How to get to Spain

Spain is one of the world's top tourist destinations, consistently attracting millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re hopping on a transatlantic flight, or plan on taking a euro-road trip, here’s our guide on how to get to Spain, with tips from our local travel experts.

How to get to Spain?

The best way to get to Spain is by flying directly to Madrid or Barcelona from major airports worldwide. From the UK, British Airways, Iberia, and easyJet offer non-stop flights from London Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) to Madrid Barajas (MAD) or Barcelona El Prat (BCN) in around 2-2.5 hours.

The best way to get to Spain from the US is by flying directly to Madrid or Barcelona from major cities like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA), generally taking 7-10 hours with non-stop options available from airlines like Iberia, American Airlines, and Delta. Alternatively, you can explore indirect routes through neighbouring countries like France, Portugal, or Italy.

Spain currently has several international airports, including in Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia, and Seville. The majority of travellers fly into Madrid Barajas or Barcelona El Prat, which are the busiest and most well-connected airports in the country.

Where to fly into Spain?

Spain boasts several international airports, with Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Barcelona-El Prat (BCN), and Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) being the primary entry points. There are plenty of airlines that offer flights to Spain, including:

•  American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• Iberia
• British Airways
• Ryanair
• Lufthansa

To find the best deals, consider booking your flights during off-peak seasons (October to March). Flying mid-week can often yield lower prices than weekend travel. For a more in-depth look, see our guide on when to go to Spain.

How to get to Spain from the US?

The easiest way to get to Spain from the US is to fly directly into Madrid or Barcelona. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami offer direct flights with airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and Iberia. If you don't mind a stopover, connecting flights through European hubs like London or Paris can provide more options and sometimes better fares.

• Direct flights usually cost from $400 to $1,200, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. 
• Direct flights from New York to Madrid or Barcelona take approximately 7-8 hours, while flights from Los Angeles can take around 11-12 hours. 

How to get to Spain from the UK?

Flying is the quickest way to get to Spain from the UK. Airlines such as British Airways, Ryanair, and Aer Lingus offer numerous daily flights from London. 

• Prices can range from £50 to £300, depending on when you book and the time of year.
• Direct flights take roughly 2 hours.

Taking the train, however, is highly recommended. There’s a lot to be said for waking up refreshed in Madrid or Barcelona after the quick Eurostar service to Paris and the comfortable overnight journey on the “train-hotel”. 

Travel to Spain from the UK by train

If you're up for an adventure and a greener option, consider taking the train. You can catch the Eurostar from London to Paris, then transfer to a high-speed TGV train to Barcelona or Madrid. 

• The entire journey takes around 10-12 hours. 
• Eurostar tickets start at about £60, and the TGV leg can cost between €50 and €150.

Driving to Spain from the UK

For a more flexible and scenic route, you can drive to Spain. Cross the English Channel via the Eurotunnel or a ferry, then continue through France. This route allows you to travel at your own pace and explore the French countryside along the way. 

• The drive from London to Madrid takes approximately 16-18 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops. 
• The Eurotunnel fare for a car and passengers starts around £60 one way, while ferry prices vary widely. 

Taking a ferry to Spain from the UK or Ireland

Alternatively, you can opt for the scenic route by sea, taking a ferry from ports in the UK or Ireland directly to Spain. 

Several ferry operators offer services from ports such as Portsmouth, Plymouth, or Cork to destinations like Santander or Bilbao in northern Spain.

• Ferry tickets for passengers and vehicles can range from £200 to £600 for a one-way trip

How to get to Spain from Canada

The best way to travel to Spain from Canada is to fly directly to Madrid or Barcelona. Air Canada, along with other major airlines, offers direct flights from cities like Toronto and Montreal. f you're looking for more (often cheaper) options, consider booking a connecting flight through US or European hubs.

• Prices for direct flights typically range from CAD 600 to CAD 1,200.
• Direct flights from Toronto to Madrid or Barcelona take approximately 7-8 hours.
• Direct flights from Vancouver to Barcelona take approximately 11 hours. 

How to get to Spain from Europe

Getting to Spain from Europe is super convenient and you’ve got several options:

• From Western Europe: Major cities like Paris, Amsterdam, and Brussels offer direct flights, high-speed trains, and well-maintained road networks that make reaching Spain easy.
• From Eastern Europe: Direct flights are available, but you can also transit through major European hubs. Long-distance buses are an alternative, though they take longer due to the lack of direct train connections.
• From Southern Europe: Direct flights are plentiful, and you can also take accessible train routes from Portugal. Ferry services from ports like Barcelona, Valencia, or Mallorca are great if you’re coming from Italy or Greece.

How to get to Spain from Australia and New Zealand

Getting to Spain from Australia and New Zealand is relatively straightforward.

From Australia

There are direct flights to major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Airlines such as Qantas, Iberia, and Emirates offer non-stop services from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. 

The flight duration varies, but it’s typically around 20-25 hours. Round-trip fares range from AUD 1,000 to AUD 2,000.

From New Zealand

You can connect to Spain through Australia or major hubs like Dubai or Singapore. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines provide convenient connecting flights. 

Total travel time from New Zealand to Spain usually ranges from 25 to 30 hours, including layovers. Round-trip ticket prices are generally between NZD 1,500 and NZD 2,500. 

Do you need a visa?

If you have a US, UK, Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian passport, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. 

Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Spain. For longer stays or specific types of travel like work or study, you'll need to apply for the appropriate visa.