Interrailing Spain: ULTIMATE Guide to Travelling Spain By Train
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Interrailing Spain for the first time? You’re in the right place! Travelling Spain by train is one of the best ways to see the country.
Spanning nearly 1,700 miles, the Spanish railway system is one of the most extensive and efficient in Europe, making it a perfect country to interrail. Whether you’re looking to explore Barcelona’s vibrant culture or Madrid’s stunning architecture, there’s no better way to do it than by train.
In the following post, I outline the best interrailing Spain routes and itineraries, and how to squeeze some of the most beautiful Spanish destinations into your trip.
🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!
Interrailing Europe? You might also like…
- Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
- Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
- 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
- What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
- How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP!
Interrailing Spain: A Summary
Spain is a beautiful country with so much to offer. From the scenery to the architecture, the unbelievable tapas and the friendly people, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Spain, I would highly recommend interrailing. It’s an amazing way to see the country, and you can go at your own pace.
Interrailing Spain is straightforward, as their train system is one of the best in Europe. But, here are a few extra things to bear in mind when you are planning your trip:
🚇 The rail network in Spain connects the entire country. So if you’re worried about being able to get from A to B, don’t be! Even smaller, ‘off the beaten track’ villages and towns will have a train station. Regional trains and night trains are available in most major cities.
🚌 Journeys around Spain can also be made by bus. If you have a section of a journey that cannot be made by train, the FlixBus can be used for inter-city routes.
🇪🇸 The interrailing pass will include all trains in Spain.
🚝 You must make a seat reservation for high-speed trains, even with an interrailing pass. Seat reservations are usually around 10 EUR. This can be done on the interrailing website or at the train station. You can guarantee your seat easily there for either high-speed trains or regional trains.
🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!
What is interrailing?
Interrailing is a great way to see Europe on a budget. Interrail passes are available for people of all ages, and they allow you to travel on any day of the week. You can also travel on multiple trains per day, making it easy to explore different countries and cities all in one single trip.
Interrail passes are valid for a certain number of days, so you can tailor your trip to your own needs. Plus, if you’re under 27 years old or under, you can get a special Youth Interrail pass that’s even cheaper!
Global passes for interrailing are the best way to see Europe – and they’re not as complicated or expensive as you might think. With a global pass, you can hop on a train and explore up to 33 different countries in Europe. There are different types of global passes to choose from, so you can tailor your trip to exactly what you want.
Whether you’re looking to backpack Europe for a week or a month, interrailing is a great option. Just be sure to check the rules and regulations before you go so that you can make the most of your trip.
Not sure whether the interrailing pass is worth it? Check out my detailed guide on interrailing passes here.
Night trains whilst interrailing Spain
Spain is a big country, and if you’re interrailing around Europe, you might want to consider taking a night train from one city to the next. That way, you can make the most of your time during the day and see everything that each city has to offer (and save money on accommodation).
And once you’re done exploring for the day, you can just jump on the train and relax on the night train as you travel through the Spanish countryside. However, the high-speed trains in Spain are so quick and efficient, that you might not find the need to travel via night train. High-speed trains also include reclining seats, so you can always have a nap on board if you need to!
The best way to take advantage of the Spanish night trains is if you want to travel to another country. For example, you can catch a train to Portugal, France or Switzerland. Don’t forget to book your seat reservations for night trains and high-speed trains!
High-speed trains whilst interrailing Spain
Travelling by high-speed train in Spain is something else entirely. Not only are the trains clean, comfortable and fast, but they also offer a unique way to see the country, and can get you from A to B fast.
The main high-speed network is AVE, where most interrail passes are valid. But as I previously mentioned, you will need to pay a reservation fee. These range between 5-10 EUR, depending on the class and seat type.
🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!
Where to stay when interrailing Spain
There are a few things to consider when choosing accommodation – do you want to be in the heart of the action or off the beaten path? Are you looking for a party hostel or a quiet boutique hotel? And, of course, there’s always the all-important question of budget.
When it comes to finding accommodation whilst interrailing Spain, there are a number of options available to suit all budgets.
