Free Train Travel in Spain Ends with New Fares and Bike Perks

Free Train Travel in Spain will officially end on June 30, and Renfe will introduce reduced fares and new bicycle rules for commuter and medium-distance trains starting in July. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The free travel scheme, launched in 2022 to ease financial pressure during the Ukraine war, will transition to affordable pricing for regular passengers using Cercanías and Media Distancia services.

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From July, travelers can expect the following fares: a monthly pass for €20, a youth pass for €10, and free tickets for children. A 10-trip card will remain zone-based.

These new prices, although higher than zero-cost options, are still lower than pre-2021 rates. The Ministry of Transport had warned in late 2024 that free passes would not extend into 2025.

Free Train Travel Benefits Replaced by Discounted Monthly Passes

The government extended the scheme for six months to help working families but emphasized that permanent free travel was unsustainable. The new passes aim to offer relief without long-term budget strain.

Renfe confirmed that all commuter and regional networks will adopt these rates nationwide. Frequent travelers will benefit from predictable monthly pricing instead of relying on temporary subsidies.

Free Train Travel Program Gives Way to Bike-Friendly Policies

Renfe is also launching a nationwide cycling upgrade starting July 15. Passengers will be able to bring full-size bikes on high-speed trains for the first time.

Initially, this will apply to the A Coruña–Santiago–Ourense line, with gradual expansion. The €3 bike fee on Medium Distance routes over 100 kilometers will be scrapped entirely.

Signage in bike-friendly cars will be improved, and bikes won’t need folding or disassembly at entry. A new ‘train+bike’ ticket will simplify planning for cyclists traveling with gear.

Folding bikes will be treated like luggage and won’t require cases. Detachable bikes will need packing, but passengers only need to remove the front wheel and rotate handlebars—no pedal removal required.

Bikes will still travel free on AVE, Alvia, Euromed, and Intercity services. Avlo routes will maintain a €10 bike surcharge. Renfe plans to update its system with filters for bike-ready trains.

Passengers will soon be able to book seats next to bike spaces on all services. These rules apply to both standard and electric bicycles, while scooters remain banned on trains due to past incidents.

Source, photo: spanishnewstoday.com

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