How to Use the Madrid Metro Like a Local
Madrid Metro Hours
The Madrid Metro operates from 6:05 AM to 2:00 AM. The last trains depart at 1:33 AM from the terminals of each line. This means the last train passes between 1:33 AM and 2:00 AM, depending on the station and line.
Transportation Cards in Madrid
To use the Madrid Metro, you’ll need a transportation card loaded with a valid ticket. Here are two types of cards that will cover most of your transportation needs during your visit:
- Multi Transport Card (Tarjeta Multi): The Multi Card is non-personal, meaning it can be shared. However, if Metro staff ask to check your ticket, you must prove that it’s valid for your route. Be cautious if you share the card but not the destination. The physical version costs €2.50, and if you have an Android device, you can also use the virtual version. Keep reading to learn how to use both versions.
- Personal Transport Card (Tarjeta Transporte Público Personal): This card is personal, but it also allows you to load multiple tickets for different people. You need to request it in advance, either at Metro offices with an appointment or online. We recommend this card if you’re staying in Madrid for a while, as it gives you unlimited access to public transportation with a monthly subscription. We suggest applying online at least 15 days before your arrival.
Madrid Zones and Ticket Types
Public transport in Madrid is divided by fare zones. Most tourists will only need to travel within Zone A, which includes the city center, major tourist attractions, shopping areas, and the airport. If you’d like to learn more about the fare zones, check out this link.
Here are the ticket types that will help you get around Madrid with ease:
- METROBUS Ticket:
This ticket allows you to travel within Zone A, including the Metro, ML1 (Light Metro), and buses operated by EMT (Municipal Transport Company of Madrid).
- Combinado Ticket:
If you plan to explore beyond Zone A, the Combinado Ticket is the best choice. It lets you travel across the entire Metro and Light Metro network in the Madrid region without worrying about fare zones.
Both the METROBUS and Combinado tickets are available for 1 or 10 trips. A single-trip ticket is valid only on the day of purchase, while the 10-trip ticket doesn’t have this restriction. Other tickets are available based on destinations, and there are discounts for people with disabilities and other conditions. For more details, check the official Madrid Transport Consortium website.
- Airport Supplement:
To access or travel from the airport, you’ll need an Airport Supplement, which you can buy at the Metro’s self-service machines, Light Metro, and TFM (Transportes Ferroviarios de Madrid), or soon through the Transport Public Card App. The cost is €3, and it must be purchased with a transport ticket. This supplement is valid only on the day of purchase and is individual, meaning each person needs their own. If you share a Multi Card, you can buy as many Airport Supplements as the number of trips available on it.
- Tourist Ticket (Billete Turístico):
If you’re planning to stay for just a few days in Madrid, the Tourist Ticket is perfect. It’s loaded onto the Multi Card and allows unlimited travel on public transport (Metro, buses, night buses, Renfe, Cercanías, and Light Metro) within the selected zones. This ticket is available for 1 to 7 days and covers Zones A (central Madrid) and T (the entire transport network, including Zone E2). It also includes the Airport Supplement. The validity starts from the first use, so you can buy it in advance.
| Ticket Type | METROBUS Ticket | Combinado Ticket | Tourist Ticket | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Metro (Zone A), buses, night buses, and ML1 | Entire Metro and Light Metro network (ML1, ML2, ML3) | Unlimited travel on Renfe, Metro, buses, night buses, and ML | Renfe, Metro, buses, night buses, and Light Metro |
| Area | To move around the city (Zone A) | To move around Madrid and surrounding areas | To move across the entire Madrid region (Zone T) | To move around the chosen area (Madrid or surroundings) |
| Card Type | Multi Card | Multi Card | Multi Card (personal use only) | Personal Card |
| Card & Ticket Availability | Immediate purchase | Immediate purchase | Immediate purchase | Pre-application required |
| Airport Supplement | Not included | Not included | Included | Included |
How to Get a Transport Card and Tickets
You can choose between a physical or virtual card (for Android only). Here’s how to get them:
- Physical Card (Multi): You can buy it at the self-service machines in Metro stations. To load it, you can either use the same machines or the Tarjeta Transporte App, available for both Android and iOS.
- Virtual Card: If you have an Android device, you can get a virtual transport card via the Tarjeta Transporte Virtual app. This option lets you load 10-trip tickets, Tourist Tickets, and the Airport Supplement. Just install the app and set up Google Wallet to use it.
Key Metro Lines You Should Know
Here are some of the main lines of the Madrid Metro that will help you get around the city. Keep in mind that some Metro stations are connected with Renfe stations, such as Sol – Gran Vía, Nuevos Ministerios, and Atocha. Also, always pay attention to the direction of the train to avoid going the wrong way.
