Interrailing Spain: ULTIMATE Guide to Travelling Spain By Train

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If you’re thinking of interrailing Spain, I highly recommend it. This interrailing Spain post takes out all the tricky planning work so you can get going.

Visiting Spain for the first time?

Or just taking some time to slow travel Spain and see all it has to offer?

Spanning nearly 1,700 miles, the Spanish railway system is one of the most extensive and efficient in Europe, making it a perfect country to interrail. 

Whether you’re looking to explore Barcelona’s vibrant culture or Madrid’s stunning architecture, there’s no better way to do it than by train. 

On your travels, you’ll be able to try delicious food, relax on one of the many sandy beaches and drink local wine until your heart is content (or you can’t stand up anymore).

Keep reading for my tips on the best way to make the most of your time interrailing Spain, and be sure to enjoy every minute – this is a trip you’ll never forget!

But before we begin, have you booked your interrailing pass? If not, you can grab it here!

I also have posts on interrailing France, Switzerland and Italy, as well as routes which cover more than one country.

Interrailing Europe? You might also like…

• Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
• Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide
• What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
• Interrailing Routes 3 Weeks: FOUR Routes You’ll Love!
• How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

Interrailing Spain: Why do it?

Spain is a beautiful country with so much to offer.

From the scenery to the architecture, the unbelievable tapas and friendly people, there’s something for everyone.

 If you’re planning a trip to Spain, I would highly recommend interrailing. 

It’s an amazing way to see the country, and you can go at your own pace. 

Plus, it’s a great way to meet other travellers. I remember when I first interrailed through Spain, I met some amazing people from all over the world. We bonded over our shared love of travel, and we still keep in touch today! 

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

🗺️ Travelling Europe? Book your interrailing pass here!

Interrailing Spain: Three Routes to Take

Route 1: 2 weeks

Barcelona > Madrid > Valencia > Seville

If you only have 2 weeks to spend interrailing Spain, I’d recommend visiting these highlights. 

By doing this route, you’ll get to experience the fun atmosphere of Barcelona, pay a visit to the capital Madrid, the sandy beaches of Valencia and the famous architecture of Seville.

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

Route 2: 3 weeks

Bilbao > Barcelona > Madrid > Valencia > Seville > Malaga

Similar to the previous route, but adding in the northern city of Bilbao, which is known for its fun nightlife and hiking. 

Also, a final stop in Malaga means you can spend some time relaxing on the beach at the end of your trip. 

🗺️ My world travel must-have: Whilst out during the day, I use a tote bag to hold my belongings like my camera, notebook, purse and Microfibre towel. It’s easier to pack away than a big beach bag, and can be neatly tucked away when you don’t need it!

Route 3: 4 weeks

Bilbao > Barcelona > Madrid > Valencia > Seville > Malaga > Granada 

If you’re lucky enough to have 4 weeks to spend interrailing Spain, I’d also recommend adding in a few days in Granada. 

Granada is a city in southern Spain surrounded by the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s fun for backpackers and tourists, with iconic architecture and ridiculously good tapas. 

🗺️ My interrailing must-have:  I use my Insta Mini 11 to take photos on all of my trips. As they print instantly, they’re perfect for making a scrapbook and writing in all your favourite and funniest memories. I’ve even got my boyfriend joining in on it now too!

Interrailing Spain: Train Durations

Barcelona > Madrid: 2.5 hours

Madrid > Valencia: 1 hour 40 mins

Valencia > Seville: 4.5 hours

Malaga > Granada: 1.5 hours

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: If you’re solo travelling, don’t forget to take earphones for busy public transport. Listening to a podcast or tuning out from the noise is a lifesaver on a busy city trip!

Quick Facts for Interrailing Spain

The Spanish network is huge so you can pretty much get anywhere you want to go via train. 

It’s also cheap, which is great news for budget travellers like me. And if you’re interrailing Spain then you’ll be able to hop on and off trains as much as you like, which is ideal for seeing lots of different places in a short space of time. 

You can use your interrailing pass all over Spain, but more trains require a seat reservation. You can book seat reservations either online or at the train station.

Seat reservations usually cost between 5-10 EUR. 

To make it easy, you can use the Rail Planner app to find out which trains need a seat reservation and to have all of your bookings in one place. You can also book seats on the Interrail website, but you’ll need to pay a 2 EUR booking fee per seat.

Want to interrail Spain on a budget? I’ve got you covered. Check out my How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022).

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Solo travelling on your interrailing trip? Stay safe by carrying your cash or card in a money belt. I know it sounds silly, but Europe can be chaotic and pickpockets are known to work in busy areas. it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Night Trains whilst Interrailing Spain

Spain is a big country, and if you’re interrailing around Europe, you might want to consider taking a night train from one city to the next. 

That way, you can make the most of your time during the day and see everything that each city has to offer (and save money on accommodation). 

