Spain’s nationwide public transport pass, offering unlimited travel on many train and bus routes for a flat fee of €60 a month, became available for purchase on January 19th, 2026. The initiative, championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aims to alleviate cost-of-living pressures and encourage a shift away from private vehicle use.
The pass, officially known as the “Abono Único,” is valid for 30 days on state-owned buses, Renfe Cercanías and Rodalies commuter trains, and Media Distancia regional trains. A reduced rate of €30 per month is available for those under 26 years old, provided they register in advance with the Ministry of Transport.
Tickets can be purchased through ticket offices, self-service machines, and the websites and apps of participating transport operators, including Renfe and various bus companies. However, the pass is currently restricted to Spanish citizens and legal foreign residents who can present a valid national ID card or foreigners’ identification card (TIE). EU residents can use their EU green card and NIE.
The scope of the pass includes Renfe Cercanías/Rodalies commuter train networks in major cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Seville. It likewise covers Media Distancia regional trains connecting cities within and between autonomous communities, and state-run intercity buses. Notably, several mid-to-high speed Avant train routes are included, such as those linking Alicante to Murcia, Madrid to Salamanca, and Ourense to A Coruña.
The potential savings are substantial. For example, a monthly pass for the Seville-Málaga Media Distancia route, previously costing €257.50, is now available for €60. Similarly, the Madrid-Ciudad Real route sees a reduction from €281 to €60. Intercity bus travel also benefits, with a 10-trip ticket for the Madrid-Barcelona route previously costing €236 now effectively replaced by the €60 monthly pass.
However, the pass has limitations. High-speed AVE trains and private bus and rail operators, such as Iryo and Ouigo, are not included. Local metro, tram, and city bus services are also excluded, although regional and city councils can opt to integrate their systems at a later date.
The Ministry of Transport has implemented specific rules governing the use of the pass. Passengers are limited to one trip per direction per day, with a maximum of two bookings on the same day for shorter journeys. For Renfe Media Distancia and Regional Express trains, a minimum of 180 minutes must separate consecutive journeys, or three times the duration of the first journey, and no more than four round trips with seat reservations are permitted per day.
The pass is non-transferable, and unused journeys must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance for buses and 60 minutes in advance for medium-distance trains. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in temporary suspension of the pass, loss of the pass without a refund, or a 60-day ban from obtaining a new one. Repeated misuse – more than twenty times within a year – can lead to permanent revocation.
