How to move around?
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 21:01
Asturias has a great network of buses and trains that makes it easy to travel between cities, universities and tourist destinations. In this guide, you will learn how to use public transport, apply for a CONECTA card and save money while travelling around the region.
Quick Guide to the CTA CONECTA Card
Oviedo TUA
Although the centre of Oviedo is easy to explore on foot, public transport is a convenient way to move around the city and reach more distant areas. Oviedo's urban bus network, TUA, operates 13 bus lines covering most of the municipality.
A single bus ticket costs €1.20. However, if you plan to use public transport regularly, we strongly recommend applying for a CONECTA card. With CONECTA, a journey within one zone costs only €0.45 instead of €1.20.
The card can be used on TUA buses, urban and intercity buses, and Cercanías trains throughout Asturias. Once you reach €30 in transport expenditure in a calendar month, all further journeys during that month are free.
More information: Oviedo TUA | CONECTA Card
Gijón EMTUSA
Gijón is a larger and more spread-out city, so public transport is often essential, especially for travelling to the university or different neighbourhoods.
The CONECTA card can also be used on EMTUSA city buses, where a journey within the city costs €0.45.
Another option in Gijón is the Tarjeta Ciudadana (Gijón Citizen Card), which can be used to pay for EMTUSA buses and access municipal services such as public libraries and sports facilities. However, for most Erasmus students, the CONECTA card is usually the most economical option.
More information: EMTUSA | Gijón Citizen Card
Discover Asturias
One of the best things about living in Asturias is how easy it is to explore the region. Whether you want to visit tourist attractions, spend a day at the beach, or discover charming villages, mountains and natural areas, you can do so using Asturias' extensive public transport network.
You can travel throughout the region by both bus and train. Fares depend on the distance travelled and the type of transport used.
If you plan to travel regularly around Asturias, we strongly recommend applying for a CONECTA card. This rechargeable transport card can be used on urban buses, intercity buses and Cercanías trains throughout the region. It offers reduced fares and allows you to travel across Asturias without worrying about high transport costs.
One of its main advantages is the monthly fare cap: once you reach a total expenditure of €30 in a calendar month, all further journeys during that month are free.
Trains are also a convenient option, particularly for reaching smaller towns, coastal areas and rural destinations served by the Cercanías and FEVE railway networks.
Renfe Frequent Traveller Pass
Another option for train travel is the Renfe Frequent Traveller Pass, known as Abono Gratuito para Viajeros Frecuentes, available for Cercanías and FEVE services in Asturias.
The pass is free, but a refundable deposit of €10 is required when obtaining it. It is valid for a four-month period: January–April, May–August or September–December.
If you make at least 16 journeys during that period, the €10 deposit will be automatically refunded at the end of the validity period.
The pass can be obtained through the Renfe app, on the Renfe website, at ticket machines or at station ticket offices. It is particularly useful for students who regularly travel between cities in Asturias using Cercanías or FEVE trains.
More information: Renfe Asturias