And once you’re done exploring for the day, you can just jump on the train and relax on the night train as you travel through the Spanish countryside. 

However, the high-speed trains in Spain are so quick and efficient, that you might not find the need to travel via night train. 

High-speed trains include reclining seats, so you can always have a nap on board if you need to!

The best way to take advantage of the Spanish night trains is if you want to travel to another country. For example, you can catch a train to Portugal, France or Switzerland.

Don’t forget to book your seat reservations for night trains and high speed trains!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: A wheelie backpack! Check out my favourite, the Osprey 65L wheeled backpack. It’s dreamy for long-term trips and when you need more than a carry-on!

High-speed trains whilst interrailing Spain

Travelling by high-speed train in Spain is something else entirely, and I was so grateful for these trains whilst travelling Spain! 

Not only are the trains clean, comfortable and fast, but they also offer a unique way to see the country, and can get you from A to B fast. 

The main high-speed network is AVE, where most interrail passes are valid. But as I previously mentioned, you will need to pay a reservation fee. These range between 5-10 EUR, depending on class and seat type.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Solo travelling but still want to take photos?  📸 I’ve found the most perfect adjustable tripod that’s lightweight and easy to set up (you don’t want any awkward moments alone, I know how it feels!) 

How much does interrailing Spain cost?

As always, this will depend on the type of trip you will have whilst interrailing Spain.

Are you going to stay in hotels, or rough it in shared dorms? Are you going to cook in your Airbnb each night, or try all of the different tapas restaurants?

As a ballpark amount, I would budget 70-100 EUR per day to interrail Spain. It’s just that bit cheaper than France, but still a hefty price for a budget backpacker. 

If you opt to stay in shared dorms, you may be able to get this price down to 60 EUR per day, but just ensure you save enough money to really make the most of your trip to Spain!

Want to interrail on a budget? I’ve got you covered. Check out my latest post! How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

🗺️ Booking hostels? I always use Hostelworld as their deals are usually the cheapest. They also have reviews from other backpackers, and explain the vibe of the hostel (party, chill, social…) so you know exactly what you’re booking.

Useful Phrases whist Interrailing Spain

Train: tren

Ticket: boleto

Train station: estacion de tren

Ticket office: taquilla

Carriage: carro

Seat: asiento

Arrivals: llegadas

Departures: salidas

Travelling to Spain for the first time? Check out these amazing first-timer tips for visiting Spain first!

🗺️ My world travel must-have: The tap water around the world isn’t always safe to drink, so I use my filter water bottle pretty much every day to keep myself hydrated. I take it everywhere with me, and it works in every country where you can’t drink tap water! You can grab yours here. 🚰

What is Interrailing?

A lot of people have probably heard of interrailing but don’t really know what it is. 

Interrailing is when you travel around Europe by train using a special interrail pass. 

The cool thing about interrailing is that it’s really flexible – you can decide where you want to go and when you want to go, and there are no rules about which countries you have to visit or how long you have to stay in each place. 

This makes interrailing a great option for people who want to see as much of Europe as possible without being tied down to a strict itinerary. 

And, of course, interrailing is also a great way to meet new people and make friends from all over the world. 

You can buy your interrailing pass here!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: A portable power bank. Don’t get caught short and lose your phone battery whilst travelling! If you’re solo travelling, you’re going to rely on it to get you from A to B.

What to Pack for Interrailing Spain

As I always say, you’ll need a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on your interrailing Spain trip, so make sure you have comfortable shoes that you can walk long distances in. 

Secondly, pack light! You’ll be moving around a lot and you don’t want to be lugging a heavy bag around with you. 

A small backpack or a wheeled suitcase is ideal. 

Thirdly, make sure you pack some essential items such as a portable charger, an everyday tote bag and a power adapter for your electronics. 

And finally, don’t forget to pack your camera! With interrailing Spain you’ll want to take lots of photos of all the amazing places you visit.

If you’d like a more detailed packing list for interrailing Europe, you can read my post: What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials.

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: If you’re travelling Europe, make sure you pack a Microfibre towel (and this one linked is super pretty too). They make life easier when getting in and out of the water, they’re portable and easy to carry on any kind of day trip. I’ve had mine for years and use it on every beach trip!

Is it worth getting an interrail pass to travel Spain?

This depends on the duration of your trip, and whether or not you are only visiting Spain.

If you are planning on travelling Spain, or Europe, for longer than a week, I would recommend getting an interrailing pass. 

However, if you’re visiting for a shorter amount of time, such as 2-5 days, it may work out cheaper to buy individual high-speed train tickets. 

Don’t forget there are always offers on interrailing passes, as well as the Youth Discount, so if you’re travelling Europe for more than 5 days, I would recommend purchasing an interrail pass. 

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Well, it’s a little more advanced, but if you want to take high-quality photos, make sure you invest in a good camera. This doesn’t have to be thousands of pounds, and our favourite is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II.

