How to get around Madrid: your ultimate travel guide

Madrid

If you’re planning a visit to Madrid, or if you’ve only just arrived and need to know the most convenient ways to get around, you’ve come to the right place. The Spanish capital boasts countless places to explore, and choosing the right mode of transport will help you make the most of your time in the city.

In this guide, we outline all the ways to get around Madrid, allowing you to select the option that suits you best.

How to get around by Metro: The backbone of transport

Using Madrid’s metro system is an excellent choice and a favourite among many tourists. With more than 300 stations spread across 12 lines, it covers nearly all areas of the city, including the outskirts.

Compared to other European cities, the metro is straightforward to navigate. It also operates on an extensive schedule, running from 06:00 to 01:30.

To save time on the metro, keep these tips in mind: major stations such as Sol and Atocha connect several lines but are often the busiest during rush hours. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to steer clear of these stops early in the morning and between 18:00 and 20:00.

Metro fares and tickets

To travel on the Madrid Metro, you can choose from several ticket options depending on the length of your stay or how frequently you’ll be using the system:

Single Ticket: Perfect for a one-way journey. Prices vary based on the distance, ranging from €1.50 to €2.00.

10-Trip Ticket: Ideal if you plan to use the metro regularly during your stay. It costs approximately €10.

Tourist Pass: Offers unlimited travel for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days across all zones. This is an excellent choice if you’re planning to visit multiple tourist attractions. Prices range from €10 to €42 for zone A and €15 to €61 for zone T.

Getting around Madrid by bus: ideal for enjoying the scenery

Buses in Madrid are another great option, especially if you’d like to take in the city’s sights as you travel. Over 200 bus lines connect the city centre with the surrounding areas.

Pay attention to timetables, as buses operate from 06:00 to 23:30, although exact timings may vary depending on the route. Service is frequent, with buses typically arriving every 10 minutes on most lines.

Fares and bus tickets

Single Ticket: Costs €1.50 and can be purchased directly from the driver when boarding.

Multi-Trip Card: Valid for use on both the metro and buses, making it a convenient option if you plan to switch between the two systems frequently.

Cercanias Madrid: The best option for getting around the suburbs

Cercanias is Madrid's suburban train system, offering reliable services from 5:00 a.m. until around midnight, depending on the line. It is an excellent choice if you need to travel to the outskirts or plan to visit nearby cities such as Toledo, Alcala de Henares, or Aranjuez.

Fares and suburban train tickets

Ticket prices for Cercanias depend on the zone you are travelling to. You can choose from single tickets, return tickets, or multi-journey passes to suit your needs.

Taxis in Madrid: Comfortable but costly

Taxis in Madrid are a convenient option for those who prefer the comfort of a private vehicle. Official taxis are easily recognisable—they are white with a diagonal red stripe on the door. While taxis can be more expensive than public transport, they are particularly useful for late-night travel, trips with heavy luggage, or journeys to specific locations not easily accessible by other means.

Taxi fares

The minimum fare is typically around €3, with costs increasing based on the distance and duration of the journey. If you’re travelling to or from the airport, an additional fee of approximately €5.50 applies. Night travel, public holidays, and certain destinations may also incur additional charges.

Bicimad: Getting around Madrid on public bikes

If you prefer a sustainable way to travel, Madrid offers a public bicycle service called Bicimad. These electric bicycles are an excellent option for short journeys within the city centre and for enjoying the fresh air.

To use Bicimad, you simply need to register at a station or via the Bicimad app. The bicycles are conveniently located at key points in the city centre, such as Sol, Gran Via, and Retiro. However, as they are a popular service, it can be challenging to find an available bike during rush hours.

Rates

The bicycles are rented by the minute, with the first 30 minutes typically costing around €0.50. A flat-rate option is also available for €10 per month, offering excellent value for regular users.

Car hire: The easiest and most flexible way to get around Madrid

For those looking to make the most of their trip and travel in comfort, hiring a car in Madrid is an excellent option.

If you plan to spend a lot of time in the city centre, consider hiring an electric car. This will not only make it easier to navigate low-emission zones, but you’ll also benefit from free parking in certain areas.

One of the greatest advantages of hiring a car in Madrid is the ability to go on road trips beyond the city. Whether you're interested in exploring the most beautiful villages around Madrid or visiting iconic cities like Toledo and Segovia, a hire car offers the freedom and convenience to travel without relying on public transport schedules.

The best car hire for getting around Madrid with DoYouSpain

To secure the best price for your car hire, we recommend using a car hire comparison site like DoYouSpain, which compares thousands of car hire companies to consistently offer the best prices on the market. Trust us, this is hands down the top tip for scoring unbeatable prices!

With DoYouSpain, you can filter for the features that matter most to you. Choose between electric, petrol, or diesel hire cars. Additionally, you can select the fuel policy and the type of vehicle that best suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car, a large car, or even 7-, 8-, or 9-seater vehicles for group travel.

Why choose DoYouSpain?

One of the greatest advantages of hiring a car with DoYouSpain is their competitive prices, with rates starting from as low as €7 per day. Another key benefit is the flexibility offered by their extensive network of pick-up and drop-off points across Madrid. Convenient locations include Madrid Airport, Atocha Station, and various other points scattered throughout the city.

To ensure you get the cheapest car hire available in Madrid, it’s best to book as early as possible. Early bookings not only guarantee better prices but also a wider choice of vehicles.

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach out to DoYouSpain through the Customer Area or by calling +34 964 830 995.