It’s clean, efficient, affordable… and far less complicated than it first appears. But here’s the key thing most visitors don’t realise straight away:
You probably won’t need it as much as you think.
First things first… walk when you can
Madrid is an incredibly walkable city.
If you’re staying in the centre, you can reach most places on foot, often quicker, and definitely in a way that lets you actually experience the city properly.
So our first recommendation is simple. Walk when it makes sense. Then use public transport to fill in the gaps.
The one ticket most people actually need
If you are using public transport, don’t overcomplicate it.
There are lots of ticket options, including tourist passes that sound tempting, but for most visitors staying in central Madrid, they’re unnecessary.
What we recommend, almost every time, is this:
The 10-journey Metrobus ticket
It works on both metro and buses across the city centre, and it’s flexible enough to share between people.
Here’s how it breaks down:
- You’ll need a Multitarjeta (contactless travel card), €2.50
- Then you load a 10-journey ticket, €7.30 (2026 price)
That’s usually all you need for getting around.
And yes, you can use the same card for multiple people, just pass it back after each person goes through.
A couple of important extras
- Children under 4 travel free
- If you’re going to or from the airport, there’s a €3 supplement (only valid day of purchase)
- You must carry your card at all times, inspections do happen
How to buy it (it’s easier than it sounds)
- You’ll find machines in every metro station.
- First, buy the Multitarjeta, then load the 10-journey ticket onto it.
- You can pay by cash or card, but card is usually quicker and easier.
- If you get stuck, larger stations often have staff nearby, though English can vary.
Using the metro and buses
It’s very straightforward once you’ve done it once.
- Scan your card at the turnstile when entering the metro, or when boarding a bus
- The screen will show how many journeys you have left
- There’s no need to scan again when leaving the metro
That’s it.
What about safety?
Madrid’s metro is generally very safe, even at night.
Just stay aware of your surroundings, especially on busy lines or routes to and from the airport, where pickpocketing can occasionally happen.
One thing to keep in mind at night
The metro runs from 6am to 2am, but the last trains leave their starting stations around 1:33am. Late at night, trains are less frequent, roughly every 20 minutes.
If you need to change lines and your timing is unlucky, your journey can suddenly feel much longer. Because of that, we often recommend a taxi later in the evening.
They’re not expensive in Madrid, and after a long day (or night), the convenience is worth it.
So, what do we recommend?
Keep it simple. Walk as much as you can. Pick up a 10-journey ticket for everything else. And don’t be afraid to jump in a taxi when it makes life easier.
Madrid is a city to be enjoyed, not navigated like a puzzle.