How to Get Around Using Local Transport in Spain
Spain is a very easily-navigable country, with travel options ranging from the metro to renting your own car. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to go wherever you want, whenever you want, but driving in foreign territory can be a stressful endeavor that takes away from your ability to simply enjoy your Spain experience. And while choosing how you get from place to place in this beautiful country really comes down to preference, it’s good to know your options so you can get around easily, or in case you need a Plan B! Spain’s public transport is actually extremely efficient, so it’s a convenient and affordable way to travel while you’re there. Here are the different ways you can get around using local transport in Spain’s major cities.
Bus Networks
If you’ve ever been to a major city in your home country, then you might have taken the bus at some point and be a little familiar with this method of transportation. The bus network in Spain is pretty reasonable, with affordable single or group tickets that allow you to travel throughout the city or from one city to the next. And don’t worry, the bus routes are tailored to match the needs of the Spanish lifestyle, so you’ll find that you can get on the bus as early as 6AM and as late as 2AM as you go to and from your villa. If you need a bus in the off hours, you can find a sparse offering of nitbusos, or night buses, as well.
Spain’s Metro
If you’re planning to take the metro during your stay, you’ll need to plan a little bit more extensively than you do with other transportation options. While Madrid’s metro is easy-to-use, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville’s metros are more limited than and not as convenient as other options may be. Nonetheless, it’s an affordable way to get around if it works for your vacation plans, especially since you can buy 10-trip tickets or monthly and seasonal passes!
Take a Taxi
When you’re in one of Spain’s major cities, you’ll likely be able to find taxis scattered throughout the city ready and waiting for someone to hop in for a ride. You can also wave one down or give them a call to pick you up at a desired location. If you’re planning to simply wave one down as needed, looking for a green light or a sign that says “libre” on the passenger side so you know it’s available. Make a note as well that if you’re going to be taking a taxi the duration of your trip, you may need to make arrangements to leave earlier to arrive at your destination on time; this is especially true on Friday and Saturday nights when the locals enjoy going out to the restaurants, bars and clubs. Also, this is a more expensive transport option, so keep that in mind!
Other Transport Options in Spain
Other than the bus, metro or taxi, you may be able to find some trams or trains in Spain to help you get around. Trams were stripped out a while ago, so they aren’t as easily found today, but there are some available in target locations, like Valencia where you can take a tram to the beach. There is a small handful of private railways and the Renfe national train system that you can keep in mind as well, but like a taxi, this may cost a bit more than other transport options in Spain. The one method of transportation that is advised against no matter what is hitching. Like with most countries, hitching is not a safe transport alternative!