travel pass in madrid

Madrid Tourist Travel Pass

Your Madrid City Card

We offer different ways to enjoy the city´s top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions.

Your card also includes a Tourist Travel Pass which you can use to move around Madrid.

ENJOY A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE OF MADRID

Options and Prices

Madrid City Card

Sin transporte.

Disfrutarás de ventajas y descuentos en los principales atractivos turísticos, culturales y de ocio de la ciudad

Para ello deberás presentar el código QR de tu tarjeta en los establecimientos participantes

Con Transporte

The card includes a Tourist Travel Pass issued by the CRTM, Madrid's Regional Transport Consortium, which allows you to use the city's public transport system for your selected number of days.

The Madrid City Card offers the following options:

• Adult / child
• 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days.

Esta tarjeta la podrás conseguir, sin necesidad de reserva previa, acercándote a las oficinas de turismo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid.

Sin transporte

Con transporte.

You can purchase your Madrid City Card without prior appointment at any of Madrid City Council's Tourist Information Offices.

Children under 11 years old receive a 50% discount on the price of the Madrid City Card.

Children under 4 years old do not need a Madrid City Card to enjoy discounts and other benefits or to travel on public transport for free.

Reserve now

Modalidad sin transporte Podrás darte de alta online en el siguiente link

Modalidad con transporte Esta tarjeta sólo se puede adquirir de forma presencial, sin necesidad de reserva previa, en las oficinas de turismo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid

The city’s new official sightseeing pass offers multiple benefits:

In museums and other cultural and leisure attractions.

Skip-the-line entrance to some of the main tourist attractions.

Tourist Travel Pass

Zone A included in your Madrid City Card.

Other benefits

Other special benefits in affiliated establishments.

Included in your Madrid City Card, you'll find a Tourist Travel Pass valid for your period of chose: 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days.

This travel pass, which is activated on the day you first use it, allows unlimited travel in Zone A for your selected days. It can be used on the following transport options:

• All blue city bus lines operated by Madrid's municipal transport company, EMT. The 24-hour Airport Express shuttle bus line is not included.
• Madrid’s Metro network within Zone A (City of Madrid), including the €3 supplement normally charged for travelling to or from the airport metro stations Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 and Aeropuerto T4 ( Tourist Metro Map ).
• Zones 0 and A of Madrid's commuter train network (Renfe de Cercanías Madrid).
• ML1 of Madrid's light rail network (Metro Ligero).

For detailed public transport and mobility information, please visit our website .

Attractions

Discount on the ticket to the viewpoint and in the shop

50% discount at the ticket office and 10% on articles bought

Discounts on the ticket price

50% discount at the ticket office

Discount on the ticket price of the tour

10% discount at the Territorio Atleti ticket office: Museum + Stadium Tour. The museum features large screen displays, v...

Discount on your ticket (includes an audio guide)

10% discount at the ticket office (includes a 10-language audio guide). Discover all the little-known nooks and crannies...

Discount on admission and preferential access

10% discount on admission. Buy it at the preferred box office

Free entrance for all

Madrid’s Municipal Museums offer free entrance

Discount at the ticket office

10% discount at the museum box office. Check our rates on the web.

Free audio guide and discount in the shop

10% discount in-store, apply to purchases of €20 or more (not applicable to publications)

Discount on the ticket price

30% discount per person when buying a general ticket (from 8 years old) at the Zoo ticket office. Applicable to a maximu...

15% discount at the ticket office. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience

Discount on admission

25% discount on admission. Buy it at the box office. From Monday to Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Discount at the ticket office and on website

10% aditional discount. Promo code MCC10 on website and also at the box office

Soon, with your Madrid City Card at hand, you won’t have to wait in line!

Discount on typical products from Madrid

Enjoy a 10% discount on typical products and souvenirs from Madrid at our shop in Plaza Mayor

With your ticket, free visit to the Historical Archive

With your ticket at the box office, you can visit for free the Historical Archive of the Real Hermandad del Refugio, whi...

Discount 20% at the ticket office. Check our rates on the website.

10% aditional discount. Promo code MCC10 on website purchase and also at the box office. No valid on Monday prices

Discount on the general admission ticket

€1 discount at the ticket office. Includes a visit to the rooftop and access to exhibitions organised by Círculo de Bell...

Reduced admission (€13) at the ticket office. Please show your Madrid City Card at the palace entrance

We offer you a tasting at DBellota

What better way to enjoy Spain’s wine culture than by enjoying a free glass of wine at DBellota, located in Galería Cana...

Preferential Access

With your Madrid City Card at hand, you won’t have to wait in line!

10% discount

On all first-time flyers flight packages. Redeem your offer online with the discount code MADRIDCITYFLY or directly in...

€1 discount at the ticket office. The visit includes the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions

Enjoy our free admission time slot

Free admission every day during the last two opening hours. Tickets are available Monday to Saturday from 6pm, and on Su...

Enjoy Madrid’s electric bikes

The service is available in the 21 districts of the city and is presented as an active and sustainable mobility alternat...

Enjoy Madrid’s Municipal Planetarium

The aim of the centre is to contribute to the dissemination of astronomy and science. It offers a wide range of audiovis...

Discount on the ticket price at office box

15% discount for the bearer and up to 3 companions at the maximum general rate ticket (from 140 cm height) by presenting...

Reduced-price admission

Reduced admission (€6) at the ticket office

Discount in the shop

10% discount on books from the Municipal Printing Press’s catalogue

Buy online, save €3 per ticket and avoid having to queue at the ticket office

10% discount at the Box Office. Not combinable with other offers or promotions. Subject to availability

10% aditional discount. Promo code MCC10 on website purchase and also at the box office

MADRID CITY CARD is a card that allows access to promotions and discounts offered by collaborating businesses, with MADRID DESTINO CULTURA TURISMO Y NEGOCIO, S.A. (MADRID DESTINO) having no involvement in the provision of the service and/or sale of the product that is the subject of the offer. Any complaint or incident regarding the provision of the contracted service and/or the sale of the product must be addressed to the legal entity that manages the participating business, without MADRID DESTINO being liable in any case for fulfilment of the terms and conditions of the discount and/or promotion that the offer consists of.

¿Dónde se utiliza?

Descubre todos los descuentos que te ofrece la tarjeta turística Madrid City Card.

Guía completa

Échale un vistazo a la guía completa y descubre información detallada sobre los espectáculos, cómo moverte de forma sostenible y actividades de ocio.

What is the Madrid City Card?

Issued by Madrid City Council, the city's official sightseeing pass allows tourists to enjoy benefits and discounts on the city's top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions. The card includes a Tourist Travel Pass issued by the CRTM, Madrid's Regional Transport Consortium, which can be used on the city's public transport system.

How do I activate my Madrid City Card?

You can start using your Madrid City Card for discounts and benefits as soon as you purchase it from one of the city's Tourist Information Offices. The Tourist Travel Pass will be automatically activated the first time you use it on any mode of public transport.

Validity of the card

You can continue using your Madrid City Card for discounts and benefits for 1 month after purchasing it. The Tourist Travel Pass will only be valid for your chosen period: 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days. Please note that the Tourist Travel Pass is valid for calendar days, not for 24-hour periods. This means that if you activate it at 11:59pm, you will already have used up a full day.

How can I find out which establishments are included in my Madrid City Card?

Check out our “Attractions” section to see where you can use your card.

How do I use my Madrid City Card at establishments that accept the card?

You can enjoy discounts and benefits by simply showing the QR code on your card. You can only use it once in each establishment, unless otherwise indicated in the description of the activity.

Is there a phone number or email address that I can use should I have any questions?

Sí, puedes llamar al número (+34) 915 787 810 de 09:00 a 20:00 de atención telefónica, pero también puedes contactar con nosotros por email en [email protected].

DFP tag: LAYER

Madrid Tourist Card: Is It Worth It?

Are you planning to travel to Madrid and considering getting the Madrid Tourist Card ?

In this post, you will find all the information you need about this tourist card, as well as my opinion on whether it’s worth it . Keep reading if you want to save time and money on your trip to Spain.

