Madrid has one of Europe's best public transport networks: the metro, one of the continent's most extensive with about three hundred stations, EMT buses and Cercanías suburban trains. For visitors to the old centre, however, the best way to get around is on foot: from Sol to La Latina, the Royal Palace, the Prado and Malasaña is always a 10-20-minute walk. It is part of the Madrid guide.
The metro
Opened in 1919, the Madrid metro now has 12 numbered, colour-coded lines plus the short Ramal between Ópera and Príncipe Pío, and three light-rail lines in the suburbs. It runs from 6am to about 1.30am, with trains every 2-5 minutes at peak times. Stations are clean, safe and well signposted. The most useful lines for visitors are:
- Line 1 (light blue): Sol, Gran Vía, Tirso de Molina, Antón Martín, Atocha.
- Line 2 (red): Sol, Ópera, Banco de España (Cibeles), Retiro.
- Line 3 (yellow): Sol, Callao, Plaza de España, Lavapiés, Embajadores.
- Line 5 (green): Callao, Ópera, La Latina, Chueca.
- Line 8 (pink): the airport and Nuevos Ministerios.
- Line 10 (dark blue): Plaza de España, Santiago Bernabéu, Chamartín.
Tickets
Madrid's network is divided into fare zones, but the whole city and the areas tourists visit are in zone A.
| Ticket | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single metro ticket | 1.50-2 euros | Varies with number of stops |
| 10-trip ticket | 7.30 euros | Valid on metro and EMT buses, shareable |
| Airport supplement | 3 euros | For entering or leaving airport metro stations |
| Tourist ticket 1 day | 10.30 euros | Zone A, unlimited travel |
| Tourist ticket 2 / 3 / 5 / 7 days | 17.50 / 23.10 / 33.40 / 43.20 euros | Zone A, includes the airport supplement |
| Monthly pass zone A | 32.70 euros | For long stays, with personal card |
| Youth pass | 10 euros a month | Up to age 26, with personal card |
Tickets are loaded onto the Multi card, a rechargeable contactless card sold at station machines for 2.50 euros, which can be shared for single and 10-trip tickets. On the metro you can also pay directly with a contactless bank card or phone at the gates. The tourist ticket is only worth it if you make many trips a day or use the metro to and from the airport. Fares have been cut in recent years thanks to public subsidies and may change: check them on crtm.es.
Buses
The red and blue EMT buses cover the whole city with over two hundred lines, useful for journeys the metro doesn't serve directly and for seeing the city from the window. Pay on board by contactless card or with the 10-trip ticket. At night the Búho lines run from Cibeles. The EMT app and Google Maps show real-time times.
Cercanías trains
Renfe's Cercanías suburban trains link Atocha, Sol, Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartín and Príncipe Pío stations with the suburbs and nearby towns: useful for the airport (from T4), El Escorial, Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez. Atocha and Chamartín are also the stations for AVE, Ouigo and Iryo high-speed trains to Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Toledo and Segovia. See Madrid-Barcelona trains.
Taxis and apps
Madrid's taxis are white with a red stripe and can be hailed when the green light is on. Fares are regulated and reasonable; there is a minimum fare for short trips. Uber, Cabify and Bolt are widely used, as is the official taxi app, FreeNow.
Bikes, scooters and cars
- BiciMAD, the public electric bike service, has hundreds of stations across the city, with occasional-use passes via the app. Madrid is hilly in many areas: e-bikes help.
- Madrid Río and the Anillo Verde Ciclista are the best routes for safe cycling.
- The old centre is a low-emission zone and many streets are restricted to residents: renting a car to visit Madrid makes no sense. It is only worthwhile for day trips (see day trips from Madrid).
Tips
- At rush hour the metro is very crowded: wear your backpack in front and keep your wallet safe.
- Stand on the right on escalators.
- The centre is best on foot: use the metro for long distances, such as the Bernabéu, Chamartín or the airport.
To arrive in the city see from the airport to the centre.