How to Get Around by Public Transport in Madrid

So, you’re coming to Madrid and wondering how to get around? Look no further than our Madrid public transport survival guide!

Madrid is among the world’s most sought-after cities to go to. As a food tapas haven, sporting city of Real Madrid and home to the Spanish cinema of Almodóvar, you’ve certainly lucked out if you’re planning on living here. However, with lots to see and so much to do, you’re going to be on the move a lot and figuring out how to get from A to B can be tricky.

With a whopping 131 neighbourhoods, Madrid is Spain’s largest city. So, it’s safe to say that walking everywhere by foot will soon become tiring.

There are plenty of other ways you can get around Madrid using public transport:

Via the Underground
Via Taxi
Via Bus

In this guide, we will cover all you need to know about Madrid’s public transport from how to purchase a ticket, to how to get the metro like a pro and what apps you can use to guide you through the city.

What is the Best Way to Get Around in Madrid?

As Spain’s most metropolitan city and economic hub, the best and most efficient way to get around Madrid is via its metro. Madrid’s metro is one of the largest metropolitan networks in Europe that connects the entire city and a large part of its suburbs. With 300 stations, the Madrid Metro currently has 12 metro lines and 3 tram lines.

When does Madrid’s metro run?

The Metro runs from 6am to 1.30am, with trains departing every 2 minutes in the morning rush hour and every 15 minutes when it gets closer to midnight. At weekends, trains run less frequently and if there are any line closures, a replacement bus will always be available outside of each station.

How Do You Pay for Public Transport in Madrid?

At the moment, there is no one-stop app available to buy tickets for Madrid’s underground. Instead, you will have to head on into an underground station and buy a ticket from the row of machines available upon entry. It’s worth noting that the Madrid met only uses plastic tickets that can be topped-up regularly, rather than paper tickets which may come as a surprise to some.

If this is your first time purchasing a ticket, look for the machines that say ‘Multi Acquí’ in a red sticker at the top of the ticket machine. Here, you can buy any ticket. Don’t worry about language barriers, each machine allows you to select a language option at the beginning of your purchase.

Tarjeta Multi: You can pay per ride by purchasing a ticket called the Tarjeta Multi. For €2.50 you can by the multi card which you can then top-up with pre-paid journeys. For long stays, the Tarjeta Multi will be your best option. By paying for 10 or more journeys at a time, your ticket will automatically upgrade, and you will be allowed ride the metrobus as well as the metro underground.

Abono 30 días Joven / Less than 26 year’s old monthly card: The monthly Multi Card covers all travelling zone. You can use it as much as you like on all public transport available in Madrid.

How Much Does Public Transport Cost in Madrid?

Madrid’s Metro Prices

Single Journey: €1.50 – €2.00 (Must be used on same day of purchase)

10 Journeys with Multi Card: €6.10 (Covers all Zone A, buses are included, and sharing the ticket with friends is allowed)

Less than 26 year’s old monthly card: €8 per month until 31/12/2024 – The price will revert to €20 per month after this date (Unlimited travel, buses included, includes journey to airport).

How to use Madrid’s Metro

To use Madrid’s Metro, the only key information you need to know is what line you want to go on and what direction you need to take to get there. Don’t worry, each station is well sign-posted and each platform will have signs that tell you the direction of each train, and what stops are coming up next. If a stop is marked with a wheelchair sign, it means there are elevators available at the station.

After purchasing a ticket, you will need to swipe the ticket at the ticket barrier. If you are sharing your Multi card, you can pass the card back over the barrier to the person you are sharing with. When at your platform, you will see screens above you that will announce what train is coming up next. Unlike in some cities, two lines never use the same platform. So as long as you have the right platform, you will always be taking the right train.

More Metro Tips!

When the train arrives, please allow others to get off the train before boarding.
Unless you qualify for a priority seat, keep the priority seats free.
If you are travelling with a pet dog, then you must board the last carriage available on the train. Dogs cannot travel at rush hour times and must wear a muzzle, no matter how friendly they are. Click here for more information about taking domestic animals on the underground.
If you are taking a bike, then special spaces are available in the first and last carriage of each train. Click here for more information about taking your bike on the underground.
Follow ‘Salida’ signs for the exit.
As you go up the escalator, stand to the right to let people who are rushing to work pass.

How Much Do Public Transport Fares Cost in Madrid?

Taxis

Taxis are a great method of transport, especially if you are travelling on your own at night or need to be at the airport for a guaranteed time in the early hours. In Madrid, a 15-minute taxi ride will likely cost you around €17. Good news! Uber is now available in Madrid, making 24/7 taxi services much easier to find.

Buses

Whilst you can use your Multi Card for all bus journeys around Madrid, you can also go into your local ‘Estancos’ (tobacco shop) to purchase a bus ticket there. Depending on where you are going a single ticket will cost from €1.50.

The Best Apps to Use to Help You Make Your Way Around Madrid

Google Maps

Google Maps is integrated with the metro station. Download the app and simply pop in where you need to go and Google will tell you what station is closest to you, what line to take, when your train departs, and how many stops are left when you are on the train. It’s super easy and free to use!

City Mapper

City Mapper has the same functionality as Google Maps but comes with some extra useful features. As well as telling you all you need to know about getting the underground, City Mapper also gives you extra information about the nearest city bikes you can rent, whether it’s worth going by foot instead or taking a taxi and how much that would likely cost.

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