Madrid travel tips

What you need to know before and during your trip: transport, museums and itineraries, with links to official sources.

• Airport to city centreHow to get from Madrid Barajas airport to the centre: metro line 8, Cercanías C-1 train, 24-hour Airport Express bus and fixed-fare taxi. Times, indicative prices and which to choose.
• Metro and commuter trainsHow the Madrid metro works: Public Transport Card, 10-trip ticket, Tourist Travel Pass, opening hours, useful lines for visitors, and when to use Cercanías, buses or BiciMAD.
• Prado, Thyssen and Reina SofíaHow to visit Madrid’s three great art museums: free entry hours, must-see works, how long you need, the Paseo del Arte pass and tips to skip the queues.
• One day in MadridHow to see Madrid in one day: Sol, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, tapas in La Latina, the Prado or Retiro, Gran Vía at sunset and dinner in Huertas. With times and alternatives.