Public Transport in Madrid: Apps, Tickets & Tips 2026
Last updated: 2 March 2026
#6 most visited city in Europe
Madrid boasts one of Europe's largest public transport networks, featuring the Metro (13 lines, 302
stations), EMT buses (200+ routes) and Cercanías commuter trains, all managed by CRTM (Consorcio
Regional de Transportes de Madrid). Important: Madrid does NOT have automatic fare capping like London —
you need to purchase a physical day pass manually. The Multi Card (€2,50) is required
for all tickets and can be
shared between travellers, but the €3 Airport Supplement is ONLY valid on the day of purchase.
App-payments are new.
Main appMi Tarjeta Transporte (Android) / Tarjeta Transporte (iOS)
Multiple travellers Yes! The Multi Card can be shared — tap separately for each
person
Check-in/validationNFC tap when boarding (yellow readers), NO exit scan
Payment methodsMulti Card (€2,50) required. No contactless payment at gates. Top up
via machines, app, or tobacco shops
Add to Wallet Google Wallet (Android). Apple Wallet: not yet (2026)
Fine for not validating€100+ fine. Inspectors are strict, especially on the Metro and
buses
Night transport after 01:00 Búho (Owl) buses: 23:30–06:00, 27 routes, all via Plaza
de Cibeles
Exit scan required? No, tap only when boarding
Ticket activation needed? No, automatically active on first tap
Key pitfalls to watch out for
1. The Airport Supplement expires after 1 day!
The €3 Airport Supplement is ONLY
valid on the day of purchase (until 01:30). If you buy it on Monday for Friday, you'll need to purchase
it again on Friday. This is the #1 tourist mistake.
2. The Multi Card is MANDATORY — no contactless payment
Unlike London, Madrid does
NOT accept bank cards or Apple Pay at the gates. You must first buy a Multi Card (€2,50) from a ticket
machine. The card is valid for 10 years and shareable.
3. No automatic fare capping!
Madrid does NOT automatically calculate the best price
like London. If you take 5+ trips per day, manually purchase a Tourist Ticket (Zone A: €10,00 for 1
day).
4. Cercanías ≠ Metro
The Cercanías commuter trains (orange logo) are a SEPARATE
system operated by Renfe. Metro tickets do NOT work there. You need separate Cercanías tickets (€2,60 to
the airport T4).
Quick Check before you board
- Buy a Multi Card (€2,50) at your first metro station
- Load a 10-trip Metrobús (€7,30) or Tourist Ticket
- For the airport: Buy the Airport Supplement (€3) on the SAME DAY as your trip
- Download the Official Metro de Madrid app for real-time info
- Check lift status in the app if you have a wheelchair/stroller
Ticket Options
BEST OPTION FOR TOURISTS (3–5 days)
Tourist Ticket Zone A = Unlimited travel on Metro + Bus within Zone A
• 1 day: €10,00 (Airport Supplement included!)
• 2 days: €17,00
• 3 days: €22,50
• 5 days: €32,50
Why? No hassle buying the Airport Supplement separately, unlimited travel within Zone A.
