Please keep in mind that when travelling by Metro you must wear a face mask at all times and maintain social distancing where possible.
You can read more about the safety and hygiene measures adopted by Metro here.
The Metro is the fastest, most efficient and reliable way of getting around Madrid. It is one of the largest metropolitan networks in Europe, connecting the entire city and a large part of the suburbs. Undoubtedly the most practical and economical option to move from the airport to the center and vice versa.
Boasting over 300 stations, the Madrid Metro currently comprises twelve metro lines, three Metro ligero tram lines and a special Ramal line connecting Ópera and Principe Pío stations. Particularly useful for people visiting Madrid is Line 8 which goes from Nuevos Ministerios in the centre to Adolfo-Suárez Madrid Barajas Airport (20 mins to T4 and just 12 mins to T1, T2 and T3). It also goes to the capital’s trade fair centre Feria de Madrid.
The Metro runs from 6am to 1.30am, with trains departing every 2 minutes in the morning rush hour and every 15 minutes in the early hours (after midnight). At weekends, trains are less frequent during the day. Pitis station (Line 7) and stations between Puerta de Arganda and Arganda del Rey station have different opening hours to the rest of the network. When lines suffer closures due to engineering works, alternative bus services are usually availabe at no extra cost.
Maps
Download the Metro map (1.7MB)
Download the Tourist Metro map (2.3MB)
Planned closures
From 12 February to 30 May, trains on Line 8 (pink line) will not be running between Colombia and Mar de Cristal. There will, however, be free buses covering the affected stretch for Metro users. More info
Tickets
All pay-per-ride tickets must be loaded onto the Tarjeta Multi, a contactless, transferable plastic smartcard that is valid for up to 10 years.
You can purchase it for 2.50€ at all Metro and Metro ligero stations from ticket machines that have a red sticker saying Tarjeta MULTI Disponible AQUÍ, as well as from Estancos (tobacco shops) and other authorized retailers. It is free if you purchase the 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day Tourist Travel Pass, and once the pass expires, you can top up the smartcard with pay-per-ride tickets (single or 10-ride tickets).
Fares
The current fares are as follows:
SINGLE TICKET
10-TRIP TICKET
TICKETS TO/FROM THE AIRPORT
(*) Journeys of up to 5 stations: 1.50 €.
Journeys between 6 and 9 stations: extra 0.10 € per station.
Journeys of 10 stations or more: 2.00 €.
When you purchase your single ticket from the ticket machine, simply select your destination and it will automatically calculate the shortest route.
For fairs that apply to less commonly used tickets (such as those for Metro ligero or Metro lines that go to the suburbs), check out this section on Metro's website.
Accessibility
Many of Metro's stations, especially the busier ones, have one or more lifts. The official Metro map clearly marks which stations are accessible.
Useful tips and information
Travelling around the Comunidad de Madrid
If you wish to travel to towns in the Region of Madrid you can do so by Cercanías. This Renfe service has nine train lines that leave or pass through Atocha station and go to towns and villages in the region, including World Heritage sites such as Alcalá de Henares, the Monastery of El Escorial and Aranjuez. It also stops at T4 of Adolfo Suárez-Madrid Barajas Airport.
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 an eco-friendly way and stay fit at the same time. You don’t need to bring your own bike!