Spain Getting Around
Getting Around by Air
Getting Around by Water
Getting Around by Rail
High-speed trains: The AVE service connects Madrid and Seville in 2 hours 15 minutes, with several services each way via Córdoba. Some services also stop at Ciudad Real and Puerto Llano (La Mancha). A new Madrid to Barcelona leg is now open, and the high-speed border connection with France is due in 2010. A new line from Córdoba to Málaga is also now open. Madrid to Valencia and Madrid to Valladolid should follow by 2010. The Talgo 200 connects Madrid and Málaga in 4 hours 35 minutes.
Tourist trains: The Andalus Express and Transcantábrico offer a pleasant way of discovering their respective regions. There are also a number of privately run narrow-gauge railways in Spain, mainly in the north, the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, which run at a leisurely pace through picturesque scenery. For more information, contact the Spanish National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses).
Note: Seat reservations are required on all intercity trains. This ruling applies to the passes and cards mentioned above.
Getting Around by Road
Bus: There are bus lines which are efficient and cheap, operating between cities and towns. Departures are generally from a central terminal at which the operators will have individual booths selling tickets. Most places have a bus link of some kind, even the more remote villages.
Car hire: All major car hire companies are represented in major cities, resorts and airports. Drivers must be over 21 to hire a car.
Motorcycles: No person under 18 may hire or ride a vehicle over 75cc. Crash helmets must be worn.
Regulations: Side lights must be used at night in built-up areas. Spare bulbs, red hazard triangles and a reflective vest or jacket must be kept in all vehicles. Traffic lights: two red lights mean ‘No Entry'. Parking laws are rigorously enforced. The speed limit for motorways is 120kph (80mph) in general, but for buses and lorries the limit is 100kph (60mph); in built-up areas the limit is 50kph (30mph); for other roads it is 90kph (56mph).
Emergency breakdown service: Real Automóvil Club de España (RACE) (tel: 9023 00505; website: www.race.es).
Documentation: Most foreign licences including Canadian, EU and US are accepted. Minimum third Party insurance is compulsory; carry a copy of your policy and registration document if bringing your own car.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Journey Times
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Barcelona | 1.00 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Canary Is. | 2.30 | - | - |
| Mallorca | 1.00 | - | - |
| Palma | 1.10 | 6.00* | 5.00* |
* Plus nine hours by boat (three hours by catamaran).
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