| Ticket Type |
Price |
Validity |
Best for… |
| Single ticket |
€1,50–€2,00 |
1 trip (day of purchase) |
1–2 trips total |
| 10-trip Metrobús |
€7,30 |
10 trips Metro/Bus Zone A |
3–7 trips, multiple days |
| Airport Supplement |
€3,00 |
1 day (until 01:30) |
Per airport trip |
| Tourist Ticket 1 day (Zone A) |
€10,00 |
24h from first tap |
5+ trips in 1 day |
| Tourist Ticket 3 days (Zone A) |
€22,50 |
72h from first tap |
Full city trip |
| Tourist Ticket Zone T |
€17,00 (1d) / €35,40 (3d) |
All zones |
Day trips (El Escorial) |
🧮 Cost example: 3 days in Madrid
Scenario: Sat to Mon, 4–5 trips/day + airport
Option A: 10-trip Metrobús
• Multi Card: €2,50
• 10-trip: €7,30
• 2× Airport:
€6,00
Total: €15,80 Need to top up
Option B: Tourist Ticket 3d Zone A
• Multi Card: €2,50
• Tourist Ticket 3d:
€22,50
Total: €25,00 Unlimited + airport
Winner: Tourist Ticket for 4+ trips/day
📖 Detailed Info (click to expand)
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Madrid-Barajas Airport → City Centre
| Option |
Price |
Duration |
Best for… |
Metro Line 8
T1-T2-T3 + T4 → Nuevos Ministerios |
€4,50–€5,00
(incl. €3 supplement) |
15–20 min → Nuevos
25–30 min → Sol |
Budget, light luggage |
Express Bus 203
T1-T2-T4 → Cibeles → Atocha |
€5,00 |
35–40 min |
Heavy luggage, hotels near Atocha, 24/7 needed |
Cercanías C1/C10
Terminal T4 → Atocha |
€2,60
(cheapest!) |
25–30 min |
T4 arrivals, budget, hotels near Atocha |
Taxi
Direct to hotel |
€33,00
(fixed rate 24/7) |
20–30 min |
3+ people, lots of luggage, late arrival |
Details per option
Metro Line 8 (pink line)
- Route: T1-T2-T3 + T4 → Nuevos Ministerios (15–20 min) → Sol (25–30 min)
- Frequency: Every 5–10 min (peak), 10–15 min (off-peak)
- Hours: 06:05–01:30
- Note: 2–3 transfers for most hotels. Airport Supplement (€3) required.
Express Bus 203
- Route: T1 → T2 → T4 → Cibeles → Atocha (daytime) or Cibeles only (night)
- Frequency: Every 15–20 min
- Hours: 24/7 (365 days!)
- Payment: Contactless at the driver or online
- Advantages: No transfers, luggage space, air conditioning, 24/7
🚆 Cercanías C1/C10 (CHEAPEST!)
- Route: Terminal T4 → Chamartín → Nuevos Ministerios → Atocha (25–30 min)
- Frequency: Every 15–20 min
- Hours: ~05:00–00:00
- Pro tip: At T1/T2/T3? Catch the free shuttle bus to T4 (10 min), then board the
C1 for just €2,60 total!
Taxi
- Fixed rate: €33,00 to the city centre (within the M-30 ring), 24/7
- Does NOT apply: Outside M-30, surcharge possible for 5+ passengers
- Tip: Always request a receipt (recibo) when picked up. White taxis with a red
diagonal stripe = official
Budget comparison (2 people return)
| Transport |
Outbound |
Return |
Total |
| Metro |
€10,00 |
€10,00 |
€20,00 |
| Express Bus |
€10,00 |
€10,00 |
€20,00 |
| Cercanías (via T4) |
€5,20 |
€5,20 |
€10,40 |
| Taxi (per trip) |
€33,00 |
€33,00 |
€60,00 |
Our recommendation
• Budget + T4: Cercanías C1 (€2,60)
• Heavy luggage: Express Bus 203 (€5, 24/7)
• 3+ people: Taxi (€33 fixed, split = €11pp)
• Night + solo: Express Bus 203 (safer than the Metro)
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Madrid has made significant strides in accessibility in recent years. Around 70% of the 302 metro
stations (~210) are now accessible with lifts.
Metro/Train accessibility
- Accessible stations: ~210 out of 302 (70%). Check the Official Metro app for
live lift status
- Lifts: 103 new lifts planned 2021–2028 (€332M budget)
- Level boarding: Modern trains have a 3–5 cm gap (suitable for wheelchairs)
- Real-time lift status: Available in the Official Metro de Madrid app
- Special Assistance Service: +34 900 444 404 (07:00–23:00, 24h advance booking
recommended)
Buses & Trams
- EMT Buses: 100% low-floor buses (2,000+ buses), request the ramp from the
driver
- Metro Ligero (tram): 100% accessible with level boarding
- Express Bus 203: Fully accessible, ideal for the airport with a large
wheelchair
Assistance & discounts
- Special Assistance Service: Call +34 900 444 404, 24h advance booking
recommended
- Free travel: Tarjeta Azul (Spanish residents with Blue Card) + companion free
in Zone A. Tourists: no special discount, but the Youth Pass (<26) is affordable (€10/month all
zones)
- Service animals: Welcome on all Metro/Bus services at no extra charge
- Eurotaxi: Wheelchair-accessible taxis +34 91 547 82 00 (24/7, no surcharge)
Accessibility tip
Download the TUR4all app (1,800+ accessible locations in Spain) for detailed accessibility
information per attraction. Combine it with the Official Metro app for real-time lift status.
