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Public transportation in Madrid: How to get around in 2026
Using the Madrid Metro is the most convenient way to get around the city, though you can also take the bus, a train, get a taxi, or rent an e-bike.
Using public transport is one of the easiest, yet most reliable ways to get around Madrid. Public transport in Madrid consists of the metro, buses, a regional train system, as well as e-bikes and taxis. Whether you want to get to the city center or explore its outer banks, you’ll be able to get anywhere while avoiding the stress of driving in a big city.
To give you the most accurate information possible, we talked to Ana Fernández, a Madrid native and SEO specialist here at Holafly.
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How to get to Madrid from the Madrid airport
The Madrid–Barajas Airport is located 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) away from the Madrid city center. That said, airport transfers are often quite expensive, even for a relatively short distance.
The best way to get to the city from the airport is the Madrid Metro. There are two metro stations right by the airport, depending on where you arrive. The Areopuerto T-4 station is located outside Terminal four, while the Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 station can easily be reached from terminals one, two, and three.
From there, you can get right to the city center or switch to a different metro train later on, depending on where you need to go.
Madrid’s public transport types
While Madrid’s public transport system is well-developed and efficient, it’s also dominated by two main transport types: the Madrid Metro and buses. Other options, such as e-bike rentals or taxis, also offer a quick and simple way to move around the city.
Madrid Metro
The Madrid Metro, or Metro de Madrid, is the most popular way to travel around in the city. It consists of 12 regular lanes, 3 Madrid light rail (or Metro Ligero) lanes, and a branch lane. Overall, there are 293 kilometers (182 miles) of tracks and 302 metro stations in Madrid, making it one of the largest metro systems in Europe.
You can get within walking distance of almost any place you need to visit by taking the metro. Simply take a look at the Madrid Metro map, figure out which lane you need and where you might need to make a transfer, and you’ll be there in minutes while avoiding the traffic.
Here’s what Madrid local Ana Fernández had to say about using the metro in the city:
“The metro is the best way to move between locations if you want to go fast. The trains typically run on time, though they can get crowded during rush hours.”
Buses
Taking the bus is another popular way to get around the Spanish capital. The buses run at all times of day, with the main bus routes running from 6 AM to 11:30 PM and night buses running through the night. Typically, the buses run every 5 to 15 minutes during the day, though the wait times can be longer for night buses. The fare stays the same at all times of day.
It’s worth noting that, unlike the metro, buses are affected by traffic, so they can sometimes run late or take longer to arrive at your destination, especially during rush hours.
Ana Fernández had this to say about buses in Madrid:
“If you want to view the city, the buses are perfect, but not as punctual as the metro. The buses can be delayed by traffic, especially between 8 and 9 AM, and 6 and 7 PM.”
Regional train system
If you want to visit the suburbs in the Madrid region, taking the train is one of the best options. All trains depart from the Atocha train station in Madrid, and you can visit popular destinations such as the Guadarrama mountains or multiple UNESCO heritage sites.
You can also use it to move around the city, though the number of stations is much smaller when compared to the metro.
E-bikes and taxis
While not public transport per se, e-bikes and taxis offer an alternative to moving around the city. E-bike or bike rentals are plentiful, with BiciMAD being the most popular rental service in the city.
For taxis, it’s best to use ride-sharing apps like Uber, Cabify, or Bolt. They provide a fixed fee before you even book a ride and are easy to use.
That said, bikes and taxis might not be for everyone. Here’s what Ana Fernández had to add:
“There are public bikes to rent in almost every street, but I wouldn’t recommend taking a bike in the Madrid city centre because the traffic is crazy. For ride-sharing, Uber is the most popular app, but Bolt and Cabify can sometimes offer better rates.”
Tourist travel pass for Madrid
Using a travel pass or a personal public transport card is the most efficient way to use Madrid’s public transportation system. Unlike a Madrid tourist card, these cards are meant only for public transport.
You can either get a travel pass that lasts 1, 3, 5, or 7 days or get a transport card that covers 10 trips during any time period. The travel passes cost from around 10€ to 42€, depending on duration, while the transport card costs 7€ for the rides plus a one-time fee of 2.50€ for the card itself. Airport shuttle rides cost an extra 3€ on top of these fees.
Both passes cover most public transport services, including Madrid Metro, all blue city buses, the light train, and certain commuter trains.
Choosing the pass simply depends on how many days you’ll spend in Madrid and how much you plan to use public transport. Day passes allow unlimited trips, while the transport card allows you to stretch its use over a longer period with fewer trips.
Holafly: Unlimited data to use public transport in Madrid with ease
Navigating Madrid is much easier when you have a reliable mobile connection to back you up. Holafly’s eSIM for Spain offers unlimited data and 24/7 customer support, so you can use ride-sharing apps, e-bike rental apps, or check bus and metro schedules anytime without fear of losing connection.
Prices range from 3.79€ to 1.43€/day, depending on the duration of your trip. You can choose any number of days from 1 to 90 to match your eSIM to your stay and avoid paying for any days. All you need is an active plan and an eSIM-compatible phone.
Need long-term coverage instead? Holafly Plans is a pay-monthly eSIM subscription that offers coverage in 160+ destinations worldwide. Use it to stay connected pretty much anywhere in the world, for as long as you need, and cancel anytime. No long-term contracts needed.
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A senior SEO writer from Lithuania, combining my passion for writing and travel at Holafly. With years of experience in technical fields, I'm here to answer all of your questions about staying connected. I specialize in turning even the most complicated topics into something everyone can understand.
