Spain & Portugal travel guide
Most travellers from India reach Spain and Portugal with one stop, since direct flights are not usual. Lisbon (LIS) is the main gateway to Portugal, and Madrid (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) are the main gateways to Spain. Transit hubs include Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul. Our packages are land-only, so flights are booked separately.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
Getting to Spain and Portugal from India usually means a connection. Our research describes one-stop routes through major hubs, and it names the main airports in each country. This guide covers which airports to use, which hubs you may connect through, and how to travel between cities once you arrive. It does not give flight times, so confirm those with your airline or planner.
In Portugal, Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the main international gateway. Porto Airport (OPO) is sometimes used for the north of the country. In Spain, Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) are the main entry airports. Málaga (AGP), Palma de Mallorca (PMI), Valencia (VLC) and Seville (SVQ) are other useful gateways, depending on your itinerary.
Common transit hubs from India include Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the Gulf. For Spain, Istanbul, Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and London are also common connections. For Portugal, connections usually go through major hubs in the Gulf or Europe. Your airline will show the exact connection for your route.
Our research does not give flight times, so we do not state them here. Ask your airline or planner for the current timings for your dates and departure city. Allow time for the connection, and check the arrival time against your hotel check-in.
Our Spain and Portugal packages are land-only. Flights are booked separately, and our planners can suggest arrival and departure timings from your city. Airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle are included in our packages. Confirm your flight details with your planner before you travel, so your transfers match your schedule.
Spain has high-speed AVE trains between major cities, plus regional trains, intercity buses, metros, trams and taxis or ride-hailing in larger cities. For mainland routes, trains are often faster and more comfortable than flying. Portugal has trains, intercity buses, metros and trams. Trains link Lisbon and Porto and many main-city routes, and buses fill gaps where rail is limited.
A car helps for beaches, hill towns and rural areas. Parking and narrow streets can be difficult in older areas of both countries, so a car is usually not needed for the main cities. If you plan to drive, check the rules and licence requirements with the official source before you travel.
Spanish is the official language in Spain, with Catalan, Basque and Galician used in some regions. Portuguese is the official language in Portugal. English is widely understood in major tourist areas. Both countries use the euro (EUR), so check the current rate before you travel.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight schedules, airline routes and train timetables change, so confirm them before you book.
Ready-made trips
Barcelona 4N · Madrid 3N
Lisbon 5N · Seville 5N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Spain & Portugal.
Usually not. Our research says most travellers connect with one stop, through hubs in the Gulf, Europe or elsewhere. Check your airline's current schedule, because routes change, and ask your planner for options from your city.
Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) is the main international gateway to Portugal. Porto Airport (OPO) is sometimes used for northern Portugal. Choose the airport that suits your route and your plans for the rest of the trip.
Madrid-Barajas (MAD) and Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) are the main entry airports. Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia and Seville are other gateways, depending on your itinerary.
Our research does not give flight times. Your airline will show the exact timings for your route and date. Allow time for the connection, and do not book a hotel check-in too close to a late arrival.
High-speed AVE trains link major Spanish cities, and regional trains, buses and metros cover the rest. For mainland routes, trains are often faster and more comfortable than flying. Your planner confirms the exact train for your package.
Usually not for the main cities. A car helps for beaches, hill towns and rural areas. Parking and narrow streets are difficult in older areas, so consider taxis or trains for the cities.
Yes, our packages include airport arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle. Flights are booked separately, so share your timings with your planner so the transfers match your schedule.
Both countries use the euro (EUR). Check the current exchange rate before you travel, and compare how much you receive before you exchange money or pay by card.
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