Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in Spain, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Traffic in Madrid and Barcelona is faster paced than in U.S. cities and can be unnerving because of unfamiliar signs or motorbikes weaving between traffic lanes.

• Obey the traffic light located at their stop line, as there are separate traffic lights for each side of the intersection.
• Be alert when driving at night in urban areas because of the possibility of encountering drivers or pedestrians under the influence of alcohol.
• Night driving in isolated rural areas can be dangerous because of farm animals and poorly marked roads.
• Rural traffic is generally heavier in July and August as well as during the Christmas and Easter seasons.
• Emergency services, including roadside assistance, are plentiful, competent, and can be easily accessed by dialing 112 from any phone.

Traffic Laws:

• It is against the law to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device while driving.  There is a 300 Euros fine for violating this regulation, which may also cause you to lose your license.
• All drivers and passengers are required to wear a reflective vest if they need to stop on the roadside. A reflective triangle warning sign is also mandatory if you stop on the roadside.
• You must have liability insurance to operate any car or motorcycle.
• You must obtain an International Driving Permit prior to your arrival if you plan to drive in Spain.  The permits are only valid for one year.
• It is illegal to rent a vehicle if you don’t have an International Driving Permit.  Your rental car may be impounded and you will be required to pay a fine if stopped. 
• If you are stopped by the Spanish National Police or the Guardia Civil, they may levy fines on the spot and issue a receipt for payment.  This ensures that the fine is paid by a foreigner who may not return to Spain to pay the fine.    

Public Transportation:  Public transportation in large Spanish cities is generally excellent.

• Only use clearly identified cabs, ensure that taxi drivers always switch on the meter, except for trips originating to and from the airport, and ask for a receipt.
• Official taxis to and from the Madrid airport to the city center charge a €30 flat rate and do not charge by the meter.  
• Rail service is comfortable and reliable, but varies in quality and speed. Intercity buses are usually comfortable and inexpensive.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.  Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Spain’s national tourist office  and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Spain’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Spain’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.