School transportArticle 3 of 5 · 4 min read
Child and student public transport passes in Spain
Shows how to find the cheapest bus, metro or tram pass for a child or student in Spain: which passes exist in the main cities, when children travel free, and how to apply. For parents of school-age children.
Key rules
- Local rules: Free-travel ages, prices and passes are set by your local transport authority, so check its website.
- Free travel: Children under 4 travel free in Madrid and Barcelona.
- Minors: A parent or guardian signs the application for a child who is a minor.
- National discount: Ask whether the state-funded Youth Pass applies to your authority before you pay full price.
The cheapest pass depends on your transport authority
Each city or region sets its own child and youth passes, prices and free-travel ages. Start by finding the transport authority for the town where your child will travel. Then pick the youth or child pass with the right age band. Prices change every year, so read the current figure on the authority's website.
Free travel for young children
Children under 4 travel free in Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia's metro and bus network also lets young children travel free. Many other cities let children travel free up to about 4 to 6 years old, and school pupils often get reduced fares. Ask your authority for its exact limit.
Passes in the main cities
Madrid. The Abono Infantil is for children under 14. The Abono Joven is for young people up to age 26. Older users pay the standard adult tiers.
Barcelona. The T-16 is for children under 16. The T-Jove is for young people. After that comes the standard T-usual.
Valencia. The Abono Joven is the youth pass.
Other regions have their own passes, so look up your authority's list. Choose the pass whose age band fits your child. A youth pass usually costs much less than the adult one.
State-funded discounts
Since September 2022, the Spanish government has funded discounts on multi-trip and season passes through aid to regions and cities. A national Youth Pass (Abono Único) was approved in 2025. Its rules are set each year, and not every authority takes part. Ask the Ministry of Transport or your local authority whether it applies to your child, and whether the discount is already in the price you see.
How to get the pass
- Apply to the transport authority, online or at its customer office.
- A parent or guardian signs for a child who is a minor.
- Hand in the documents listed below. Some authorities also ask for a school enrolment certificate, so ask before you go.
- You get a personal transport card, delivered or collected.
- Top it up at a machine, in an app or at a kiosk.
The documents, the checklist and the common questions are below.
Documents you need
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ID for the child or the parent: a DNI, NIE or passport.
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The padrón (certificate of registration at the town hall) or another proof of address.
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Proof of age, such as the family book (libro de familia) or a birth certificate.
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A passport-style photo of the child.
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An enrolment certificate from the school, if the authority asks for one.
Checklist
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Find your local transport authority and check up to what age your child travels free.
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Compare the child and youth passes your authority offers, for example the Abono Infantil and Abono Joven in Madrid or the T-16 and T-Jove in Barcelona, and pick the one that fits your child's age.
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Check the authority's website for the current price and age band of that pass, including any state-funded discount.
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Gather the child's ID, the padrón, proof of age and a photo, and ask whether an enrolment certificate is needed.
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Apply online or at the authority's customer office, with a parent or guardian signing for a minor.
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Collect or receive the personal transport card, then top it up at a machine, app or kiosk.
Frequently asked questions
Does a national youth pass exist for children and students?
Yes, Spain has had state-funded transport discounts since September 2022, and a national Youth Pass (Abono Único) was approved in 2025. The exact rules on who qualifies are reviewed every year. Check the Ministry of Transport and your local authority for the current version.
Which youth passes exist in Madrid and Barcelona?
Madrid has the Abono Infantil for children under 14 and the Abono Joven up to age 26. Barcelona has the T-16 for under 16s and the T-Jove. Prices are set by each authority and revised yearly.
Who signs the application when my child is a minor?
A parent or guardian signs for a minor. You apply to the transport authority online or at its customer office. Many authorities then issue a personal transport card that is delivered or collected, and you top it up at machines, apps or kiosks.
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