Spain Train Passes 2025: Save Money on Your Journey
Discover how to save up to 75% on train travel in Spain with unlimited monthly passes, youth discounts, and insider booking tips
Why This Guide Matters
Spain's train system offers incredible value but the options can be confusing. We'll help you choose the right pass and save money on your Spanish adventure.
🎯 Which Pass Is Right for You? (30-Second Decision)
Best for Most Travelers
Unlimited travel on local and regional trains across ALL of Spain. Perfect for exploring cities and regions.
Youth Travelers (15-26)
Same unlimited access as adult pass but at 50% discount. Must show valid ID proving age.
Families with Kids
Children under 15 travel completely free. Adults pay €20/month. Huge savings for family trips!
📅 What Changed in 2025? (Important Update)
Spain's 3-year free train pass experiment ended July 1, 2025. The new system is designed to be permanent and still offers incredible value.
❌ Before (2022-2025)
- • Completely free with €10-20 deposit
- • Required 16 trips to get deposit back
- • Separate passes for each city
- • Temporary cost-of-living measure
✅ Now (July 2025+)
- • €20/month unlimited (€10 youth, free kids)
- • No minimum trip requirements
- • Works across ALL Spanish regions
- • Permanent sustainable system
💡 How Much Can You Save? Real Examples
🏖️ Barcelona Beach Explorer (7 days)
🎒 Madrid Day Trip Master (10 days)
🎫 Complete Pass Details & Pricing (September 2025)
| Pass Type | Price | Coverage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Monthly | €20 | All zones, all regions | Most travelers |
| Youth (15-26) | €10 | All zones, all regions | Students, young travelers |
| Children (Under 15) | FREE | All zones, all regions | Families with kids |
| 10-Journey Pass | Zone-based | Specific routes only | Occasional travelers |
Monthly Pass
Unlimited travel for 1 month across ALL zones in your region
- ✓ All Cercanías/Rodalies zones
- ✓ Works in other regions too
- ✓ Nominative (requires ID)
- ✓ Valid 1 month from activation
Youth Monthly Pass
Ages 15-26 get 50% discount on monthly unlimited pass
- ✓ Same coverage as €20 pass
- ✓ Must prove age at purchase
- ✓ Nominative (requires ID)
- ✓ All zones included
Children's Free Pass
Children under 15 travel completely free (born 2011-2025)
- ✓ Valid until December 31, 2025
- ✓ Spanish nationality or legal residence
- ✓ All Cercanías/Rodalies services
- ✓ Registration required
10-Journey Passes
For occasional travelers, 10-journey passes are available at standard zone-based pricing:
- • Pricing: Based on traditional zone fares per nucleus
- • Flexibility: Can be used by multiple people with same origin/destination
- • Validity: One year from purchase date
- • Purchase: Available 15 days before validity start date
Avant Trains: 50% Discount Continues
The 50% discount on Avant high-speed trains continues through December 31, 2025.
What's Included:
- • All Avant trains nationwide
- • 50% off standard ticket prices
- • No age restrictions
- • Available for all seat classes
Popular Routes:
- • Madrid ↔ Alicante
- • Madrid ↔ Cartagena
- • Madrid ↔ Albacete
- • Madrid ↔ Cuenca
How to Buy Your Pass: Step-by-Step Guide
📱 Online & Mobile Apps
- 1Download app: "RENFE" (main) or "RENFE Cercanías"
Or visit renfe.com - 2Create account with valid Spanish phone number
- 3Select "Abonos" (Season passes) section
- 4Choose your region and pass type (monthly/10-journey)
- 5Pay monthly fee and receive QR code pass instantly
🚂 At the Station
- 1Bring ID/passport and payment method
- 2Visit ticket office or find self-service machines
- 3Ask for "Abono mensual" (monthly pass) and specify age category
- 4Select starting date (can choose up to 15 days in advance)
- 5Pay monthly fee (cash or card) and collect pass
Key Details & Requirements
⚠️ Pass Activation
Monthly passes activate on first use, not purchase date. Valid for exactly 30 days from activation. Can be purchased up to 15 days in advance.
📱 Digital Options
QR codes from RENFE apps work seamlessly. Download to contactless card or use digital pass on your phone.
🆔 Eligibility
Adult passes (€20): No restrictions. Youth passes (€10): Ages 15-26. Children's free passes: Under 15 with Spanish nationality or legal residence.
🚄 Service Coverage
Valid on Cercanías, Rodalies, and conventional Media Distancia across all Spanish regions. NOT valid for AVE, Euromed, or Intercity.
Frequently Asked Questions
💰 Can I use my €20 pass to travel between Madrid and Barcelona?
Yes, within each city! Your €20 pass works for unlimited travel on Cercanías in Madrid AND Rodalies in Barcelona. However, it doesn't cover the high-speed train between cities (that requires a separate AVE ticket). Perfect for exploring each city thoroughly!
📱 What happens if I lose my digital pass?
No worries! Simply log back into the RENFE app with your account credentials. Your active passes will still be there. You can also download passes to your phone's wallet app for offline access. For physical tickets, report the loss immediately at any train station ticket office.
🎒 Do international tourists get the youth discount?
Absolutely! If you're aged 15-26, you qualify for the €10 youth pass regardless of nationality. Just bring valid photo ID (passport works perfectly) that proves your age. This applies to tourists, students, and anyone in the age range.
🔄 Can I get a refund if I don't use my monthly pass?
Limited refunds available. Refunds are possible for unused passes before first activation, but may include administrative fees. Once activated, passes are generally non-refundable. Best to buy closer to when you'll actually use it since you can purchase up to 15 days in advance.
🔮 Will these prices continue in 2026 and beyond?
Very likely! The Spanish government designed this as a permanent, sustainable system to replace the temporary free passes. The €20 pricing has broad political support and represents Spain's commitment to affordable public transport. Any changes would likely be gradual adjustments rather than major overhauls.
🚀 Ready to Save? Your Next Steps
📱 Buy Online (Recommended)
- 1Download RENFE app or visit renfe.com
- 2Register with your passport number
- 3Select "Abonos" (season passes)
- 4Choose monthly pass + age category
- 5Pay & get instant QR code!
🏢 Buy at Station
- 1Bring passport & payment method
- 2Find ticket office or machines
- 3Ask for "Abono mensual"
- 4Specify age for correct pricing
- 5Choose start date & pay
💡 Pro Tips for Maximum Savings
- 🎯Buy up to 15 days early - Choose your start date flexibly
- 📱Use QR codes - Faster than physical tickets at barriers
- 🗺️Works everywhere - Same pass in Madrid, Barcelona, Seville
- ⏰Activates on first use - Not purchase date, so plan accordingly
🤔 Pass vs Individual Tickets: Which Saves More?
| Travel Pattern | Individual Tickets | €20 Monthly Pass | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5+ trips per month | €25-60+ | €20 | 🎫 Pass wins! |
| Daily commuting | €80-150+ | €20 | 🎫 Pass wins big! |
| Weekend explorer | €30-80 | €20 | 🎫 Pass wins! |
| 1-2 trips only | €5-15 | €20 | 💸 Individual wins |
Rule of thumb: If you'll make more than 4-5 local/regional train trips in a month, the €20 pass pays for itself. For youth travelers, it's profitable after just 2-3 trips!
📋 Official Sources & Booking Links
🎫 Booking Platforms
- RENFE Official Website🔗
- RENFE Mobile App(iOS/Android)