Quick Facts
- Opened
- 17 October 1919
- Operator
- Metro de Madrid
- Stations
- 302
- Lines
- 13 (Lines 1–12 + Line R)
- Daily riders
- ~2.0 million
- Network
- 294 km
- Zones
- A (centre) to E (outer suburbs)
- Payment
- Multi card (rechargeable), single trip
The Madrid Metro is one of Europe's most extensive and well-connected metro systems. Opened on 17 October 1919, it operates 302 stations across 13 lines and 294 km of track, making it the second largest metro network in Western Europe after London.
The metro is operated by Metro de Madrid and is fully integrated with the Madrid commuter rail (Cercanías), EMT buses, and suburban bus services under the Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid (CRTM). The system uses a zone-based fare structure with Zones A through E, and the city centre (Zone A) covers all 13 metro lines in central Madrid.
Madrid's Metro stands out for its speed and frequency, trains run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours on central lines, and the network connects all major neighbourhoods, tourist areas, and transport hubs. Line 8 provides a direct connection from Nuevos Ministerios in the city centre to Barajas Airport Terminals 1-2-3 and Terminal 4 in under 30 minutes.
The ticketing system uses the Multi card, a rechargeable contactless smart card that works on metro, EMT buses, and Cercanías. Every ticket, even a single journey, is loaded onto the Multi card, a reusable €2.50 card. The 10-trip ticket (Metrobús) for Zone A has a standard price of €12.20 and has been sold at a 50% discount under the public transport discount schemes running since 2023, so check the price shown at the machine. Single tickets cost €1.50 to €2.00 depending on the number of stations.
The Airport Supplement (Suplemento Aeropuerto) of €3.00 applies to all journeys to/from Barajas Airport terminals, on top of the standard zone fare. This is unique to the airport section of Line 8.
Madrid's historic Gran Vía station (Line 1 and Line 5) is one of the most beautiful in the system, and Sol station is the busiest interchange, connecting Lines 1, 2, and 3 at the very heart of the city near Puerta del Sol.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Multi card (holds single, 10-trip and Tourist Pass tickets) · Contactless bank card or phone (single fares) · Tourist Travel Pass · Monthly Abono Transporte (residents).
💡 Load a 10-trip ticket onto a Multi card. It works on the metro and EMT city buses, can be shared by people travelling together, and costs far less per ride than single tickets. The Multi card itself costs €2.50 and is reusable.
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge, flat zone-based fares at all times. Airport supplement €3.00 applies on top of zone fare for Line 8 airport section..
Madrid Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Madrid Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Multi card (holds single, 10-trip and Tourist Pass tickets), Contactless bank card or phone (single fares), Tourist Travel Pass, Monthly Abono Transporte (residents).
💡 Load a 10-trip ticket onto a Multi card. It works on the metro and EMT city buses, can be shared by people travelling together, and costs far less per ride than single tickets. The Multi card itself costs €2.50 and is reusable.
| Journey | Off-Peak (EUR) | Peak (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Zone A single (1–5 stops) | €1.50 | €1.50 |
| Zone A single (6+ stops) | €2.00 | €2.00 |
| 10-trip Metrobús (Zone A, standard price) | €12.20 | €12.20 |
| Airport supplement (Line 8) | €3.00 | €3.00 |
| Tourist Pass 1-day (Zone A) | €8.40 | €8.40 |
| Tourist Pass 3-day (Zone A) | €18.40 | €18.40 |
| Tourist Pass 7-day (Zone A) | €35.40 | €35.40 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Multi card and do I need one?
The Multi card (€2.50) is the reusable contactless card that holds every Madrid public transport ticket: single journeys, 10-trip tickets and the Tourist Travel Pass. Paper tickets are no longer sold, so you need a Multi card unless you pay single fares with a contactless bank card.
How do I get from Barajas Airport to Madrid centre?
Take Line 8 directly from Terminal 1-2-3 or Terminal 4 to Nuevos Ministerios in about 20–25 minutes. Cost is zone fare (€1.50–€2.00) plus €3.00 airport supplement, roughly €4.50–€5.00 total. Nuevos Ministerios connects to Lines 6 and 10 for onward travel.
What is the Airport Supplement?
A €3.00 surcharge applies on top of the standard zone fare for any journey that uses the airport section of Line 8 (Nuevos Ministerios to Terminal 4). It applies regardless of which direction you are travelling. You pay it every time you use that section.
What is the Tourist Travel Pass (Abono Turístico)?
A pass for 1 to 7 consecutive days (from €8.40 for one day to €35.40 for seven days in Zone A) with unlimited rides on the metro, EMT buses and Cercanías within its zone. Holders do not pay the €3 airport supplement on Line 8.
Does the Madrid Metro run at night?
Yes, special Búho (owl) night buses cover the city from midnight to 6:00. The metro itself runs from about 06:00 until about 01:30 every day. Cercanías night services also run on some lines.
Which is the most useful metro line for tourists?
Line 1 (blue) runs through the city centre and connects Atocha (museums, high-speed trains), Sol (Puerta del Sol, shopping), and the main tourist belt. Line 8 is essential for the airport. Line 6 (grey, circular) is useful for getting between Line hubs without going through Sol.
Is the Madrid Metro accessible?
Madrid Metro has one of the highest accessibility ratings in Europe, nearly all stations have lifts, and newer rolling stock is wheelchair-friendly. The website lists stations with full accessibility. Line 6 was fully renovated and has lifts at every station.
Can I take a bicycle on the Madrid Metro?
Yes, bicycles are allowed on metro outside peak hours (07:00–09:30 and 17:00–20:00 on weekdays). You can take a bike in the last carriage. There is no extra charge. BiciMAD electric bikes share docking stations at many metro stops.
Source: Metro de Madrid and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.