Tourists visiting Spain can now whizz across the country on a free ticket thanks to a new initiative.
In a radical bid to ease the cost of living crisis impacting its residents, the Spanish government has launched completely free rides as of September 1.
Tickets are available to tourists as well as Spanish residents for bookings on cercanias (commuter service) or media distancia (medium-distance) trains provided by Renfe, the national operator.
Unfortunately the country's AVE high-speed rides are excluded, and the tickets must be for 'multi-journey' trips which can be spread over several days - not for single rides.
Before heading for your nearest Spanish railway station, be sure to sign up for a Mas Renfe card online at renfe.com.
Journeys under 188 miles are completely free, while those over that distance will be half price on many routes.
The new scheme means Spain, which has one of the most extensive train networks in Europe with nearly 10,000 miles of track, is ready to be explored in a quick and low-carbon way.
Below are some ideas of where you can train-off to before the initiative comes to a close at the end of the year.
Oviedo to Ferrol
The national train provider runs a narrow-gauge service across the north coast of the country from the French border in the east to the Atlantic coast in the west.
The route is suitable for those who enjoy the cooler climate of the north and takes off from the magnificent city of Oviedo, which is famous for its medieval cathedral and cider bars.
The coastline is dramatic and the rolling hills a pleasure to pass.
In total the ride from Oviedo to Ferrol takes 6h 14m and covers 157 miles.
Aranjuez to Cuenca
To the south of Madrid is Aranjuez, which is famous for its royal estate complete with sweeping palace gardens.
A slow train can be caught from the town to Cuenca, which sits 90 miles to the east over wheat fields and rows of apple trees.
The old quarter of Cuenca sits on a clifftop where a 'hanging houses' teeters above a gorge.
The journey is 91 miles long and takes two hours and 14 minutes.
Barcelona to Sitges
As difficult as it is to get bored in the Catalonian capital, if you're looking for a little rest from the throng, then you can do worse than Sitges.
The town is just a half an hour, 30 mile ride from Barcelona and has a great sweep of beach front complete with sandy volley ball pitches and bars.
In recent years Sitges has built a reputation as one of the most LGBTQ friendly places in Spain and has a thriving gay clubbing scene.
It's also very popular with Brits, with almost 35% of the 26,000 permanent inhabitants hailing from the Netherlands, the UK, France and Scandinavia.
Lleida to La Pobla de Segur
The famous Tren dels Llacs route runs from Lleida in Spain over the border in Saint Girons in France, but those looking to take advantage of the free ticket can stop at the border in La Pobla de Segur.
The ‘Train of the Lakes‘ runs along the course of the Noguera Pallaressa and Segre rivers, offering amazing views of the nearby mountains, valley and water reservoirs.
A key feature of the route, which takes one hour 35 minutes and is 55 miles long, is the excellent bird watching opportunities it provides.
Highlights include some great birdwatching opportunities, as well as geological and historical sites which can be visited along the way.
Badajoz to Merida
In the south-west of Spain in the Extremadura region is the ancient Roman city of Merida.
Setting from Badajoz, which has a splendid cathedral and Moorish castle, train riders can make their way across sparsely populated countryside.
Entry to Merida 45 minutes and 39 miles later takes place next to a magnificent Roman aqueduct.
