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Getting There When traveling from the United States to Spain, it is helpful to search for the best rates. There are many websites that can assist you in getting up to date availability with competing rates and airlines. Some of the following sites are helpful and allow you to choose your arrival and departure locations as well as the dates and times of these flights. Travel packages are also offered for most locations. There are high and low seasons where rates fluctuate and rates tend to change from day to day. Low season is typically from November to March, and high season is from May to October. Persistence and patience can give you the best deal, so be sure not to get discouraged by the first quote given, by try alternative dates and departure cities.
Spain by Air Spain's domestic airline, Avianca, affiliated with Iberia, offers service to all large
cities in Spain. Barcelona, Seville and Bilbao are all about 50 minutes flying
time from Madrid. Trains in Spain
Persons over 65, families traveling with children, young people 12 to 25 years old, couples traveling in Coche-Cama and other special circumstances of travel may qualify for a big discount, so ask. Ask the RENFE office for a calendar of Blue Days (Diaz Azules), non holiday periods, when discounts are provided on the return portion of trips. Various weekend and one-day excursions are also discounted. A flexi-ticket will allow 4 days of travel in any 15-day period. These
passes do not include the scenic north coast rail line from Bilbao to El Ferrol
or the other private rail line from Alicante to Denia, both run by FEVE.
Purchase a Tarjeta Turistica in Spain and it will entitle you to unlimited
travel on Spanish trains without paying additional supplements. Buses
Driving
Car Rental
(Information obtained from http://www.europe-today.com/spain ) Metro The metro is available in such cities as Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Valencia. Each of these cities has an extensive metro website (that is available in English) with transportation options, prices, and timetables. Visit these through the following links. Madrid: http://www.metromadrid.es Barcelona: http://www.tmb.net/eng Bilbao: http://www.metrobilbao.net/serviciosi.html Valencia: http://www.metrovalencia.com (English version coming soon) Taxis It is very important when taking a taxi in a foreign country to follow the following guidelines. When you arrive at the airport, if you are going to take a cab, it is very important to look for a desk of a registered taxi company. There may be more than one. Beware of 'independent' drivers who may offer you a ride. Even if they have a meter in their car and/or an official business card, it is safer to go to the desk of the official companies. Taxis will always charge a surcharge for leaving or arriving to an airport or train station, and for taking luggage, usually 1 Euro /bag. In Madrid, taxi drivers are known to overcharge foreigners, sometimes charging up to 3 or 4 times the amount that they should. Be on alert! Make sure the car displays the name of the company and that the car has an official meter. Many people use their personal automobiles, and may even have a meter, but these 'independent' drivers are not the safest way to travel. Before you get into the car, you should tell the driver where you want to go to make sure they know how to get there. It is common to agree on a rate, but most will charge by the meter. If you find a taxi driver that you like from a reputable company, ask for his card. The next time you need a taxi, call ahead and request the same driver. It may be more expensive than you think to travel by taxi on a daily basis. Most foreign countries have excellent public transportation. If traveling by day and you're not in a hurry, it is definitely worth it to walk or take the bus.
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