Total solar eclipse 2026: The journeys that could make getting there part of the rare spectacle

With millions of Brits visiting Spain each August*, and travel interest building for Spain’s rare sunset eclipse, Omio shares routes to help travellers plan the journey, not just the viewing spot.

On 12 August 2026, a total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain and the Balearic Islands shortly before sunset, creating one of Europe’s most anticipated astronomical moments of the decade. With Spain being one of the UK’s favourite holiday destinations, and millions of Brits holidaying there each August, Omio, the leading global travel booking platform for multimodal transport, is helping travellers plan the journey – not just the viewing spot – by comparing routes across trains, buses, flights and ferries in one place.

Interest is already building. Worldwide Google searches for “total solar eclipse Spain 2026” have increased by 300% over the past three months compared with the preceding three-month period. Omio data also points to elevated travel interest around 11 and 12 August, with searches for selected destinations in northern and northeastern Spain higher than the average two-day search volume for August 2026. Among the destinations analysed, the strongest uplifts were seen for Zaragoza (+119%), León (+111%) and A Coruña (+29%).

A ferry journey through the eclipse: Dénia to Palma 

For travellers looking for a cinematic eclipse journey, the Dénia to Palma ferry offers the strongest potential for an on-the-move viewing experience, with its Mediterranean route timed around the evening of the eclipse. A checked timetable example shows a 17:00 departure from Dénia and arrival in Palma at around 22:15, with totality in Palma expected around 20:31. This could place travellers at sea during the eclipse window, subject to weather, deck access and the ship’s exact route.

Selected routes for eclipse travellers

For travellers who want the journey to feel part of the occasion, Omio has selected a mix of flight, ferry, train and bus options to help plan around the eclipse evening. Additional train and bus routes can help travellers reach key bases across northern Spain and build a wider eclipse trip.

Whether flying into Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Palma, or already holidaying in Spain,

For those flying from the UK into Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia or Palma, as well as those already holidaying in Spain, the following train, bus and domestic flight connections can help travellers reach key eclipse destinations across northern Spain and the Balearics, including Zaragoza, León, Valencia, Oviedo, A Coruña, Santander and Bilbao

Facundo Viguie Aleman, CMO at Omio, said:
“Witnessing a total solar eclipse is a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, and the journey makes up a key part of that memory. For those viewing the eclipse in Spain, it might mean arriving early by train, with Madrid or Barcelona as a starting point, or staying overnight to make the experience easier and feel more special. For other travellers, they may be crossing the Mediterranean by ferry as the sky changes. Spain is incredibly well connected by train, bus, flight and ferry, with Omio helping travellers seamlessly search and compare travel options in one place, so they can plan and enjoy the journey, not just the destination.”

Omio’s planning tips for eclipse travellers

Travellers planning to see the eclipse in Spain should consider:

• Plan the full journey, not only the viewing spot: Arrival time, onward transport and local crowding could all affect the experience.
• Consider Madrid or Barcelona as your starting point: Both cities are well connected internationally and offer onward train, bus or flight options to northern Spain, making them useful hubs for building a flexible eclipse trip.
• Compare different modes: Spain’s train, bus, flight and ferry network gives travellers several ways to reach eclipse destinations and build flexible routes.
• Arrive early where possible: Popular cities and coastal areas may see higher demand in the days leading up to 12 August.
• Look for a clear western horizon: The eclipse happens close to sunset, so open views to the west will be especially important.
• Consider staying overnight: Post-eclipse transport may be crowded, especially from popular viewing areas, so staying overnight could make the trip more relaxed.
• Build in a backup option: Weather, prices and availability can change, so travellers should consider alternative routes or nearby bases.
• Treat onboard viewing as inspiration: Ferry, train or bus journeys may add to the experience, but visibility will depend on the exact route, timing, seat or deck access, weather, terrain and operator guidance.

More tips and insights on: https://www.omio.com/solar-eclipse-spain

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