How does the Madrid Metro work?

Madrid Metro is one of the fastest, most efficient and affordable ways to get around the city.

With one of the largest networks in Europe, it reaches practically all of the capital's neighbourhoods and extends to many towns in the metropolitan area. Fast, comfortable and well-signposted, the Metro is the best way to get to the main tourist attractions and connect easily with other forms of transport, including local buses, Cercanías suburban trains and the light rail.

Line 8 (Nuevos Ministerios - Aeropuerto T4) takes you to all Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport terminals in under 20 minutes.

The system currently comprises twelve Metro lines, three light rail lines and a branch line linking the Ópera and Príncipe Pío stations.

They run through the historic centre, popular shopping districts and new urban developments, as well as connecting Madrid with nearby towns such as Getafe, Alcorcón, Fuenlabrada, Leganés and Alcobendas.

The Metro operates daily from 6am to 1.30am, with trains running every 2 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day and day of the week. In the event of maintenance works or disruptions, special replacement bus services are provided at no extra cost to ensure passengers can continue their journeys without interruption.

Madrid Metro is also an accessible and adapted service: many stations have lifts and ramps, and there's a Special Assistance Service for People with Reduced Mobility. Folding bicycles and dogs wearing leads and muzzles are allowed on board trains, except during rush hours.

Alongside the Metro network, the Municipal Transport Network (EMT Madrid) operates an extensive urban bus service that serves almost the entire city. Its bus lines run from 6am to 11.30pm, with a night service known as búhos (owls) running from Plaza de Cibeles throughout the night. The network also includes sustainable, zero-emission routes, such as lines 001 and 002, and the Airport Express, which connects the city centre with Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport in about 40 minutes and operates 24 hours a day. 

To use the Metro, you’ll need a Multicard—a rechargeable, transferable, contactless transport card that's valid for ten years. It costs €2.50 and can be purchased at Metro ticket machines, tobacco shops and other authorised points. You can top it up with a single or a ten-trip ticket at the ticket machines or using the Tarjeta Transporte app on your phone.

You can also travel on the Metro with the Madrid City Card—the official sightseeing pass issued by Madrid City Council. The card includes the Tourist Travel Pass, which not only gives visitors unlimited access to the entire public transport network across the Community of Madrid, but also offers discounts and benefits at museums and cultural activities. The Tourist Travel Pass, which can also be purchased separately, is available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days, and allows unlimited travel by Metro, local buses and Cercanías trains in zone A.