During my first month in Granada, I got around exclusively by foot. It was a wonderful experience and, of course, a crucial part of getting to know a new city. However, as the springtime crept in and the beginning-of-semester charm wore off, I found it absolutely necessary to get myself a local bus pass. For context, I lived relatively far from the center of town (1.4 miles, or a 33-minute uphill walk home from class). I absolutely adored the dorm where I lived in Cartuja and wouldn’t have changed it for the world, but completing that hike four times a day became not only physically taxing but just generally time-consuming. (Four times was typical: 1- down to class in the morning, 2- up for lunch/siesta time, 3- back down for afternoon classes, 4- back up for dinner… I often exceeded these 4 times by also going out in the evenings and having to come back up at night).
Needless to say, I began looking for alternatives.
There are two main services you need to know about when visiting Granada: the red city buses and the white local taxis. It’s worth noting that Granada does in fact have a metro/tram system that I will not be discussing because I don’t know many people who used it.
Must-have apps:
- Google Maps - Directions include bus routes and rideshare prices
- PideTaxi - Works just like Uber but is only for actual taxis
- BONUS:
- Omio: Europe & U.S. Travel
- Glovo: Food Delivery and more
How to navigate the bus system (Credibus)
- The first step is to purchase a rechargeable bus pass, called Credibus:
- Two euros for the card, top it with 5, 10, 20 euros for trips.
- These can be purchased on the bus or at specific ticket vending machines.
- Be aware that bus drivers will likely only accept cash.
- Each trip costs less than 50 cents, (less if you’re a student at UGR, more if you buy a one-time ticket instead of a bus pass).
- Use Google Maps to find nearby bus stops and to identify which stops service which bus lines. You will also be able to check timetables to know how often the buses come by and when the next one will arrive.
- Get on the bus through the front door and scan your bus card by pressing it against the sensor/scanner, much like a contact-less credit card transaction.
- Before arriving at your stop, push one of the red “stop” buttons located throughout the bus.
How to navigate the taxi system
- Taxis that say “libre” are free. Ask the driver if they are accepting passengers before getting in.
- On the PideTaxi app, you can reserve a taxi by setting your destination, your current location, and when you would like to be picked up. You will receive a phonecall as confirmation when the driver is headed your way.
- Tip: if you would like to pay with a debit/credit card, select “Efectivo” in the app. “Efectivo” means cash, but while I was in Granada, all taxis were equipped with handheld card readers. (There is also an option to input your card information directly into the app, but this function was not cooperating during my time in Spain.)
Have questions for Natalia Dussán about her experience on Advanced Language and Culture in Granada, Spain? Contact her at ndussan@umich.edu.
