Getting around the cities in Spain

 

There are tons of amazing towns throughout Spain that don’t have train stations—luckily, coach buses in Spain are widespread and much more comfortable and reliable than those in the US. 

ALSA is the biggest bus company in Spain and has a reputation for great service. ALSA runs between major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, and León as well as small towns in every region in the country. A trip from Barcelona to Madrid will take you about 8 hours non-stop and will cost about €24. 

Local tip: Rest stops off Spain’s major highways are really nice. Think fresh-squeezed orange juice, espresso, and lounge seating.

Rental cars are always an option, but there are some things to consider

Renting a car is a great way to get around Spain, but it has its drawbacks. If you come from a non-EU country, you’ll need an International Driver's Permit (which you can get through AAA). 

• The largest highways in Spain (with the highest speed limits) are autovías.
• Autovías are denoted by an “A” at the beginning of the road number.
• Toll roads are called autopistas, and are denoted by an “AP” at the beginning of the road number. Make sure to have cash or credit card to pay for tolls. 

Many major cities have great metro systems 

Metro stop in Madrid | Metro Centric/Flickr

There are metros in most major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia. In Spain, metro tickets and passes let you travel on all types of public transportation, from city buses to suburban trains. 

Spanish metros are known for their cleanliness and reliability. Though crime is very rare, locals say you should always be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for pickpockets—especially using the Madrid Metro (check out our article on safety in Spain for more info). 

Here are some typical metro fares:

• Madrid: €2.00 per journey for most lines or €18.30 for a bonometro (which is valid for 10 journeys across any station in the Metro network).  
• Barcelona: €2.20 for a single trip in one zone, or €10.20 for a bonometro.   
• Valencia: €1.50 for a single trip in one zone or €7.60 for a bonometro. 

Local tip: If you’re staying in one of the big cities for a while, it’s worth getting a refillable metro pass.

Taxis vs. Uber: A turf war 

Because of the uproar against Uber amongst Spanish taxi drivers, Uber has had an on-again, off-again relationship with Spain. 

Uber

You can get an Uber in Madrid, but Barcelona has banned Uber from operating in the city. Currently, Lyft does not operate outside of the US and Canada, so rideshare app options are limited. 

Taxis

The best advice is to use a licensed taxi to get around. These can be hailed anywhere in major cities, though in smaller towns you will have to call them. Taxis in most major cities do accept cards.

Work with a local to plan your trip.

See a side most people miss.

MyTaxi 

To call a taxi to your location without the stress of finding and hailing one, try the MyTaxi app. It also eliminates cash-vs-credit issues since you pay with the app.