Hey there! Ready to embark on an exciting journey across Catalonia without spending a dime on train tickets? Well, get ready to explore this beautiful region of Spain, from its vibrant cities to its stunning beaches and picturesque mountains. Thanks to a fantastic initiative by the Spanish government, train travel in Catalonia has become absolutely free! Yep, you heard it right – you can hop on a train and discover all that Catalonia has to offer, without worrying about the cost. So, let’s dive into the details and find out how you can take advantage of this amazing opportunity.
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The Spanish Government’s Initiative
In an effort to counter the cost-of-living crisis and encourage the use of public transport amidst soaring fuel prices, the Spanish government has introduced a package of measures, including free train travel in Catalonia. As part of this initiative, the Renfe app, website, ticket counters, and machines in stations now offer tickets for train journeys across the region at no cost.
How Does It Work?
To access the free train travel, all you need to do is pay a refundable deposit of €10 when purchasing your ticket for the first time. You can easily obtain them at Renfe ticket desks and machines. Alternatively, you can also apply for the discount online. In the initial plan, which was effective for the last four months of 2022, Rodalies train users were required to use the ticket at least 16 times between September and December. If you fulfill this requirement, you’ll receive a full refund at the end of the year. It’s a win-win situation!
Train Journeys Across Catalonia
Now, let’s talk about the incredible destinations you can explore with these free train tickets. Catalonia offers a multitude of travel experiences, from the bustling streets of Barcelona to the serene beaches, picturesque mountains, and even cross-border adventures. Here’s a glimpse of the exciting places you can visit:
Beaches
Catalonia is home to numerous breathtaking beaches that are easily accessible by train. If you head south on the R2S line, you can reach beautiful southern beaches like Castelldefels, Garraf, Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú, and Calafell. Traveling north on the R1 line, you’ll discover Sant Adrià de Besos, Badalona, Masnou, Premià de Mar, Arenys de Mar, Canet de Mar, and Blanes.
Cities
Trains aren’t just for beach trips! You can also explore some of Catalonia’s vibrant cities. The R2N line takes you to Barcelona El Prat Airport and El Prat de Llobregat, a city located south of the Catalan capital. The R2S line has stations in Castelldefels, Gavà, and Sant Vicenç de Calders, among other sites. Additionally, there are trains connecting you to Ripoll and Puigcerdà (R3) in the northern mountains, as well as Vic (R3), Granollers (R2, R2S, and R8), and Terrassa and Manresa (R4) in inland Catalonia.
Autonomous University of Barcelona
If you’re a student heading to the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), you’re in luck! The Rodalies R7 line offers free rides for students, making your commute more affordable.
Regional Train Lines
In addition to the Rodalies lines, Catalonia also boasts six medium-distance train lines known as ‘Regionals.’ These lines are identified by names starting with ‘R’ followed by a double-digit number. With these regional lines, you can visit important destinations across the region. Here are some notable places you can explore:
French Border and Costa Brava
The R11 line allows you to cross the French border and visit Cerbère for free. Along the way, you can stop at enchanting Costa Brava areas such as Figueres, Llançà, or Colera.
Major Cities
The regional lines connect you to several major cities worth exploring. These include Tarragona (R14, R15, R16, and R17), Reus (R14 and R15), Girona (R11), and Lleida (R12, R13, and R14).
Regional Express
If you prefer shorter journeys, some regional lines offer a Regional Express option that reduces the number of stops, allowing you to reach your destination faster.
Barcelona’s Discounted Tickets
In response to the government’s announcement, the mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, has confirmed an extension of the current discounted ticket prices through to December 2023. These discounts, ranging from 30% to 50%, make public transport in Barcelona even more affordable for residents and visitors alike.
