Capital city in Community of Madrid, Spain
Getting around Madrid
How to get around Madrid
The Metro and Cercanías commuter trains cover the city for little money; buses and walking fill the gaps. Most central trips are 20–30 minutes.
Ways to get around Madrid
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Metro de Madrid | 1.50–2 EUR per ride; 10-trip ticket about 12 EUR | Runs about 06:00–01:30; tap a Multi card |
| EMT buses | About 1.50–2 EUR | Búhos night buses run when the metro is closed |
| Cercanías trains | Zone fares from about 2 EUR | For Atocha, Chamartín, El Escorial and Aranjuez day trips |
| BiciMAD | About 2 EUR per trip | Public e-bikes; sign up through the app |
Ride-hailing apps in Madrid
A 5 km ride costs about €8–14 ($9.0–15.8).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cabify | Founded in Madrid; strong coverage |
| Uber | Cars and some taxis; reliable at the airport |
| FREENOW | Books licensed taxis; meters apply |
| Bolt | Often cheaper; fewer drivers late at night |
- Official white taxis with a red stripe are metered and easy to hail. Airport to center has a fixed fare; confirm it posted in the cab.
Arriving in Madrid
Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas (MAD)
Metro line 8 about 4.50–5 EUR, 30–40 min to Nuevos Ministerios; Airport Express bus 5 EUR, 40 min to Atocha; taxi flat fare about 33 EUR.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Shared e-scooters exist but rules are strict; the metro is faster and easier than renting your own.
- Driving: on the right. Non-EU visitors may drive six months on their licence; most, including US licence holders, also need an IDP.
- Onward travel in Spain: High-speed trains from Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo link Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Málaga, and competition keeps fares low. ALSA buses reach almost everywhere else.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Madrid?
Yes. Apps that work here: Cabify, Uber, FREENOW, Bolt.
What's the best way to get around Madrid?
The Metro and Cercanías commuter trains cover the city for little money; buses and walking fill the gaps. Most central trips are 20–30 minutes.
How do I get from the airport to Madrid?
Metro line 8 about 4.50–5 EUR, 30–40 min to Nuevos Ministerios; Airport Express bus 5 EUR, 40 min to Atocha; taxi flat fare about 33 EUR.
Is Madrid walkable?
Very walkable.
More about Madrid
Going to Madrid solo?
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.