Spain is entering the summer travel season with two major transport-related measures: youth travel discounts and special road traffic operations. The Spanish government is implementing the Verano Joven 2026 program to reduce summer bus and train travel costs for young people aged 18 to 30. The program applies to trips taken between July 1 and September 30, 2026.
The discount is available to Spanish nationals and foreign residents legally residing in Spain who were born between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2008. Eligible users must register through the Verano Joven website using their DNI or NIE. After registration, they receive a personal discount code, which can be used on participating transport operators’ websites when purchasing bus, train, or Interrail tickets. Flights are not included in the program.
Discount rates vary by transport type. Regular state-operated bus routes receive a 90% discount. Conventional medium-distance rail services and medium-distance services on narrow-gauge rail networks also receive a 90% discount. Avant single tickets receive a 50% discount. Long-distance and high-speed commercial rail services are discounted by 50%, with a maximum discount of €30 per single ticket. The Interrail Global Flexible 10-day pass sold through Renfe is also included in the 50% discount category.
The program also supports Spain’s broader goal of encouraging young people to use public transport instead of private cars. Since its launch in 2023, Verano Joven has become a major summer mobility program for young residents in Spain, improving access to domestic and European travel while promoting public transport use.
Travelers planning road trips should also check Spain’s summer traffic schedule. The first special summer traffic operation in 2026 will run from Friday, July 3 at 13:00 Spain local time (GMT 11:00) to Sunday, July 5 at 24:00 Spain local time (GMT 22:00). The August 1 operation will run from Friday, July 31 at 13:00 Spain local time (GMT 11:00) to Sunday, August 2 at 24:00 Spain local time (GMT 22:00). The August 15 operation will run from Friday, August 14 at 13:00 Spain local time (GMT 11:00) to Sunday, August 16 at 24:00 Spain local time (GMT 22:00). The summer return operation will run from Friday, August 28 at 13:00 Spain local time (GMT 11:00) to Monday, August 31 at 24:00 Spain local time (GMT 22:00).
Spain’s traffic authority will also restrict roadworks that could affect traffic flow during designated summer weekends. The restriction period runs from June 26 to September 6, 2026, covering the weekends of June 26–28, July 10–12, July 17–19, July 24–26, August 7–9, August 21–23, and September 4–6. During these weekends, roadworks are restricted from Friday at 13:00 Spain local time (GMT 11:00) to Sunday at 24:00 Spain local time (GMT 22:00).
Travelers should expect increased passenger volume at train stations, bus terminals, and on major highways during key weekends in July and August. Young people eligible for the discount should complete Verano Joven registration and confirm their personal discount code before booking. Travelers using cars should check DGT’s special traffic operation dates and weekend roadwork restrictions before departure.