. Learn to identify them on the map and avoid them if you want to save some money and your schedule allows the extra time. Spanish road names that begin with an ‘AP’ are toll roads. There are also autovia’s which are toll free, indicated as ‘A’ . Names that begin with an ‘N’ are usually toll free also.


BUYING A CAR
Most travellers will do this before they get to Spain. For those working in the United Kingdom this is probably the best place to do it. Look in Auto Trader, Exchange and Mart and Loot which advertise second hand vehicles. On Market Street in London (Caledonian Road tube) there used to be an informal traveller's van and car market. We’re not sure if it’s still there. Otherwise check TNT Magazine or New Zealand News UK for more listings.


ADVICE ON CAR RENTAL
Hiring a car in Granada is a good idea if you want to do some driving through the Sierra Nevada mountain range just outside the city. You can stay in the white washed villages up here so there's no need to return in just one day. Other travellers report hiring cars in Barcelona to explore the costal regions and hills around the city. However some report that it can be hazy on a lot of days.

Check what the terms are for hiring. Check for things like the maximum number of kilometres specified as you pay so much money per kilometre over. There are always individual policy differences about the fuel (i.e you return it full or empty depending on what you arrange), and vehicle insurance. Always do some shopping around to compare prices.

BackpackSpain.com sells car hire through Auto Europe which has worldwide car rental services. We ask that you consider purchasing your car hire through them as this revenue goes back into improving this site. Auto Europe also have scheduled air from the USA to Europe, 2,000+ three and four star hotels, prestige and sports car rentals, hotel bookings, chauffeur drive and transfer services, European and South Pacific Motorhome Rentals, and European cellular phone rentals.