Travel Articles

Spain Travel Information

Spain Travel Information and Helpful Tips for Your Vacation

Spain has an increasingly efficient transport system. All the major cities have airports and flights from all over the globe arrive at those of Madrid and Barcelona. Both the road and rail networks were greatly improved during the 1980’s and in the run-up to Expo and the Olympics in 1992.

When you travel Spain by rail services take note that intercity rail services are more efficient, but coaches are a faster and more frequent option between smaller towns. In much of rural Spain, however, public transport is limited and a car is the most practical solution for getting around. Ferries connect mainland Spain with the UK, North Africa and the Balearic and Canary Islands.

A green card and a bail bond from a motor insurance company are needed in order to extend your comprehensive cover to travel Spain. Spanish law requires you to carry with you at all times your vehicle’s registration document, a valid insurance certificate and a driving license. You must always be able to show a passport or a national identity card as ID. You must also display a sticker with the car’s country of registration on the rear of the vehicle.

Arriving and Traveling By Air to Spain

Spain is served by most international airlines. Iberia, the national airline, has scheduled flights daily into Madrid and Barcelona from all west European capitals, and once or twice weekly from most east European capitals.

British Airways offers scheduled flights to Madrid and Barcelona daily from London Heathrow and London Gatwick; and Madrid from Manchester, and Barcelona from Birmingham. Three budget airlines, Easyjet, Bmibaby and Ryanair, fly to mainland and island Spain from regional airports throughout the UK.

Of the US airlines serving Spain, Delta Airlines flies to Madrid and Barcelona. Be sure to book a flight well in advance to save money before you travel to Spain.

The most regular international airport travel services operate from Madrid and Barcelona. The busiest international airports for scheduled and charter flights in Spain can sometimes be a real challenge on holidays. Most is seasonal travel traffic, mainly from north European countries, and at peak summer holiday time these airports get crowded.

All the Balearic and Canary Islands have international airports, except Hierro and La Gomera which have domestic ones. Melilla and Ceuta are also served by domestic flights only.

Before you decide to book a flight and travel to Spain, take note that flights vary through the year, depending on demand. They are generally highest during the summer months. Special deals, particularly for weekend city breaks, are often offered in the winter and may include a number of nights at a hotel. Look into reduced fares and for competitive deals. Christmas and Easter flights are often booked well in advance.

Charter flights from the UK serve airports such as Alicante, Malaga and Girona near beach resorts. These can be very cheap, but less reliable, and often fly at unsociable hours. Make sure your travel agent is ABTA bonded before booking. Local car hire companies may offer good deals at resort airports, but read the rental terms carefully.