Let’s make this official: you need a valid passport to travel to Spain — and yes, they do check! If you already have one, double-check that it hasn’t expired and that it’s valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates (many countries are strict about this). If you don’t have a passport yet, don’t panic — but definitely get the ball rolling. Standard processing typically takes 8–11 weeks, or 5–7 weeks if you pay for expedited service. You can apply online or at your local post office or passport office.

The best airport to fly into is Madrid-Barajas International Airport (MAD) — it’s well-connected, modern, and located about 20 minutes from the city center. If you can find a direct flight, go for it (fewer moving pieces = less stress!), but if not, we recommend connecting through an East Coast hub like New York, Boston, or Charlotte. That way, your transatlantic leg is shorter and your jet lag is just a little more manageable. Customs in Madrid is a bit of a wild card — sometimes you’re through in ten minutes, other times it’s an hour-plus — so build in a buffer just in case. Also, heads-up: some European airlines (especially budget carriers) have stricter baggage weight limits and lower allowances for carry-ons. Make sure to double-check the airline’s policy before you pack your entire wedding-week wardrobe into one bag.

Trains are hands-down the best way to explore Spain — they’re clean, fast, efficient, and surprisingly affordable. You can book tickets online through Renfe, and you’ll receive a mobile QR code to board. A few things to know if you’ve never done European train travel before: you don’t arrive hours early like at the airport. Instead, you’ll check the station monitors for your platform (plataforma) and track (vía) about 15 minutes before departure. Once it appears, head to your platform, scan your ticket, and board quickly — because everything in Spain runs late… except the trains.

If you’re arriving in Madrid and heading to Toledo for the wedding, this is your golden ticket — it’s just 30 minutes from Madrid’s Atocha Station and drops you into a beautiful station near the old city. Roundtrip is around €20, and it’s so much easier than driving. Be warned: Madrid Atocha Station can feel overwhelming the first time — give yourself extra time to find your train and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Oh, and if you’re feeling fancy? The first-class upgrade is lovely… but coach is totally comfortable too (spoken from a bougie bride).

For getting around town, Uber works in most major Spanish cities like Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona — and it’s typically the easiest way to grab a ride without a language barrier. Taxis are also reliable and metered, with prices regulated by the city.

BUT! If you’re headed to Toledo, there’s no Uber. To maintain that old-world charm, it’s a taxi-only kind of town, which means you’ll want to channel your inner New Yorker and get that arm ready to flag one down. If you’re at the hotel, you can also call the front desk to request one for you in ten minutes or less. For those flying into Madrid and wanting a stress-free path to Toledo, our venue (Cigarral de las Mercedes) can coordinate car service from the airport directly to Toledo. It’s super convenient and great for small groups — consider coordinating with fellow guests to split the cost if you prefer this option. Just reach out to the venue in advance to book!

In cities like Madrid and Barcelona, the metro is your best friend. It’s fast, cheap, runs late into the night, and can get you basically anywhere — including to and from the airport if you're looking for a budget-friendly option. To ride, you’ll need a rechargeable Metro card, which you can buy at any station. Navigating is all about knowing the line you’re on and which direction you’re heading — just look for the platform marked in the direction of the last station on that line. Signs are color-coded, but if in doubt, ask! One note of etiquette: metros don’t linger. When the doors open, be ready — get on quickly and exit swiftly, or risk a surprise ride to the next stop. It’s part of the fun (and part of the story you’ll tell later).