The government in Spain has announced a substantial plan for the upcoming summer, committing up to 170 million euros to subsidize discounts on train and bus travel for young people aged 18 to 30. The aim is to make long overdue travel across Europe more affordable for youth, while supporting mobility during the peak travel season. The package is designed to help young Spaniards explore the continent and to ease the burden of travel costs as Europe remains a popular destination among students and graduates alike.
The Council of Ministers approved the extraordinary measures this week, emphasizing their intent to facilitate cross‑border journeys for young travelers. The program targets intercity and cross‑country rail connections as well as state‑run bus lines, with a view to enabling easy movement across the continent during the summer months.
In terms of allocation, approximately 70 million euros are earmarked for high‑speed and long‑distance rail services, 60 million euros for bus networks, 30 million euros for Avant and mid‑haul trains, and 10 million euros dedicated to subsidizing the Interrail discount program. These funds are intended to electrify travel options for young passengers and to boost the use of public transport for both national and international trips.
The government also approved reductions that will impact the price of travel for eligible youths. Interrail passes will carry a 50% discount, with the program aiming to apply to trips within Spain as well as international journeys. High‑speed services and long‑distance trains will also feature substantial reductions, though the maximum benefit for high‑speed connections may be capped in some cases to maintain system viability.
Estimates from the administration indicate that the discounts could influence about 12.5 million trips undertaken by young people to Spain during the summer, potentially driving a notable increase in Interrail ticket sales and broader rail travel among the demographic.
The plan specifies that young travelers born between 1993 and 2005 who purchase a one‑way or round‑trip ticket for travel between June 15 and September 15 will be eligible for the subsidies. To participate, applicants must register in advance on the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda website, with the ministry aiming to begin ticket sales as soon as possible. The registration process is designed to be straightforward, encouraging broad participation and rapid uptake as summer gets underway.
Additionally, the government’s package includes support for medium‑haul rail routes, a measure coordinated with regional authorities. If requested by the autonomous communities, subsidies can be applied to these services to help ensure viable and affordable regional rail connectivity during the holiday period. The plan reflects a coordinated approach across national, regional, and local levels to maximize the reach and impact of the discounts, including potential adjustments by Generalitat de Catalunya if the regional government requests them.
Overall, the policy seeks to stimulate travel and cultural exchange while encouraging the use of public transportation among young people. It responds to a sustained interest in intercity and cross‑border travel and aligns with broader European trends toward more affordable mobility options for youth. The expected outcome is not only increased travel activity but also greater exposure to international experiences, which can enrich educational and professional trajectories for participants. [Citation: Gobierno de España, Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda]