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Getting Around & Where to Stay
Updated March 2025Route Planner
Airport Transfers
ℹ️ Prices are approximate and may vary — confirm exact fares when booking.
Public Transport
Tickets
Madrid: single EUR 1.50-2, 10-trip EUR 12.20. Barcelona: single EUR 2.40, T-casual (10 trips) EUR 11.35.
Tarjeta Multi (Madrid) / T-casual (Barcelona) — tourist transport card for unlimited rides and discounts.
Learn moreTaxis & Rideshare
FREE NOW
app~~EUR 8-15 city rides
Works in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville. Hails licensed taxis.
Visit websiteUber
rideshare~EUR 7-20 city rides
Available in Madrid and Barcelona. Uses licensed VTC drivers.
Visit websiteCabify
rideshare~EUR 7-18 city rides
Spanish rideshare company. Very popular in Madrid and Barcelona.
Visit websiteIntercity Travel
AVE High-speed train
Renfe
Madrid-Barcelona 2.5h, Madrid-Seville 2.5h. Book early for best prices.
Book ticketsAvlo (budget AVE)
Renfe Avlo
Low-cost high-speed. Limited luggage and no changes, but great prices.
Book ticketsIryo
Iryo
New private high-speed operator. Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Seville routes.
Book ticketsALSA Bus
ALSA
Spain's main bus company. Reaches towns not on the rail network.
Book ticketsWhere to Stay
Links below may be affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Prices as of 2025 — check current rates before booking.
Room Mate Oscar
mid-rangeMadrid
Rooftop pool, steps from Gran Vía. Great design.
Book on Booking.comThe Hat Madrid
budgetMadrid
Boutique hostel on Plaza Mayor, amazing rooftop terrace
Book on Booking.comGenerator Barcelona
budgetBarcelona
Near Gràcia neighborhood, terrace with Sagrada Família views
Book on Booking.comHotel Brummell
mid-rangeBarcelona
Boutique with pool, in trendy Poble-sec neighborhood
Book on Booking.comUseful Apps
Transport
Maps & Navigation
Translation
Food & Dining
ElTenedor (TheFork)
Restaurant reservations with discounts up to 50%. Very popular in Spain.
DownloadGetting Around Spain
Spain has an excellent high-speed rail network. The AVE connects Madrid to Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, and Málaga in under 3 hours. With three competing operators (Renfe, Avlo, Iryo), prices are very competitive — book early for the best deals.
Metro in Madrid and Barcelona
Both cities have extensive metro systems. In Madrid, use the Tarjeta Multi card loaded with 10-trip tickets. In Barcelona, the T-casual card gives you 10 integrated trips on metro, bus, and tram.
Tips
- Spain has three high-speed train operators competing on price — compare Renfe, Avlo, and Iryo
- Madrid’s airport taxi has a flat EUR 33 rate to the center — don’t let anyone charge more
- Cabify is often cheaper and more reliable than Uber in Spain
- Siestas are real: many shops close 2-5pm, but restaurants serve lunch until 4pm