Table of contents

Where to purchase the Madrid tourist pass?

What is the price of the madrid city card, how to activate the madrid city card, validity of the card, how to use the madrid city card, discounts in attractions, tourist travel pass, is the madrid tourist card worth it, what is the madrid city card.

The Madrid City Card is the official tourist card of Madrid. It is a card that provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy unique benefits and discounts at around 30 cultural and leisure attractions.

Issued by the City Council, this sightseeing pass also grants visitors unlimited access to the public transportation system for a specific number of days.

You can purchase your Madrid Tourist Card at any of the following Tourist Information Offices:

• Plaza Mayor: Plaza Mayor, 27
• Callao: Plaza de Callao, s/n
• Royal Palace: Corner of Calle de Bailén and Calle de Requena
• Paseo del Prado: Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, s/n
• CentroCentro: Plaza de Cibeles, 1
• Reina Sofía: Corner of Plaza de Juan Goytisolo and Calle de Santa Isabel

The price of the card depends on the number of days you plan to use it.

Children under 11 years old receive a 50% discount on the price and children under 4 years old do not need the card to enjoy discounts or to travel on public transport for free.

You can start using your Madrid City Card for discounts and benefits as soon as you purchase it from one of the city’s Tourist Information Offices.

You can use your Madrid Tourist Card for 1 month after the purchase . The card will be valid for your chosen period (1-5 days) and is based on calendar days, not for 24-hour periods. This means that if you activate it at 11:59 p.m., you will already have used up a full day.

You can enjoy the discounts and benefits by presenting the QR code on your card. You can only use it once in each establishment unless otherwise indicated in the description of the activity.

For any doubt regarding the Madrid City Card, you can call (+34) 915 787 810 or send an email to [email protected].

What are the benefits of the Madrid Tourist Card?

The official Madrid sightseeing pass offers multiple benefits and discounts in the top-rated museums and other cultural and leisure attractions .

These are the ones that, in my opinion, are more interesting for most tourists. Just like in other tourist cards from cities all around the world, many attractions are included that may not be of as much interest to visitors staying only a few days in the city. Nevertheless, you can check out all the discounts on the official website .

• Prado Museum: Free admission every day during the last two opening hours.
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: 10% discount on admission and preferential access
• Reina Sofía Museum: Preferential Access
• Faro de Moncloa Observation Deck: 50% discount on the ticket price
• Almudena Cathedral Museum: Free audio guide and 10% discount in-store (purchases over €20)
• Wax Museum: 15% discount on the ticket price
• Amusement Park: 20% discount on the ticket price and for 3 companions
• Zoo Aquarium: 30% discount on the ticket price and for 3 companions.
• MAMMA MIA Musical: 10% discount.
• Matilda, The Musical: 10% discount.
• Royal Palace: Preferential access

The Madrid City Card includes unlimited and free transportation within the city, including the metro network (Zone A), suburban trains (Zones 0 and A), city buses (all blue city bus lines), and BiciMAD e-bikes for a period of up to 5 consecutive days.

Just keep in mind that the 24-hour Airport Express shuttle bus line is not covered.

The Madrid Tourist Card can be a useful resource for tourists who want to explore the capital intensively, but it may not always be cost-effective.

In my opinion, if you meet these two conditions, my recommendation would be NOT to purchase the tourist pass:

• The primary purpose of your trip is to visit the major tourist attractions of the capital, not every corner of the city.
• You won’t be using public transportation excessively, considering that in Madrid you can walk to many attractions in the historic center, and the weather is suitable for strolling around the city.

From an economic standpoint, the card is not that worth it as discounts are not that high , and many attractions can currently be visited for free without needing the card on certain days/times.

Additionally, there are 10-journey passes available for public transportation, which should suffice without the need for unlimited travel.

I do find the fast pass for skipping lines at attractions interesting, but you will have to decide if it is worth paying the card’s price to save some waiting time. In this case, it can be useful to invest some time in good planning and visit the most popular attractions during less crowded hours.

In conclusion, the Madrid Tourist Card can be an attractive option for certain visitors who want to explore the city extensively, offering the convenience of unlimited public transportation access, discounts, and priority entry to popular attractions all in one card.

However, for the average tourist, it may not be as economically beneficial. It’s essential to weigh the cost against the potential time and convenience savings, especially if your primary goal is to visit the city’s major attractions rather than every corner of it.

2 thoughts on “Madrid Tourist Card: Is It Worth It?”

The worst thing about the Madrid City Card is that it is not sold at Atocha Renfe station. Esmadrid SA assumes that all tourists only arrive by air. If I arrive in Madrid by AVE Renfe, I will need to buy a Metro ticket to a Tourist Information office. For tourists who don’t know Madrid, this can be a big challenge. Also visitors with luggage will have to wander with it to find the place. If I could buy the Madrid City Card in Atocha, I could use it immediately to get to my hotel. This is a very clumsy oversight by the company.

Thanks for your comment Zan

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Tourist Travel Pass

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Welcome to Madrid, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain! As a tourist, you’ll want to make the most of your time exploring the city, and one of the best ways to do that is by using the tourist travel pass. The tourist travel pass is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around Madrid’s public transportation system, which includes buses, metro, and suburban trains. With this pass, you’ll have unlimited access to all these modes of transport, making it easy for you to explore the city’s top attractions. The pass comes in two options: a one-day pass and a three-day pass. The one-day pass costs €8.40, while the three-day pass costs €18.40. Both passes offer unlimited travel on all modes of public transportation in Madrid’s city center, including the metro, bus, and suburban train. You can purchase the tourist travel pass at any metro station, authorized kiosks, and tourist information centers. The pass is activated upon first use and is valid for 24 hours for the one-day pass and 72 hours for the three-day pass. Once you have the pass, you can use it to explore Madrid’s top attractions, such as the Royal Palace, Prado Museum, and Retiro Park. You can also use it to travel to nearby towns and attractions, such as Toledo or Segovia. One thing to keep in mind when using the tourist travel pass is that it is not valid for the airport express bus or for the metro line that goes to the airport. If you need to travel to or from the airport, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket. In summary, the tourist travel pass is an excellent option for visitors to Madrid who want to explore the city’s top attractions conveniently and affordably. With unlimited access to public transportation, you can spend your time sightseeing and enjoying all that Madrid has to offer. Here’s the link where you can purchase the tourist travel pass for Madrid: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/travel-pass-turistico-madrid

• Practical Information

Money Saving Tips

Madrid explorer pass.

The Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass allows you to choose from 3, 4, 5, or 7 tourist attractions in the capital , with total flexibility. As well as avoiding long lines, it also allows you to save up to 40% on the final price .

Attractions Included

With the Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass, you can choose from the activities , museums , and monuments that interest you most, helping you to save money  and time, and directly visit the sights that you're most excited about.

These are the 15 tourist attractions included in the card:

• Prado Museum
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
• Teatro Real
• Bernabéu Stadium tour
• Guided tour of Madrid
• Flamenco show in Torres Bermejas
• Madrid Tourist bus
• Wanda Metropolitano Tour
• Las Ventas Bullring
• Spanish wine tasting
• Shopping in the Las Rozas Outlet
• Toledo half-day experience
• Segovia half-day experience
• Lázaro Galdiano

The Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass card includes a guide with detailed information on opening times , maps , and suggestions as to how to get to the attractions included in the pass.

The pass allows one access to each attraction and is valid for 30 days from activation .

Madrid Explorer Pass Price

Worthwhile.

If you're only in Madrid for a few days, the Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass card is the best way to save money and visit the attractions that interest you most. And the card is an excellent option for tourists who are spending longer in the capital, as it can help your budget go further.

Where to buy the ticket

You can buy the ticket directly from our website. You'll receive an email with the exact pickup points in the center of Madrid.

• Buy the Go City Madrid Explorer Pass

You may also be interested in

Get to know the tourist cards available in Madrid and save during your holidays in the Spanish capital.

