How Spain’s New €60 Travel Pass Changes Getting Around in 2026

From January 2026, Spain is introducing a nationwide public transport pass that allows unlimited train and bus travel for a fixed monthly price. This is a big change for expats who commute, travel frequently between regions, or rely on public transport instead of owning a car.

What the new national transport pass includes

The Spanish government has announced a €60 monthly national pass, with a reduced €30 option for under‑26s. Both versions are designed to cover most everyday rail and bus journeys across the country.

• Launch date: Sales and validity are scheduled to begin around 19 January 2026, according to transport ministry briefings and industry reports.
• Price: €60 per month for adults, €30 per month for young people under 26.
• Coverage: Unlimited travel on:
  • Renfe Cercanías/Rodalies commuter trains
  • Media Distancia regional trains
  • State‑run long‑distance intercity buses across Spain
• Alongside existing discounts: The national pass is planned to run in parallel with existing regional discounts and subsidised passes during 2026, rather than replacing them overnight.

What the pass does not cover (for now)

The pass is generous, but it does not include every type of transport in Spain, especially at launch.

• High‑speed trains: AVE and other long‑distance high‑speed services are not included in the €60/€30 national pass.
• Local metros, trams and city buses: These are not automatically covered. Regions and city councils can choose to link their own systems to the pass, so coverage will depend on local agreements.
• Private and low‑cost operators: Private coach and rail companies that are not part of the state network are generally outside the scheme.

How expats can benefit from the pass

For many expats, the new transport pass will change the maths on where to live, how to commute and how often to travel around Spain.

• Cheaper regional commuting: If you live in a smaller, cheaper town and commute by Cercanías or Media Distancia into a big city, the pass can slash monthly costs compared with buying individual tickets or standard rail passes.
• More freedom to explore: Unlimited regional train and state bus travel makes weekend trips to other provinces much more affordable, especially for those without a car.
• Better budgeting: A fixed monthly price makes it easier to predict transport costs, which helps when planning a move or setting a monthly budget in euros.

Who can get the pass?

The national pass is intended for anyone travelling regularly within Spain, not just Spanish citizens. Full details are still being rolled out, but early information suggests:

• Residents: Spanish citizens and legal residents should be able to buy the pass with their usual ID (DNI, NIE, TIE, etc.).
• Young people: The €30 version will be tied to age (under 26), not nationality, so expat students and younger workers should qualify if they can prove their age and identity.
• Tourists and visitors: The government has signalled that visitors will also be able to use the pass, although purchase points and ID requirements (e.g. passport vs residency card) may differ.

Practical tips for expats

Before you rush to buy the new pass, it is worth checking how it fits your actual travel patterns.

• Check your routes: Look at your usual train and bus lines (commuter, regional, intercity) and confirm they are part of the national network covered by the pass.
• Compare with regional passes: In some areas, existing regional or city passes may still be better value if you rarely leave your region.
• Watch for integration with metros: Keep an eye on announcements from your autonomous community or city hall to see if local metro and bus systems join the national pass scheme.
• Plan admin and healthcare trips: If you travel to other cities for immigration, tax, or healthcare appointments, the pass can make those journeys cheaper and easier to schedule.

As more details are confirmed and regions decide how to plug their own systems into the new scheme, the €60 national pass is likely to become one of the most useful tools for expats living, working or studying anywhere in Spain.