How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Spain? Complete Guide to Spain Trip Expenses in 2025

Dreaming of wandering through vibrant Spanish streets or relaxing on sunny Mediterranean beaches? I know the excitement of planning a trip to Spain—but before you book your flight, it’s smart to get a clear idea of what the journey might cost. Spain offers something for every traveler, whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to splurge.

From airfare and accommodation to food and sightseeing, travel expenses can add up quickly. I want to help you break down the typical costs so you can plan your adventure with confidence. Let’s dive into what you can expect to spend while exploring the beauty and culture of Spain.

Overview Of Travel Costs To Spain

Travel costs to Spain depend on flight prices, accommodation types, daily meals, transportation, and sightseeing. International flights from major U.S. cities to Spain usually range from $500 to $1,200 roundtrip during peak travel months, according to Skyscanner. Costs drop 20%–40% in off-peak seasons, especially for travelers flying from New York, Miami, or Los Angeles.

Accommodation offers choices at every price point. Hostels typically cost $25–$50 per night in cities like Barcelona or Madrid. Three-star hotels average $90–$150 per night, while luxury hotels often start from $300 per night in central tourist areas. Vacation rentals in cities and coastal towns usually range between $80–$200 per night based on amenities and location.

Meal expenses vary in Spain. Casual meals or tapas at local bars generally cost $3–$10 per dish while restaurant meals usually range from $12–$30. Grocery shopping for one week totals about $40–$60 per person for those staying in apartments.

Public transportation remains affordable, with metro tickets in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona starting at $1.60, and intercity trains costing $25–$70 for high-speed routes. Car rentals start at $25 per day, with gas prices averaging $7 per gallon, as documented by Statista.

Sightseeing adds to the budget depending on the number of paid attractions visited. Entrance fees for popular sites, such as the Sagrada Familia, hover around $25, while museums like the Prado in Madrid generally charge $15–$20. Many attractions offer discounts for students or advance bookings.

Seasonality, destination, and type of travel experience account for the largest price fluctuations within a Spain travel budget.

Major Expenses When Traveling To Spain

Travel expenses in Spain fall into a few major categories that shape the overall budget. I’ve detailed the typical costs that most travelers encounter, showing how they connect to different travel styles and needs.

Flights And Transportation

Flights from the US to Spain tend to be the largest initial cost, with roundtrip tickets often running $500–$1,200 from major cities in peak seasons and sometimes dropping up to 40% in off-peak months. While vacation packages occasionally include airfare, most don’t, so flights become a separate line item. Once in Spain, I find public transportation competitive, mirroring US pricing. Intercity train journeys average €100 per person for moderate distances and local metro tickets start at $1.60. For small groups, private vehicle rentals with a driver sit in the $400–$600 per person per day range. Options like guided tour buses or regional coaches add more variety on a mid-budget.

Accommodation Options And Prices

Accommodation takes a significant portion of travel budgets in Spain. Mid-range one-bedroom apartment rentals average about €72 per night for two people. Centrally located hotels included in guided tour packages may span from budget units in the $90–$150 range up to luxury hotels costing $300+ per night. Package deals, such as those from Expedia, sometimes drop total costs, especially for stays that include hotels and car rentals, with packages starting as low as $689 depending on the time of year and region selected.

Food And Dining Costs

Daily dining in Spain proves more affordable than in the US, with a wide spectrum of choices. Inexpensive tapas bars offer authentic meals, while pricier establishments serve up gourmet Spanish cuisine. Typical daily meal expenses remain lower than in Northern Europe, with casual options at $3–$10 and sit-down restaurants charging $12–$30 per person. Overall, this lets budget and mid-range travelers manage their meal spending efficiently.

Sightseeing And Activities

Attractions contribute noticeably to daily budget variations. Guided tours cost roughly $3,000–$5,200 for comprehensive multi-day experiences, not including international flights. Entrance fees for museums and iconic sites frequently range from $15–$25. Additional experiences such as flamenco lessons or private guides increase total costs, depending on how much I want to explore beyond standard sightseeing. Providers like Rick Steves and similar tour operators bundle these activities with hotels but list airfares separately, influencing the choice between DIY and full-service travel plans.

