Getting around Madrid: when to walk, take Metro or use a bus

Choose the journey, then the mode

Madrid’s transport choices include Metro, buses, suburban trains and taxis. Walking is often useful within a compact sightseeing area, while rail services can make longer cross-city or regional journeys easier. A bus may be convenient when its stops sit closer to your starting point and destination.

Compare the complete route

A short ride can involve a long station interchange. Look at entrances, walking sections and any steps before deciding that the route with the fewest minutes on a map is best. With luggage, children or limited mobility, a simpler journey may be worth more than a small time saving.

Check the ticket’s valid zones and modes before purchase. Airport journeys and trips beyond the city can have different conditions. Keep your ticket or card available throughout the journey and use current operator information for closures, last departures and service changes.

A useful daily habit

Plan the return journey before leaving for the evening. Save your accommodation address and a map you can consult without a connection. Our recommendation is to group visits by neighbourhood and use transport to join those groups, rather than repeatedly travelling back and forth across Madrid.