Getting around Madrid by metro and Cercanías trains
Madrid has one of Europe’s largest metro networks and a compact centre, so for most visits walking plus the metro for longer trips is all you need. Here is what you need to know to buy the right ticket.
The Public Transport Card
Tickets are loaded onto the Tarjeta Transporte Público, a contactless card sold at the machines in any station (about €2.50, non-refundable). You can load single tickets, the 10-trip ticket or the Tourist Travel Pass. One card cannot be shared by passing it back through the gate: each traveller needs their own.
At many stations you can also tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gate, which is handy for occasional trips.
Which ticket should I buy?
- Single ticket: for one or two trips. The price depends on the number of stations.
- 10-trip ticket (Metrobús): valid on the metro (zone A) and EMT buses. The cheapest option for a 2–4 day stay with moderate use.
- Tourist Travel Pass (Abono Turístico): unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days on metro, buses and Cercanías in the chosen zone (A or T). Includes the airport trip with no supplement. Worth it if you will travel a lot or go beyond the centre.
- Young people: the very cheap youth pass is for Spanish residents under 26; foreign visitors usually choose the 10-trip ticket or the Tourist Travel Pass.
Fares change often (and there have been big discounts in recent years): check them on the Regional Transport Consortium website before buying.
Hours and useful lines
The metro runs roughly from 6:00 am to 1:30 am, with trains every few minutes at peak times. Lines you will definitely use: 1 (Sol, Atocha, Tribunal), 2 (Sol, Ópera, Retiro, Goya, Ventas), 3 (Sol, Lavapiés, Plaza de España, Delicias), 5 (Ópera, Callao, Chueca) and 10 (Plaza de España, Nuevos Ministerios, Santiago Bernabéu). Line 8 serves the airport and IFEMA. The Ópera–Príncipe Pío branch is a short shuttle line.
At night, the “búho” night buses run, most of them from Cibeles.
Cercanías commuter trains
Cercanías trains cross the centre through two tunnels: Sol (lines C-3 and C-4, linking Atocha, Sol and Chamartín) and Recoletos (Atocha, Recoletos, Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartín). They are faster than the metro for long north–south trips and for day trips: Alcalá de Henares, El Escorial and Aranjuez all have direct Cercanías services.
Other ways to get around
- On foot: Sol to the Prado is 15 minutes; Sol to the Royal Palace another 15. Much of the old town is pedestrianised.
- EMT buses: useful where there is no direct metro and to see the city; bank cards accepted.
- BiciMAD: public e-bikes with docks all over the centre; ideal for Madrid Río and the Retiro.
- Taxi: white with a red stripe; hail one in the street when the green light is on.
Tips
- On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.
- Watch bags and phones in crowded carriages, especially on lines 1, 2 and 3 and at Sol.
- Some older stations have no lift: if you have suitcases or a buggy, check accessibility on the Metro website.
- The Transport Consortium journey planner and map apps show the best connection in real time.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Madrid metro close?
At about 1:30 am, reopening at 6:00 am. Night buses (búhos) run overnight.
Is the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass worth it?
It pays off if you take many trips a day or include the airport journey. For moderate use in the centre, the 10-trip ticket is usually cheaper.
Can I pay for the Madrid metro with a credit card?
Yes, at many stations you can tap a contactless bank card or phone at the gate for single trips. For passes and 10-trip tickets you need the Public Transport Card.
Guidance checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions change: always check the official sources.