Travel with public transport to the Spanish Pyrenees?

A question we’re hearing more often from our guests: can we reach you by public transport? The short answer: yes, it’s possible, though it requires some planning…

The detailed answer to this question, we explain in this blog.

Traveling entirely by public transport

We wish it were easier, but unfortunately, reaching us by public transport involves a long journey with multiple train transfers. Currently, it’s not the most convenient way to travel. The region where we offer our trips has no train station; the nearest ones are about an hour’s drive away, in Lleida or Huesca. From there, direct buses to your destination aren’t always available.

You can travel by bus in the Pyrenees through ‘Avanzabus‘ (website only accessible with Spanish VPN). However, keep in mind that the villages in the Pyrenees are small and remote, so bus connections are limited and infrequent. For several outdoor activities, you will also need your own transportation.

• Would you like to visit us by public transport?
  Let us know. We’ll check with you to see which trips and locations are possible.

Travel to Spain by train and rent a car

We definitely encourage this option, although it remains a longer journey. You can travel to Barcelona Sants by train from various international destinations, with a train change in cities like Paris or Lyon. The same goes for a train trip to Toulouse. You can then rent a car at either station and drive to one of our locations in the Pyrenees. Advantages of traveling by train: more luggage space, a more relaxed travel experience, and a lower environmental impact.

• And good news!
  A train project is underway, with European Sleeper launching new sleeper train routes across Europe. For example, the Amsterdam-Barcelona line is set to launch in early 2026.

Some tips for traveling by train to Spain:

• Via Trainline you can easily view (international) train journeys and prices
• Book your trip on time, and you can often still score train tickets at a good price
• When booking your train tickets, be sure to fill in the ages, often there are discounts for children and young travelers!

Some tips for renting a car in Spain:

• When renting a car, you can compare prices on websites such as doyouspain.com or Skyscanner Carhire
• When renting a car, pay attention to: car pickup location, mileage and fuel arrangements
• More and more car rental companies also offer electric cars
• In some cases, you can return the car to a different location than where it was picked up, giving you the opportunity to explore multiple destinations in Spain.
• Car rental rates are often more affordable during the off-season.
• Be sure to check your insurance coverage carefully! Without the right insurance, you may face a significant deposit on your credit card when picking up the car or be required to purchase more expensive coverage.

Flying to Spain and renting a car

Flying is one of the most carbon-intensive ways to travel, particularly for short distances. While it’s not the most sustainable option, it remains a fast and relatively convenient choice. Once in Spain, renting a car provides the flexibility to design your own itinerary and explore small mountain villages and nature parks.

Traveling to Spain with your own transportation

Don’t mind traveling a little longer by car? This option offers several advantages. Although driving also creates carbon emissions, it is often a lot more efficient per person than flying, especially if you are traveling with several people.
The fact that the trip can be completely flexible is the main reason for many to come by car. You travel door-to-door, can easily carry luggage (and sports equipment), and reach the Pyrenees with a car you know well.

• Crossing the Pyrenees
  When crossing the border from France to Spain, it’s recommended to take the Vielha Tunnel rather than the Bielsa Tunnel. While both routes are scenic, the Bielsa Tunnel features numerous curves and steep elevation changes, which may not always be accurately reflected by navigation systems. However, if you’re heading to Aínsa, the Bielsa Tunnel is the more convenient option.

Traveling to Spain with an electric car

Another eco-friendly way to travel to the Pyrenees is by electric car. There are now plenty of charging stations along highways in Belgium and France, and here in the Spanish Pyrenees, you can also find several (fast) charging points.

• Charging points in the area
  • 150 kW Tesla Supercharger in Barbastro
  • 22-50 kW chargers in Benasque, Castejón de Sos, Ainsa, and Campo
  • 3.7 kW chargers at the campsites in Sesué and Perarrúa (available to non-campers as well)

Please note that you may need to drive a short distance from your accommodation to reach outdoor activities, so you will likely need to recharge occasionally during your stay.

Route information

All transport information is on our route-page, which includes tips on traveling with an electric car in the Pyrenees.

Still have questions? Let us know!