What is the best way to get around the city? For me the metro! Tips and info for getting around by metro in Madrid!
As in any big city, you can choose to move and see it in different ways: on foot, by metro, by bus, by tourist buses, by private driver, by taxi.
I like to use public transport and usually I have a daily or multi-day pass, depending on the type of trip.
I prefer the season ticket so as not to have “hesitation” to use the vehicle too much, even for just 1 stop. At the end of the day, after I have been out and about all day, to do 500 meters with the means without killing yourself, is important for me. These are those “little luxuries” that I absolutely allow myself on every trip.
In Madrid I decided to use the metro, so I explored the various options.
Getting around by metro in Madrid
Madrid Metro Map: click here to download. The metro lines are 12, each one with its own color.
Le zone della metro di Madrid
The important thing you need to know is that the metro is divided into 4 zones:
- zone A
- zone B1
- zone B2
- zone B3
If you want to visit the city center, tickets and passes for zone A are sufficient.
Attention: if you want to get from the airport to Madrid city center by metro, the ticket costs you € 5. Read here for more information.
The costs of the Madrid metro
Some costs (referring only to Zone A):
- Single ride ticket -> € 1,50 (up to a maximum of € 2.00 depending on the number of stops)
- 1-day Zone A Tourist Ticket -> € 8,40
- 2-day Zone A Tourist Ticket -> € 14,20
- 3-day Zone A Tourist Ticket -> € 18,40
- 4-day Zone A Tourist Ticket -> € 22,60
- 5-day Zone A Tourist Ticket -> € 26,80
- 7-day Zone A Tourist ticket -> € 35,40
Children under 11 have a 50% discount.
The savings are considerable, especially by increasing the days of the subscription. But also for 1 single day: if you want to move quickly around the city and plan to take the metro at least 5 times, it is definitely worth doing it.
This type of subscription is made directly to the ticket machines on the subway, just select Abono Turistico.
It must be passed every time you pass the turnstiles: be careful not to lose it!
The first date and time of use of the pass is written on the ticket, while the expiry date (and therefore the validity) of the pass is shown on the back.
Various tips
I also suggest you download the official App of the Madrid Metro: I used it and I was very happy with it. You must (of course) have a data connection on your smartphone, but using it you avoid getting lost looking on the map for the right stop or direction!
To better organize your trip to Madrid, buy the Tourist Card Madrid City Pass which will entitle you to:
-
Skip-the-line entrance ticket for the Real Madrid stadium tour
-
Skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Prado Museum
-
Round trip transfer from the airport to your accommodation
- Ticket for the Hop On – Hop Off Tourist Bus valid 24 hours
- 20% discount on countless Madrid attractions
Recommended guide
Going to Madrid? Don’t miss this guide!
- Francesca Serena Nuzzaco
- Formato Kindle
- Italiano
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