Top apps to travel cheap. How to save on your getaways

Budget travel apps are essential tools that let you compare prices, receive offer alerts and manage bookings without intermediaries. A basic travel app kit should include transport options, like the OUIGO App for cheap trains, accommodation platforms like Booking, and expense tracking tools like Splitwise, stopping your budget from spiralling out of control on every getaway.

How to Plan a Budget Trip with Your Mobile?

Travelling cheap isn't down to luck: it's down to having the right tools on your mobile. With the right travel apps, you can transform how you organise getaways.

The smart-saving formula:

• Plan ahead and activate notifications to grab the best deals before anyone else. Travel apps alert you when prices drop or flash promotions appear.
• Be flexible with dates and times. Sometimes shifting your getaway by a day can save you a decent chunk. The best travel apps show you calendars with the lowest prices.
• Buy direct from official apps. No intermediaries, no hidden fees, no surprises at the end. What you see is what you pay.
• Track your spending from the start. With apps for splitting costs and budget tracking, you'll always know how much you've spent.

Best Travel Apps for Saving on Transport

Transport usually takes the biggest bite out of your travel budget. That's why choosing the right app for this section can make a massive difference to what you spend.

OUIGO App: High-Speed at the Best Price

If there's one app you need for travelling cheap around Spain, it's this one. The OUIGO App is your best ally for getting around by high-speed train without breaking the bank.

Why it's the queen of transport savings:

• Tickets from €9*: Yes, you read that right. The most affordable high-speed travel.
• Exclusive flash offers: Special promotions like Pink Days and many more. If you activate notifications, you'll be first to know and snap up the best prices.
• No commission: Zero intermediaries, zero extra charges. Buy direct and save yourself the fees other platforms charge you.
• Total management from your mobile: Ticket on your phone, changes if you need them, all your journey info. Everything in one place with no paperwork.

Ready to start saving on your trips now? Get the best prices on our app and discover how to travel by high-speed train without overspending. Available for:

• Android: Download from Google Play
• iOS: Download from App Store

Discover the Benefits of Nextory, Freetour and FreeNow

Travelling is more than just transport: it also includes experiences, local mobility and entertainment. These apps are your trusty companions for making every trip easier and more memorable.

• Nextory: Perfect for keeping yourself entertained during the journey. Access a huge library of e-books and audiobooks to keep you company whilst you enjoy the ride.
• Freetour: Ideal for exploring new cities without breaking the budget. Find free (or nearly free) guided tours in your favourite destinations and discover fascinating stories.
• FreeNow: Solves your urban mobility needs in minutes. From taxis to electric scooters, this app connects multiple options so you can get anywhere in the city comfortably.

Add them to your travel arsenal and complement your journeys with the best technology and services.

Blablacar and Carpooling Options

For routes we don't cover or journeys with lots of timetable flexibility, Blablacar is an interesting option. You share a car with other travellers and split the petrol costs. Works well for less common routes or small towns.

What you should know:

• Depends on there being drivers on your route
• Less flexible timetables than trains
• Useful as a complement for reaching destinations without train service

Flight Comparison Apps (Skyscanner)

If your destination is far away or you need to fly, apps like Skyscanner help you compare prices between airlines. You can see the whole month at a glance and choose the cheapest days.

Pro tip: Combine cheap flights with OUIGO to get around within Spain. If you fly into or arrive in Madrid or Barcelona, you can then move around easily by train.

Apps for Budget Accommodation

With transport sorted, it's time to find somewhere to sleep without blowing half your budget on it.

Airbnb and Booking: Tricks for Finding Bargains

The two big accommodation platforms have their tricks for saving money:

On Booking:

• Genius Programme: Automatic discounts if you travel often
• Free cancellation: Book in advance and cancel if you find something better
• Price filter: Search from cheapest and work your way up

On Airbnb:

Long stays: Automatic discounts for 7+ days

Flexible dates: Move your dates ±3 days to see prices

Shared rooms: If you're travelling solo, it's the most economical option

Pro tip: You can stay in a cheaper city and make day trips to other cities by cheap train with the OUIGO App. For example, stay in Cuenca and visit Madrid or Valencia for the day.

Comparison: How Much Can You Save Using These Apps?

To show you the real savings potential, here's a comparison of what these apps can do for your wallet: 

Tips for Using Travel Apps and Spending Less

Having the apps is the first step, but knowing how to use them properly is what makes the difference between an expensive trip and a genuinely budget one.

The pro saving keys:

• Activate push notifications to find out first. The best deals don't last long. If you've got alerts turned on in the OUIGO App, you'll be among the first to know when there are special promotions.
• Be flexible with dates. Use the apps' calendar views to see which days are cheaper. Sometimes travelling on a Thursday instead of Friday can save you a tidy sum.
• Book in advance, especially for trains and flights. Prices go up as the date approaches. The earlier you book, the better prices you'll find.
• Combine apps to maximise savings. Use OUIGO to move between cities, Citymapper to get to the station and Splitwise if you're travelling in a group. Each app for what it does best.
• Travel light and save on luggage. With the OUIGO App you can manage your luggage and add only what you need, with no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Apps

Which is the best app for cheap travel in Spain? 

For getting around by train, the OUIGO App offers the best value for money in high-speed with cheap tickets. For accommodation, Booking and Airbnb are the most comprehensive. The ideal is to combine various apps according to each need.

Are budget travel apps reliable? 

Yes, provided you use official operator apps (like OUIGO) or recognised platforms (like Booking). Official apps guarantee transparent prices, secure payments and direct service with no intermediaries.

How do I find deals on travel apps? 

The key is activating push notifications so you don't miss anything.

Do you actually save money using travel apps? 

Absolutely. Buying directly from official apps saves you commission, you receive exclusive offers and you can compare prices instantly. Especially with transport, the difference can be tens of euros per journey.

Do I need all the apps or is one enough? 

It depends on your type of trip. For getting around Spain by train, the OUIGO App is sufficient. If you also need accommodation, flights or to split costs with friends, add Booking, Skyscanner and Splitwise. The important thing is having the tools you'll actually use, not filling your phone with apps you never open.

Travelling cheap is possible if you have the right tools. Download the best travel apps today, starting with the OUIGO App, and discover Spain without overspending.

With your mobile properly equipped, budget getaways stop being a dream and become your new way of travelling.

What are you waiting for? Your next adventure is in the palm of your hand.

OUIGO LET'S GO! 🚄