Traveling across Spain by public transport will change the rules – and prices – from 2026. The new year begins with a reorganization of the system, marked by the premiere of the state’s single flat-rate subscription and the extension of discounts on metros and urban and intercity buses. With January 19, 2026 as the key date to start using this new title, public transport is entering a new stage throughout the country.
Single State pass: travel for 60 euros per month
The big revolution in public transport in 2026 will be the implementation of the state’s single, flat-rate subscription. For 60 euros per month — and 30 euros for those under 26 — Users will be able to travel unlimitedly throughout Spain aboard Cercanías, Rodalies, Renfe’s conventional Medium Distance trains and state-dependent long-distance buses.
However, this subscription does not include, at least for the moment, high speed (AVE, Avlo, Alvia and similar) nor the metro, trams or urban or metropolitan buses, which depend on regional and local administrations. However, Puente acknowledged that The “vocation” of this pass is that it ends up including all means of public transport in the country.
So, in practice, travelers who move primarily within a city will likely be They will continue to opt for local metro and bus subscriptions. However, those who combine Cercanías, Media Distancia and intercity buses can save much more thanks to the new national pass, whose monthly cost of 60 euros for adults and 30 euros for those under 26 can represent a saving of up to 60% compared to the sum of traditional tickets and passes.
Discounts on medium distances and buses
Alongside the arrival of the single State contribution, the Government will maintain in 2026 a large part of the premiums already in force. In the trains of Media Distancia Convention, tickets will retain a 40% discount on the normal pricewhich amounts to 70% for young people.
Avant services will also retain their 50% discount. For their part, the Long-distance national buses will continue with a 50% bonus in general and 70% for those under 26. Additionally, the Cercanías recurring subscription at 20 euros per month will remain available, giving travelers the freedom to choose the option that best suits their trips.
- Conventional average distance: 40% general reduction, 70% for under 26s.
- Front Services: 50% off all tickets.
- Long-distance national buses: 50% general discount, 70% for under 26s.
- Recurring subscription Commuter: 20 euros per month.
Urban and interurban transport news
For their part, urban and interurban transport – metros, trams and buses managed by municipalities and autonomous communities – will present fewer structural transformations in its daily functioning, with discounts to encourage the use of public transport. Local networks will continue to depend on the direction of each administration, although they will benefit from financial support from the State to maintain discounts and bonuses.
One of the most important changes is that the autonomous communities will no longer be required to provide their own funds to be able toOur users benefit from the 20% reduction financed by the Ministry of Transport.
Until now, regulations required regional governments to contribute at least another 20%, bringing the total reduction to 40%. This obligation disappears in 2026: communities will be able to voluntarily adhere to the reduction of the State, and if they do not do so, Users will only receive 20% state-funded funding. This measure aims to avoid problems such as those that occurred in 2025 in Castile and León, where the lack of coordination left users without the accumulated 40% reduction.
In addition, other advantages already consolidated will be maintained:
- Free transport pass for children under 14 years old.
- 50% off for young people aged 15 to 26.
- Discounts on multi-trip tickets and monthly subscriptionswhich will vary between 30% and 50%, depending on each city and the voluntary participation of the community in state funding.
About The Author
