Your guide for the best ways to get around Madrid

Madrid is a very convenient city for travelers once you familiarize yourself with the city’s available options for public transportation. Getting to the must-see landmarks and attractions, like the Royal Palace or Las Ventas, can be stress-free and a pleasure to explore.

Madrid’s excellent public transportation includes a world-class metro system, many scenic tram routes, and an extensive bus network. You will also find it very enjoyable to explore the city on foot or in a car-sharing vehicle. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to the capital of Spain, this guide will keep you updated on the best ways of getting around in Madrid.

Getting around Madrid: tips and tricks

• Take the Metro Line 8 to get from the Madrid Airport into the city: Madrid’s Metro Line 8 has two stops for the airport: one for Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and another for Terminal 4. The Line 8 train takes you directly to Nuevos Ministerios station, right at the heart of Madrid’s downtown, within 15 to 20 minutes.
• Get a travel card for unlimited travel: The Madrid tourist travel card can be used 1 to 7 days after validation. During this time, you are granted unlimited use of Madrid’s public transport network. Purchase a tourist card at a metro station or the airport point-of-sale kiosk.
• Bike-share with the BiciMAD app: Madrid has 7,500 electric bicycles scattered across 611 stations. To use them, simply download the app, register, and unlock a bike a ride away. Rates are very affordable: 30-minute rides cost €0.50, and every subsequent 30 minutes will cost an additional €3.00.
• Get around at night by train or bus: Madrid’s metro offers travel until 2:00 AM, with the last train leaving at 1:30 AM every day. Night buses on 28 routes offer rides from 11:55 PM to 5:50 AM, covering most of Madrid and ensuring all night owls get home safely.
• Avoid rush hour: Public transportation can get crowded during peak hours, typically between 8:00 AM–10:00 AM, and between 6:00 PM–8:00 PM. It is best to avoid the busy streets during these times or expect longer transportation times.
• Explore on foot: Madrid is a very walkable city, and you’ll get the most out of wandering neighborhoods like Malasaña and Chueca. Madrid is known for its rich history and beautiful architecture, and exploring the city on foot is the best way to notice these details and take in the city’s lively energy and atmosphere.

Useful apps

• Google Maps: Plan your routes and find real-time walking or biking directions. It provides public transportation schedules and updates for Madrid’s metro, buses, and trams.
• Citymapper: An excellent app for mapping out Madrid’s best public transportation routes. It includes live departure times, disruption alerts, and cycling and walking route options.
• Bicimad App: The official app for Madrid’s bike-sharing service allows you to find the nearest bike stations, check bike availability, start your journey, and manage your account.
• Wible or Eurocar for carsharing: Carsharing apps like Wible and Europcar allow users to find a vehicle to carshare and pay per hour of usage. Download the app, provide an ID, get verified, find a car, and start your journey.
• Bolt and Uber: Bolt and Uber are available ridesharing options in Madrid. Check both to compare prices and get to your destination directly.

1. Getting around by train in Madrid

Madrid’s metro system is among the best and most efficient in Europe and the world. It consists of 13 metro lines spanning 183 miles and 302 stations. The metro operates from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM. There are also trams in Madrid that offer spectacular views of the city and famous Madrid landmarks while you ride.

If you want to leave Madrid and take a day trip to another city, take the Cercanias Renfe trains. These high-speed suburban trains can transport you to towns like San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Alcalá de Henares in a flash. Note that Cercanias fares are based on zones; the further or longer you travel, the higher the fare. Unfortunately, Madrid’s metro and bus system is entirely separate from Cercanias trains, which has its own ticketing system.

How to buy and use train tickets in Madrid

To use the metro, get a Multi-Card, which you can top up with whichever ticket or passes you would like to use. These cards can be purchased at the station’s red machines, tobacco shops, and other authorized sales points.

To purchase Cercanias tickets, buy them from machines at the train station and, if available, at ticket windows. Remember to keep your ticket with you throughout your journey, as you will need it to exit your final destination station.

2. Taking the bus in Madrid

EMT Madrid is the city’s public bus network, with over 200 bus lines. Buses typically operate from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, but some lines do not run as frequently, so check the bus timetables before committing to a route. Bus Lines 001 and 002 are 100% electric and free to ride! Line 001 runs from 7:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and Line 002 runs from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
For after-hours service, Madrid has night buses ranging from 11:55 PM to 5:50 AM, covering most of the city and surrounding Madrid neighborhoods.

How to buy and use bus tickets in Madrid

The metro and buses share a payment system. You can purchase tickets by loading your Mutli-Card at station kiosks, tobacco stores, and other authorized sales points. If you must buy a ticket on the bus, you can, but note that the bus only sells single tickets.

3. Getting around Madrid by bike

Madrid is generally a cycle-friendly city after considerable efforts to create dozens of bike paths and trails that span over 1000 km. Still, Madrid has some hilly terrain that can be difficult to bike through and many cobblestone streets that can be less than ideal.

Renting Bikes in Madrid

BiciMAD is Madrid’s bike-sharing app, allowing users to rent one of the city’s 7500 bikes parked across 611 stations around the city. Download the app, register your number, pick up a bike, and start your journey! You will pay as you go: a 30-minute ride costs €0.50, and every subsequent 30 minutes will cost an additional €3.00.

4. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in Madrid

Madrid’s taxis are white with a diagonal red band on the front door and the roof. A taxi is vacant if there is a green light on its roof, and you can hail it from anywhere on the street. Very few taxi drivers speak English, so we recommend writing down your address on your phone or a piece of paper. There is a minimum fare of €2.50 from 6:00 AM–9:00 PM from Monday to Saturday, and Sundays are a bit pricier with a minimum fee of €3.15. Fares are priced per kilometer. Remember not to hail a cab near train stations, as your bill will have a hefty surcharge.

Otherwise, you can order a vehicle using Bolt or Uber, which can give you a ride within minutes. Be sure to compare prices and select the option that works best for you.

5. Hourly car rental services in Madrid

Carsharing apps like Wible, Zity, and Europcar allow users to find a vehicle to carshare and pay per hour for usage. Download the app, provide an ID, get verified, find a car, and start your journey. Europcar even allows you to hire a vehicle and pay a day rate instead of an hourly rate. These are perfect options if you’re looking for a day trip to Avila or Segovia for a weekend in Madrid.

FAQS

What’s the best way to get from Madrid airport to the city center?

The best way to get to the city center from Madrid’s airport is by taking Metro Line 8. The metro will take you directly to Nuevos Ministerios station, right at the heart of Madrid’s downtown, within 15 to 20 minutes.

How accessible is public transportation in Madrid?

Madrid has installed universal accessibility features in all its metro and train stations, with over half of all stations fully accessible with lifts and ramps for wheelchair users. All EMT buses have universal access, including low floors and ramps for wheelchair users and designated seating areas after they board.

Does public transportation run all night in Madrid?

Madrid’s metro operates until 2:00 AM, with the last train leaving at 1:30 AM daily. Night buses on 28 routes operate from 11:55 PM to 5:50 AM, covering most of Madrid and ensuring that night owls get home safely.

Are there any transportation passes in Madrid?

The Madrid tourist travel card can be used 1 to 7 days after validation. During this time, you are granted unlimited use of Madrid’s public transport network. Purchase a tourist card at a metro station or at the airport point-of-sale kiosk.

What’s the best mode of transportation for travelers in Madrid?

The best mode depends on your preference for exploring the city and your itinerary. Walking is a lovely way to discover hidden gems and experience life in Madrid as the locals do. However, the metro is the best option for quick and efficient travel since it is punctual, easy to navigate, and frequent.