Getting around Madrid by Train

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Please note: Trains will once again start running between Madrid-Chamartín Clara Campoamor and Nuevos Ministerios stations (via Sol) on 23 December 2023.


This Renfe service consists of 9 train lines running in the Region of Madrid. They all depart from or stop at Atocha train station. In some zones, you can use the same ticket as for the metro and buses.

The Cercanías suburban service lines currently run the following routes:

  • C-1: Príncipe Pío - Atocha - Recoletos - Aeropuerto T4
  • C-2: Guadalajara - Alcalá de Henares - Atocha - Chamartín
  • C-3: Aranjuez - Atocha - Sol - Chamartín - El Escorial
  • C-4: Parla – Atocha - Sol - Chamartín – Cantoblanco
  • C-4a: Parla - Atocha - Chamartín - Cantoblanco - Alcobendas - San Sebastián de los Reyes
  • C-4b: Parla - Atocha - Chamartín - Cantoblanco - Colmenar Viejo
  • C-5: Móstoles El Soto - Atocha - Fuenlabrada - Humanes
  • C-7: Alcalá de Henares - Atocha - Chamartín - Príncipe Pío - Atocha - Chamartín - Fuente de la Mora
  • C-8: Atocha - Chamartín - Villaba - Cercedilla
  • C-9: Cercedilla - Cotos
  • C-10: Villalba - Príncipe Pío - Atocha - Chamartín - Fuente de la Mora

The Cercanías suburban trains are cheap and fast, making them the best option for getting to and from towns and villages in the Region of Madrid. In fact, they are ideal for going on daytrips to the outskirts of the city, to the Guadarrama Mountains and to nearby UNESCO Heritage Sites such as Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and El Escorial. You can also use Cercanías trains within the city, travelling for example between Madrid - Chamartín - Clara Campoamor Station and Atocha stations, which is much faster than by Metro.

Bicycles and pets

You are allowed to travel with bicycles on all Cercanías trains and between all stations. The only exception is line C-9 (Cotos-Cercedilla) where you can only embark on a train with a bike at Cotos or Cercedilla (not Puerta de Navacerrada). Bikes are not allowed on this line at weekends or during the winter season.

You may travel with guide dogs and small pets on all trains provided you follow the rules.

Times and prices

Trains start running every day between 5am and 6am and stop at around midnight. They normally run every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the line. The price varies according to the distance travelled. You can buy a single ticket or a bonotren, which is valid for ten journeys. The following fares apply according to the zones:
 

ZONE

SINGLE TICKET

BONOTREN

1/2

1.70 €

10.00 €

3

1.85 €

13.70 €

4

2.60 €

18.55 €

5

3.40 €

24.30 €

6

4.05 €

28.55 €

7

5.50 €

38.45 €

Green Zone*

8.70 €

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*Green Zone: A flat rate of 8.70 € for a single journey and 17.40 € return is established from any zone on the Cercanías network on the C-9 line.

Children under 6 travel free provided they do not occupy a seat. Discounts are also available for children under 12, groups and large families on presentation of proof of large family.

You can also get a +Renfe & Tú Contactless Card. As a contactless card, you just have to place it close to the access control reader to open the gates. Saving you time and effort when you travel, it's reusable, rechargeable and has no expiry date. 


*View T&Cs for free tickets valid on Cercanías and Media Distancia trains, and half price tickets on Alta Velocidad de Media Distancia trains


Wi-Fi

The stations of Nuevos Ministerios, Sol, Méndez Álvaro, Príncipe Pío, Atocha Cercanías and Getafe Centro offer free Wi-Fi and access (by first downloading an app) to the PlayRenfe platform, which provides the Agencia EFE newsfeed, specific services for each station, RenfeViajes leisure options, short films, film trailers, books and games. The initiative is part of the Local Trains Overall Improvement Plan and users can stay connected for a maximum of 30 minutes.

Leisure

In addition to services provided by Renfe, travellers can also enjoy special offers aimed at promoting culture and entertainment in the Autonomous Region of Madrid. For more information on Knowledge Trains, Culture Trains, Fun Trains and Special Trains, visit the Renfe official website.

Further information:

 


Discover other means of transport for getting around the city!


 

Getting around

Get around the city easily, quickly and economically with our tourist travel card which gives unlimited use of all public transport.

Explore the city in a healthy, sustainable way. Through the Madrid 360 initiative, the city reaffirms its commitment to sustainability and improving environmental protection.

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