Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, Iberia (IB) flies to the major cities of Spain, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands and the Melilla exclave on the North African coast. Ryanair (FR) flies from Berlin, Hamburg and Frankfurt to Barcelona, Madrid and the Canary Islands. Further connections with Air Europa (UX). Air taxis are available at almost all airports. Canaryfly (PM) and Binter Canarias (NT) connect the Canary Islands with each other. Binter Canarias (NT) also flies to the Balearic Islands from the Canary Islands.
Traveling by car/bus
Good motorways and expressways connect the big cities. Tolls: Spanish motorways are subject to tolls. Current toll rates are available from autopistas. Two-lane expressways connecting north and south are free to use. Motorways that are subject to tolls are marked with the suffix “P”, eg “AP-7”, in contrast to free autovias (A). Toll-free urban motorways and bypasses exist in all major cities, such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia and Alicante. The motorway ring around Madrid is partly subject to tolls. The toll also depends on the time of day, week or public holidays. On most motorways, the amount to be paid depends on the distance driven. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card. Electronic payment via the Via-T tele-toll system is worthwhile for long-term stays; Transmitters are available at gas stations and banks. Further information on the use of the motorway is available from ASETA. Gas stations are available all over Spain. Electronic payment via the Via-T tele-toll system is worthwhile for long-term stays; Transmitters are available at gas stations and banks. Further information on the use of the motorway is available from ASETA. Gas stations are available all over Spain. Electronic payment via the Via-T tele-toll system is worthwhile for long-term stays; Transmitters are available at gas stations and banks. Further information on the use of the motorway is available from ASETA. Gas stations are available all over Spain.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
The country roads are T. in less good condition. Current information on road conditions is available from the General Directorate for Road Traffic.
Car rental
The well-known rental car companies have branches in all major cities. Minimum age: 18-21 years, depending on the regulations of each rental company. A driving experience of at least 1 to 2 years is required by most car rental companies.
Bicycle
Helmets are compulsory on bicycles, mopeds and motorbikes. Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to rent or drive motorcycles over 75cc.
Coach
There is a well-developed and inexpensive bus network. Even remote villages can be reached by bus. Alsa is one of the largest bus companies in Spain. Depending on the region, there are other companies (e.g. Moventis). There are large bus stations in the cities; among others in Barcelona (Barcelona Nord), Bilbao (Bilbao Termibus), Madrid (Madrid Estación Sur), Malaga (Málaga) and Valladolid.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Always drive with dipped headlights in built-up areas at night. – Reserve bulbs and a red warning triangle must be carried. – Telephoning while driving is only permitted if a hands-free system is used. Telephoning with headsets is prohibited. – It is compulsory for drivers to wear safety vests when leaving their vehicle outside of built-up areas and staying on the road. – Seatbelt obligation. – It is forbidden to carry radar warning devices. Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. (Anyone who is caught with more than 0.5 ‰ or with drugs at the wheel loses his driver’s license for at least one year and a maximum of four years and has to expect a prison sentence of up to 2 years. ) Speed limits: within built-up areas: 50 km/h: on roads with two or more lanes in each direction 30 km/h: on roads with only one lane in each direction and on one-way streets 20 km/h: on roads with no difference in level to the pavement outside of built-up areas: on expressways: 100 km/h; on the motorway: 120 km/h (100 km/h for buses and trucks); on rural roads: 90 km/h. on roads with only one lane in each direction and on one-way streets 20 km/h: on roads with no difference in level to the pavement outside built-up areas: on expressways: 100 km/h; on the motorway: 120 km/h (100 km/h for buses and trucks); on rural roads: 90 km/h. on roads with only one lane in each direction and on one-way streets 20 km/h: on roads with no difference in level to the pavement outside built-up areas: on expressways: 100 km/h; on the motorway: 120 km/h (100 km/h for buses and trucks); on rural roads: 90 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC can be reached at any time via the international emergency number: +49 89 22 22 22 and will help in the event of car breakdowns, in emergencies such as theft or loss of papers and money or in the event of accidents. The Spanish police (tel. 902 102 112) is available to tourists in German and Italian every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in English and French every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Documentation
The national driving license is sufficient. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to make it easier to record accidents in the event of damage and to enjoy full insurance cover. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies.
Traveling in the city
The urban transport system is well developed. Metros operate in Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao and Madrid (inexpensive trading cards available). All resorts and small towns have a good bus network. Taxis can be found in all major cities.
Locally on the way by train
The rail network of the state railway company RENFE connects cities and regions throughout the Iberian Peninsula. The main trains have air conditioning and dining or buffet cars. Seat reservations are required for InterCity trains. High-speed trains (RENFE AVE trains, SNCF Ouigo Espana trains and low-cost avlo renfe trains) run from Madrid to Alicante (journey time: 2 hrs 20 mins), Barcelona (journey time: 2 hrs 30 mins), among others., Burgos, Seville, Zaragoza, Ciudad Real, Málaga (Talgo), Toledo (journey time: 35 minutes), Valencia (journey time: 1 hour 35 minutes) and Castellón (journey time from Madrid: 2 hours 25 minutes) as well from Barcelona to Girona and Figueras (journey time: 53 minutes), and to Granada (journey time: 3 hours 15 minutes). In Figueras there is a connection to the TGV route to Paris. Tourist trains: There is a well-known tourist train in almost every region of Spain: The Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) runs between Madrid and Aranjuez from the end of April in May, June, September and October. The Transcantábrico (FEVE) runs from May to October on a charming route through northern Spain from León to Santiago de Compostela. Information and reservations via RENFE. La Robla drives through the beautiful countryside of northern Spain. The Lemon Express takes you from Benidorm along the Costa Blanca. From the Ferrocarril Cremallera rack railway in Montserrat, travelers have a stunning view of the mountainous landscape of the Pyrenees.
rail passes
Discounts: Discounted day return tickets are available. Children under the age of 4 travel for free. Adolescents and young adults between the ages of 12 and 26 receive a ‘Carnet Joven’ and 20% of the fare waived. There are also discounts of 20-30% pp for groups of 10-25 people. The Interrail One Country Pass and the Interrail Global Pass are also valid in Spain. The Renfe Spain Pass can be purchased by non-resident travelers and entitles them to travel on AVE high-speed trains. It is valid for one month from the first trip. Renfe Spain Pass holders have a choice of 4, 6, 8 or 10 train journeys within a month.
Traveling by ship
Hydrofoils and car ferries operate regularly between Algeciras and Ceuta (North African exclave), Málaga (or Almería) and Melilla (North African exclave), Barcelona and Valencia and the Balearic Islands, and between Cádiz and the Canary Islands. More information from Trasmediterránea. River cruises on the Douro are offered by Nicko Cruises, among others.
