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Up to 90 % discount on trains and buses: who is eligible for Verano Joven 2026, how to register, and what applies to residents on the Costa Blanca.
Alicante, Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona or Andalusia: young people living legally in Spain will be able to travel by train and long-distance coach much more cheaply in the summer of 2026. The scheme Verano Joven It is also of interest to many young international residents on the Costa Blanca – but not to ordinary holidaymakers.
The Costa Blanca has an advantage that is easily overlooked in everyday life: many towns are relatively close to major railway stations and long-distance transport routes. Anyone living in Alicante, Elche, Benidorm, Altea, Calp, Dénia or Orihuela Costa can easily access the Spanish rail and long-distance coach network via Alicante or Valencia.
This is exactly where Verano Joven 2026 . The scheme significantly reduces ticket prices in the summer for young people aged between 18 and 30. For residents of the Costa Blanca, this can mean more than just a single city break: Madrid at the weekend, Barcelona for a concert, Seville in late summer, or a longer tour heading north.
The scheme is open to young people aged between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 2008 were born.
In addition, they must either:
This means the programme is also relevant to young international residents on the Costa Blanca – for example, from Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Norway or other European countries. What matters is not their country of origin, but their legal residence in Spain.
This offer does not apply to holidaymakers who are not resident in Spain.
The discounts apply to journeys from 1 July to 30 September 2026.
For high-speed trains, the discount is capped at 30 euros per ticket limited. The Interrail Global Pass is subsidised by 50 per cent if purchased through Renfe.
There are two key hubs in particular for the Costa Blanca: Alicante and Valencia. There are fast connections to Madrid from Alicante. Valencia is an important hub for journeys to Barcelona, Zaragoza, Seville, Córdoba and Málaga.
Anyone living north of the Costa Blanca, for example in Dénia, Calp, Altea or Benidorm, can use the TRAM d'Alacant Head towards Alicante and change to a long-distance service there. Dénia itself does not have an AVE station – so the connection to the nearest major hub is important.
In the south of the Costa Blanca, Alicante and Elche are the obvious starting points for many young people. From there, it is also possible to plan longer trips without needing your own car.
Verano Joven is not a traditional holiday scheme. It is aimed at young people living in Spain. This is particularly relevant to the Costa Blanca, as many international families, students, apprentices and young professionals live here.
Whether you’re visiting family in another region, meeting friends in Madrid or planning to spend a few days in Andalusia, you can make significant savings thanks to these discounts. It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re making several journeys or travelling longer distances.
The programme also offers an opportunity for young people who want to explore Spain beyond their own coastline: northern Spain, Galicia, the Basque Country and Castile are now more affordable.
You must register for free before purchasing your first ticket. Participants will then receive a personal discount code, which must be entered when booking.
The registration should be at least 24 hours before buying your first ticket take place. The code is non-transferable.
Programme: Verano Joven 2026
Travel period: 1 July to 30 September 2026
Age: 18 to 30 years old
Year of birth: 1996 to 2008
Prerequisite: Spanish nationality or legal residence in Spain
Registration: https://veranojoven.transportes.gob.es
Further information: https://www.transportes.gob.es
Alicante and Valencia are the main long-distance transport hubs for the Costa Blanca. Towns such as Dénia, Calp, Altea and Benidorm are connected to Alicante via the TRAM d’Alacant. This means you can make good use of the programme even without your own car.
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