Travel Within Spain

The books Guía Trotamundos, La Guía Azul, Let’s Go Spain, or The Lonely Planet Guide to Spain provide very useful information on low-budget lodging and meals, sights and places of interest, transportation, and helpful addresses such as post offices, etc. They are updated yearly and sold in the U.S.  The Sede Prim has several guides about Spain as well as Europe. You may also check TripAdvisor for travelers’ tips and Spain’s official tourism website for recommendations.

Madrid Transportation Cards

The staff in Spain requests  transport cards for students, and include them in orientation folders for students (that is why we ask for your photo in TDS). Students will go as a group to a Metro station to load them up for the first time with the help of an orientation assistant.

Train

Rail travel is a common and convenient form of transportation in Spain and Europe in general.  For more information check the RENFE website (RENFE is the national rail service).

• CARNET JOVEN or CARNET JOVEN EUROPEO: This card can be purchased by students under the age of 30. Instructions on how to purchase the card in Madrid will be provided in the orientation packets that students receive upon arrival.

The carnet joven can be used to obtain significant discounts on transportation, lodging and cultural activities. There are some minor restrictions regarding eligible travel days.

Luggage space is generally lacking on trains, so students should keep their valuables with them and be prepared to have their luggage ride in a different car if they have more than one suitcase.  See luggage information here.

Bus

Intercity bus transportation tends to be lower in cost than train travel, and many of the buses on the road these days are fairly spacious, have bathrooms, and show movies. Where a choice is available, check schedules and fares. Discounts may be available to students under the age of 30 who are in possession of the above-mentioned Carnet Joven.  There are many different bus companies that provide services to different regions of Spain but you can find information and make reservations at www.movelia.es.

Plane

Air travel is another possibility for travel within Spain and Europe.  Some flights available through student travel agencies are priced at 1/2 to 2/3 of the regular rate.  For regular flights, low-cost fares are sometimes available for students traveling round-trip to other countries, excursions within the country, etc.

When leaving your host city overnight or longer, students must complete the Side-Trip Registration Form. This information will be kept confidential and used only in cases of emergency or urgent messages from parents. As a matter of courtesy and common sense, students living with hosts should similarly inform them when they plan to be away.