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As of 2023, you can travel between most cities in Spain for nothing with a regular commuter season ticket
Throughout 2022, several coach routes were available to travel for half-price, but from 2023 onwards it will be possible to travel free of charge on certain intercity buses in Spain.
The free bus travel initiative was launched last September, although half of the fare still had to be paid. Since September 1, 2022 season tickets and travel cards have been available to purchase at half price, a measure which will be maintained until the end of the year.
Now, in 2023, this deal is to be extended and 42 bus journeys from state-owned coach companies will be absolutely free of charge, as long as bus passengers get a travel pass for 10, 20 or 30 journeys.
Here is the list with all the free bus routes in Spain for 2023:
- Huesca – Lleida
- Barcelona – Huesca
- Madrid y Segovia (connection to Melgar de Fernamental, Burgos)
- Madrid – Salamanca – Vigo
- Tamarite de Litera (Huesca) – Lleida
- Madrid – Fuente del Arco – Monesterio – Badalona
- Teruel – Barcelona
- Zaragoza and Castellón de la Plana, via Tarragona and Caspe
- Fraga, Binéfar, Mequinenza (Huesca) and Lleida
- Madrid – Miajadas – Don Benito
- Madrid – Jaraíz de la Vera
- Madrid – Zaorejas (Guadalajara) and Sigüenza (Guadalajara)
- Madrid – Casas Ibañez – Las Lagunas de Ruidera
- Madrid – Piedrabuena – Casas Ibañez – Las Lagunas de Ruidera
- Madrid – Jaén
- Madrid – Toledo, via Valmojado
- Logroño – Soria – Madrid
- Madrid – Toledo
- Murcia – Sevilla, via Granada (connections to Cartagena, Córdoba and Málaga)
- Murcia – Valencia
- Viella – Lleida
- Lleida and Molina de Aragón to Zaragoza
- Irún – Tuy
- Madrid – Alicante
- Burgos – Poza de la Sal – Frias – Briviesca – Padrones and Logroño
- Madrid – Granada – Almuñecar
- Madrid – Zaragoza – Barcelona
- Santander – Bilbao – Barcelona
- Alicante – Murcia
- Salamanca – León – Santander
- Sevilla and Málaga to Montgat and Manresa
- Irún – Madrid
- Santiago de Compostela, Gijón, Irún and Barcelona
- Madrid – León – Gijón
- Sevilla – Salamanca – Irún
- Ferrol (A Coruña) – Algeciras (Cádiz)
- Murcia y Almería
- Madrid – Guadalajara
- Soria – Zaragoza
- Madrid – Almería
- Almería and Cartagena (Murcia)
- Alicante – Cartagena – Murcia
Image: Wikimedia commons
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FAQs
Starting from 1 January 2023, users holding passes (e.g. annual, monthly or weekly passes) or tickets for 10, 20 or 30 trips will be able to travel for free on all state-owned bus lines, such as those connecting Madrid to Segovia, Guadalajara to Madrid, Teruel to Barcelona, Zaragoza to Castellón de la Plana, Jaén to ...
Are buses in Spain free? ›
Bus tickets in Spain
In general, a single ticket costs around €1.40 to €1.60, though some cities (such as Barcelona) charge over €2 for a ticket. Some public transport companies in Spain offer special tickets for a certain number of trips (e.g., a 10-trip ticket) or time period (e.g., a 24-hour ticket).
How do you pay for a bus in Spain? ›
Before boarding a bus at a bus terminal we would recommend that you buy a ticket from the closest ticket office or automatic machine. If you don't then you may be able to buy a single ticket from the driver as you board, but you will almost certainly have to pay more for this privilege.
Does free travel work in Spain? ›
However, authorities extended the program to December 2023, meaning travelers visiting Spain this summer can now take advantage. Anyone can snap up the free tickets as long as they select multi-journey tickets. Multi-journey tickets include a minimum of 10 return trips.
How to travel between cities in Spain? ›
If you are travelling between cities, you do have some options. Buses are usually the cheapest but take the longest. Trains are the most comfortable by far but not always that cheap. There were instances where it was cheaper to fly than taking a train.
Are Spanish train journeys free? ›
However, commuter trains are one of Spanish rail travel's best kept secrets. Because they are free, if you know how. Few train booking platforms will share this wonderful fact, but we are generous with our tips.
Is the bus in Madrid free? ›
Metro and bus tickets
The price of a single ticket in Madrid for travelling by metro or bus is 1,50€. It can be bought at metro stations, at any 'estanco' (the place where they sell tobacco) or on the bus itself, to the driver.
What does p mean on a free travel card? ›
If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who can travel for free with you: FT-P - you can travel for free. FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free.
What is the best way to travel with money in Spain? ›
Using a combination of ways to spend your travel money in Spain is your best option. A prepaid travel money card will allow you to avoid the high fees charged by your traditional bank for ATM withdrawals whilst also providing a quick solution for smaller item purchases alongside cash.
How much is a train from Madrid to Barcelona? ›
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Barcelona can start from as little as $25 (€22) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Madrid to Barcelona is $71 (€62); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
Travelling by bus
Getting the bus is one of the cheapest ways to get around Spain – although for long distances it is not always the most comfortable. It's also one of the easiest ways to access off-the-beaten-track destinations and rural areas where there are no train lines.
What are the new rules when travelling to Spain? ›
Conditions for entry into Spain
- Enter via an authorized border-crossing point.
- Present proof of identity and a valid travel document.
- Present the corresponding visa if required, according to nationality.
- Provide evidence of meeting the conditions for the proposed stay and of possessing sufficient financial resources.
And while Spain has an excellent road network, the train is a better option if you plan to travel across the country. This is particularly the case for an itinerary including Barcelona, Madrid and Seville.
Do you have to pay for buses in Barcelona? ›
Integrated fare system
Barcelona Metropolitan Transport (TMB) offers several types of tickets, adapted to various needs: single-journey tickets; ten-journey transferable cards; individual cards valid for different periods of time or special cards for students, families and elderly people.
Is the metro in Spain free? ›
It is free if you purchase the 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day Tourist Travel Pass, and once the pass expires, you can top up the smartcard with pay-per-ride tickets (single or 10-ride tickets). (*) Journeys of up to 5 stations: 1.50 €.
How much is transportation fee in Spain? ›
Public transportation costs in Spain vary by city and type, ranging from €1 to €2 for a single bus or metro journey. Monthly passes can cost between €30 and €60, depending on the city and transport options included.
Are busses free in Europe? ›
More than 50 cities and towns in Europe have now introduced free public transport, citing climate ambitions and social equality as their primary motivators.
