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Trenes, buses y aviones Facts and links |  |
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Methods of getting around Spain and Latin America range from the luxurious and efficient to the basic and less reliable. The Spanish state-run railway system is called RENFE, and runs the intercity services called TALGO trains. If you are in a particular hurry the AVE train offers a luxurious high-speed journey. They even promise to refund your full fare if the departure is delayed. Los trenes de cercanías, suburban trains, serve smaller towns and outlying stations.
There are many names given to el autobús. In Mexico it is known as el camión, and in Chile el micro. In Cuba and the Canary Islands the bus is known as la guagua, and in Peru el omnibús. Within major Latin American cities an enormous range of passenger vehicles crowds the busy streets. The more elegant luxury buses have several names: autocares de lujo, luxury coaches, pullman, and even góndolas in Chile. But if the bus is too crowded you can always chance your luck on the collective taxis or minibuses, often called el colectivo or la combi. Taking el avión, plane, can be expensive, but in Spain there are several air companies offering competitive fares for domestic flights. Legislation has been introduced to ensure that airlines offer cheaper prices for residents of the Canary and Balearic Islands to travel to the mainland - unfortunately the offer is not extended to mainland Spaniards, who have to pay full fare. Links RENFE - Spain's Railways Iberia - Spain's national airline Spanair - budget domestic air travel Air Europa - budget domestic air travel These links are included for educational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by the BBC of the products or services featured. |
There are efficient metro systems in Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla. In Madrid you can buy