Getting Around Madrid: Metro, Bus & Walking
Madrid’s public transport is cheap, extensive, and easy to use even if you don’t speak Spanish.
Metro
The Madrid Metro has 12 lines and over 300 stations — one of the largest networks in Europe. A single ride costs around €1.50–€2.00, or buy a Tarjeta Multi (reusable transit card, €2.50) and load it with a 10-trip Metrobús ticket (~€12.20) or a tourist travel pass (1–7 days unlimited travel). Trains run roughly 6:00 AM–1:30 AM.
Bus (EMT)
The orange EMT buses cover routes the metro doesn’t, and use the same Multi card. Night buses (“Búhos”) run from Puerta del Sol after the metro closes.
Walking
Central Madrid — Sol, Plaza Mayor, Gran Vía, the Literary Quarter, Retiro — is extremely walkable and compact. Many of the attractions in this guide sit within 15–20 minutes of each other on foot.
Taxis & Ride-hailing
Taxis are metered, white with a red diagonal stripe, and easy to hail. Uber and Cabify also operate in Madrid.
Airport
Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) connects to the city center via Metro Line 8 (~30 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios) or the Airport Express bus, which runs 24/7 to Atocha and Cibeles.