Getting Started on the Madrid Metro
The Madrid Metro is the fastest and most affordable way to get around Madrid. The network covers 302 stations across 13 lines and 294 km of track, connecting the city's key neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and attractions. Around ~2.0 million journeys are made every day.
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.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the Madrid Multi Card: faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. How the Madrid Multi card works in 2026: where to buy it, which ticket to load (single, 10-trip or Tourist Pass), the airport supplement, sharing rules and when a contactless bank card is enough.
All payment options: 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..
Getting from the Airport to Madrid
Line 8 connects Madrid Barajas Airport directly to the city centre: Nuevos Ministerios in 20 minutes for €4.50–€5.00, with step-by-step guide and journey times. Journey time: ~20 min to Nuevos Ministerios (T1-T2-T3) / ~30 min from T4. Estimated fare: €4.50–€5.00 (zone fare €1.50–€2.00 + €3.00 airport supplement).
Full airport connection guide →
Key Stations
These are the most important and useful stations on the Madrid Metro for visitors:
Lines Overview
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Always tap out: some European metros require you to tap your card at exit as well as entry. Failing to do so results in a maximum fare charge.
- Validate your ticket: in cities like Paris and Madrid, ticket validation at the barrier is mandatory. Keep your ticket until you exit.
- Travel off-peak: 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.. Fares are lower off-peak and trains are less crowded.
- Operating hours: hours vary by city and day. Most European metros run reduced hours on Sundays. Check the operator app or website.
- Multi-trip cards save money: Madrid Multi Card is cheaper than buying single tickets. Recommended for any visit of 2+ days.
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.
Fare Guide
See the full Madrid Metro ticket prices guide for all fares, the Madrid Multi Card discount, and payment options.
Source: Metro de Madrid and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance, so verify with the operator before travel.