Getting around Madrid by Metro

The Metro is the fastest, most efficient and reliable way of getting around Madrid. As one of the largest metropolitan networks in Europe, it connects the entire city and a large part of the suburbs. It is undoubtedly the most practical and economical option for travelling between the airport and the centre, and vice versa.

Boasting over 300 stations, Madrid Metro currently comprises twelve metro lines, three Metro ligero tram lines and a special Ramal line connecting Ópera and Principe Pío stations. Particularly useful for visitors to Madrid is Line 8, which runs from Nuevos Ministerios in the city centre to Adolfo-Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport (20 mins to T4 and just 12 mins to T1, T2 and T3). The line also serves IFEMA Madrid, the capital’s trade fair centre.

The Metro runs from 6am to 1:30am, with trains departing every 2 minutes during the morning rush hour and every 15 minutes in the early hours (after midnight). At weekends, trains are less frequent during the day. Pitis station (Line 7) and stations between Puerta de Arganda and Arganda del Rey have different opening hours to the rest of the network. When lines suffer closures due to engineering works, alternative bus services are usually availabe at no extra cost.

PLEASE NOTE:

Line 6:

Service is currently suspended between Moncloa and Legazpi (towards Ciudad Universitaria and Nuevos Ministerios stations) until 31 December to allow rail works ahead of the line’s automation upgrade. A free bus service is operating between the affected stations.

Line 7:

Service is currently suspended between Hospital del Henares and Barrio del Puerto due to works on the line. There is a free bus service that covers the same route.

Maps

Download the Metro map (1.7MB)
Download the Tourist Metro map (2.3MB)

Tickets

All pay-per-ride tickets must be loaded onto the Tarjeta Multi, a contactless, transferable plastic smartcard that is valid for up to 10 years.

You can purchase it for €2.50 at all Metro and Metro ligero stations from ticket machines that have a red sticker saying Tarjeta MULTI Disponible AQUÍ, as well as from Estancos (tobacco shops) and other authorised retailers. It is free if you purchase the 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day Tourist Travel Pass, and once the pass expires, you can top up the smartcard with pay-per-ride tickets (single or 10-ride tickets).

Fares

The current fares (valid until 31 December 2025) are as follows:

(*) Journeys of up to 5 stations: €1.50.
Journeys between 6 and 9 stations: extra €0.10 per station.
Journeys of 10 stations or more: €2.00.
When you purchase your single ticket from the ticket machine, simply select your destination and it will automatically calculate the shortest route.
(**) Valid for the entire Metro network, TFM and on Metros Ligeros de Madrid (ML1) and Metro Ligero Oeste (ML2 and ML3) trams

For fairs that apply to less commonly used tickets (such as those for Metro ligero or Metro lines that go to the suburbs), check out this section on Metro's website.

Accessibility

Many of Metro's stations, especially the busier ones, have one or more lifts. The official Metro map clearly marks which stations are accessible.                               

Useful tips and information

• Single Metro tickets expire on the day they are purchased.
• Single bus tickets cannot be loaded on to the Tarjeta Multi smartcard, they must be purchased on the bus.
• Tickets for the Airport Express shuttle cannot be loaded on to the Tarjeta Multi, they must be purchased on the bus.
• Metro's website offers an online journey planner that helps you find the fastest route to your destination.
• If you are planning on using public transport a lot during your stay, consider purchasing the Tourist Travel Pass which entitles you to unlimited travel over your selected time period.
• Children under the age of 4 travel for free.
• Dogs are allowed to travel on the Madrid Metro. Only one dog is allowed per passenger, and it must have a lead and muzzle, and travel in the last coach of each train. They are allowed at any time, except during the morning and afternoon rush hours. More info about travelling with dogs.
• Bicycles are allowed on the Metro at weekends and at different times during the week. More info about carrying bikes.

As of 4 November 2023, and until further notice, it is forbidden for users to access the Community of Madrid’s public transport network (buses and metro and Plaza de Castilla, Moncloa, Príncipe Pío, Plaza Elíptica and Avenida de América interchanges) with electric scooters in order to guarantee the safety of passengers.

Travelling around the Comunidad de Madrid

If you wish to travel to towns in the Region of Madrid you can do so by Cercanías. This Renfe service has nine train lines that leave or pass through Atocha station and go to towns and villages in the region, including World Heritage sites such as Alcalá de Henares, the Monastery of El Escorial and Aranjuez. It also stops at T4 of Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas Airport.

Madrid Metro Store

Metro de Madrid has an official store where you can buy official tourist products including home accessories, decorations, books, items for children, and pictures. In addition to the online shop there are two physical stores located in the Sol Metro station and the Plaza de Castilla Metro station. 

Podcast Metro Madrid

Thanks to the Metro de Madrid podcast, you can discover the daily life of this public transport system, learn about its history and services, and uncover some fascinating facts. Available on all major podcast platforms.

If you have any questions or problems with the service, please contact the @metro X account and they will help you as soon as possible.

Visit the Metro Madrid communication section