Note: For information on travel to and within the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands see the respective sections.

AIR: Spain's national airline is IBERIA (IB). Many airlines operate to Spain, including an increasing number of low-cost airlines from most European cities.

Approximate flight times: From Barcelona to Frankfurt/London is 2 hours; from Ibiza is 2 hours 20 minutes; from Madrid is 2 hours 15 minutes and from Malaga is 2 hours 40 minutes. From Madrid to Los Angeles is 13 hours; to New York is 7 hours 25 minutes; to Sydney is 30 hours.

International airports
Spain boasts over 30 international airports. Information on the major airports follows; information on any of the others can be obtained from AENA (Aeropuertos Espanoles y Navegacin Aerea) Calle Arturo Soria 109, Madrid 28043 (tel: (91) 321 1000; fax: (91) 321 1440; website: www.aena.es) which is the organisation responsible for running all of the Spanish airports.

Madrid (MAD) (Barajas) is 13km (8 miles) northeast of the city. Coach service departs to the city around every ten minutes (0445-0200) and underground services run every five minutes (0630-0130). Taxi service is available. Airport facilities include restaurants and bars, bank, several car hire offices, hotel reservation and tourist information desks, and outgoing duty-free shop.

Barcelona (BCN) (del Prat) is 13km (8 miles) southwest of the city. Bus service to the city departs Mon-Fri every 15 minutes, Sat every 30 mins and Sun every 20 mins (0600-2400). Rail service is every 30 minutes (0613-2340). Taxi service to the city is available. Airport facilities include a bank, restaurant, bar, several car hire companies, hotel reservation and tourist information desks and duty-free shops.

Alicante (ALC) (Altet) is 12km (7 miles) southwest of the city. Bus service runs to the city (0700-2335). A taxi service is available to the city. There is a taxi connection between Alicante and Valencia Airport. Airport facilities include a duty-free shop, bank, bureau de change, car hire, tourist information and restaurant. Bilbao (BIO) (Sondika) is 11km (7 miles) north of the city. A new airport terminal, control tower and other improvements were completed late November 2000. Bus, taxi and rail services to the city are available. Airport facilities include a restaurant, duty-free shop, tourist information desk and car hire.

Malaga (AGP) is 11km (7 miles) southwest of the city. Buses run every 30 minutes. Train service runs every 30 minutes. Taxi service to the city is available. Airport facilities include duty-free shop, bank/bureau de change, restaurant and car hire.

Santiago de Compostela (SCQ) is 10km (6 miles) northeast of the city. Buses and taxis are available to the city centre. Airport facilities include bar, banks, car hire and shops.

Seville (SVQ) is 12km (7 miles) from the city. Taxis and buses are available to the city centre. Valencia (VLC) (Manises) is 10km (6 miles) west of the city. A rail service, taxis and buses (0600-2020, every 80 minutes) are available to the city centre. Airport facilities include several car hire firms, bank/bureau de change, restaurant, bar and duty-free shop.

Departure tax
None

By rail
There are direct trains between Madrid - Paris and Madrid - Lisbon, as well as Barcelona - Paris, Barcelona - Zuerich or Milan and Barcelona - Geneva. These services are called Talgo, Estrella or Train-Hotel.

On other international services to and from Spain, a change of train is necessary. However, work on the AVE (high-velocity train) route between Madrid and Barcelona and is expected to be completed in 2006, after which the French border connection is expected to be fully operational in 2010 and it will be possible to connect with the French TGV (high-velocity route) and the rest of the high-velocity routes in Europe. Motorail services run between Paris and Madrid. For more information, contact the Spanish Rail service (tel: 0207 629 4543; fax: 0207 409 0379.

By road
The main route from the EU countries is via France.

The main motorways to Spainfrom France are via Bordeaux or Toulouse to Bilbao (northern Spain) and via Marseille or Toulouse to Barcelona (eastern Spain). A number of coach operators offer services to Spain. TRANSPORTATION WITHIN SPAIN

Railways
Spain has an extensive railroad system with fast and comfortable trains, offering some of the best fares in Europe. The national network is known as RENFE. Internet address: www.renfe.es

One of Europe's most luxurious sightseeing trains is the AL ANDALUS EXPRESS with classic cars restored and refurbished in modern "grand luxe" style. There is 5-stars accommodation in the bedroom/salon cars. All excursions and meals are included. The AL ANDALUS EXPRESS have several itineraries, although it usually goes from Madrid south to Andalusia.

The TRANSCANTABRICO, another sightseeing train, covers the northern and north-western parts of Spainknow as Green Spain, from San Sebastian in the Basque region to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. The train is air-conditioned and has showers, a bar and live music. All excursions and meals are included.

AVE, Spain's sleek bullet train, is the rail link between Madrid and Seville, going through Ciudad Real and Cordoba. This ultramodern train, which travels at a speed of up to 185 miles per hour, makes the Madrid-Seville run in 2 hours 30 minutes.

TALGO is an ultramodern, fully air-conditioned train operating throughout Spain. New fast and sleek trains called EUROMEDS are going along the Mediterranean Coast, significantly cutting your travelling time from Barcelona to Valencia. Tickets can be purchased through RAIL EUROPE: 1-800-361 RAIL, which sells special rail passes only for Spain. Train Passes, such as EUROPASS and FLEXIPASS can also be purchased through RAIL EUROPE.

Buses
Public bus service in Spainis comfortable and efficient. Although there are many lines which cover long distances, buses are specially recommended for short trips and for excursions from major tourist centres. Local tourist offices can provide you with schedule information.

Ships
Travellers who wish to visit the Spanish Islands may depart from the mainland using the COMPA?IA TRANSMEDITERRANEA. this national carrier has regular scheduled ferries from Barcelona and Valencia to the Balearic Islands and from Cadiz to the Canary Islands. TRANSMEDITERRANEA also offers inter-island service. The same company offers service to North Africa: from Almeria and Malaga to Melilla and from Algeciras to Tangiers and Ceuta. For reservations please call the headquarters in Madrid. Tel. : 011-341-431-0700, fax: 011-34- 431- 0804. Website: http://www.trasmediterranea.es

Modern Hydrofoil ships are now linking Mainland Spainto the Balearic Islands, Algeciras to Tangier and between the Canary Islands. Inquire in our Office for more details about ferries.

Driving in Spain
In order for None EU citizens to drive in Spain, they must have one of the following:

• The driver must be 18 years of age or older
• The driver must be a tourist or hold a residence permit for less than 6 months
• An international Driver's License

Traffic Offences
On the spot payment of fines (reduced by 20%) is compulsory for non-residents.

Taxis
All major cities in Spainhave metered taxi service. Any extra charges must be posted in the vehicle.