The public transport system in Madrid is easy to navigate, cheap and fast to use. All you need is to understand how to use it, so here’s our quick guide for first timers, to using the metro, trains and buses in and around the capital city.

Madrid Metro

In order to travel on the Metro, you will need a transport ticket. These are plastic cards that you have to pay for as a one off of 2.50 Euros, and then load your journey tickets on to them. These tickets can be purchased and loaded at the machines on the station ticket halls, at newsagents and some cash point machines owned by the bank Bankia. 

There are different types of transport tickets, but if  you are only in Madrid for a short stay, you will want to buy a Tarjeta Multi.

Tarjeta Multi: you can load this with any of the following journeys

• For just one zone of the Metro: a single journey or 10 single journeys.
• For several zones of the Metro: a single journey or 10 single journeys
• A single or return journey from Madrid Barajas Airport in to the city, which incurs a supplemental cost to all other Metro journeys.
• A Tourist Travel Pass: this can be used on all types of public transport in Madrid, including buses and regional trains. If you are thinking about doing some day trips outside of Madrid while you are there, this might be a good option. You can choose from 1 day to 7 days validity.

If you are arriving at the airport, you will be able to purchase your Tarjeta Multi in one of the machines at the Metro entrance and load the journeys on to it. Don’t forget to include the Airport supplement, but you don’t have to buy the return immediately. You can always add it later. For the most part, journey tickets covering just one zone (plus the airport supplement) will be enough for tourists, as the majority of the sights are withing Zone A.

In order to access the platforms, you will need to scan your Tarjeta Multi on the green circle on the ticket gates and one journey will be deducted from your card. A single journey is the same price wherever you are going within the same Zone.

Lines

The Metro is made up of different lines, each allocated a number and colour. Where the lines cross, this is where you can change to a different line. On the stations, the line you are on, is indicated by that colour underneath the station name and you will also see signs directing you where to go to change lines.

Madrid Buses

Similar to the Metro, you will need to purchase a travel ticket (Tarjeta Multi) to go on the buses around the city, unless you just buy individual journeys as you get on the bus. If you decide to jump on a bus and you don’t have a Tarjeta Multi, you can just pay for a single ticket with card or cash (5 Euros is the largest denomination accepted). Alternatively, you can load 10 bus journeys on to your Tarjeta Multi at all Metro stations.

Madrid Regional Trains

The “Cercanias” suburban trains are the overground trainlines operated by RENFE which connect the surrounding towns and villages to the city. They are typically commuter trains, but are also useful to get to some of the interesting day trips within easy reach of the city, such as El Escorial and Aranjuez.

All trains depart from Atocha station.

Madrid Regional Buses

Madrid has an extensive network of inter-urban buses that cover all the surrounding villages and towns. The routes are run by several different bus operators and you will need to purchase a ticket for these separate to your Tarjeta Multi, on board the bus.

Madrid Taxis

Taxis in Madrid are white with a diagonal red band on the front door, bearing the emblem of the city. They have a green light on when they are available to hire. To stop a taxi, just raise your hand.

There are also taxi ranks all over the city, indicated by the blue sign with a white T. All taxis accept payment by card and cash. There is a fixed airport fee of 33 Euros (as of Jan 2024) which applies 24 hours a day 365 days a year.