Spain launches Verano Joven 2026 offering up to 90% travel discounts for youth

The Spanish government has approved the fourth edition of the Verano Joven programme for 2026, allocating €130 million to provide travel subsidies to young people aged 18‑30 who hold Spanish nationality or legal residence in Spain. The scheme offers discounts of up to 90 % on state‑run bus services and on medium‑distance and metric‑gauge trains, with a 50 % reduction on high‑speed, long‑distance and Avant services (capped at €30 per ticket). A 50 % discount also applies to the Interrail Global Flexible 10‑day pass sold through Renfe.

Eligibility requires pre‑registration on the Ministry of Transport’s website, where applicants receive a personal, non‑transferable code after verifying their DNI/NIE (or using the Cl@ve system). The code must be entered when buying tickets and registration must be completed at least 24 hours before the first purchase. Discounts are valid for journeys made between 1 July and 30 September 2026 across Spain and selected European routes.

Since its launch in 2023, more than four million young travellers have used Verano Joven, completing over 16 million trips. Renfe is now selling the discounted tickets and will grant an additional 100 % discount code to members of its Más Renfe programme after two qualifying trips. The programme has drawn criticism from opposition MPs who say the Canary Islands are excluded from the benefits, urging the inclusion of air and sea transport to ensure equal access for island youth.