RENFE Free Passes Spain: What Changed July 2025

From free travel to €20 monthly passes - your complete guide to the new system

🚨 Major Change: Free Passes Ended July 1, 2025

Spain's nearly 3-year free train pass program officially ended on July 1, 2025. New pricing is now in effect for all Cercanías, Rodalies, and Media Distancia services.

What This Means:

  • • No more completely free regular travel passes
  • • New monthly pass system with flat-rate pricing
  • • Significant discounts still available for youth and children
  • • Avant trains maintain 50% discount through December 2025

Timeline: What Happened When

January-June 2025: Free Passes Extended

Government extended the COVID-era free pass program through June 30, 2025. Cercanías, Rodalies, and Media Distancia remained free for regular users.

July 1, 2025: New Pricing Takes Effect

Free pass program officially ended. New monthly and multi-journey pass system launched with subsidized rates to maintain affordability.

New Pass Types & Prices (From July 2025)

Monthly Pass

€20

Unlimited travel for 1 month across ALL zones in your region

  • ✓ All Cercanías/Rodalies zones
  • ✓ Works in other regions too
  • ✓ Nominative (requires ID)
  • ✓ Valid 1 month from activation

Youth Monthly Pass

€10

Ages 15-26 get 50% discount on monthly unlimited pass

  • ✓ Same coverage as €20 pass
  • ✓ Must prove age at purchase
  • ✓ Nominative (requires ID)
  • ✓ All zones included

Children Annual Pass

FREE

Under 15 years old travel completely free

  • ✓ Valid for full year
  • ✓ Must show age proof
  • ✓ All services included
  • ✓ Nominative pass required

10-Journey Passes

For occasional travelers, 10-journey passes are available per zone at standard fare prices:

  • • Zone A: €12.20 (10 journeys) = €1.22 per trip
  • • Zone B: €17.50 (10 journeys) = €1.75 per trip
  • • Multi-zone: Varies by specific route combination
  • • Valid: 1 year from purchase date

Avant Trains: 50% Discount Continues

The 50% discount on Avant high-speed trains continues through December 31, 2025.

What's Included:

  • • All Avant trains nationwide
  • • 50% off standard ticket prices
  • • No age restrictions
  • • Available for all seat classes

Popular Routes:

  • • Madrid ↔ Alicante
  • • Madrid ↔ Cartagena
  • • Madrid ↔ Albacete
  • • Madrid ↔ Cuenca

How to Buy Your Pass: Step-by-Step

📱 Online & Mobile Apps

  1. 1
    Download app: "RENFE" (main) or "RENFE Cercanías"
    Or visit renfe.com
  2. 2
    Create account with valid Spanish phone number
  3. 3
    Select "Abonos" (Season passes) section
  4. 4
    Choose your region and pass type (monthly/10-journey)
  5. 5
    Pay online and receive QR code ticket instantly

🚂 At the Station

  1. 1
    Bring ID/passport (required for nominative passes)
  2. 2
    Visit ticket office or find self-service machines
  3. 3
    Ask for "Abono mensual" (monthly pass) or specify your needs
  4. 4
    Choose zones and pass duration
  5. 5
    Pay (cash or card) and collect physical/QR ticket

Important Details to Remember

⚠️ Pass Activation

Monthly passes activate on first use, not purchase date. Valid for exactly 30 days from activation.

📱 Digital vs Physical

QR codes from apps work perfectly. No need to collect physical cards unless you prefer them.

🆔 ID Requirements

Monthly passes are nominative. Always carry the ID used to purchase - spot checks are common.

🚄 Service Coverage

Passes work on Cercanías, Rodalies, and conventional Media Distancia.NOT valid for AVE, Euromed, or Intercity trains.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Barcelona Rodalies pass in Madrid?

Yes! The €20 monthly pass works in all Cercanías/Rodalies networks across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Sevilla, and others.

What happens if I lose my digital ticket?

Log back into the RENFE app with your account. Your active passes will still be there. For physical tickets, report loss immediately at a ticket office.

Do foreign tourists qualify for the youth discount?

Yes, if you're aged 15-26. You'll need valid photo ID proving your age. International passports are accepted.

Can I refund an unused monthly pass?

Refunds are possible for unused passes before activation, usually with a small admin fee. Check RENFE's current refund policy for exact terms.

Are there any plans to bring back free passes?

Currently no official plans. The government transitioned to this subsidized model as a more sustainable long-term solution than completely free travel.

Official Sources & Links