Car Rental or Train/Bus

Posted by vivavida301 on 07/28/16 08:27 PM

I know I'll probably get a lot of opinions on this, but in light of recent craziness on trains etc - should we rent a car in Spain or just do public transportation? Which is safer? (yes, it can happen anywhere I understand...)

We'll be arriving into BCN, visiting San Sebastian and Zaragoza before returning to Barcelona for a couple of days. We have places to stay which charge about $20/day for parking...

It seems I'll save about $100 doing public transportation, but maybe peace of mind is worth that?

Thanks for any helpful input :)

Posted by Alan

Folsom

07/28/16 09:09 PM

2734 posts

We took several trains in France and Spain this summer. Spain had the most security by far. It is not high tech, but all your luggage is screened and you will pass through a metal detector. And someone will check your ticket before you are allowed to board. Not so in France, which surprised me. We all felt very safe on the trains in Spain and having to not drive was wonderful.

Posted by Laura

Rick Steves' Europe

07/28/16 09:47 PM

16895 posts

I believe that trains are still safer, with our without pre-boarding screening (which is not widespread in Europe).

Posted by Harold

New York, NY, USA

07/28/16 09:55 PM

11294 posts

Don't forget that car accidents are not unknown in Spain, so while driving may feel safer than a train, no method is risk-free.

Posted by janettravels44

Chicago

07/30/16 04:35 PM

8560 posts

We spent 3 weeks in Spain mostly Andalucia a few years ago and used trains and buses as we didn't want to drive on that trip. It was very convenient. In Spain there is security in boarding trains unlike most of the rest of Europe - so luggage passes through x-ray and in small stations there is at least a security line and documents checks. I feel more secure on Spanish trains than those in Italy and France (where the risk is thieves on the train especially in stations where they can wander through grabbing purses and such from the unwary.

Terrorism is a risk and will be for the rest of the lives of all of us. It will touch few; odds are low but never non existent that it will touch you. I live in the most violent country in the western world so I figure my odds of being shot in the US far exceed the risk of plane crashes, terrorism etc. I would bet that the odds of an auto accident in Spain are much higher than the odds of a terror event that involves you. Risk is never zero anywhere.

Posted by Priscilla

California 🦋

07/30/16 07:43 PM

5294 posts

My mom & I took trains & buses while visiting Spain last October & always felt safe.
As you know, and as others have already mentioned, there may be risks whether using public transportation vs driving a car.
There are advantages & disadvantages with whichever form of transportation you choose.

I prefer for someone else to do the driving, so I can rest & enjoy the scenery ;-)

Just wondering... Have you considered flying to San Sebastián?

Have a wonderful trip!