Published on
December 21, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Spain has just unveiled a groundbreaking Sixty Euro Unlimited Travel Pass, marking a game-changing moment for commuters. This new pass offers unlimited travel across Spain’s extensive train and bus networks, making daily commuting significantly more affordable.

With this initiative, Spain is setting a bold example that could revolutionize how Europeans travel. The question now arises: will the UK follow suit?

Spain’s Sixty Euro Unlimited Travel Pass could transform public transport, but will Britain take similar action? Keep reading as we dive deeper into how this new policy could reshape commuting in Spain and spark a much-needed debate about the future of UK travel costs.

Spain’s €60 Travel Pass: A Landmark Change for Public Transport in Europe

In a groundbreaking move, Spain’s socialist-led government has introduced a €60 monthly pass that grants unlimited access to the country’s extensive rail and bus network. This new initiative, launched under Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s leadership, promises to significantly reduce the cost of commuting for millions of Spaniards. With a focus on everyday journeys, including work-related travel, this policy is a game-changer for both local commuters and tourists, aiming to provide affordable and efficient public transport to all.

Spain’s rail system has long been a pillar of state involvement, having been nationalized after the Spanish Civil War to form the Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (RENFE). Today, the Spanish government continues its strong influence on the transport network, and this latest initiative is seen as another bold step in making travel more accessible for ordinary people.

Prime Minister Sánchez Presents the €60 Pass – What Does It Mean for Workers?

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has hailed the new travel pass as a means to reduce transportation costs for workers by up to 60%. Speaking to the press, he emphasized that the pass is designed with everyday journeys in mind, such as commuting to work or traveling back home. With millions of Spaniards facing rising costs in daily life, the €60 pass will provide much-needed relief, particularly for those who rely heavily on public transport.

The government estimates that up to 2 million people will benefit from the reduced fares, potentially saving hundreds of euros annually. The €60 price tag offers unlimited travel on both buses and trains, making it an attractive option for regular commuters. Notably, a discounted version of the pass will be available for those under 26, priced at just €30 per month, further encouraging young people to choose sustainable transport options.

Spain’s Bold Move Faces Comparison with Other European Nations

Spain’s move to offer such a low-cost, nationwide transport pass has sparked comparisons with other European countries. In the UK, train fares are known to be some of the highest in Europe. A 2024 analysis by Transport & Environment (T&E) revealed that UK train operators charge fares that are more than double the European Union average. Great Western Railway, for example, was cited as Europe’s most expensive operator, with fares around 2.5 times higher than the EU average.

Social media users quickly highlighted the stark contrast between prices in Spain and the UK, comparing a Madrid–Barcelona journey priced at around €55 with a London–Edinburgh trip that can cost as much as €130. This has reignited discussions on whether public transport should be managed as a public service, prioritizing affordability over profits. With Spain’s new policy in place, many are asking whether the UK will follow suit and implement similar reforms to address its own rail fare crisis.

How Spain’s New Travel Pass Is Shaping the Future of Public Transport

The introduction of the €60 pass is part of Spain’s broader strategy to make public transport more accessible, especially in the face of rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. By offering a fixed, affordable price for unlimited travel, the Spanish government is aiming to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions, and encourage more people to use public transport rather than private cars.

Moreover, the introduction of the pass could have significant implications for tourism in Spain. With more affordable and accessible transport options, tourists are likely to see greater value in exploring the country by train and bus. The new pass could also boost domestic travel, as Spaniards may be more inclined to visit new cities and regions with a cost-effective way to get around.

The scheme is already gaining attention from other European nations, with calls for similar policies in countries like the UK, where commuters have long struggled with high fares. If successful, Spain’s initiative could serve as a model for a more sustainable and affordable future for public transport across Europe.

A Comparative Look: How Spain’s Travel Pass Compares to Other European Nations

In addition to Spain, countries like Portugal and Germany have also introduced similar nationwide travel passes to make public transport more affordable. Portugal’s Green Rail Pass, for instance, offers unlimited travel for €20 per month on state-owned Comboios de Portugal services. This price point is significantly lower than most other European countries, especially when compared to the high fares charged by operators in the UK.

Germany introduced its own nationwide transport ticket in 2023, which covers regional trains as well as metro, tram, and bus services. Starting at €49 per month, the price has risen to €58 in 2025 and is expected to increase to €63 by 2026. While slightly more expensive than Spain’s €60 pass, Germany’s initiative still offers a competitive price point for travelers across the country.

Despite these initiatives, Spain’s pass stands out for its simplicity and affordability, particularly with its generous discounts for younger passengers. This model is not only popular among commuters but could also prove to be a valuable tool for tourists seeking an affordable way to travel around the country.

What Does This Mean for Public Transport in the UK?

The introduction of Spain’s €60 travel pass has reignited conversations about the high cost of public transport in the UK. The British rail network is often criticized for its expensive fares, which are among the highest in Europe. The announcement of Spain’s low-cost, unlimited travel pass has put even more pressure on the UK government to address the growing dissatisfaction with the country’s rail pricing.

With many UK commuters facing the burden of high ticket prices, the Spanish model offers a potential solution that could revolutionize public transport in Britain. If the UK were to adopt a similar system, it could drastically reduce travel costs for millions of people, while also encouraging more sustainable travel options. As discussions around the future of the UK rail network continue, Spain’s bold move could be the catalyst for much-needed reform.

A Game-Changing Shift in Public Transport Policy

Spain’s new €60 travel pass is a bold and revolutionary move that could reshape the future of public transport in Europe. By offering affordable, unlimited travel for millions of commuters, the Spanish government is taking a significant step toward creating a more sustainable and equitable transport system. The policy is already attracting attention from other countries, particularly the UK, where the high cost of train fares remains a pressing issue.

As Europe grapples with the challenges of rising living costs and environmental sustainability, Spain’s travel pass stands as a shining example of what is possible when public transport is treated as a public service rather than a for-profit enterprise. With the potential to save millions of people money each year, this policy could be the first of many steps toward a more accessible and sustainable future for public transport in Europe.