Unlimited train and bus travel for €60 a month: Spain’s new single pass arrives in January

The Spanish government will extend all train and bus discounts throughout 2026 and launch the long-awaited single transport pass. Approved in the last Cabinet meeting of the year, the regulatory and economic framework (with an allocation of €1.371 billion) guarantees the continuity of current subsidies and gives the green light to the new €60 monthly card (€30 for those under 26). This pass, which will go on sale on January 19th, will allow unlimited travel on Cercanías (commuter), Media Distancia (mid-distance) trains, and state-run bus lines, marking the first step towards a more integrated system.

The new card does not replace existing subsidies but is added to them. Travellers will be able to choose between the single pass or keeping other discounted tickets. To acquire it, it will be necessary to register on the Ministry’s website and obtain a unique identifier. Minister Óscar Puente has emphasised that the goal is to expand the offer to include urban and metropolitan transport, although this will depend on the voluntary adhesion of regional governments and city councils, many of which are governed by the PP (People’s Party).

Alongside this novelty, other heavily discounted options are being introduced. For the Avant high-speed service, the “Pase Vía” is being launched—a quarterly pass with progressive discounts that can reach 72% for frequent travellers—and a 10-journey ticket with a 50% discount. For Cercanías, the “Cronos” system is being enhanced, applying a 40% discount starting from the fifth journey when paying by bank card at the gate.

The subsidies extended for 2026 are extensive. The €20 and €10 monthly passes for young people on Cercanías will remain, along with free travel for children under 14, and discounts of 40-50% on Media Distancia and Avant services. On state-run buses, free travel for children, a 40% discount on 10-journey tickets, and up to a 70% discount on monthly passes for young people will be maintained. The government will fund its share (20%) of subsidies for regional and local transport even if those administrations do not co-finance them.

The subsidies, already in force since January 1st, represent a “historic effort,” according to the Ministry. With more than €11 billion invested since 2018, they have managed to increase public transport usage by 23% compared to 2022 and reduce families’ spending on mobility by 75%. The decree must be validated by Congress within 30 days, something the government takes for granted given previous support for these measures.