Knowing how to use public transport in Madrid—or any new city—for the first time can be daunting. Whether you are travelling to Madrid as a tourist, or you are planning on moving there, this is the ultimate guide to help you travel confidently, and explore the city as a local.

Apps we recommend when traveling in Madrid
TransporteMadrid: Helps you plan routes across all public transport in Madrid. Perfect for figuring out the quickest way to get around.
EMT Madrid: Shows real-time info for city buses. Great for checking schedules, routes, and when your bus will arrive.
TarjetaTransporte: Lets you top up and manage your transport card. Makes paying for metro and buses easy and hassle-free.
Uber: Book rides with upfront pricing. Ideal for quick, cashless trips in Madrid.
Bolt: Affordable ride-sharing with eco-friendly options. A great way to save money on rides.
Cabify: Like Uber but with luxury car options. Perfect for a smooth and stylish ride.
BiciMad: The app lets you locate bikes or scooters, pay for them, unlock them, and track your rides.
Get Your Guide: Book tours, tickets, and activities. Fantastic for planning your Madrid sightseeing in advance.
Omio: Compares trains, buses, and flights in Europe. Perfect for planning day trips or onward travel from Madrid.

If you are traveling to Madrid during Christmas, consider reading TOP THINGS TO DO IN MADRID SPAIN AT CHRISTMAS 2024 or WEEKEND GETAWAYS FROM MADRID AT CHRISTMAS.
Traveling to Europe soon?
Check out our digital planner and itinerary shop! Our itineraries provide public transport tips, destination highlights, and ticket links, plus 3 custom digital maps with pins for easy navigation. Meanwhile, our planners are packed with resources to organize every step of your trip, keeping everything in one convenient place!



How to use Madrid Metro System
To use the Metro, buses, or Renfe Cercanías trains, you’ll need a transport card. The most common is the TarjetaMulti, which you can purchase and recharge at any Metro station or tobacco shop. You can buy single tickets if you plan on walking a lot, but I recommend getting a transport pass if you plan on using public transport frequently, saving you both time and money.
Madrid’s Metro map might look intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite easy to use. Each line is color-coded and numbered, with stations clearly marked. Transfer points between lines are shown as connected circles.
How to Navigate Inside the Metro
Once you’re inside a Metro station:
1. Follow the signs for your chosen line and direction.
2. Pay attention to the end station name on the signs, as this tells you which way to go.
3. If you need to change lines, just follow the “Correspondencias” (transfers) signs.
4. When exiting, look for the “Salida” signs to reach the street level.
These are all things that seem really obvious but, if you’ve ever done this in a new country or where you don’t speak the language, it can be really overwhelming.
SOUND ON!
Busiest Lines on the Metro
Line 1 (Blue Line):
• Connects areas like Sol, Atocha, and Chamartín (main train stations).
Line 2 (Red Line):
• Passes through key central areas like Sol, Retiro, and Goya.
• Frequently used by tourists and shoppers.
Line 6 (Circular Line):
• Encircles the city, connecting major transfer points like Moncloa, Cuatro Caminos, and Méndez Álvaro.
• One of the most crowded lines due to its strategic transfers and large catchment area.
Line 10 (Dark Blue Line):
• Links major hubs like Plaza de España and Chamartín.
• Popular with commuters from outer zones.
Line 5 (Green Line):
• Passes through important neighborhoods like La Latina and Gran Vía.
• Frequently used for leisure and nightlife areas.
Peak Times to avoid
Weekdays:
• Morning: 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM. Commuters traveling to work or school cause congestion on major lines.
• Evening: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The evening rush with people heading home.
Weekends:
• Midday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Shoppers and tourists heading to popular areas.
• Evening/Night: 9:00 PM – Midnight. Especially lines like Line 5 (nightlife areas) and central stations.
If you’re trying to avoid crowds, aim for mid-morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) or early afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM). The Metro is much quieter during these times, even on busy lines.

Etiquette in the Metro
When using the Madrid Metro, there are a few key etiquette rules to follow. Always stand on the right side of escalators to let others pass on the left. Let passengers exit the train before you board, and avoid blocking the doors. Keep your voice down during the ride to maintain a calm atmosphere, and if you’re carrying a backpack, hold it in front of you to save space. Finally, always give up priority seats for elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with disabilities—it’s the polite thing to do!
Lines for Tourist Attractions
Different tourist attractions and which lines to take:
Palacio Real: lines 2 (Ópera) or line 3 & 10 (Plaza de España).
Puerta del Sol (Sol): lines 1, 2 or 3, or get off at Sevilla, Gran Vía or Callao and walk a few minutes).
Plaza Mayor: It doesn’t have its own stop, but you can get off at Sol (just a 2 min walk away), Tirso de Molina or even Ópera and walk aroud 5 minutes.
Museo del prado: line 1 (Estación del Arte or Atocha) & line 2 (Banco de España or Retiro).
DOWNLOAD MADRID’S METRO MAP HERE.
How to Take the Bus in Madrid
In Madrid, the two main bus services are EMT buses and the ALSA intercity buses. Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose the right one:
EMT Madrid (City Buses)
What is it? EMT runs the city’s public buses and is your go-to for getting around central Madrid. These buses are affordable, convenient, and cover every corner of the city. Great for tourists looking to visit attractions or get around like locals.
Tickets: Use the same transport card as the metro (Tarjeta Multi). A single trip costs €1.50, and transfers between buses and metro are free if using a transport pass.
Key routes for tourists:
Line 27: Runs along Paseo del Prado and Castellana, passing iconic spots like the Prado Museum, Cibeles Fountain, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
Line 146: Links Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and neighborhoods in central Madrid.
Airport Express (Line 203): A direct connection between the airport and Madrid’s city center.
ALSA Buses (Green Intercity Buses)
What it is: ALSA runs long-distance and intercity buses connecting Madrid to the surrounding suburbs and towns. Think day trips or destinations outside the city center. These are perfect if you want to explore places like El Escorial, Aranjuez, or small towns nearby. ALSA buses are also super comfortable with air-conditioning, and more legroom than city buses.
Tickets: Prices depend on the distance, and tickets can be bought online, at stations, or on the bus. A trip to nearby towns starts around €2–€4.
Key routes for tourists:
Madrid to El Escorial: Explore the stunning royal monastery. Take bus 661 to San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Madrid to Aranjuez: Visit the old Royal Palace of Aranjuez and lush palace gardens. Take bus 423 until the last stop.