Tourist Travel Card

Madrid’s tourist travel card allows visitors to travel as many times as needed on all the city’s public transport system (metro, urban buses, and cercanía trains). There are five types of Tourist Cards, depending on their validity: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 calendar days.

Madrid City Pass

Explore the capital of spain, the card that will take you along a trip through madrid.

Discover Madrid at leisure with the Madrid City Pass. You will find that this Pass makes your city trip very affordable and efficient: the Madrid City Pass allows you to skip the waiting lines and get priority entrance at the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. Experience the sights of Madrid from the hop-on hop-off bus with a free ticket. If you also opt for a 3-day public transport pass, public transport is free as is the transfer by taxi from Madrid Airport to your hotel in the city. 

The Madrid City Pass is perfect for visitors who want to see the most important sights and attraction, not all museums, sights and attractions, that Madrid offers. The pass also allows you a 20% discount on other sights and museums in the city as well as flamenco shows, tapas tours, bike tours and excursions. The Madrid City Pass is hassle-free, purchase is online, tickets and vouchers are sent to you and there is no need to pick up your pass in person when you arrive in Madrid.

Fast Track Entry

Don’t waste time standing in line and skip straight to the front of queues. You enjoy fast track entry to some of the most popular museum and attraction including the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). Just show your valid Madrid City Pass ticket and jump to the front line!

Public Transport and Airport Transfer

The hop-on hop-off bus is included in your Madrid City Pass and will take you past all the highlights of the city. Hop off and see sights and attractions in detail, hop on again to continue your tour. You can also opt to add a three-day public transport card including airport transfer from the airport Madrid-Barajas to your hotel or B&B. This pass allows you free travel on metro, bus and train in Madrid.

If you opt to add the public transport pass to your Madrid City Card, a taxi driver will be waiting for you when you arrive at Madrid Airport. He will also give you the physical public transport card and then takes you to your accommodation. Your public transport pass is activated when you scan your card in metro, bus or train for the first time. From then on your pass is valid for three consecutive days.

• Audio Guide App

The Madrid Digital Pass also includes an app with audioguide. With this you will discover more than 100 sights in Madrid. Local guides provide commentary and tell about their ‘secret spots’. The app also includes walking routes.

Your Madrid City Pass not only affords free entrance to the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) also the hugely popular hop-on hop-off bus is free. Add to this reduced admission fees for museums and attractions and savings on bicycle and walking tours and excursions (Toledo) and you understand why this City Pass is immensely popular.

• Ticket and skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum
• Ticket and skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace
• Ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus (valid for 24 hours)
• Option: 3-day public transport card
• Option: Transfer by private taxi from Madrid Airport to your hotel
• Discounts on various other attractions, museums, tours and shows
• Discount on excursions e.g. to Toledo

Alternative to the Madrid City Pass

The Royal Madrid Combo is a more compact and cheaper alternative to the Madrid City Pass. It is a great value ticket that opens up ‘Royal Madrid’. It entitles you to online reservation of skip-the-line tickets to Palacio Royal, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and for Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour.

Waiting in the queue is history, because you have fast track and free entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid. With 3,000 splendidly furnished and decorated rooms and galleries, it is Europe’s largest royal residence. Included in the combo ticket is free entry to the imposing Bernabéu Stadium of Real Madrid as well as a stadium tour and the Real Madrid Museum

The Royal Madrid Combo is perfectly suited for visitors who want to see Madrid highlights in a hassle-free way. The tickets and reservations are sent to you via email and there is no need to pick up or exchange vouchers physically on arrival in Madrid. To make your visit even more complete an audio guide app with interesting information and photos of 120 highlights of Royal Madrid is included.

Rated by 144 Happy Travelers!

Compact and cheap alternative: Royal Madrid Combo

• Royal Palace of Madrid*
• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium*
• Real Madrid Museum

*Skip the line tickets

How does the Madrid City Pass work?

The Madrid Digital Pass is not a physical pass, so you don’t have to pick up anything in Madrid, but you can arrange everything online right at home! Select your arrival date in Madrid. After ordering you will receive an email with a link. Here you can enter when you want to visit the attractions in Madrid. You will then receive all tickets by email, which you can also show on your phone. You will also receive a discount code with which you can get a 10% discount at other museums, attractions, tours and excursions in Madrid.

Madrid City

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is the cultural heart of the country. The locals are proud of their city and they should be! Madrid is home to three top museums and many famous sights. The city buzzes with activity day and night. All very good reasons to go on a city trip to Madrid!

The Highlights

Madrid brims with sights and attractions. Culture lovers will make head straight to Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Football fans will have the day of their life when visiting the Real and Atletico stadiums. Madrid has still more to offer (Palacio Real), El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Almudena in a neo-gothic style with a modern twist.

Things to see and do in Madrid:

Prado Museum

Retiro Park

Palacio Real

Prado Museum Madrid

Gran Via Madrid

Madrid’s public transport system is without a doubt, fantastic. It is fast, safe, clean and very reliable. In comparison with other European cities, Madrid’s public transport is also considered cheap and very efficient, which makes getting around Madrid very easy. Madrid’s public transport consists of the Madrid Metro (underground), day & night buses, the ‘Metro Ligero’ (Madrid light rail) as well as the regional train system known as the ’Cercanías’ which are the suburban trains that connect the city of Madrid with rest of the Madrid region. So, no matter where you are going, Madrid’s public transport system will get you there.

Are you moving to Madrid for a longer period and would like to get a monthly pass? Get ahead and order your personal public transport card in advance.

There are also great alternatives to Madrid’s public transport when it comes to getting around Madrid. Alternatives like, ridesharing apps and car sharing options as well as e-Scooters, e-Bikes & Motor scooter rental services . Since June 2014, Madrid has also been offering public, electric bikes that you can rent at your convenience all over the city.

To keep reading all about Madrid’s transport options, check out the content overview and feel free to click on the topics you are most interested in. Each chapter contains relevant information regarding getting around Madrid. From details on how to get from and to the airport, ticket options, prices, schedules & transport zones to details on the various means of transportation available and how use them.

Furthermore, in our FAQ section at the bottom of this ’Getting Around Madrid’ guide, we will clarify some of the most common questions and doubts regarding Madrid’s public transport.

Important:  The Citylife team has collected & compiled the information on this page via intense research and investigation. It does not replace your own research!

1.3 Madrid Tourist Travel Pass

2.2 have your transport card delivered to the citylife office for free, 3.5 autobuses interurbanos – the suburban buses of madrid, 4.3 comparison tools, 5.2 car rentals, carsharing & ridesharing in madrid with discounts, 1. getting around madrid by public transport – ticket options & prices.

As previously mentioned, Madrid’s public transport system is very accessible and efficient. You can get all over the city centre by using just the Madrid metro and bus . The Madrid metro and bus systems are integrated, meaning that you can access the Madrid metro lines and the EMT bus lines with the same ’ticket’. Other available transportation means like the Cercanías and Renfre trains and the suburban buses which take you outside the city will have different ticket types and different tariffs. The beginning of this article will focus more on the main transport within the city center (metro & city bus), however if you wish to read more on Madrid’s Light Rail system, suburban buses and long distance options, you can skip ahead .

To start with, there are various ticket options available for the Madrid public transport system. Some of which are better for those staying in the city for mid to long-term periods while others are perfect for those visiting for a short-term period. In the section below we will explain each ticket option in detail.

1.1 Monthly Pass for Mid to Long-Term Stays

If you are coming to Madrid for a longer period – to study or work, for example – it is very likely that you will move around by public transport on a regular basis. In this case we highly recommend getting your personal public transport card . This card will give you access to the the monthly transport pass , known as the ’ Abono ’. Using a monthly pass is by far the cheapest and most convenient way as it gives you full access to all of Madrid’s public transport for 30 day periods.

When it comes to getting your public transport card , we highly recommend ordering it online in advance . Ideally about 15 days before you plan to arrive to Madrid . By doing this you will avoid long wait times to book an appointment as well as simply skipping the need to attend an appointment in the first place. By ordering online, your card will be delivered to you. For more details on how to order you public transportation card online either continue reading, or click here to skip ahead.