Budgeting Tips For Traveling In Spain

Planning my expenses carefully makes Spain affordable on any budget. Below, I break down actionable tips for saving money while traveling through cities and regions across the country.

Saving Money On Transportation

Public transportation in Spain keeps my travel costs down compared to taxis or car rentals. Buses often cost less than trains, especially for intercity routes between cities like Madrid and Barcelona. I use travel apps such as Bookaway and Rome2Rio to compare bus and train schedules and prices before booking. For multiple train journeys, a tourist rail pass lowers total costs, particularly during high-demand months. In cities, single metro tickets start around €1.60, so I buy multi-ride passes to save on frequent use.

Affordable Places To Stay

Choosing hostels and budget hotels helps me minimize accommodation expenses. Dorm beds in hostels often run from €10 to €30 per night, providing shared kitchens and social spaces. I search Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Airbnb for deals in both major cities and smaller towns to find the best rates. In low season—March to May and September to November—prices drop and more choices are available, which helps me stretch my budget further. If I want a bit more comfort, budget hotels and short-term apartment rentals are available for under €75 per night in many regions.

Eating On A Budget

Dining out in Spain doesn’t require overspending. I seek out the “menu del día” at local restaurants during lunch, which usually includes two courses, bread, and a drink for €10–€15. Shopping at supermarkets allows me to prepare meals in hostel or rental kitchens, reducing food expenses to as little as €3–€5 per meal. When I choose to snack out, tapas bars in neighborhoods outside tourist centers offer plates for just a few euros each, making sampling local food affordable.

Sample Budgets: Spain On Different Travel Styles

Sample budgets help me compare Spain’s costs across different travel styles so I can set realistic expectations for my trip.

Backpacker Budget

Backpacker budgets in Spain typically cover hostel stays, affordable meals, and local transport. I spend €25–70 per night for hostels in major cities like Barcelona, Madrid, or Valencia, choosing cheaper options in smaller towns. I manage daily food, transportation, and activities with about €50–70. Daily, my total cost averages €75–100, which includes accommodation, meals, and local transit. For example, I can cook in hostel kitchens, use metro tickets starting at $1.60, and visit free or low-cost attractions.

Mid-Range Traveler Budget

Mid-range budgets in Spain include hotels or B&Bs, dining out, and entry to popular sites. I book rooms or B&Bs for €60–150 per night, noticing the higher prices in summer or city centers. I plan for €150–200 per day for a comfortable experience, factoring in restaurant meals, guided tours, and local transport. Guided tour packages, like Rick Steves’ Spain tours, range from $3,000 to $5,000+ for multi-day itineraries, not including air travel. I access more local experiences and sightseeing options, which increases variety in my daily spending.

Luxury Travel Budget

Luxury travel budgets in Spain cover private tours, upscale accommodation, and exclusive experiences. I choose boutique or luxury hotels with rates exceeding €200 per night. Private guides and custom transportation add $400–600 per person per day to my expenses. Specialized multi-day tours, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, or chauffeur-driven transfers often push my total to $4,000–5,000+ for week-long trips. My preferences for privacy and custom experiences significantly raise daily costs, with a focus on premium service and access.

Additional Costs And Hidden Expenses

Unexpected fees add to the actual cost of my trip to Spain, especially during peak travel months from May through September. If I book hotels in major cities like Barcelona, I find that limited room supply and high demand often increase prices even for budget options. Last-minute bookings lead to rates jumping above €180 per night, while luxury hotels easily exceed €500.

Local transportation between cities using trains or buses surprises some travelers with high prices. For instance, round-trip train tickets for two adults between Madrid, Seville, and Granada total over $600. Occasional ferry rides to island destinations like Mallorca or Ibiza increase my total travel budget by another $40–$80 per person on average.

