Farewell to free public transport for all: Discounts to be scrapped from 2025
From next year, only young people, frequent users and vulnerable groups will benefit from reduced fares as the government cuts back on its public transport subsidies
As of December 31, 2024, the sweeping public transport discounts that have been in place across Spain will come to an end. These discounts, which have slashed fares by up to 60% and even made some Renfe services free for regular passengers, were introduced in response to the energy crisis sparked by the war in Ukraine.
However, the era of reduced fares for all is drawing to a close, and only certain groups will continue to benefit from subsidies starting in 2025.
The discounts have impacted a wide range of services, from Renfe’s Cercanías and Media Distancia trains to the Madrid Metro and long-distance bus services such as Alsa and Samar.
But with the end of these subsidies in sight, Transport Minister Óscar Puente has confirmed that the government is preparing new measures specifically targeting young people, frequent commuters and vulnerable groups.
Who will benefit from discounts in 2025?
Although the specific details of these new measures have yet to be announced, the government has made clear that public transport will no longer be free for the general population.
Instead, reduced fares will be offered to certain groups, including young people and frequent users. Vulnerable groups, such as low-income families, will continue to travel for free, ensuring that those most in need remain supported.
The Spanish Committee of People with Disabilities (‘Comité Español de Personas con Discapacidad’ or CERMI) has also lobbied the government to extend these discounts to people with officially recognised disabilities. Whether this group will be included in the 2025 subsidy programme is still pending further government action.
The end of an era for Renfe’s free season tickets
Since 2022, Renfe has provided free season tickets for frequent commuters, allowing unlimited journeys with just a refundable deposit of between 10 and 20 euros. This scheme, which covered Cercanías, Rodalies, Proximity Services and Media Distancia trains, was part of Spain’s broader plan to mitigate the economic fallout of the energy crisis.
However, with no sign of its extension into 2025, regular passengers will have to prepare for a return to paid fares.
For Madrid Metro users, a similar 60% discount (split between the central government and the Madrid regional government) will also expire at the end of 2024.
What will Renfe fares look like in 2025?
Without the current discounts, commuters will face significant fare increases. Renfe’s Cercanías prices for 2025, unless new reductions are approved, will be as follows:
- 1/2 Zones: €1.70
- 3 Zones: €1.85
- 4 Zones: €2.60
- 5 Zones: €3.40
- 6 Zones: €4.05
- 7 Zones: €5.50
- Green Zone: €8.70
Similarly, monthly and quarterly passes for Cercanías services will return to pre-discount rates:
- Monthly pass (1/2 Zones): €28.90
- Monthly pass (7 Zones): €92.90
- Quarterly university pass (1/2 Zones): €87.75
- Quarterly university pass (7 Zones): €328.45
As the clock ticks down on these discounts, passengers across Spain will need to prepare for a more costly commute from January 1, 2025.
However, for those who qualify for the new support measures, the government promises that help will remain available. The specifics of these new discounts are expected to be announced in the coming months.
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