What's the best way to get around Madrid? Can the city be explored on foot or by bicycle?

Madrid is a city best explored on foot, with its lively streets and squares inviting you to wander at your own pace. The city’s layout—wide avenues, pedestrian areas and thoroughfares linking it most iconic neighbourhoods—encourages you to take to the streets and soak up its atmosphere, architecture and infectious energy.

Madrid’s city centre—from Puerta de Alcalá to the Royal Palace, as well as Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor and El Retiro Park—can easily be explored without needing any other form of transport.

The city offers plenty of ways to get around to suit every visitor: unique walking routes, modern and efficient public transport and sustainable options like cycling.

Madrid stands out as one of Europe’s most accessible, comfortable and forward-thinking cities for zero-emission travel, where getting around car-free isn’t just easy—it’s the best way to enjoy the city.

The centre of Madrid features wide pedestrian thoroughfares that connect neighbourhoods and landmarks, like Gran Vía, Calle de Alcalá or the route from Plaza de España to Temple of Debod, making it comfortable and safe to get around on foot.

With over 55% of its streets lined with trees and nearly 300,000 trees in total, the capital is one of the greenest cities in the world. It boasts more than 200 parks and gardens, including El Retiro and Casa de Campo Park, which are perfect for taking a stroll or enjoying nature without leaving the heart of the city.

Madrid's walkability has earned it international recognition: according to GuruWalk's Top Best Walking Cities 2025, Madrid is ranked third worldwide for its combination of art, history and street life. Walking along Paseo del Prado, visiting the Prado and Reina Sofía museums or wandering around Malasaña or the Literary Quarter are some of the best ways to experience the true essence of the city.

For longer trips, Madrid offers a modern, efficient and sustainable public transport network that includes the Metro, local buses, Cercanías suburban trains, taxis and ride-hailing services.

The Madrid Metro, one of the largest networks in Europe, connects almost every point of the capital and reaches Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in less than 20 minutes. The EMT local bus network (link to: https://www.emtmadrid.es/ ) covers the entire city, with both daytime and night (búhos) services.

The tourist buses are another great option for those visiting Madrid for the first time. These accessible, low-emission vehicles offer a variety of routes that take visitors past the main attractions, with buses arriving approximately every 15 minutes. Audio guides are available in several languages and visitors can hop on and off at any stop.

For unlimited and convenient travel around the city, visitors can purchase the Tourist Travel Pass (Zone A) or Madrid City Card, which includes unlimited travel on public transport, as well as discounts and benefits at museums, attractions and cultural activities.

Madrid is fully committed to sustainable mobility, evident in its extensive bike lane network and low-speed zones, as well as the public electric bike scheme BiciMAD, which offers 7,500 bicycles across 611 stations throughout the capital.

Public transport remains the best choice—efficient, widespread and low-emission. If you prefer to drive, make sure to check the Urban Mobility regulations, the anti-pollution protocol and the access restrictions in the Low Emission Zone, where the speed limit on many roads is 30 km/h.