Spain Introduces Free Train Travel this Autumn
During the debate on the state of the nation in the Congress of Deputies on July 12th, Spain's prime minister Pedro Sánchez announced a number of initiatives in a effort to mitigate the economic and social impact of the war in Ukraine. One such measure is the plan to implement free travel on state-owned public transport for four months from September 1 to December 31, 2022.
Great news right? But before you start planning an autumn getaway, you should know that the 100% discount does not apply to all travel on Renfe.
Which Tickets Are Free?
The policy's goal is to encourage commuters to opt for more sustainable travel and leave their cars at home. Because the measure is aimed at Spanish workers that commute daily between cities, single trip tickets and round-trip tickets are not included. Also, integrated tickets that combine multiple modes of transport are not included.
The 100% discount will apply to all multi-journey tickets on Cercanías, Rodalias and media distancia routes of less than 300 kilometers, such as the Bono 10 Regional and regional monthly passes. In order to access free train travel users must be registered with Renfe and pay a deposit to receive an access code to reserve travel tickets.
Starting August 24, users will be able to pay the deposit and reserve travel. Renfe recommends that travelers create an account and pay the deposit as early as possible, preferably before September 1.
To find out how you can register for free travel, read our article How to Register for Free Train Travel in Spain.
What about Intercity Transport?
For public transport services not within the scheme for free travel, the Spanish government is subsidizing 30% of the cost in all of the autonomous regions. Some regions are further subsidizing the cost; here in Catalunya the Generalitat is shaving another 20% off the ticket price of a number of tickets.
So, while travel within the metropolitan area won't be free, you will still enjoy significant savings. Nearly all public transport in Barcelona—metro, bus, tram, train—will be reduced by 50%.
TMB Tickets with 50% Reduction
- T-usual passes are good for unlimited travel over 30 days. Tickets for all zones will be reduced by 50%. The zone one T-usual pass will be €20.00, down from €40.00.
- T-jove passes are good for unlimited transport for 90 days for individuals under 25 years old. Tickets for all zones will be reduced by 50%. The zone one T-jove pass will be €40.00, down from €80.00.
- T-FM/FN 70/90 passes are for those registered as single-parent families or "numerous" families (three or more children). They can be used by more that one person at a time and are good for 70 trips in 90 days. Tickets for all zones will be reduced by 50%. The zone one pass will be €31.75, down from €63.55.
- T4 passes, also known as the targeta rosa, are available for individuals over 60. Each T4 pass is good for 10 trips in zone one only. The price for this pass will be €2.00, down from €4.00.
TMB Tickets with 30% Reduction
- T-casual passes are good for 10 rides and can only be used by one person at a time (no sharing on the same trip). Tickets for all zones will be reduced by 50%; the zone one T-casual pass will be €7.95, down from €11.35.
For How Long Are the Subsidized Tickets Valid?
Unfortunately, you cannot acquire tickets for travel beyond the dates of the discount. For train travel, tickets will be available for travel only from September 1 to December 31.
For intercity travel in Barcelona, the TMB website states that all tickets a acquired in 2022 will be valid until January 15, 2023.
Updated August 16, 2022 to include new information from the TMB about ticket pricing.