Spain’s big, and getting around quickly isn’t always easy. From the mainland to the islands, domestic flights are often the best way to save time and skip the long journeys by road or rail.
While the country has a decent train network, it doesn’t cover everything. Domestic flights make it much easier to connect cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, and they’re the go-to option for reaching the Canary or Balearic Islands, where there’s no other quick way in or out.
Whether you’re planning a short trip, visiting family or linking up multiple cities, flying within Spain is fast, flexible and often more affordable than people expect. And with a solid mix of full-service and low-cost airlines, there’s usually a flight to match your budget and schedule.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about domestic flights in Spain from which airlines to fly, to baggage tips, airports and how to book. Let’s get started.
Domestic flights are a key part of Spain’s transport system, especially for long-distance travel and getting to the islands. Here are some quick insights:
Frequent flights and short travel times make domestic air travel a convenient option, and with multiple airlines competing on key routes, prices stay competitive year-round.
Flying within Spain can be quicker, easier and more practical than travelling by train, car or coach, especially for longer distances or island routes.
Spain covers a lot of ground. A flight from Madrid to Barcelona takes just over an hour, compared to 3-4 hours by train or 6+ by car. If you’re tight on time, flying lets you make the most of your trip and avoid long travel days.
Heading to the Canary or Balearic Islands? Flights are by far the fastest, and in most cases, the only way to get there. Ferries do exist but can take several hours (or overnight), so flying is the smarter option for most travellers.
Spain’s high-speed rail is good but doesn’t reach everywhere. Some towns and coastal areas are tricky to access without flying, and bus services can be limited or slow. Domestic flights fill those gaps and make cross-country travel more flexible.
Madrid is the hub for domestic flights in Spain, with direct routes to almost every corner of the country. Whether you’re heading to the islands or the coast, flying from Madrid makes it easy.
These routes are served daily by airlines like Iberia, Air Europa and Vueling, with multiple departures to choose from. Whether you're flying for business, a beach break or to visit family, Madrid makes a great starting point.
Barcelona’s a major hub for domestic travel in Spain, with regular flights to cities across the mainland and islands. So if you're heading south for sunshine or north for culture, flying is often quicker than taking the train, and usually not much more expensive.
Most of these routes are served by Vueling, Iberia and Air Europa, with flexible fares and multiple flights per day. Perfect for both quick getaways and planning around your schedule.
Spain has a strong mix of full-service and low-cost airlines covering hundreds of domestic routes. Here’s a quick guide to the main carriers:
All of these airlines can be booked through Alternative Airlines, with the option to pay over time, in your currency, and with instant confirmation.
Baggage rules can vary depending on which airline you fly, but here’s what to expect when flying within Spain:
Most airlines include a small carry-on bag in the base fare, usually around 8-10kg. Some also allow a personal item like a handbag or laptop bag, but size limits vary.
Checked luggage isn’t always included, especially with low-cost airlines like Vueling or Volotea. You’ll usually need to add it during booking for an extra fee. Full-service airlines like Iberia and Air Europa may include it on higher fare types.
When you book with us, we show baggage info upfront, so there are no surprises at the airport, and you can add bags to your travel plan in just a few clicks.
Most domestic flights in Spain are short (often under two hours) so travel classes and services on the plane tend to be fairly simple. That said, you still have options when booking.
The most common option. You’ll usually get a standard seat with the option to pay for extras like baggage, seat selection or priority boarding. On low-cost airlines like Vueling or Volotea, food and drinks are available for purchase.
Available on select routes, mainly with Iberia and Air Europa. Expect more spacious seating, priority boarding and lounge access at some airports. While onboard service is more limited than on long-haul flights, you’ll often get a light snack and drink.
Some airlines offer slightly upgraded seats or flexible fares with extra baggage and flight changes included - a good middle ground if you want a bit more comfort.
No matter which class you choose, we’ll show you what’s included when you book. That way, you can make the right call for your trip and avoid paying for things you don’t need.