- Line 1: Pinar de Chamartín – Valdecarros
This line connects key stations like Chamartín, Gran Vía – Sol, and Atocha, among others. It’s ideal if you’re catching a high-speed train to destinations like Toledo, Barcelona, or Seville, as it takes you directly to the high-speed train stations.
- Line 6: Circular (Laguna – Lucero)
Line 6 is a circular line that loops around central Madrid and connects several outer neighborhoods. It’s a great option for moving around the outskirts and shares stations with other Metro, Renfe, and bus lines, such as at Plaza España, Príncipe Pío, and Moncloa.
- Line 8: Nuevos Ministerios – Airport T4
Line 8 connects Nuevos Ministerios to Madrid’s airport, passing through all terminals (T1, T2, T3, and T4). Nuevos Ministerios is a key station linking several Metro and Renfe lines, making it convenient for traveling across the city. Remember, with your transport card and the correct ticket, you can combine Metro, Renfe, and buses as needed.
Practical Examples for Using the Metro and Other Public Transport
- How to Get from the Airport to Nuevos Ministerios
Take Line 8 from the Airport towards Nuevos Ministerios. This line stops at all terminals of the airport and ends at Nuevos Ministerios. From there, you can switch to Line 6 or Line 10, or connect to Renfe, depending on your destination.
- How to Get from Nuevos Ministerios to Sol
There are two main options to get from Nuevos Ministerios to Sol:
- Take Renfe C4b towards Parla, and in one stop, you’ll reach Sol. With the Tourist Ticket or Monthly Pass (Abono mensual), you can use Renfe.
- Take Line 6 counterclockwise, get off at Cuatro Caminos, and change to Line 1 towards Valdecarros. In six stops, you’ll reach Sol.
- How to Get from Sol to Atocha
From Sol, take Line 1 towards Valdecarros and reach Atocha in four stops. Alternatively, you can take Renfe C4b towards Parla and reach Atocha in one stop.
A golden tip: You can use the information panels that display the upcoming stops for each track to guide you. For example, if you’re traveling from Sol to Atocha, you’ll see a panel like this:
And if you’re going from Atocha to Sol, the information panel will read:
Final Tips
To use the Madrid Metro, you essentially need three things: a transport card, a loaded ticket, and knowledge of the route. Now that you know the details, here are some final tips to help you learn How to Use the Madrid Metro Like a Local:
- Pay attention to the direction of the train: Each station has signs (Information Panel) showing upcoming stops in the train’s direction. If you don’t see your stop, be sure to change tracks (opposite direction).
- Multi Card: This is ideal for short stays in Madrid. You can load it with Tourist Tickets, 1 or 10-trip tickets, and the Airport Supplement.
- Transport Zones: If you’re staying within the center or the nearby neighborhoods, you’ll likely stay within Zone A. If you plan to explore further, consider the Combinado tickets or Tourist Ticket.
- Tourist Ticket: If you want to make the most of your time in Madrid, the Tourist Ticket is your best bet. It gives you unlimited access to all public transport during its validity. You can buy it in advance, and it starts working from the first use.
- Transfers: You can transfer between Metro lines without issue, as long as you don’t exit the turnstile.
- Comfort and Safety: While Madrid is a safe city, if a train is too crowded, wait for the next one for a more comfortable ride.
- Metro Hours: The Metro operates until 2 AM. If you need late-night transport, buses with “N” in their number offer service overnight. The same tickets mentioned earlier (except the Combinado) are valid for night buses.
Keep The Touring Pandas’ golden tip in mind!
Lastly, if you prefer avoiding the Metro or have a lot of luggage, taxis in Madrid are relatively affordable, especially if you’re traveling to or from the airport.
Pack Your Bags!
Don’t miss the chance to explore Madrid thoroughly! Now that you have our tips for Using the Madrid Metro Like a Local, it’s time to explore the city. Want to join our Madrid Royal Palace & Habsburgs Tour and discover Europe’s largest Royal Palace? Or enjoy a Flamenco Show after a tour of Madrid’s iconic monuments?
If you’re headed to Barcelona, we have several options to help you experience the stunning Sagrada Familia. From private tours and photo sessions to access to the Sagrada Familia tower and other unique experiences, choose the one that suits your desires and have an unforgettable time in Barcelona!
For adventurous souls, we recommend our Toledo Tour from Madrid to discover the city of three cultures and spectacular landscapes or the Montserrat Tour from Barcelona to explore one of Catalonia’s most magnificent mountains. All our tours are designed for you to enjoy the best of Spain! If you’re planning a trip to Rome, check out our tours in Rome here. Ready to walk in the footsteps of gladiators? Discover it with The Touring Pandas!