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Transportation

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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.  

                    www.cheaptickets.com 

                    www.travelocity.com

                    www.expedia.com

                    www.orbitz.com

 

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


RENFE, the Spanish rail company, operates a very complicated rail system schedule. Express trains have 4 levels of speed and luxury: Electrotren, TER, Talgo and Pendular. When you try to use either an InterRail or a Eurailpass on RENFE trains, be prepared to pay supplements for traveling on express trains and some other trains. Reserve a ticket in advance if possible or obtain a RENFE rail pass in Spain (where they cost less than purchased outside of Spain). RENFE tickets may be purchased at the railway stations or travel agents with a RENFE sign. Reserve a seat on the train for long trips, which can be crowded.

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


Bus service is comfortable and reliable throughout Spain. Prices are roughly 6 Euro or $6 per 60 miles (100 kilometers). Since many small towns do not have bus stations, the main problem will be finding out where the bus you want leaves from if you did not arrive in town on a bus owned by that company. More than one company's bus may be going to the same destination but by a different route. Check out the departure point for the bus you want when you arrive in town so that there are no surprises and delays when you want to leave town. Likewise check the timetable carefully to be sure that the bus you want runs that day, for example, Saturday and don't plan to travel on Sundays or holidays. Pay as you board for short trips or buy tickets in stations for longer trips. There are no reservations therefore arrive early.

Driving


The quality of Spain's major and secondary roads is improving dramatically. The A-1 roads and 4 lane highways charge tolls. N roads (which mean National roads) with only one lane in each direction, are still the main routes for tourist travel since they go through most towns and villages, where speeds must be reduced. Speed limit ranges from 75 mph on Autopistas to 62 on National highways to 55 on other roads unless otherwise indicated. Speeds should not exceed 40 mph in towns.
(see highway security notice)

Car Rental


Most major U.S. car rental companies have Spanish subsidiaries. You must be 19 years of age or older with an international drivers license or a valid license from your own country to drive in Spain. You have to rent with a major credit card or pay a very large deposit.  see ( www.autoeurope.com )

 (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.


(Information obtained at http://www.goabroad.com/guides/guides.cfm and choose Spain from the drop-down box, click on Search for Guide Info)

 

            

 

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