Etiquette for Buses in Madrid
When taking buses in Madrid, remember these simple etiquette tips.
Stretch out your arm as the bus approaches to signal it to stop, or the driver might pass by. Enter through the front door and greet the driver with a polite “hola” if you like. Always tap your transport card at the reader, even if you have a pass. Avoid blocking the aisle or doors and move to the back to make space for others. If you’re carrying a large bag, or a stroler, put it in the compartment underneath the bus. Lastly, priority seats are reserved for elderly passengers, pregnant women, or people with disabilities—offer yours if needed!
How to Travel by Train in Madrid
Madrid’s trains are run by Renfe and are called Cercanías. These trains travel throughout the whole city and connect the city with its outskirts, reaching places like Aranjuez, El Escorial, and Cercedilla—areas where the Metro doesn’t go.
Main Train Stations in Madrid
Atocha is the city’s largest and most important station. It’s the central hub for all Cercanías lines and high-speed AVE trains to cities like Barcelona, Sevilla, Valencia, and Málaga.
Chamartín serves as a key station for northern destinations like Bilbao, León, and San Sebastián, and offers international routes to Portugal and France.

Ticket Prices and Zones
Renfe Cercanías trains are a convenient and affordable way to get around Madrid and its surrounding areas. The fares depend on the zones you travel through. There are 6 zones. Just to give you an idea, Zone 0 costs 1.70€ per trip and covers areas like the city centre (like Sol, Gran vía, Atocha… and tourist attractions like Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park, the Royal Palace & Museo del Prado. Fares to zone 6 cost around 5.50€ per trip and this zone includes areas like Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares, El Escorial and Cercedilla, basically areas you would visit for day trips.
Train etiquette is very similar to Metro etiquette, if not exactly the same.
If you wish to see the train schedules and map of the lines, visit renfe.com. The website can be translated into English. However, if you are having trouble doing so, click on Viajar at the top left, then underneath Información Útil you will find Horarios (Schedule) and Mapas y Líneas (Maps and Lines).
Taxis vs Ride-Sharing (Uber & Bolt)
Here’s a simple comparison of taxis versus ride-sharing services like Uber or Bolt in Madrid to help you decide which is best for you:
Taxis in Madrid
Pros:
- Easy to find: Just flag one down on the street or grab one at a taxi stand.
- Regulated fares: Prices are fixed by the city, so no surprise charges.
- Airport flat rate: A set price of €30 between the airport and the city center.
- No apps needed: Great for those without a smartphone or who prefer paying with cash or by card. Nowadays all taxis in Madrid accept cards.
Cons:
- Language barrier: Most drivers speak limited English, so knowing a little Spanish helps.
- No upfront pricing.
Ride-sharing in Madrid
Pros:
- Easy to book: Just a few taps on the app, and your ride is on the way.
- Upfront pricing: You know the cost before you get in, which is great for budgeting.
- Card payments: No need to carry cash; everything is handled in the app.
- Added perks: English-friendly apps, ride tracking, and vehicle options (like luxury or eco-friendly cars).
Cons:
- Surge pricing: Costs can spike during busy times like weekends or late nights.
- Wait times: You might have to wait a few minutes for your ride to arrive.
Pro tip! Avoid checking prices too early before booking, as they may increase the next time you open the app.

What is the difference between Uber & Bolt?
Uber is the most popular option and is available all over Madrid Comunity. Bolt, on the other hand, is a reputable, budget-friendly option, that unfortunately doesn’t reach certain areas outside of the city.
Bikes and Electric Scooters in Madrid
In Madrid, the public bicycles and electric scooters are part of the BiciMAD system, managed by the Madrid City Council and operated by EMT. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and the costs:
How it works
App to Use: Download the official app called BiciMAD. It’s available for both iOS and Android. The app lets you locate bikes or scooters, unlock them, and track your rides.
Registration: You need to sign up in the app. Both residents and visitors can use the service. You’ll need a payment method to register.
Stations: BiciMAD has numerous stations across the city where you can pick up or drop off bikes. Electric scooters can also be picked up and parked in designated areas visible in the app.
Usage Limit: There’s no specific time limit, but you’re charged based on how long you use the bike or scooter. Keep in mind that bikes must be returned to a BiciMAD station, while scooters need to be parked in designated zones.

Costs & Rates
Electric Bicycles:
First 30 minutes: €0.50 (or €0.25 if you have an annual pass).
Every additional 30 minutes: €1.00.
Monthly and annual passes are available for frequent users, making it cheaper.
Electric Scooters:
Starting rate: Around €0.15 per minute, depending on the current tariffs.
Check the app for promotions or daily caps.
How long can I use them?
You can use the bikes and scooters as long as you like, but the longer you ride, the more you’ll pay. Returning bikes to a docking station or parking scooters in designated zones ends the ride and stops the charges.
If you’re planning a day out in Madrid, this service is an eco-friendly and flexible option for getting around!

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