Download the Madrid Metro Map and check out various other maps for Madrid bus routes, light rail train lines and regional train lines in our chapter called Madrid Transport Options – A Comprehensive Outline, or skip ahead .

Monthly Pass – Prices & Where to Buy

As we mentioned above, to get the monthly pass you must first get your personal transport card . This card costs 4€ and once you have it in your possession, you can then top it up with the monthly pass (’ Abono ’). The price of your monthly pass depends primarily on your age and the transport zones of Madrid you would like to have included – there are no special prices for students. Finally, every 30 days you will need to top up your personal public transport card with your new monthly pass to be able to continue to use Madrid’s public transport system. You can do so conveniently at one of the many metro stations at the machines either with cash or credit card.

Abono Joven (Monthly Youth Pass)

If you are under 26 years of age , you will be able to use the youth pass, known as ’Abono Joven’. With this pass you will only need to pay 20€ a month and you will be able to use all of Madrid’s transport options between all transport zones ! You can move freely by metro and bus all over the city, to its outskirts as well as to the airport without paying a supplement.

Abono Normal (Monthly Standard Pass)

If you are aged 26 or older you will have access to the standard monthly pass, known as ’Abono’. This pass requires users to pay per transport zone. The base price which covers zone A, currently costs 54,60€. If you need to include more zones, the price will rise. Click here for more information of each of Madrid’s zones.

The Madrid Transportaton Office has officially reduced prices of all transport ticket types until the end of 2023! For a detailed look on prices please refer to the official page here .

If the monthly pass is what you need, you can skip ahead in this article for instructions on how to order your public transport card online.

Above you see a price chart per-zone, however there are also inter-zone packages which combine certain zones together under one price. This is a great option for those who don’t often visit the more central zones and therefore do not want to pay for access to them. For more details on all pricing options, click here .

1.2 Single & 10 Trips Tickets

If you happen to be visiting Madrid for only a few days or weeks, or if you don’t need to use the public transport system on a daily basis, you can use Madrid’s more short-term option known as the Multi Card . As with the personal public transport card, you will first need to purchase the card itself (only 2.5€ ), then you top up the short-term pass of your choice onto the card. The Multi Card offers two options: Single tickets and 10 trip tickets.

Single & 10 trips tickets – Prices & Where to Buy

A single journey on public transport in Madrid will usually cost between 1,50€ and 2€ , making it very budget friendly. If you don’t want to top up your card every time you need it, you should consider buying a 10 trip ticket which costs just 12,20€ . Both tickets work on metro and bus systems within zone A. As the Multi Card is not personalized, it can be shared with others .

Buying the Multi Card and it’s corresponding tickets is incredibly easy. All you need to do is go to any metro station in Madrid and place your order at any of the ticket machines there. These machines look like ATMs but will have the branding of the Madrid metro on them. Once there you can pay either in cash or with credit card.

Please be aware that you may change freely between various metro lines once you are inside the metro system. But changing from metro to bus or from one bus to another means that you have to use your card again. That being said, you can also top up your Multi Card from the bus driver – but only in cash.

To read more about the Multi Card, please click here .

The Madrid tourist travel pass gives you unlimited usage of zone A and T between 1-7 days. This is a very practical and very affordable way to get around Madrid on a short-term basis. This is especially true because the majority of Madrid’s most popular locations for visitors and tourists are located within zone A. Additionally, zone T is perfect for those planning to make day trips to some of the small cities located outside of Madrid.

Madrid Tourist Travel Pass – Prices & Where to Buy

Prices are determined by number of days and by desired zones . Check out the table below for a price breakdown of each. To buy the Madrid tourist pass you simply visit any metro station and use the ticket machines located there. Alternatively, you can buy these passes at the sales points at the Madrid airport. The Madrid tourist pass comes with the Multi Card included. Once the pass expires, you can top up the Multi Card with single or ten trips tickets and keep using it. Finally, please keep in mind that Madrid tourist pass cannot be shared between several people. Therefore, each person in your group must hold their own card. For more details on the Madrid tourist pass, please click here .

2. How to Get your Personal Public Transport Card

As we mentioned at the top of this article, we recommend that your order your personal public transport card online – ideally about 3 weeks before your arrival . It will save you time , money and hassle . To make the process of ordering your public transport card online as simple as possible, we’ve created a step by step guide . Continue reading below for all the details.

If you are already in Madrid or did not order your transport card on time online, you can use our FREE SERVICE to make an appointment for a time that suits you best ! Citylife has access to exclusive appointment dates and times so you can get a next-day or even a same-day appointment that you won’t find online! To do so, simply fill out our form below and we will be in touch.

2.1 Step by step Guide – How to Order your Public Transport Card Online

Order your public transport card online by filling out the official request form. Once your request has been processed by the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid, your card will be sent to the indicated shipment address usually within 10-15 working days. Here is a step by step description:

• Access the CRTM webpage here !
• Select the option “Individual”, close the pop-up screen by clicking on “Cerrar” proceed to the next screen
• On the next screen you have to provide some personal information. You need to choose between “pasaporte” (if you have a passport) or “DNI no español” (if you have a valid national ID card.) At “Código ISO” you need to fill in the country code of your passport and at “Documento” you need to fill in the document number.
• Next up you need to fill in your “nombre” (first name), apellido (last names) and your date of birth. And press “iniciar solicitud on-line” to continue.
• On the next page you will have the chance to review your details. You will also need to add your email address (correo eletronico), Spanish phone number and the address in Spain where you would like the card to be sent ( please feel free to use our phone number and address ). Once done, click “Siguente.”
• You will be asked to upload a standard passport sized photo in colour, as well as a scanned copy of your passport or ID card.
• Once uploaded, you need to accept the terms and conditions at the bottom and continue by clicking on “Siguiente”.

• Last but not least, you will be asked to review and confirm the information you have provided. You will also have to pay the mandatory standard fee of 4€ to the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for issuing your public transport card. If the process is completed successfully you will receive a confirmation email.

The Consorcio de Transporte de Madrid only delivers personal public transport cards to Spanish addresses . Additionally, you can only input a Spanish phone number on the application form. To keep things stress free, you can indicate the Citylife mobile phone number and use our office address as the shipment location . We will happily store the card for you free of charge until you are able to pick it up.

While at our office you you can also take advantage to ask all your questions, activate a free Spanish prepaid SIM card , open a free Spanish bank account , get free advice on housing or simply some hints & tips to explore this beautiful city.

To ensure that you correctly complete the online form when ordering your transport card, make sure to read the text above and have a look at the example image we included. We’ve also included the Citylife details that you will need to fill out the form and to ship it to our office for free storage, below:

IMPORTANT: Once you’ve ordered your card online and indicated our address as shipment address, please send us a short confirmation via WhatsApp to our official mobile phone . This way we are aware of it too and can notify you once it has arrived! Please don’t forget! Once you have picked up your public transport card upon your arrival, you can top it up with your monthly pass at any machine located in one of the many Madrid metro stations around the city.

If you couldn’t request the public transport card ahead of time or the online order didn’t work, send us a WhatsApp with your full name and arrival date . We will make an appointment for the day and time that is convenient for you at no cost!

3. Madrid Transport Options – a Comprehensive Outline

The following sections of this article will outline everything you need to know about getting around in Madrid by public transport. From all Madrid’s modes of transport and how to use them to convenient alternatives. In addition to a detailed and comprehensive explanation we will also include promo codes for Uber and Cabify at the bottom of this article, which will help you save money along the way!

3.1 Madrid Metro – Zones, Lines & All Available Passes

The Madrid metro is the most popular way to get around Madrid. Its 12 metro lines, 300+ stations and several other unique connections to some of the harder to reach places makes it one of the most accessible metro systems in Europe. Continue reading for a complete breakdown of the Madrid metro system.

• Download the Full Madrid Metro Map
• Download the Madrid Metro Map for Tourists

Metro Operating Hours

Typically, the metro runs from 06:00 – 01:30 with trains arriving every 2-15 minutes. Frequency is dictated by the city’s rush hours.

