Another European country is about to put the UK to shame, with the launch of a new affordable travel pass aimed to ‘improve the everyday lives’ of its citizens.
Right now, if you were to hop on a train in Barcelona and head to Madrid for the day, a single fare would cost you £27 — and that’s only if you booked your ticket far in advance.
But, come January 2026, public transport in Spain will become far more affordable.
In an effort to reduce dependency on private vehicles, the Spanish government has announced that it will launch a national public transport pass for a monthly fee of €60 (£52).
That’s just £1.70 a day to ride any bus or train you like around the country.
Tapas anyone?
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Things are even sunnier for locals under 26, who will only need to pay €30 per month for the unlimited travel pass.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the new initiative on Monday December 15, stating the pass would ‘change the way Spaniards understand and use public transport for ever.’
According to Sánchez, the scheme could help some workers cut their monthly travel costs by as much as 60%.
This news comes at a good time for the prime minister – who’s been struggling to battle off accusations of corruption and sexual harassment within his inner circle.
Sánchez confirmed during his speech on Monday that despite calls for him to call a snap election, his party has no intentions of going anywhere.
How will the Spanish travel pass work?
There are no details available regarding how people will be able to purchase the pass, however, with the initiative due to launch mid-January, more information will likely be released soon.
Once you have your pass, you’ll be able to travel anywhere in Spain on middle-distance and suburban trains such as the Cercanías and Media Distanci services, and on national buses.
The prime minister is also going to be encouraging regional and municipal authorities to gradually opt into the measure so that local public transport, such as the metro and city buses, will also be included in the season ticket.
Sánchez told audiences on Monday: ‘We’re talking about two million people who will be paying less each month to get to work, to get home or to do their day-to-day stuff. That’s what governing is about: making the important things easier for ordinary people.’
Currently, the only subsidised railway tickets available for residents is the Cercanías pass, which costs €20 per month.
On the other hand, if you’re visiting the European country, you have the option of purchasing a Renfe Spain Pass, which allows you to take four, six,eight or ten journeys on Renfe’s national network (including high-speed AVE trains) within a one-month period.
Will Spain’s travel pass be available for tourists?
While it’s not yet been revealed yet if tourists will be able to purchase the pass, similar schemes across Europe have been made available to visitors.
For example, Germany’s unlimited travel pass – the Deutschlandticket – uses a subscription model and costs £50 per month, which equates to about £1.60 per day. It’s available for both residents and visitors to purchase.
Also know as the ‘D ticket’, the pass is valid on all city buses, subways and trams in municipalities across Germany, as well as short and medium-distance transport, including trains.
Hungary’s initiative, aptly named the Hungary Pass, is also available for tourists and comes in at approximately £43 per month.
Plus, if you’re a student, it comes with a whopping 90% discount.
And if you fancy a January getaway to Switzerland, you’ll be pleased to hear that Geneva offers an enticing scheme which entitles anyone staying in approved accommodation, whether that be a hotel, youth hostel, or campsite, to the city’s Transport Card for free travel for the duration of their stay.
The card allows tourists to enjoy complimentary and unlimited travel within the city’s limits, including busses, tramways, trains and even shuttle boats.
However, if you’re planning to visit Portugal anytime soon, you won’t be as lucky. While their scheme is the cheapest pass out there, costing only £17.60 per month, it’s only available to Portuguese residents.
