Madrid Transportation
Find all the official information about how to move around Madrid at the Ayuntamiento de Madrid website.
Madrid Public Transport
Madrid is a sprawling modern metropolis, and while it may seem overwhelming to navigate, it has various well-developed options to make sure you get to your destination.
Public Transport Card (PTC)
For moving around in the city you are going to need a public transport card. They are red plastic cards that you scan to validify your trip. There are two types:
“30-Day Pass”, also known as an abono, which allows unlimited use (for 30 days) of public transportation in Madrid (metro, bus, and the Cercanías train system). This card has your picture on it and cannot be used by anyone but you! You can get fined if someone else gets caught using your card. The great thing about this option is how affordable it is if you are under 26, you only have to pay 20 euros a month (this is called the “abono joven”)!
A multi card is the option people use when they are visiting or if they don’t use public transport very often. At the metro station you select this option. You pay 3 euros for the plastic card itself and then you can recharge it with trips. Each Single 1 trip ticket costs 1,50€ – 2€ (depending on the length of the journey*). A standard Metro combination pass offers 10 rides on the metro/buses for 12,20€. These cards are not specific to an individual.
Metro 
Opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 1:30 a.m.
Madrid has one of the largest and most efficient metro systems in the world. It is made up of different color lines that are divided into zones depending on how far away from the city center they are. Don’t worry, the under 26 abono card includes all the zones unlimitedly.
Cercanías (Renfe)
Opens at 5:00 a.m. and closes at 12:00 a.m.
The Cercanías suburban trains are cheap and fast, making them the best option for getting to and from towns near the capital. They are also available at some metro stations making it easier to go further in the city faster.
Trains normally pass by every 10 to 30 minutes.
Cost: The price varies according to the distance covered. The trains are included in the Abono Joven (under 26) with no extra charge. You can buy a single ticket or a bonotren with ten trips. These are the fares, based on the zones. One-way tickets are valid for one journey during two hours following issue; the 10 journey pass are valid for a month.
Renfe & Ave
It is important to note that Renfe Ave and the city trains are not the same. If you plan on going to another city, Valencia for example, that train ticket will not be included in the Abono Joven and that will be a seperate cost.
Buses
Opens at 6:00 a.m. and stops at 11:30 p.m.
Daytime lines span the entire city of Madrid, so it is best for students to get to know the buses particular to the areas they will be living, studying, and possibly working in.
Cost: One ride is 1,50€, or you can use your combination 10-ride pass. Included in the Abono Joven.
Night Buses
Opens at 11:45pm. and stops at 5 a.m.
The night buses are also known as the búhos, the owls. They run when the metro is closed. There are less stops and it does not come quite as frequently as the day buses, but they are a cheap option to get home compared to a taxi.
Cost: Generally one ride is 1,50 to 2 euros if you are going somewhere within the city. Also included in the Abono Joven.
Other forms of transport
Taxis or hired car companies
- Uber
- Cabify
- FreeNow
- myTaxi
Electric Bikes
You can also rent the electric bikes for the city stations called BiciMadrid. They are very affordable but they are not included with the public transportation cards.
If you have any questions about the best forms of transportation feel free to stop by the office and ask us. Some great apps we recommend are GoogleMaps and Citymapper. Happy transporting!