Metro Zones

The Madrid metro will take you to zones A, B1, B2 & B3. In most cases you will only need access to zone A to enjoy Madrid, especially as a tourist. However you might find that your workplace, university campus or home is located in Madrid’s farther zones. We go into detail on what tickets you need and their prices above, however we have summarized the ticket options for you.

Metro Tickets & Prices

• Single Ticket (Zone A) – 1.50€ – 2.00€.
• 10 Trip Ticket (Zone A) – 12.20€.
• Unlimited Monthly Metro Pass – Please refer to our chart above by clicking here .

Recommended Apps to Download

3.2 Madrid Buses (EMT) – Routes, Night Buses & Airport Shuttle

The Municipal Transport Company of Madrid ( EMT ) is in charge of Madrid’s ultra efficient bus system. Comprised of over 200 bus lines with roughly 2,000 buses in operation, the bus system in Madrid is a great way to get around the city as it can take you to many places that the Madrid metro can’t reach. The EMT buses are blue city buses that operate within the central zone of Madrid – meaning they do not travel throughout the entire province of Madrid, but only the city of Madrid. Skip ahead for more info on how to travel through the Madrid province by bus .

Need to get to the Madrid airport ? The Madrid bus system is the cheapest way to get to Madrid Barajas Airport! They run all year round and the airport shuttle even runs for 24hrs a day! Read more in our guide to Madrid Airport Transportation Options and Discounts .

• View the Interactive Bus Map
• View the Tourist Bus Map

Bus Operating Hours

Typically, buses run from 06:00 – 23:30 with frequency ranging from every 5-20 minutes on weekdays. On weekends and holidays they run from 07.00-23:30 and with less frequency.

Night Buses

Madrid’s night buses, known as Búhos or Owls, run from 23:30 – 6:00 in 27 different routes. All routes start and end at the central Plaza de Cibeles. You can find the night bus schedule at bus stops in the city. Also check out the night bus map here .

Bus Tickets & Prices

You can access the bus with both your monthly transport card and the Multi Card which we cover above . If you have 10 rides loaded to your Multi Card you simply board the bus and tap your ticket. If you need to purchase a single ride you can do so right from the bus driver.

Airport Shuttle

Though you can certainly get to the airport via the standard metro and bus routes, there is a great airport shuttle available as well. It runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 during the night, stopping at Cibeles and Atocha. Tickets for the shuttle cost 5€. For more details, click here .

Electric Buses

Madrid is introducing eco friendly buses to the city, starting with lines 001 and 002 which operate within some of Madrid’s more heavily used routes.

3.3 Metro Ligero Madrid – The Light Rail of Madrid

The Metro Ligero is Madrid’s Light Rail system. It’s an above ground metro system that connects Madrid through 4 lines and over 50 stations. However, this transport system is different from the Madrid Metro as it connects travelers to the less central areas of the city. You will find them more in the suburban areas of Madrid, connecting Zone A with zone B1, B2 and B3.

Light Rail Maps

• View the Light Rail Map
• View the Madrid Metro & Light Rail Combo Map

Light Rail Operating Hours

Metro Ligero lines ML1-ML3 share the same hours as the Madrid Metro day hours (6:00 – 01:30. And line ML4 runs from 5:00 – 00:45.

Light Rail Lines

Get a better look at how the Metro Ligero connects with the Madrid Metro by checking out each of the four lines below. The CRTM has layed out all the Metro Ligero lines, stops and connections for you to easily plan your commute around Madrid.

Additionally, make sure to take a look at each individual stop on the Metro Ligero routes.

• View the Metro Ligero Lines
• View the Metro Ligero Stations

Light Rail Tickets & Prices

• With the standard Multi Card pass and zone A monthly pass you will have access to the ML1 line. Single tickets cost between 1.50€ – 2.00€ and 10 ride tickets cost 12,20€.
• To access the ML2 and ML3 lines you will need to top up an additional pass to your Multi Card or pay a supplement with your monthly pass. Single tickets/supplement costs 2.00€ and 10 ride tickets cost 12,20€.
• If you plan your trip ahead you can combine your Madrid Metro access and your Metro Ligero access in one top up. Single combo tickets cost 3.00€ and 10 ride combo tickets cost 18.30€.
• To access the ML4 (Parla Tram) you will need to top up an additional pass to your Multi Card or pay a supplement with your Monthly Pass. Single tickets cost 1.30€ and 10 ride tickets cost 8.50€.

For all details on these tickets and fares, please refer to the official website of the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid.

3.4 Cercanías Madrid – The Regional Trains of Madrid

Like the Metro Ligero, the Cercanías Madrid is an above ground train system. However, the Cercanías system takes travellers through the entire region of Madrid. Not just the suburbs of the of Madrid city, but the actual province of Madrid. The Cercanías trains operate in partnership with Spain’s high speed train network – called Renfe – allowing it to be fast, reliable and comfortable. With 9 lines and over 90 stations, Cercanías offers great connections to the small towns and areas within the Madrid region.

Cercanías Maps

• View the basic Cercanías Station Map
• View the detailed Madrid Cercanías Map

Cercanías Operating Hours

The Cercanías Madrid trains run everyday from 5:30 – 23:30.

Cercanías Lines

Get a better look at how the Cercanías system connects with the Madrid Metro by checking out each of the 9 lines below. The Concorcio de Madrid has layed out all the Cercanías lines, stops and connections for you to easily plan your commute around Madrid.

• View the Cercanías Madrid Lines
• View the Cercanías Madrid Stations

Cercanías Tickets & Prices

• If you have the monthly transport pass you will have access to the Cercanías stations that are located within the zones that your pass covers. If you need to go beyond the zones of your monthly pass, you will need to pay a supplement that covers the distance you will be going. Prices vary based on where you start and end your journey, so please check the detailed pricing table here .
• The Cercanías system is operated by Renfe, which means that you cannot access these trains with your Multi Card. They have their own ticket systems and zones. For a detailed pricing info please check the pricing tables here .

Unlike the rest of the Madrid public transport system, the suburban buses are run by a network of private companies that travel throughout the region of Madrid. There are over 300 lines in operation with roughly 20,000 operations each day. These buses depart from various central stations in Madrid, connecting travelers to hundreds of stops outside of the city.

Suburban Bus Maps

• View the complete Suburban Bus Route Map
• View the Regional Suburban Bus Maps

Suburban Bus Operating Hours

Typically the suburban buses run between 6:00 – 23:30. However some buses will operate at night as well. Please refer to the official time table for each region here .

Suburban Bus Lines

Use the trip calculator facilitated by the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid to get all the information on the suburban bus lines that you need to take.

• View the Suburban Bus Line Calculator

You can access these suburban buses at the following major stations in Madrid: Plaza de Castilla, Avenida de América, Plaza Elíptica, Príncipe Pío and Moncloa

Suburban Bus Tickets & Prices

• If you have the monthly public transport pass you will have access to the suburban bus lines that are located within the zones that your pass covers. If you need to go beyond the zones in your monthly pass, you will need to pay a supplement that covers the distance you will be going. Prices vary based on where you start and end your journey so please check the detailed pricing table here .
• Single tickets and 10 trip tickets are available but are not associated with the same Multi Card that we have mentioned throughout this article. The suburban bus system has it’s own tickets and pricing system. Single ride tickets can be purchased directly from the bus and 10 trip tickets can be bought at the bus stations and other licensed ticket points.

For all details on these tickets, fares and where to buy them, please refer to the official website of the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid.

4. Traveling Long Distance Around Spain

4.1 long distance trains.

Renfe is Spain’s high speed train network that connects travelers all over Spain. The trains can also take travelers across the border form Spain to Portugal and France. Check out the official Renfe website to learn more. Also check out the new lost-cost train routes offered by Ouigo .

4.2 Long Distance Buses

There are several private bus companies that can take you all over Spain and beyond. The most popular being Avanza Group , Flixbus and Alsa .

