Move to Spain
NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.
ExploreWhere should we begin?
Vacation in Spain
Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.
Live in Spain
Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.
Trip planning notes — confirm details before you book or travel.
IberiGo guide
Trains, buses, and car hire in Spain
Getting around Spain by train, bus, or rental car depends on your route. Renfe covers high-speed and regional rail; ALSA covers long-distance buses; rental car…
Trains, buses, and car hire
Inside Spain, the best option depends heavily on the route. Some trips are strongest by train; others are easier by bus or by rental car if you want more freedom.
Next 3 steps
- Check whether your route fits best by long-distance train, bus, or rental car.
- Confirm schedules, stations, or pickup points before locking the plan in. For high-speed trains, see trains in Spain: Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo.
- If you rent a car, review coverage, fuel policy, additional-driver rules, and pickup conditions carefully. For motorways, see toll roads in Spain.
Official links
Renfe trains
Main official rail option for long-distance and many domestic train journeys across Spain.
ALSA buses
Major long-distance bus operator useful for routes not covered well by rail.
Europcar
Large European rental brand with strong airport and city coverage across Spain.
SIXT
Well-known premium-leaning car hire option with many major Spanish pickup points.
Avis
Long-established global rental brand with airport and city presence in Spain.
Hertz
Major international car-rental company with broad availability across Spain.
Planning notes for trips in Spain. Always confirm booking and entry rules with the provider or official source before you travel.
Documents that often slow people down
Identity and civil records
- Valid passport or EU national ID.
- Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
- Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
- Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.
Spain-side basics
- Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
- Immigration appointment confirmation.
- Correct EX form for your procedure.
- Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.
Money, health, purpose
- Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
- Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
- School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
- Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.
Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.
Official sources
Appointments and fees
Identity and residence
Digital access
Residence routes
Planning notes for trips in Spain. Always confirm booking and entry rules with the provider or official source before you travel.
Last reviewed: July 2026