Madrid Metro Guide

About The Metro

madrid metro guide about the metro
The Madrid Metro consists of 13 lines servicing 301 stations run through 6 different city zones.  It operates between 6am and 1:30am every day of the week, including weekends.

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Tickets And Passes

madrid metro guide tickets and passes
You are required to have a ticket on you at all times while on the Metro.  Not only are there ticket checks that will incur an €80 penalty if you fail to produce a ticket, but you'll also need a ticket to exit the station at the end of your trip.

1) Fares

You are required to have a ticket on you at all times while on the Metro.  Not only are there ticket checks that will incur an €80 penalty if you fail to produce a ticket, but you'll also need a ticket to exit the station at the end of your trip.

2) Tourist Card

You can purchase a Billete Turístico for either 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days ranging in price from €8.40 to €35.40.  The card can be used on all public transport within the Metro de Madrid system.

Where To Buy Tickets

madrid metro guide where to buy tickets
Tickets for the Metro de Madrid can be bought at ticket machines located at the entrance of all metro stations.
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Trip Planning

madrid metro guide trip planning
If you've never traveled on a foreign metro system, even a smaller one like the one in Rome, it can be a bit daunting at first.  Just take a moment to relax and gather your bearings.  Before you know it you'll be navigating the metro system like a pro!

Before you're off to somewhere, take some time to plan out your route.  Figure out which line or lines you'll need to go on and which stations you need to transfer at in order to get to your final destination.  Also, figure out which exit you'll be leaving that station out of as some stations have many exits.

Travel Tip
As with other major cities, pickpockets love working the metro.  Overcrowded stations and train cars give them ample opportunity to work their craft.  Just remember to be smart and protect yourself.

Navigating The Metro

madrid metro guide navigating the metro

1) At the station

You'll find all signage, including the self service machines, is in both Spanish and English and the directional arrows to the different metro lines are all color coded so don't worry about a language barrier.
Insert your ticket into the turnstile to gain access into the station.  Don't forget to take the ticket back as you'll need it to exit again.

2) Find your train

To find your train line just follow the colored directional arrows and signs.  As each line has trains going in two different directions, check the directional map on the wall to make sure you're heading the right way.

3) Exiting the station

Once you've arrived at your final destination, find your desired exit and insert your ticket into the turnstile to leave the station.

Transferring Lines

madrid metro guide transferring lines
Most trips will involve transferring from one line to another.  When you get off at your transfer station, follow the colored directional signage leading you to your next line.  Again, make sure you’re going in the right direction and off you go.
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