Spain Launches €60 Monthly Rail Pass
New Single Pass offers unlimited rides on national train and bus routes. But there's a catch.
The Spanish government just made it a lot less expensive to travel around the country. A new rail pass, which went into effect Jan. 26, allows unlimited travel on national and state transportation for €60 a month.
The “Abono Único” (Single Pass) covers travel on national Cercanías (commuter trains) and Media Distancia (medium-distance trains), as well as national buses. This includes the Rodalies de Catalunya, the networks that connects cities in Catalonia.
While tourists will benefit, the main goal is to help reduce transportation costs for Spaniards, and to get people out of their cars. Germany, Switzerland, Hungary and Portugal have launched similar deals.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the initiative aims “to change the way Spaniards understand and use public transport forever.”
The new single pass comes with some important exceptions, which might make it a bit confusing. The pass is good for national and regional trains and buses, but not city and local transportation. Spain’s high-speed AVE trains are also excluded from the deal, as well as private and international services.
On the upside, if you’re under 26 years old, you’re eligible for a 50% reduction on the pass.
If you’re not a Spanish citizen, you can still opt for a Spain Rail Pass, which offers access to the high-speed trains. The Spain Rail Pass is more expensive — €195 to €410, depending on the number of trips — but the ability to use high-speed trains is a big advantage if you’re traveling across the country.
You can buy the new Single Pass from self-service machines or ticket booths at stations, or online at Renfe’s site (although you will need to register first). This Renfe page offers more details.
 | A guest post by
|