Nightlife and entertainment in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville often cost more than I expect. Nightclubs charge entry fees ranging from €10–€25, while drinks inside venues routinely hit €8–€12 each. Shopping, especially for branded or local artisan goods, easily adds €50–€200 to my daily expenses if I make frequent purchases.

If I explore off-the-beaten-path towns or rural villages, I often encounter extra transport costs like car rentals, fuel, or parking fees, with daily rentals in Spain averaging €40–€80. Taxis and rideshares within cities, while convenient, charge surcharges and late-night fees, frequently bringing the total cost above public transit limits.

Sightseeing sometimes includes unexpected admission charges, like guided tours or museum tickets not listed on major websites, typically ranging from €10–€25 per visit. Optional excursions, such as flamenco shows or culinary tours, quickly increase my spending by an extra €40–€150 per person.

Travel insurance, visa waiver processing fees for non-EU travelers, and occasional luggage storage charges at train stations or airports add incremental expenses. Each of these extras ranges between €5–€20 but collectively impact my overall budget. Hidden costs, if unplanned, change my daily spend and stretch my total trip expenses in Spain.

Conclusion

Spain offers incredible experiences for every traveler and every budget. With a bit of planning I’ve found it’s easy to enjoy world-class sights delicious food and vibrant culture without breaking the bank.

By considering your travel style and being mindful of hidden costs you can make the most of your trip. Whether you’re exploring historic cities or relaxing on the coast Spain’s charm is worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a trip to Spain typically cost?

The total cost of a trip to Spain depends on travel style and season. Budget travelers can expect to spend €75–100 ($80–110) per day, while mid-range travelers spend €150–200 ($165–220) daily. Luxury experiences can exceed €400 ($440) per day. Major expenses include flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing.

When is the cheapest time to visit Spain?

The cheapest time to visit Spain is during the off-peak seasons, typically from November to March. During these months, flights and accommodation costs drop by 20% to 40% compared to peak travel periods (May through September).

What is the average cost of a roundtrip flight from the U.S. to Spain?

Roundtrip flights from major U.S. cities to Spain usually range from $500 to $1,200 during peak months. Booking in advance and traveling during off-peak seasons can help you find cheaper fares.

How much does accommodation cost in Spain?

Accommodation in Spain varies widely: hostels typically cost $25–$50 per night, three-star hotels are $90–$150, and luxury hotels start at $300 per night. Prices are higher in major cities and during peak travel months.

Are meals in Spain expensive?

Meals in Spain are generally affordable. Casual dining (like tapas or fast food) costs $3–$10 per dish, while restaurant meals range from $12–$30. “Menu del día” lunch specials are great value and often cost under $15.

How much should I budget for sightseeing and attractions?

Entrance fees for popular attractions in Spain are usually between $15 and $25, with museum tickets often costing $15–$20. Guided tours and multi-day experiences can be more expensive, ranging from $3,000 to $5,200.

Is public transportation in Spain affordable?

Yes, public transportation is cost-effective. Metro tickets start at $1.60, and intercity train fares range from $25–$70. Consider multi-day or city passes for additional savings on local travel.

What are some tips for saving money while traveling in Spain?

Travel during the low season, use public transportation, stay in hostels or budget hotels, and take advantage of affordable “menu del día” meals. Shop at supermarkets for snacks or simple meals, and book attractions in advance online for discounts.

Are there hidden costs to watch out for when visiting Spain?

Yes, watch for higher prices during peak season, last-minute hotel bookings, unexpected transportation fares, nightlife, shopping, and extra admission fees for certain attractions. Budgeting for these helps avoid surprises during your trip.

How much does a week-long trip to Spain cost on average?

A week in Spain costs around $600–$800 for budget travelers, $1,200–$1,500 for mid-range travelers, and $4,000–$5,000+ for luxury travelers. Your exact cost will depend on your travel style, season, and spending habits.