Spain Launches Free Train Tickets Throughout Autumn, Thanks To a Windfall Tax

Some train journeys in Spain will be free of charge from 1 September to 31 December. From a report: The scheme, announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on 12 July, applies to short and medium distance trains run by the national rail operator Renfe. It is open to all nationalities, including international tourists. Free tickets are available on all Renfe commuter trains (Cercanias and Rodalies) and mid-distance regional lines covering journeys of less than 300km (Media Distancia routes). The 100 per cent discount is only available on multi-trip tickets, not singles. Travel on other services, including long distance trains and those operated by other companies, will not come under the measures. This could mean free train travel between cities like Barcelona and Seville or Madrid and Bilbao -- if you are willing to commit to buying a season ticket. Although the tickets are free, a deposit of $10 or $20 is required to take advantage of the offer. You must have made at least 16 journeys by the end of December for this to be refunded.

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