You can compare the train times, destinations and prices among Spain’s top long distance train and bus operators by using Trainline ! Additionally you can check out trains and buses across Europe and compare those prices as well. If you want to compare across all modes of long distance transportation (bus, train, car rental & flights) we recommend that you use Comparabus !

Looking for additional travel options? Check out our other articles on Bike and Scooter Rentals as well as our top recommendations for car sharing and car services including available promo codes to save money.

5. Private Transport & Alternative Transport Options

Even though Madrid’s public transport system can easily get you where you need to go, you might be looking for some alternative options. Whether you want to get to your destination faster , you’d just like some privacy or maybe you’re trying to adopt a more eco friendly lifestyle . Whatever your case might be, Madrid is home to some great private transport and alternative transport options that suit everyone’s preferred lifestyle.

5.1 Renting e-Scooters, e-Bikes & Motor Scooters in Madrid with Discounts

Electric transportation is on the rise around the world and Madrid is no different! If you’re looking for a unique and affordable way to travel around Madrid while reducing your carbon footprint, then we recommend downloading one of the many apps out there! In Madrid you’ll find e-Scooters (kick scooters), e-Bikes and Motor Scooters parked in the streets just waiting to be used. All you need to do is download the corresponding app, hire one of them and off you go!

Check out our detailed list of top recommended e-Scooter, e-Bike and Motor Scooter companies in Madrid companies in the city and receive some exclusive discounts on your next ride !

Madrid is a big city. It can take time to get from one end of the Spanish capital to another with public transportation. Many people would prefer to drive to to their destination but they don’t have the means to own a car themselves. This is where car rentals , carsharing and ridesharing comes into the fold! You can either hop in a car and be driven across town (rideshares like Free Now & Uber ), or drive an electric car yourself from one point of the city to another (carshare, e.g. Free2Move ), or even rent a car for several days to explore beyond the Madrid city limits. Whatever it is, Madrid has something for you!

Take a look at our comprehensive guide to Car Rentals, Carsharing & Ridesharing in Madrid to find the top companies in the city and also receive some great discounts for your next trip !

Save 5€ on your next taxi ride by downloading the Free Now app and using Citylife’s exclusive promo code! It’s quick, reliable and incredibly easy!

6. Make Your Transport Card Appointment with our Free Service

If you’re struggling to make the appointment to obtain your public transport card, we can help! Fill out this form below, follow the instructions and we will let you know the available options!

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

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Estimated Date of Arrival in Madrid - DD/MM/YYYY

Duration of Stay in Spain (in months)

Your University/Work in Madrid —Please choose an option— ACADEMIA CONTACTO ACCENT AIL ALCALINGUA APUNE AU PAIR IN SPAIN BEDA BOSTON COLLEGE BOSTON UNIVERSITY BRITISH COUNCIL BRITISH LANGUAGE CENTRE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CÁMARA DE COMERCIO IFE CAPA CARDENAL CISNEROS CEA CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS FINANCIEROS CENTRO DE NUEVAS PROFESIONES CEV CIEE CLUB EOI CLUB ESTUDIANTES CONVERSA SPAIN CUNEF DUKE UNIVERSITY EAE EBS MADRID EF MADRID EFTI ÉLITE Lenguas ENFOREX EOI CARABANCHEL EOI EMBAJADORES EOI GOYA EOI JESÚS MAESTRO ESCP ESDI ESERP BUSINESS SCHOOL ESIC ESCUELA DON QUIJOTE ESCUELA ENFOREX ESCUELA OFICIAL DE IDIOMAS ESTUDIO SAMPERE EUDE EUREKA FULBRIGHT FUNDACIÓN EOI FUNDACIÓN ORTEGA MARAÑON GBSB BUSINESS SCHOOL GEORGE WASHINGTON GEORGETOWN HAMILTON HELPMADRID HOMOLOGATION HSS IBS Next IEB IES ABROAD IFC IMF BUSINESS SCHOOL IN MADRID INHISPANIA IN2SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL INSTITUTO CERVANTES INSTITUTO EMPRESA INSTITUTO VOX INTERNATIONAL HOUSE IRONHACK ISDI JOHN HOPKINS KINGS TRAINING MADRID PLUS MARIST COLLEGE MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY MEDDEAS MIDDELBURY NEXT IBS NLC Madrid NYU OISE OSTELEA OTHER PARANINFO SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY STANDFORD UNIVERSITY SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY SUNY ALBANY SYRACUSSE TANDEM TT MADRID TUFTS SKIDMORE UCEAP UCETAM UDIMA UNED UNIVERSIDAD ANTONIO NEBRIJA UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA UNIVERSIDAD CAMILO JOSÉ CELA UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III UNIVERSIDAD CEU SAN PABLO UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE UNIVERSIDAD DE ALCALÁ UNIVERSIDAD DE VILLANUEVA UNIVERSIDAD EUROPEA DE MADRID UNIVERSIDAD FRANCISCO DE VITORIA UNIVERSIDAD INTERNAC. MENÉNDEZ PELAYO (UIMP) UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID UNIVERSIDAD PONTIFICADA DE COMILLAS UNIVERSIDAD REY JUAN CARLOS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA USAC VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY VASSAR-WESLEYAN VATEL MADRID VAMOS MADRID WILD CODE SCHOOL WIP WUSTL OTHER...

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There are several different types of tickets for the Madrid metro. From a quick pay as you go type metro card to the monthly subscription card known as the abono. Check out our chapter called “ Ticket Options & Prices ” to read about how to get a Madrid metro card.

If you have lost your Madrid metro card then all you need to do is cancel the old card and order a new one. You can either do this online or at any CRTM website! For more details take a look at our article on replacing a lost or stolen metro card .

The tourist travel pass for Madrid is loaded onto a red plastic card called the Multi Card. You simply top up the card with a tourist travel pass choosing how many days you want the pass for. This is all done at any Madrid metro station at the machines. Check out our chapter called “ Madrid Tourist Travel Pass ” for more information on how to get a tourist travel pass for Madrid.

Getting around in Madrid by public transport is easy and quick. In general, the Madrid metro and the Madrid bus services are the best way to get around Madrid. Check out our chapter called “ Madrid Transport Options – A Comprehensive Outline ” for a break down on all transport types available in Madrid.

The cost to ride the metro in Madrid depends on which ticket you use and where you go. Single rides can start from 1,5€ and monthly passes can start between 20€ (abono joven) to 55€ (Zone A, normal tariff). Check out chapter “ Ticket Options & Prices ” for a full breakdown of all costs related to public transport in Madrid.

The Madrid metro does go to the airport, but you need to pay an additional supplement of 3€ in addition to the metro pass ticket. Simply visit any ticket machine at any metro stop to find out how the supplement works.

There are several options to travel from the Madrid airport to the city. You can take the Madrid metro, the bus shuttle, a taxi or a car service. Check out our article called Madrid Airport Transportation for all the details plus some amazing discounts!

Typically, the metro runs from 06:00 – 01:30 with trains arriving every 2-15 minutes. Frequency is dictated by the city’s rush hours. At night you have the Madrid night buses, also known as Búhos, that run in and around Madrid (27 different routes). All routes start and end at the central Plaza de Cibeles. You can find the night bus schedule at bus stops in the city. For a night bus map click here .

To pay for the metro in Madrid you must have either your personal transport card or the Multi Card. You either top up your monthly subscription or you top up your single ride/10 rides to your card at the machines in any metro station. You can pay with cash or card.

If you lost your Madrid metro card you can print a replacement for 6€ at any of the major Metro stations in Madrid – Sol, Plaza de Castilla, Moncloa, etc. You do not need an appointment (cita previa), you can simply go there and get your metro card replaced.

There is no student metro card in Madrid nor a special price for students. Madrid sets its prices based on age groups. Those under the age of 26 only pay 20€ per month for their monthly transport plan (abono joven). It includes all zones. Those older than 26 will need to buy a monthly plan (abono) according to the zones they need to travel. For more info on pricing, please refer to our chapter called “ Monthly Pass – Prices and Where to Buy “.