Best accessible routes for tourists
- Route 1: Airport → Sol → The Prado Museum
Board Metro Line 8 (pink, fully accessible) → transfer at Sol → Line 2 (red) → Banco de España
(lift). The Prado has a lift + wheelchair-accessible entrance at Puerta de los Jerónimos.
- Route 2: Atocha Station → The Retiro Park → Gran Vía
Atocha (lift) → Line 1 (blue) → Retiro (lift, park has paved paths) → Sol (lift) → Gran Vía
(lifts at all exits).
- Route 3: Sol → The Royal Palace → Plaza Mayor
Sol → Line 2 to Ópera (lift, The Royal Palace 300m via paved paths) → back to Sol → Plaza Mayor
(5 min walk, elevation changes but smooth paving).
Stations without lifts (avoid these)
- Antón Martín (Line 1) – stairs only
- Lavapiés (Line 3) – stairs only
- Tribunal (Line 1, 10) – stairs only
- Chueca (Line 5) – stairs only
Metro de Madrid
- Lines: 13 (numbered lines) + 3 Metro Ligero (trams)
- Stations: 302
- Length: 294 km (3rd longest in Europe)
- Hours: 06:05–01:30 (weekends: some lines until 02:00)
- Frequency: Peak 2–5 min, regular 5–10 min, evening 10–15 min
EMT Buses
- Routes: 200+
- Buses: 2,000+ (100% electric/hybrid/gas since 2022)
- Hours: 06:00–23:30 (daytime), 23:30–06:00 (Búho night buses)
- Frequency: 5–20 min depending on the route
Metro Ligero (Light Rail)
- Lines: ML1, ML2, ML3 (suburban areas)
- Stations: 38
- For tourists: Not relevant (all tourist attractions are reachable via
Metro/Bus)
Tips for tourists
- Rush hour: 08:00–09:30 and 18:00–20:00. Line 1 (blue) = busiest
(Sol–Atocha–Chamartín)
- Air conditioning: All modern Metro trains + buses have AC (essential in
summer!)
- WiFi: Free at major stations (Sol, Atocha, Nuevos Ministerios) via #MetroWiFi
- Luggage space: Buses offer more space than the Metro. Bus 203 is ideal for
suitcases
Children's fares
- 0–6 years: FREE (no card needed, just walk through)
- 7–14 years: FREE (Children's Card since 2025, available at CRTM offices with
ID)
- 15–25 years: €10,00/month ALL zones (Abono Joven, airport included!)
Tourist Ticket children's discounts
- Children under 11: 50% discount on the Tourist Ticket
- Example: Tourist Ticket 3 days Zone A child = €11,25 (instead of €22,50)
Large families (3+ children)
Spanish residents with a "familia numerosa" card receive additional discounts. Tourists: not
applicable.
Cost example: Family of 4 (2 adults + child aged 8 + child aged 4)
Scenario: 3 days in Madrid
| Person |
Ticket |
Price |
| Parent 1 |
Tourist Ticket 3d Zone A |
€22,50 |
| Parent 2 |
Tourist Ticket 3d Zone A |
€22,50 |
| Child (8 years) |
Tourist Ticket 3d Zone A (50% discount) |
€11,70 |
| Child (4 years) |
Free |
€0,00 |
| Family total |
€58,50 |
Tip for families
The Multi Card is shareable, but for families it's more practical to have separate cards (children
tend to wander off). Buy 2–3 Multi Cards (€2,50 each) and load different tickets onto them. Children
aged 7–14 can get a free Children's Card at the CRTM office at Atocha/Nuevos Ministerios.
When does regular public transport stop?
