Here are 4 easy trips you can take to other countries while you’re in Spain!
One of the best things about Spain is how perfectly it’s situated, making it easy to explore both the country itself and other parts of Europe. And one of the best things about being a Language Assistant is having a four-day workweek, which gives you plenty of time to travel and really experience your surroundings. It’s the kind of timing that almost feels designed for adventure.
If you’re at a point in your life where you want to explore, try new things, and see the world, this experience in Spain is the perfect combination. You get to live in a beautiful country, immerse yourself in the culture, and still have the freedom to travel and discover new places along the way. It’s more than a job: it’s an opportunity to make memories and grow in ways you might not expect.
This is why I’ve selected 4 budget-friendly trips from Spain so that you can make the most of your time here. Let’s go!
Lisbon (Portugal)
Especially if you’re based in regions like Andalucía, Lisbon is super affordable and perfect for a long weekend. You can find cheap flights from almost anywhere, but there are also other ways to get there too! It’s definitely one of our favorite trips from Spain.
Plane
Many Spanish cities have direct flights to Lisbon, like Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Málaga, Valencia… The travel time is usually about 1 to 2 hours, and it’s definitely the fastest option, but not the cheapest.
Train
If you’re in Madrid, you can take the Tren Lusitania, a direct overnight train to Lisbon. The journey takes around 10 to 11 hours and is perfect if you want to travel overnight and save on accommodation!
Bus
Taking the bus is often the most budget-friendly option. Companies like Alsa or Flixbus run routes from many cities in Spain. Travel time varies depending on your departure, but from Madrid it usually takes around 7 to 9 hours.
Car
You can drive from almost any city in Spain. Depending on traffic, Madrid to Lisbon takes around 6 to 7 hours. Gives total flexibility and the chance to stop anytime. You can rent a car in car-rental companies like Europcar, Sixt, Avis…
Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France)
Saint-Jean-de-Luz is a beautiful coastal town in the French Basque Country, right near the Spanish border, very close to Hondarribia/Irun. Its proximity to Spain makes it easy and quick to reach from the north, especially from the Basque country and Navarra, and therefore, it has become one of our favorite trips from Spain. It’s also affordable: you can travel without overnight stays if you’re coming from nearby cities, and it’s budget-friendly in terms of local restaurants, beaches, markets… Let’s check out some options!
Car
Driving is the most flexible option. If you’re heading from San Sebastián, it will take around 30 to 40 minutes. If you go from Bilbao, around 2 to 2.5 hours, and from Madrid, about 5 to 6 hours. Totally doable!
Train
The closest train station to Saint-Jean-de-Luz is Hendaye, just across the border. From Hendaye, Saint-Jean-de-Luz is just about 10-15 minutes by local train or taxi.
You can also take an overnight or long-distance train from Madrid, but it usually requires a transfer in San Sebastián or Hendaye.
Bus
Companies like Alsa and Flixbus run routes from several Spanish cities to Hendaye or Biarritz. From Madrid, the bus takes around 6 to 7 hours to Hendaye, and from San Sebastián or Bilbao, about 2 to 3 hours. Buses are usually cheaper than trains, making them a great option if you’re on a budget.
Rome (Italy)
Thanks to its proximity and cheap flights from Spain, Rome is one of the easiest and most popular trips from Spain. It’s a city you can explore in a few days, perfect for a long weekend.
Plane
From major Spanish cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, you can often find budget airline tickets (Ryanair, Vueling, or Iberia Express) for very reasonable prices, especially if booked in advance. Traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) is cheaper than summer.
Bus
Long-distance buses operate from Madrid, Barcelona, and other cities to Rome. Companies include Flixbus and Eurolines. Travel time is around 22 to 28 hours from Madrid, depending on the route. It’s usually the cheapest option!
Andorra la Vella (Andorra)
Andorra la Vella, the capital of Andorra, is a small mountain city known for its shopping, nature, and ski resorts. Its location between Spain and France makes it super accessible for Spanish travelers, and it’s a popular choice for both short trips and weekend getaways.
Car
Driving is the most common way to reach Andorra la Vella. From Barcelona, it takes around 3 hours, while from Tarragona it’s about 3.5 to 4 hours. If you’re coming from Madrid, you can expect roughly 6 to 7 hours on the road. This option gives you full flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic mountain routes along the way.
Bus
Several companies, like Andbus and Directbus, run regular routes to Andorra la Vella from Barcelona, Girona, and even Toulouse in France. From Barcelona, the trip takes around 3 to 4 hours. Buses are a budget-friendly and easy option!
This is our selection, but there are many more…
In short, living in Spain doesn’t just give you the chance to enjoy its beaches, cities, and culture. It also puts you close to amazing European destinations and budget-friendly trips from Spain! With affordable flights, trains, and buses, visiting cities like Paris, Biarritz, Toulouse, Porto, Amsterdam, London, or Prague can be easily arranged, making it simple to explore Europe’s most iconic destinations from Spain.