Spain has a well-connected network of airports, making domestic travel fast and flexible. Here are the key ones to know:
All of these airports are served by multiple airlines, giving you plenty of choice for timing, routes and fares, especially when booking through Alternative Airlines.
Booking domestic flights in Spain is straightforward, especially when you know where to look and what to expect. Here’s how to make it easy:
You can also add bags, seat selection or flight protection during checkout. It’s all designed to keep things flexible, clear and under your control.
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Search for domestic flights in Spain with Alternative Airlines.
We ticket over 600 global airlines so you're sure to find domestic Spain flights that suit your travel needs. We also offer over 40 different ways to pay - this includes Buy Now Pay Later plans like Klarna, Afterpay and Zip, among others. Book your domestic flights in Spain with us today!
If you're an EU or EEA citizen, you can use a national ID card to fly within Spain. Travellers from outside the EU, including the US, UK and Canada, must carry a valid passport.
You won’t need a visa for domestic travel, but airlines will ask for photo ID at check-in and boarding. Digital copies aren’t accepted, so make sure you have the physical document with you.
It's also a good idea to check your airline’s ID rules before booking with us, as they may vary slightly.
You should aim to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your domestic flight. This gives you enough time to check in, drop any bags and get through security without stress.
If you’ve checked in online and only have hand luggage, 60-90 minutes might be enough, but it’s always better to have a buffer, especially at larger airports like Madrid or Barcelona.
Each airline sets its own check-in deadlines, which are usually 30-45 minutes before departure, so always double-check your airline’s rules before you travel.
Most airlines include a small cabin bag (5-10kg) in the base fare, though size and weight limits vary. Checked baggage isn’t usually included unless you choose a higher fare or add it during booking.
Low-cost airlines like Vueling and Volotea may charge extra even for cabin bags, while full-service carriers like Iberia are more flexible. Always check what’s included before booking, as baggage policies can differ by airline and route.
When you book through Alternative Airlines, we show all baggage options upfront so there are no surprises at the airport.
Yes - you can search and book domestic flights in Spain online through Alternative Airlines.
We work with over 600 airlines, including all the major Spanish carriers, so you can compare routes, prices and travel times easily. Just enter your cities and dates, and we’ll show you what’s available.
You can also choose from over 40 payment methods, including Buy Now Pay Later options like Klarna and Afterpay.
Once booked, you’ll get instant confirmation, and you can manage extras like baggage or seat selection directly through our site.
Yes, you can. When you book through Alternative Airlines, you’ll see flexible payment options at checkout, including Klarna, Scalapay, Clearpay and more.
These let you split the cost over time, so you don’t have to pay the full amount upfront. It’s available on flights with top Spanish airlines like Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa and more.
Just choose your preferred plan and get instant confirmation. No hidden fees, no hassle - just more flexibility when planning your trip.
Yes, you can book one-way flights to Ibiza with no problem. Many airlines offer direct routes from cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. Simply select 'one-way' when searching on Alternative Airlines, and we’ll show you all available options.
You can also filter by airline, departure time or payment method, including pay later options like Klarna or Afterpay. One-way tickets are great if you’re planning a flexible trip or flying back from a different island or city.
Yes - most domestic airlines in Spain are Spanish-speaking. Carriers like Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa, Volotea and Binter Canarias all operate in Spanish, but many also have English-speaking staff, especially on major routes.
When you book through Alternative Airlines, you can search and pay in English, so there’s no need to worry if you’re not fluent.
Yes. You can book flights between cities in Spain and Portugal through Alternative Airlines. While both countries are part of the Iberian Peninsula, flights between them are international, so you’ll need a passport or EU ID to travel.
Popular routes include Madrid to Lisbon and Barcelona to Porto. Just use our search tool to find flights, compare prices and choose how you want to pay, including flexible Buy Now Pay Later options.
Yes. From late 2026, travellers from visa-exempt countries (like the US, UK and Australia) will need an ETIAS - that’s the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It’s not a visa, but you’ll still need to apply for it before your trip to Spain. It’s quick to do and lasts for three years.