If you need to rent a car in Madrid then you have several options available. You can either use one of the many carsharing apps to rent an electric car to use within the community of Madrid. Or, you can rent a full sized car from a classic car rental company for a longer period which you can take outside of the city limits. Check out all the options by reading our guide on How to Rent a Car in Madrid .

If you are looking for a more eco-friendly kind of transportation, there are many options for renting bikes, e-bikes and e-Scooters in the city of Madrid. To see all the different companies that are running in Madrid, take a look at our article called Best eScooters, Motor Scooters, Bike Rentals & Segway Rentals in Madrid .

More Articles About Moving to Spain :

The Ultimate Guide to Best Banks for Students & Expats in Spain

The Ultimate Guide to Student Housing in Madrid

Connectivity Mobile – eSIMs and Pay as You Go SIM Cards in Spain

Getting Around Madrid – Your Guide to Madrid’s Public Transport System

Spain Immigration Explained – What documents do you need to study, work or live legally in Spain?

Lycamobile – Best Pay as You Go SIM Card Deals for Spain & Europe

Healthcare in Spain – Your Guide to Safely Navigating the Spanish Healthcare System

Best Health Insurance in Spain for International Students & Expats for 2024

The Cost of Living in Spain – Budgeting for Spain’s Major Cities

Relocate to Madrid with our Support Package

Citylife Housing – The Ultimate Living Experience in the Heart of Madrid!

Moving to Spain Made Easy With our Friends at MTS

Finding the Best SIM Card for your Time in Spain

Your Step by Step Guide to Apply for a NIE or TIE in Madrid 2024

Leah warner.

Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!

12 Comments . Leave new

Hello! I cannot find my Unibersity in the list: Alfonso X el Sabio university (UAX). I cant get a public transport card when I will attend classes at that university?

Hi! If you don’t have a Spanish phone number, does that mean you can’t order a public transport card? Thanks!

Hey there Manon! You do need to have a Spanish phone number in order to order the madrid metro card. But you are more than welcome to use the Citylife office number and address! We will save the card at our office until you are ready to pick it up.

Calle Gran Vía 22 – Duplicado, 2nd Floor, 28013 Madrid, Spain +34 915 296 673

Hi! If my friends and I take the metro using 1 multi card, does it mean we can tap the same card 4x to enter?

Hey there Crystal! You can share the Multi-card as many times as you need.

I charged the card for 10 trips for A zone by mistake, can I change it to compindo zone to include the B1 zone any by the difference in price

How many individuals can use a single multi card. If we have 6 people in our travel party and we’re only in Madrid a few days, can all 6 of us travel using the same card?

Hi there Jarom! Yes! You can share the multicard with several people. You will just need to top it up more often.

Can I go to Toledo with my student pass?

Yes. You can take the ALSA bus for free with public transportation card from the Plaza Eliptica bus station.

I have a problem. The internet page to buy the card has an error. when I type in my credit card name and click “siguiente” nothing happens. The page loads itself again. what can I do?

Hi Sarah! Sometimes the page gets stuck and you need to close it down and start again. Another problem could be that your card is not accepted. Unfortunately I can’t give you further info about the problem unless I see it. Feel free to send an email to [email protected] and we can help you order your transport card.

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Madrid Tourist Travel Pass Information

The Madrid Tourist Travel Pass and it’s benefits.

The Madrid Tourist Travel Pass is a cost effective way to use the Public Transport System. A day travel pass will cost you 8 Euros. Why do I say it is cost effective? If you take into account that a single metro ticket is costing 1 Euro and a metro ticket from the airport costs 2 Euros, then this is an excellent opportunity to save money.

How does the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass work?

The Madrid Tourist travel Pass is valid for all of Madrid’s Bus and metro services, within in the city. Included are the local suburban trains and inner-city light railway. There are two types of travel passes: Zone A and Zone T. Zone A will suffice for Madrid City Center and the Airport and Zone T includes areas outside of Madrid. Zone T is more expensive because it covers a wider area. The Madrid Travel Pass can be purchased for 1 and up to 7 days. Children under 11 years pay half-price. The travel pass can be purchased online and either send to your home or it can be collected at various points throughout the city, including at the airport.

The card comes sealed inside a plastic bag and it includes a detailed map of the Metro, bus and train system. They also include a map with tourist attractions and instructions on how to use the and activate the Travel Pass. Once the card is activated (with your passport number) an expiry date will be printed on the back. The card will be valid until 5am on the day after the expiry date. This is excellent if you want to use the late nocturnal transport service or if you have to travel very early to the airport.

I purchased my Madrid Travel Pass online from Neo Experience and had the option to pay with Paypal, After printing the voucher, I can now present and activate it when we arrive at Madrid airport. Once we are in Madrid, I will write a paragraph or more to explain how the activation worked as well as the ease of having this done at the airport.

Important update to this post.

We arrived early at Barajas Airport in Madrid and found the Neo Experience Stand where we could pick our passes up. We waited there for an hour and inquired at various places when they will open. The website said 7.30. At 8.30 we decided to go to the other office in T2, which was quite a way to get there. We arrived there just before 9 and that was when the offices opened. We waited until they opened.

The procedure to get your pass is simple. When you book your pass online there is a barcode which they need. They also ask for your passport and you get issued with the pass. We didn’t get a map or any other information. This ticket you use for buses, trains and metro. Remember to insert it into the ticket machines whenever you use public transport.

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I have been fortunate to have done quite a bit of travelling. By heart I am an adventurer and I love exploring new places, cultures and food. Travelling can become stressful and expensive. Over the years I have learnt to travel as cost effective as possible, simply by travelling more clever. Nelmitravel.com is a Adventure and Budget Travel site where I review Airlines, Accommodation, Transport, Restaurants and give helpful travel information.

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How to acquire a tourist travel pass in Madrid

First of all, if you're still not familiar with how the Madrid Metro works, you can read this post , and once you've got the basic information clear, we can explain how the tourist travel pass -also known as the "tourist card"- works. This type of travel pass will allow you to use all public transport in the Autonomous Region of Madrid without limits during its validity period, making it extremely cost-effective. 

The tourist pass is valid for a specified number of days from the date you use it for the first time. You can use it for the first time whenever you want, it does not have to be on the day of purchase. It can also be used for night services until 05:00 hours on the last day of validity. There are tourist transport passes for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days.

Which pass should you choose based on your area?

You can choose the pass for two zones: A or T .

If you are going to travel mainly in the city centre, we recommend using the zone A pass, as it includes the following services:

• Madrid Metro in fare zone A (Madrid Capital) including the 3 euro supplement for the T1-T2-T3 Airport Metro station and the T4 Airport station.
• All EMT blue city bus lines (except the yellow buses covering the 24-hour Airport Express line).
• Zones 0 and A of the Renfe Madrid suburban train network.
• The Light Railway ML1.

However, if you also want to enjoy areas around Madrid, the best option is the T zone pass, with which you can travel in the following areas:

• All Metro zones (fare zones A, B1, B2 and B3).
• All EMT blue urban bus lines (zone A) and intercity green bus lines in the Autonomous Region of Madrid (except the Airport Express) including services to Guadalajara and Toledo. It covers the 8 fare zones (6 in the Autonomous Region of Madrid and 2 in Castilla-La Mancha) and the entire geographical range of Travel Passes, from zone A to zone E2.
• The entire Renfe suburban network in Madrid, including services to Guadalajara on the C-2 suburban line.
• Light Railway lines ML2 and ML3 and the Parla Tramway line ML4.

How and where to buy the tourist travel pass?

You will have to upload it to your Tarjeta Multi card (free if you do it for the first time). You can acquire the card and upload the tourist travel pass at all Metro stations, at the Airport T4 suburban train station, at the headquarters of the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium, at tobacconists and other authorised points of sale, and at Light Railway stations. 

Depending on the number of days covered by the travel pass and the zones, prices range from 8 to 70 euros. You can check the exact fares on the official Madrid Transport Consortium website , where you can also find information on discounts and special fares for children.  

