Is transport in Spain still good value? According to Deutsche Bank’s latest data, the short answer is yes — but the reality depends on how you travel and who you are.
For people living and working in cities, transport is one of the most consistent monthly costs. So where does Spain sit globally when you compare public transport, taxis, fuel, and car ownership? Based on Deutsche Bank’s Mapping the World’s Prices 2025, Spain remains on the affordable side for everyday mobility, with some important exceptions.
Public transport: a strong point for city residents
Monthly transport passes in Madrid and Barcelona typically cost between €55 and €60, putting Spain among the cheapest options in Western Europe. That’s roughly half what commuters pay in cities like London, Dublin, or Zurich.
Costs drop even further for under-30s, pensioners, and lower-income residents thanks to regional subsidies and youth travel schemes. On top of that, ongoing discounts and temporary fare cuts — including the post-Covid 50% reductions — have helped keep public transport accessible and affordable.
Taxis: reasonable by international comparison
An average 8km taxi journey in a Spanish city costs around €10–€12. That places Spain firmly in the middle globally: more expensive than Eastern Europe or most Asian cities, but noticeably cheaper than Paris, London, or New York.
The taxi market is tightly regulated, and while ride-hailing apps like Uber, Cabify, and Bolt operate in Spain, they face stricter local controls. The result is relatively stable pricing with fewer surprises.
Fuel: neither cheap nor extreme
Petrol prices in Spain generally sit around €1.60–€1.70 per litre. That’s higher than in the US or parts of Eastern Europe, but still below levels seen in France, Italy, or the Netherlands. Diesel is usually slightly cheaper, and tax differences — such as lower fuel costs in the Canary Islands — can significantly affect prices.
On the upside, car owners benefit from comparatively low road taxes and insurance costs. The downside is the initial price of buying a car, especially electric vehicles, which remains relatively high.
Bottom line
Spain still delivers solid value when it comes to everyday transport — particularly in large cities.
- Public transport is affordable and dependable.
- Taxi prices are fair by global standards.
- Fuel costs are manageable, though not cheap.
If you live in a well-connected city like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia, getting around won’t break the bank — as long as you’re not dependent on owning a car.