Hostels are popular amongst backpackers, offering affordable shared dorm rooms and communal facilities such as kitchens and lounge areas. But if you prefer a little more privacy, there are also a number of hotels and private apartments available.
Whatever your budget or preferences, there is sure to be accommodation to suit you whilst interrailing Spain.
Best hostels in Spain for backpackers
Whilst there will be many hostels all over Spain to stay in as a backpacker, these are some of the best. All of the hostels listed are perfect for solo travellers and couples who are looking to meet other backpackers whilst interrailing Spain.
Barcelona: St Christopher’s Barcelona ➡ BOOK NOW!
Granada: Oripando Hostel ➡ BOOK NOW
Bilbao: Residencia Universitaria San Mamés ➡ BOOK NOW
Madrid: The Hat ➡ BOOK NOW
Valencia: Cantagua Hostel ➡ BOOK NOW
Interrailing Spain Route 1
🇪🇸 Duration: Two weeks
🚇 Four locations in Spain: Barcelona > Madrid > Valencia > Seville
If you only have 2 weeks to spend interrailing Spain, I’d recommend visiting these highlights. By doing this route, you’ll get to experience the fun atmosphere of Barcelona, pay a visit to the capital Madrid, the sandy beaches of Valencia and the famous architecture of Seville.
Interrailing Spain Route 2
🇪🇸 Duration: Three weeks
🚇 Six locations in Spain: Bilbao > Barcelona > Madrid > Valencia > Seville > Malaga
Similar to the previous route, but adding in the northern city of Bilbao, which is known for its fun nightlife and hiking. This route needs at least three weeks to be enjoyed fully. Also, a final stop in Malaga means you can spend some time relaxing on the beach!
Interrailing Spain Route 3
🇪🇸 Duration: Four weeks
🚇 Seven locations in Spain: Bilbao > Barcelona > Madrid > Valencia > Seville > Malaga > Granada
If you’re lucky enough to have four weeks to spend interrailing Spain, I’d also recommend adding in a few days in Granada. Granada is a city in southern Spain surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s fun for backpackers and tourists, with iconic architecture and ridiculously good tapas.
➡ Don’t forget to pre-book your accommodation! You can check out the best hostels in Spain here.
Interrailing Spain: train durations
Below I have listed some of the longer (or more frequently used) train duration times for your interrailing Spain trip.
Barcelona > Madrid: 2.5 hours
Madrid > Valencia: 1 hour 40 mins
Valencia > Seville: 4.5 hours
Malaga > Granada: 1.5 hours
🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!
How much does interrailing Spain cost?
As always, this will depend on the type of trip you will have whilst interrailing Spain. Are you going to stay in hotels, or rough it in shared dorms? Are you going to cook in your Airbnb each night, or try all of the different tapas restaurants?
As a ballpark amount, I would budget 70-100 EUR per day to interrail Spain. It’s just slightly cheaper than France, but still a hefty price for a budget backpacker.
If you opt to stay in shared dorms, you may be able to get this price down to 60 EUR per day, but just ensure you save enough money to really make the most of your trip to Spain!
Want to interrail on a budget? I’ve got you covered. Check out my detailed post on interrailing on a budget here.
Useful Phrases whist Interrailing Spain
Make sure you don’t get confused with Spanish vocabulary whilst boarding the trains! Here are a few useful phrases to remember whilst travelling between Spanish cities:
Train: tren
Ticket: boleto
Train station: estacion de tren
Ticket office: taquilla
Carriage: carro
Seat: asiento
Arrivals: llegadas
Departures: salidas
What to pack for interrailing Spain
As I always say, you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your interrailing Spain trip, so make sure you have comfortable shoes that you can walk long distances in.
Secondly, pack light! You’ll be moving around a lot and you don’t want to be lugging a heavy bag around with you.
A small backpack or a wheeled suitcase is ideal.
Thirdly, make sure you pack some essential items such as a portable charger, an everyday tote bag and a power adapter for your electronics.
And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera! With interrailing Spain you’ll want to take lots of photos of all the amazing places you visit.
If you’d like a more detailed packing list for interrailing Europe, you can read my post: What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials.
Best destinations for interrailing Spain
Barcelona
Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. (If you’re visiting for the first time, be sure to check out this incredible Barcelona travel guide first!)
The city is home to architectural treasures, world-class museums, and some of the best tapas in the country! Barcelona is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of parks and beaches to explore. And of course, no visit to Barcelona would be complete without cheering on Barcelona’s legendary football team, FC Barcelona.
The city is home to Barcelona Cathedral, as well as the world-famous church of Sagrada Familia. Barcelona’s architecture is a mix of styles, ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau, and is home to two world-class art museums: the Museu Picasso and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.
Or, if you fancy something different, check out Barcelona Boat Tours. I’ll always try and hop on a boat when I’m visiting a city by the sea, and Barcelona is one of the best places to do it!
Need somewhere to stay in Barcelona? Be sure to check out this post for some of the best neighbourhoods! Barcelona is an amazing place to add to your interrailing trip!
Granada
Granada is one of the best places to visit during your Spanish interrailing trip. This beautiful city is home to the world-famous Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex that is definitely worth a visit.
Granada is also home to numerous other historical sites, such as the Cathedral of Granada and the Royal Chapel, as well as a number of interesting museums.
The city has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained. And if you’re looking for some adventure, you can always go skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains!
Bilbao
Bilbao is a charming and fun city in the Basque region of Spain and is known for its food, culture, and architecture. The best way to experience Bilbao is to walk around the city and explore all it has to offer (which is of course, free. Yay!).
Bilbao has a lot of character and there are many things to do that are free or on a backpacker budget, like walking around the Old Town and visiting the Guggenheim Museum. The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and is definitely worth a visit. You can buy tickets in advance online which will save you money. There are also often discounts for students and seniors.
If your budget allows, you can take a boat ride on the Nervion River. Bilbao is located on the Nervion River and is one of the best ways to see the city!
Interrailing Spain FAQs
1) Is it worth getting an interrail pass to travel Spain?
This depends on the duration of your trip, and whether or not you are only visiting Spain. If you are planning on travelling to Spain or Europe for longer than a week, I would recommend getting an interrailing pass.
However, if you’re visiting for a shorter amount of time, such as 2-5 days, it may work out cheaper to buy individual high-speed train tickets.
Don’t forget there are always offers on interrailing passes, as well as the Youth Discount, so if you’re travelling Europe for more than 5 days, I would recommend purchasing an interrail pass.
🚝 Need to buy your interrailing pass? I recommend checking this website for the best discounts and deals!
2) How do I book tickets to Interrail Spain?
Once you’ve bought your interrailing pass and have a destination plan, you can book your seat reservations. Your interrail pass is activated when you reach the first location that isn’t your home country/city.
Have a look at Interrail’s train timetable to find times and destinations. Most trains will require a seat reservation (especially high-speed and sleeper trains). Slower train seat reservations are usually cheaper, or in some cases, free.
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3) What tours should I do in Spain?
Looking to book a tour whilst interrailing Spain? Tours are one of the best ways to see the hidden gems of the country you are visiting. If you’re travelling during peak season, I highly recommend pre-booking your tours to ensure you don’t miss out!
When travelling, we use this company to book our tours. Tours include skip-the-line tickets to the world’s most iconic attractions, walking tours by top local experts, immersive food and beverage tours, cooking and craft classes, bucket list experiences, and niche offerings you won’t find anywhere else! ➡ You can check out available tours in Spain with prices here!
4) Do I need a SIM card to visit Spain?
If you’re not from Spain, it’s worth downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and avoid roaming charges as soon as you arrive.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing! Plus, there are eSIMs available for the entire continent of Europe, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
➡ Don’t forget to pre-book your accommodation! You can check out the best hostels in Spain here.
Interrailing Spain: In a Nutshell
If you’re looking for an amazing European interrailing trip that won’t break the bank (entirely), I highly recommend interrailing across Spain. Oh, and don’t forget to book your interrailing pass before you go!
Have you ever been to Spain? What was your favourite part? Let me know in the comments below or DM me on Instagram – I’d love to hear from you!
Happy travelling!
Jennie 😀 x
Interrailing Europe? You might also like…
- Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
- Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
- 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
- Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide
- What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
- How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)
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MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
