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Date Published: 28/01/2025

Spain transport discounts are back: Up to 50 per cent off train and bus travel this year

The government managed to push through the cost-of-living policy, which began as an extraordinary measure in 2022

The Spanish government has reinstated its transport subsidies after their brief suspension. Following the approval of a new decree on Tuesday January 28, free travel passes for Cercanías and Media Distancia trains are back, alongside discounts on metro and bus services.

These measures, initially introduced in 2022, were disrupted last week when Congress failed to vote to extend the previous law. Now, with renewed support from Catalan pro-independence parties, the subsidies will be guaranteed until June 30, 2025 and are expected to remain in force under the new regime from July 1, 2025 until the end of the year.

President Pedro Sánchez confirmed that the new decree mirrors the previous measures, ensuring uninterrupted benefits for public transport users. Once it is published in the BOE (Official State Gazette), Renfe will resume issuing free passes for frequent travellers on Cercanías, Rodalies and Media Distancia services.

Existing passes, issued before January 22, remain valid until April 30. Moving forward, users can access new four-month passes, offering free train travel until June 30.

State-run ALSA bus routes and Avant trains will also see their subsidies restored, with Avant passes enjoying a 50% discount until December 31.

Inter-island travel in the Canary and Balearic Islands will remain free, and public bike rental schemes will continue at a 50% discount.

Urban and metropolitan transport discounts, previously dependent on regional or municipal budgets, are now federally supported. The Government will allocate €1.6 billion to cover 30% of ticket prices, provided local authorities contribute an additional 20%.

This collaboration ensures discounts of at least 50% on season tickets and multi-journey passes until mid-2025. Many city councils and autonomous communities, which had pledged temporary funding until January, will now only need to cover their share of the subsidy.

From July 1, the scheme will adopt a less universal approach. Free Cercanías travel will be replaced by a €20 monthly pass covering all train network hubs. Public transport will be free for children under 14, and youth passes will enjoy a 50% discount. For other tickets, state subsidies of 20% will combine with local contributions for discounts of at least 40%.

This renewed subsidy programme ensures significant savings for millions of travellers, easing the financial burden of public transport across Spain.

Image: Comunidad de Madrid

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