Best Destinations for Interrailing Spain

Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, and it’s easy to see why.

(If you’re visiting for the first time, be sure to check out this incredible Barcelona travel guide first!)

The city is home to architectural treasures, world-class museums, and some of the best tapas in the country!

Barcelona is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of parks and beaches to explore. 

And of course, no visit to Barcelona would be complete without cheering on Barcelona’s legendary football team, FC Barcelona. 

The city is home to Barcelona Cathedral, as well as the world-famous church of Sagrada Familia. 

Barcelona’s architecture is a mix of styles, ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau, and is home to two world-class art museums: the Museu Picasso and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. 

Or, if you fancy something different, check out Barcelona Boat Tours. I’ll always try and hop on a boat when I’m visiitng a city by the sea, and Barcelona is one of the best places to do it!

Oooh, and if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Barcelona make sure to check out this post for some of the best neighbourhoods!

Barcelona is an amazing place to add to your interrailing trip!

🗺️ My interrailing must-have: Don’t forget an additional memory card and hard drive for saving your photos on the road! 

Granada

Granada is one of the best places to visit during your Spanish interrailing trip.

This beautiful city is home to the world-famous Alhambra, a stunning palace and fortress complex that is definitely worth a visit. 

Granada is also home to numerous other historical sites, such as the Cathedral of Granada and the Royal Chapel, as well as a number of interesting museums. 

The city has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you entertained. 

And if you’re looking for some adventure, you can always go skiing in the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains! (Don’t forget your hiking boots).

Bilbao

Bilbao is a charming and fun city in the Basque region of Spain and is known for its food, culture, and architecture. 

The best way to experience Bilbao is to walk around the city and explore all it has to offer (which is of course, free. Yay!). 

Bilbao has a lot of character and there are many things to do that are free or on a backpacker budget.

1. Walk around the Old Town: Bilbao’s Old Town is full of character and is the perfect place to start exploring the city. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the architecture, and stop for a drink or bite to eat in one of the many cafes and restaurants. 

2. Visit the Guggenheim Museum: The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is one of the most iconic buildings in the city and definitely worth a visit. You can buy tickets in advance online which will save you money. There are also often discounts for students and seniors. 

3. Take a boat ride on the Nervion River: Bilbao is located on the Nervion River and is one of the best ways to see the city!

Accommodation whilst Interrailing Spain

There are a few things to consider when choosing accommodation – do you want to be in the heart of the action or off the beaten path? 

Are you looking for a party hostel or a quiet boutique hotel? 

And, of course, there’s always the all-important question of budget. 

When it comes to finding accommodation whilst interrailing Spain, there are a number of options available to suit all budgets. 

Hostels are popular amongst backpackers, offering affordable shared dorm rooms and communal facilities such as kitchens and lounge areas. 

If you prefer a little more privacy, there are also a number of hotels and private apartments available. 

Airbnb is also a great option for those looking to save money, with many homeowners offering competitive rates for rooms and entire properties. 

Whatever your budget or preferences, there is sure to be accommodation to suit you whilst interrailing Spain.

Average hostel price in Spain: £15-20 (shared dorm) £30+ (private room)

Average hotel price in Spain: £100+ per night

Average Airbnb price in Spain: £30-40 (private room) £60+ (entire apartment)

Staying in hostels? Don’t forget to pack:

• A padlock: to keep your valuables secure when you leave your hostel room.
• A hanging wash bag: to make sure all your toiletries are kept in one place, and won’t get confused with anyone elses
• Speakers: because, well, who doesn’t love music? Just make sure everyone in your room gets a chance to pick a song! (And no one minds you playing the music)
• A microfibre towel: Not all hostels will provide you with towels for free. Bring your own to save extra ££.
• Earphones: for loud nights and disruptions to your sleep.
• Flip flops: if you’re using shared showers.
• Eyemask: for uninterrupted sleep.
• World travel adapter or an extension lead: so you’re not using more than one plug!
• Your laptop or tablet: for movie nights, of course! 🍿

Not sure which backpack to buy for interrailing Europe? Read my post to find the best backpack for you!

Interrailing Spain: In a Nutshell

If you’re looking for an amazing European interrailing trip that won’t break the bank (entirely), I highly recommend interrailing across Spain.

Oh, and don’t forget to book your interrailing pass before you go!

Have you ever been to Spain? What was your favourite part? Let me know in the comments below or DM me on Instagram – I’d love to hear from you!

Happy travelling!

Jennie 😀 x

Interrailing Europe? You might also like…

• Interrailing France: Travel France By Train
• Interrailing Italy: Ultimate Guide and Route
• 21 Interrail Tips for First-Timers: Interrailing Europe
• Backpacking Europe: A Beginners Step-by-Step Guide
• What To Pack Interrailing Europe: Packing List Essentials
• How to Interrail on a Budget: Interrail Europe CHEAP! (2022)

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