Madrid's Underground
Your first time in the capital, and you don’t know how the Madrid metro works? It is one of the safest, fastest and cheapest alternatives to move around the city if you have a limited budget or prefer to live first-hand the exciting experience of touring the center underground.
For this reason, we are going to tell you about some things that you should know if you have decided to get around Madrid by metro: plans, considerations, rates and much more. Stay with this guide and improve your experience in the most used transport in the world.
How is the Madrid metro?
The Madrid metro is an underground public transportation system that operates in the city of Madrid, Spain. It is considered one of the most efficient and widest in Europe, with more than 300 stations and more than 300 kilometers of tracks. It offers a frequent and punctual service, with trains running from early to late.
It is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to travel around the city, and therefore it is not surprising that it is used by almost 5 million passengers a day to go to work and return home, or visit any other neighborhood in the capital.
Plan and map of the Madrid metro
The Madrid metro map is generally easy to use, as it is designed to be intuitive and accessible to all users, showing the metro lines in different colours, with the stations identified by clear names and symbols. Also, the network is quite extensive, so you’ll likely find multiple maps at each station covering different areas of the city.
However, some foreign travelers or tourists may find the Madrid metro map a bit disconcerting if they are not familiar with the city. In these cases, they can seek assistance at the ticket offices or at the information points in the stations.
Even so, we leave you on this page the map so that you can consult it or download it quickly to your phone:
What are the Madrid metro lines?
The Madrid metro has 12 lines numbered from 1 to 14 (although line number 13 is not in service), which cover a wide area of the city and its surroundings. Here is a list of the current lines with their origin and destination stations.
- Línea 1 (blue): Pinar de Chamartín – Valdecarros
- Línea 2 (red): Las Rosas – Cuatro
- Línea 3 (yellow): El Casar – Moncloa
- Línea 4 (brown): Argüelles – Pinar de Chamartín
- Línea 5 (green): Alameda de Osuna – Casa de Campo
- Línea 6 (gray): Circular
- Línea 7 (orange): Hospital de Henares – Pitis
- Línea 8 (pink): Nuevos Ministerios – Aeropuerto T4
- Línea 9 (purple): Paco de Lucía – Arganda del Rey
- Línea 10 (dark blue): Hospital Infanta Sofía – Puerta del Sur
- Línea 11 (dark green): La Fortuna – Plaza Elíptica
- Línea 12 (yellowish green): Circular
Each line has a different number of stations and covers a different area of the city, so it is important to consult a plan or map to find the most suitable line and station for your destination.
Madrid metro schedules
The Madrid metro schedules vary according to the line and the station, but, in general, the metro works from approximately 6:00 in the morning until midnight every day of the week. Some lines and stations may have special hours on holidays or at times of high demand, so it is advisable to check.
In general, the trains run quite frequently, with time intervals of a few minutes at peak times and a few extra minutes at rest. It is important to note that hours may vary based on factors such as traffic, demand, and scheduled closures for maintenance and improvements.
Metro fares in Madrid
The Madrid metro fares depend on various factors such as age, the type of ticket and the number of trips made Here are some of the more common types to look at before you buy:
One-way ticket
Allows you to make a single trip on the subway without transferring to other lines. The price is €1.50 (as of February 2023).
10 trip voucher
This allows you to make 10 trips on the subway and you can share it with other people. The price is €12.20 (as of February 2023).
Monthly payment
Unlimited rides on the subway for a full month. The price is €55.60, although this will change depending on your age and conditions (price as of February 2023).
Tourist card
This card includes several days of travel on the subway, as well as discounts at museums, tourist attractions and other places of interest. The price varies depending on the duration of the card and the services included.
It is important to bear in mind that prices may varyvary, and it is advisable to check the current rates on the Madrid metro website or at the stations before travelling.
Is it easy to get around on the Madrid metro?
In general, yes, it is easy to get around on the Madrid metro.. The metro system is efficient and easy to use, as well as having extensive signage through information panels in the stations, which make it easy to find the right line and stop on your journey to reach your destination.
However, it is important to note that the Madrid metro can be very crowded at peak times, so you may have to wait for a while to get on a train or you may have to travel on foot. Therefore, it is advisable to plan your trip in advance and take into account the schedules and frequency.
In general, if you follow the signs and make sure you have a valid ticket or card, getting around the Madrid metro is an efficient and comfortable way to get around the city.