Finally, remember that at Gran View Apartments, we will be happy to help you if you have any other questions about Madrid, while you enjoy our fully equipped apartments in the heart of the city, as well as our facilities: gym, sauna, terrace, pool, rooftop bar and much more.

Madrid subway: guide to navigate the Metro

For price and convenience, the Madrid subway – also called Metro, can’t be beat. It has some 300+ stations throughout the city, so chances are there is a Metro station near where you want to go.

The best and easiest way to use the Metro is with the help of a map .

The Madrid subway is a fast, affordable way to get around the city, but it’s also one that has its own etiquette and set of rules. I suggest you to have a look at some tips for riding the Metro Madrid .

You will be traveling around like a local in no time!

Table of Contents

Madrid subway has 12 lines

Madrid has 12 subway lines. A number and a color identify each one. The large majority of the lines cross the city center and most of them are intertwined, allowing you to arrange endless combinations.

The Metro lines are:

• 1 (light blue). Pinar de Chamartín – Valdecarros
• 2 (red). Las Rosas – Cuatro Caminos
• 3 (yellow). Villaverde Alto – Moncloa
• 4 (brown). Argüelles – Pinar de Chamartín
• 5 (light green). Alameda de Osuna – Casa de Campo
• 6 (grey). Círcular
• 7 (orange). Hospital del Henares – Pitis
• 8 (pink). Nuevos Ministerios – Aeropuerto T4
• 9 (purple). Mirasierra – Arganda del Rey
• 10 (dark blue). Hospital Infanta Sofía – Puerta del Sur
• 11 (dark green). Plaza Elíptica – La Fortuna
• 12 (khaki). MetroSur

There is an additional short line, called Ramal, linking Opéra and Príncipe Pío.

Line 8 (pink) connects the city center with Madrid airport . Here you have all the details:

• How to exit the airport
• How to reach Barajas airport from the Madrid’s city center

Apart from the subway, certain suburbs are connected to Madrid city center by Metro Ligero. The Metro Ligero de Madrid is a light rail tram system that has 3 lines with 38 stations.

The Metro Ligero lines are:

• ML1 (light blue). Pinar de Chamartín – Las Tablas
• ML2 (purple). Colonia Jardín – Estación de Aravaca
• ML3 (red). Colonia Jardín – Puerta de Boadilla

Check all the information related to the Metro Ligero, in case you need to use it.

Madrid subway operating times and trips

Metro stations are indicated by a red, blue and white sign.

The trains run from 6:00 to 1:30 all year round. This is valid except for the Pitis station (line 7, orange), the section between Puerta de Arganda-Arganda del Rey and accesses with special opening hours. Have a look at the timetables if you need to use it early in the morning.

As a general guide the trains arrive every 2 to 4 minutes during working hours. At weekends and in the evening they are less frequent, and you may have to wait up to 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the time.

On most journeys, you will have to change lines at least once. Even if you have to change twice, trains arrive and depart so frequently, and operate so fast, that this shouldn’t be a problem. Nevertheless, the walk between lines can be long (up to 15 minutes), particularly in some large stations such as Sol, Nuevos Ministerios or Avenida de América .

Madrid subway tickets

There are different types of Metro tickets. You can have a look at all of them, including the updated prices at the Metro de Madrid tickets page .

Always validate your Multi Card or Tourist Travel Pass. You can get a fine of 80€ for being caught without a ticket.

Here is what I consider the most interesting possibilities for someone like you, visiting Madrid for a few days.

1. Multi Tarjeta (Multi Card)

The Madrid Multi Card . The Madrid Multi Card is not personal, so anyone can use it. If you are traveling in a group all of you can use the same Multi Card until you have no credit on it.

• A Billete sencillo (Single ticket) is valid for one trip in any bus, except the Airport Express one. You can only purchase them on board.
• The Metrobús is valid for 10 trips in the whole EMT network ( bus ), as well as in the subway network ( Metro ) and the tram Metro Ligero ML1.

2. Madrid Tourist Travel Pass

Another option is to buy a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass (Tourist Ticket or Billete Turístico ), which allows you unlimited travel on all forms of public transport ( subway , light rail, buses and trains ) within Madrid and its region ( comunidad autónoma ). The pass is available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days, and it is personal and non transferable.

This should be your choice if you intend to use the Metro (and the bus) massively, which is rather probable. It’s also a best seller for day trips to Toledo, Aranjuez, Alcalá de Henares and El Escorial.

How to go to or from Madrid Airport by Metro

The Madrid subway one of the many alternatives you can use to reach or exit the Madrid Airport .

You have two complete tutorials on the subject that will guide you step by step:

• Going to Barajas airport by subway
• Getting to Madrid from the airport using the subway

2024 solar eclipse map: Where to see the eclipse on April 8

These 2024 solar eclipse maps will help you make the best decision about where and how to watch the total solar eclipse on Monday (April 8).

It's finally here: Today, (April 8) a total solar eclipse will pass across the skies North America, giving more than 33 million people living in 15 U.S. states a rare view of the totally-obstructed sun, and — weather permitting — a taste of some seriously strange eclipse phenomena .

If you’re wondering where the total and partial phases of the eclipse will be visible, the good news is that almost everyone in the contiguous U.S. will be able to see the celestial spectacle to some extent. But for a more detailed view of the eclipse’s path, take a look at these handy eclipse maps, courtesy of GreatAmericanEclipse.com. 

Solar eclipse 2024 path of totality map

Totality is the moment that every eclipse-chaser lives for: The moment when the moon completely covers the sun’s face, resulting in a brief but eerie darkness in the daytime. The path of totality , shown in the map above, is the path of the moon’s shadow across Earth’s surface. 

On Monday (April 8), totality will begin in Sinaloa, Mexico, then move northeast up to Texas, ultimately crossing 15 states before moving on to Canada. The states where totality will be visible are: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine — although Tennessee and Michigan will only be glanced by the moon's shadow.

Related: April 8 solar eclipse: What time does totality start in every state?

Viewers MUST be within the path of totality to witness the total phase of the eclipse; if you are off the path by even a mile, you will only see a partial eclipse, and miss out on the spooky daytime darkness. Furthermore, the closer you are to the center of the path of totality, the longer totality will last for you — up to a maximum duration of 4 minutes, 27 seconds in Torreón, Mexico.

Note: Totality is the ONLY TIME when it is safe to view the sun without protective eyewear like certified solar eclipse glasses . You must protect your eyes during the entire partial phase of the eclipse, no matter where you are.

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Solar eclipse 2024 partial eclipse map

If you live in the U.S. and can’t make it to the path of totality, a partial eclipse still awaits you on April 8. The entire contiguous U.S. will have some view of the partial eclipse, ranging from 99% coverage of the sun just off the path of totality to about 15% coverage far to the northwest of the path.

The map above shows how much of the sun’s disk will be blocked from your location. Watching the partial phases of the eclipse — which last about an hour and 20 minutes before and after totality — means wearing protective eyewear at all times. Failure to do so could result in permanent eye damage, according to NASA .

If you want to experience the celestial spectacle but don’t have a pair of eclipse glasses handy, there are many other ways to safely enjoy the partial eclipse . These include making a homemade pinhole projector , using a pasta strainer to project the shadow of the moon onto the ground or watching one of the various eclipse live streams available.

2024 eclipse travel maps

If you want to see totality but don’t live within the path, driving or taking public transit to a city within the path may be possible. The map above shows how far the drive is to the path of totality, based on where you’re coming from. Meanwhile, the map below shows the most populated cities within the path of totality — many of which are expected to be flooded with millions of eclipse tourists on April 8.

The biggest cities within the path of totality include: San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth in Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Hamilton and Montreal in Canada; and Torreón and Mazatlan in Mexico.

Wherever you are on April 8, we wish you clear skies and protected eyes during this rare, wondrous eclipse over North America.

Brandon is the space/physics editor at Live Science. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, CBS.com, the Richard Dawkins Foundation website and other outlets. He holds a bachelor's degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona, with minors in journalism and media arts. He enjoys writing most about space, geoscience and the mysteries of the universe.

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