FIFA World Cup 2030 Spain Travel Guide: Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Beyond
Complete FIFA World Cup 2030 Spain travel guide. All 11 Spanish host cities, how to travel between them, visas, transport, where to stay, what to eat, and how to combine Spain with Morocco.
Spain is the primary host of FIFA World Cup 2030, staging matches across 11 venues in 10 cities. As the largest and most significant European co-host, Spain will see the majority of knockout round matches and is expected to host the final at the Bernabéu in Madrid.
This guide covers everything you need to plan your Spain leg of FIFA 2030.
The 10 Spanish host cities
Spain has more World Cup host cities than any other nation at FIFA 2030. Here they are with their venues:
Madrid — Estadio Santiago Bernabéu (81,044) and Estadio Cívitas Metropolitano (70,000). Two world-class stadiums, one city. The Bernabéu is expected to host the final.
Barcelona — Camp Nou (105,000, post-renovation) and RCDE Stadium (40,000, Espanyol). Two venues in the city means more matches, more choice, more availability.
Seville — Estadio de La Cartuja (60,000). Spain's national team ground and a major southern city.
Bilbao — San Mamés (53,289). Athletic Club's "Cathedral." Basque football culture, arguably the most passionate fan atmosphere in Spain.
Valencia — Nou Mestalla (55,000, new). Valencia CF's long-awaited new stadium, finally completed for 2030.
Donostia-San Sebastián — Estadio Anoeta (40,000, Real Sociedad). The Basque Country's second World Cup city. More Michelin stars per capita than anywhere in the world.
Zaragoza — Nueva Romareda (43,000, post-renovation). Between Madrid and Barcelona on the high-speed rail corridor.
Málaga — La Rosaleda (35,000). Coastal Mediterranean city, previously hosted 1982 World Cup.
A Coruña — Estadio Municipal de Riazor (34,600). Galicia's Atlantic port city, most northwesterly venue.
Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) — Estadio Gran Canaria (32,000). Island venue off the African coast. The secret pick for West African fans.
Getting to Spain
From the UK: Spain is the most accessible FIFA 2030 host country for UK fans. London to Madrid: 2 hours 20 minutes (British Airways, Iberia, Vueling). London to Barcelona: 2 hours (same carriers plus easyJet, Ryanair). London to Seville: 2 hours 30 minutes (Vueling, Ryanair). London to Bilbao: 2 hours (easyJet). London to Málaga: 2 hours 30 minutes (numerous carriers).
From Nigeria (Lagos): Lagos to Madrid is approximately 6 hours connecting via a hub. Iberia via Madrid hub, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa. A Schengen visa is required — apply in advance.
From South Africa: Johannesburg to Madrid is approximately 11 hours. Iberia direct, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul.
Travelling between Spanish host cities
Spain's high-speed AVE train network is one of the best in Europe and connects all major host cities:
- Madrid → Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Madrid → Seville: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Madrid → Valencia: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Madrid → Zaragoza: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Barcelona → Zaragoza: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bilbao, San Sebastián, A Coruña and Málaga are connected by regional rail or coach. Las Palmas requires a short domestic flight from Madrid or Barcelona (2 hours).
The intercity rail network means you can attend a Madrid match on Saturday and a Seville match on Tuesday without flying — just a 2.5-hour train.
Visa requirements for Spain
Spain is part of the Schengen Area. A single Schengen visa covers all Spanish (and Portuguese) host cities.
Visa-free: UK passport holders (no Schengen application needed, though ETIAS online authorisation will be required by 2030), EU citizens, US citizens, Canadian, Australian passport holders.
Schengen visa required: Nigerian, Ghanaian, South African, Kenyan, Tanzanian, Ugandan and most African passport holders. Apply at the Spanish or Portuguese consulate in your country. Allow 6–8 weeks. Having confirmed match tickets (included in Cantravu packages) and confirmed hotel bookings significantly strengthens applications.
Important: Morocco is visa-free for most African passport holders. Many fans from West and East Africa will choose Morocco for their first leg (group stage, no visa) and apply for a Schengen visa for Spain to attend knockout rounds.
Where to stay
For knockout round matches (expected in Madrid): Salamanca or Argüelles in Madrid — 15–20 minutes to either stadium. Book 12 months before your match date.
For atmosphere (group stage): Bilbao's old town (Casco Viejo) for pintxos and Basque culture. San Sebastián's Parte Vieja. Seville's Santa Cruz district.
For beaches: Málaga beach (Costa del Sol) or Valencia beach (Malvarrosa) — the only host cities with Mediterranean beaches.
For budget: Valencia or Zaragoza — significantly cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona.
Spain + Morocco combination
The Spain + Morocco combination is the most popular two-country FIFA 2030 trip. Madrid to Casablanca is 3 hours by air. Lisbon to Casablanca is 2.5 hours. A Schengen visa covers Spain and Portugal; Morocco is visa-free.
Typical structure: fly into Casablanca, attend Moroccan group stage matches (no visa), fly to Madrid for knockout rounds (Schengen visa obtained in advance). One Cantravu package, two continents.
Ready to book AFCON 2027?
Flights, hotel, match tickets, and transfers — all in one package.