- Metro: Last departure ~01:00–01:30 (arrival ~01:30–02:00)
- Buses: Most routes until ~23:30
- Weekends: Some Metro lines (1, 2, 3, 5) run until ~02:00 on Friday/Saturday
nights
Búho (Owl) Night Buses
- Hours: 23:30–06:00
- Routes: 27 (N1 to N27)
- Hub: ALL routes start/end at Plaza de Cibeles
- Frequency: Every 20–30 min
- Fare: €1,50 at the driver (cash) or Multi Card
- Recognition: Blue buses with owl logo, N-numbers
Key Búho routes for tourists
- N1: Cibeles – Pinar de Chamartín (north)
- N2: Cibeles – Atocha – Vallecas (southeast)
- N3: Cibeles – Aluche (west)
- N4: Cibeles – Moncloa – Pozuelo (northwest)
- N5: Cibeles – Legazpi (south)
Express Bus 203 (24/7 to the airport!)
- Route: Atocha → Cibeles → Airport (T1-T2-T4)
- Hours: 24/7 (365 days)
- Fare: €5,00
- Ideal for: Early/late flights
Tips for late-night travel
• All Búho buses pass through Cibeles = easy transfers
• Download the EMT app for real-time Búho schedules
• The Multi Card works on night buses (saves the hassle of paying cash to the driver)
• Early flight (<07:00)? Catch Express Bus 203 from Atocha (€5, 24/7)
BiciMAD (Electric bikes)
- Stations: 258 in the city centre
- Bikes: 2,500+ electric bikes
- Prices:
- Casual 1 hour: €2,00
- Casual 2 hours: €4,00
- First 30 min: Free, then €0,60/30min
- Note: Madrid is HILLY! E-bikes help, but The Retiro Park = flat and ideal
for cycling
E-scooters (Lime, Tier, Dott)
- Price: €1 unlock + €0,20–€0,30/min
- No-go zones: Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, The Retiro Park (€200 fine!)
- Parking: Only in designated spots (shown in app), not on pavements
- Tip: Download the Lime app (most scooters in Madrid)
Car sharing
- Emov: €0,24/min (electric Smart cars)
- Zity: €0,26/min (Renault Zoe)
- For tourists: Parking is DIFFICULT in the city centre. Public transport is
the better option.
Motorbike sharing
- Cooltra: €0,27/min (electric scooters 50–125cc)
- Requires: Motorcycle licence (A1 minimum)
Our recommendation for tourists
Public transport (Metro + Bus) is FASTER and CHEAPER than bikes/scooters in Madrid. The only
exception:
The Retiro Park is perfect for BiciMAD (flat, paved paths, 2h casual = €4).
Skip e-scooters (too many no-go zones, fines).
Tip: All-in-one app for shared transport
In Madrid you can use the umob app. It lets you easily book and pay for all
shared transport (bikes, scooters, cars) from different providers in one convenient app. No
need for separate accounts anymore.
Madrid has a very extensive and modern 5G network. An eSIM is handy for instantly checking your
balance on the Mi Tarjeta Transporte app and planning your route to Plaza Mayor.
Roammate Tip
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coverage across Madrid.
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Madrid tip: Install your eSIM before landing at Barajas. The WiFi at T4 can
be slow, and you'll want to check Cercanías schedules to Atocha right away.
Don't drag your suitcases around! Madrid offers 3 reliable options to store your luggage safely.
Most Locations
Safe luggage storage in local shops and hotels. Best choice
for flexibility and coverage.
€10,000 protection
24/7 locations
Free cancellation
Find Storage Near Me →
The 'Airbnb for luggage', working with reputable hotel chains
and shops across the city.
Fully insured
Vetted hosts
No size limits
Book with Stasher →
🏨 Hotel Storage (Free!)
Nearly all hotels store luggage for free before/after check-in/out. Ask at reception: "¿Puedo
dejar mi equipaje aquí?" (Can I leave my luggage here?)
Roammate Recommendation:
• At Atocha/Chamartín: Station lockers (cheap, 24/7)
• City centre (Sol/Gran Vía): Bounce (typically €5,00/day, 20+ locations,
insured)
• Hotel guest: Ask for free storage at your hotel (standard service)