Young people will once again be able to travel across Spain and Europe at heavily discounted prices this summer after the government approved the return of its popular Verano Joven scheme.
The programme, now entering its fourth year, will offer discounts of up to 90% on train and coach travel between July 1 and September 30, as well as reduced-price Interrail passes for journeys across Europe.
Spain’s Council of Ministers this week approved the legislation needed to launch the 2026 edition of the initiative, which has been allocated almost €130million in funding.
The scheme is aimed at helping young adults travel during the summer months while encouraging the use of public transport and easing the impact of rising living costs.
Who can apply?
The discounts will be available to Spanish nationals and legal residents born between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2008, meaning anyone aged between 18 and 30 will qualify.
To access the discounts, eligible travellers must register through the Verano Joven website, which is expected to open in the coming days via Spain’s Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
Applicants will need to provide either a DNI or NIE number. Once approved, they will receive a personal code that can be used when purchasing discounted tickets from participating transport operators.
Discounts available
The 2026 scheme includes the following savings:
- 90% off state-operated long-distance coach services
- 90% off conventional medium-distance rail services and metre-gauge rail networks
- 50% off Avant high-speed regional rail tickets
- 50% off long-distance and high-speed rail services, with a maximum discount of €30 per ticket
- 50% off the Interrail Global Flexible Pass offering 10 travel days within two months, when purchased through Renfe
The government says the discounts are designed to make travel more affordable for young people, whether they are exploring Spain or heading further afield across Europe.
