Madrid Metro, Cercanías and Travel Passes Explained

Madrid's Metro is fast, clean and cheap: singles €1.50-2.00, a 10-trip Zone A bundle €12.20, all loaded on a €2.50 Multi card. Cercanías commuter trains (free-ish and Renfe-run) reach El Escorial, Alcalá and the airport. Staying 2+ days and riding a lot? The Tourist Travel Pass (€10/day, less per day for longer) is the no-math option.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the airport on the Metro?

Line 8 serves T1-2-3 and T4; on top of your ticket you pay a €3 airport supplement each way (machines add it automatically when your journey touches the airport). Alternatively the Cercanías C-1 from T4 has no supplement, and the Tourist Pass includes the airport.

What are the Metro's operating hours and frequency?

Roughly 6:00 am to 1:30 am every day, with trains every 2-4 minutes at peak and every 10-15 late at night. After close, night buses from Plaza de Cibeles take over. Strikes are rare but check for 'huelga' notices if things look oddly quiet.

How much does the Madrid Metro cost?

A single ride is €1.50 for up to 5 stations, rising €0.10 per station to a €2.00 cap. The better deal is the 10-journey Zone A ticket at €12.20, shareable and loaded on the same card. Everything requires the €2.50 contactless Multi card, sold at any station machine.

Do children travel free on Madrid transport?

Children under 4 travel free on Metro and buses; the Tourist Pass gives under-11s a 50% discount. Families staying longer sometimes get a personalized public transport card (TTP), but for a normal visit the Multi card and kids' discounts cover it.

Can I pay with a contactless bank card like in London?

It's been rolling out — buses accept contactless bank-card payment for single fares, and the Metro has been trialing it, but coverage isn't yet universal and bank-card taps only buy full-price singles. The Multi card remains the reliable, cheaper default; grab one at your first station.

Is the Madrid Tourist Travel Pass worth it?

If you'll ride more than 4-5 times a day, yes. Zone A costs €10 for 1 day, €17 for 2, €22.50 for 3, €32.50 for 5 and €42 for 7, covering Metro, city buses and Cercanías in the city — airport supplement included, which alone saves you €6 round trip. Light users do better with the €12.20 10-trip ticket.

What is the Multi card and where do I buy it?

A red contactless smartcard that holds all Metro/bus tickets — Madrid's Oyster equivalent. Buy it for €2.50 at any Metro ticket machine, including at the airport, and top it up as you go. It's transferable, lasts 10 years, and one card can carry tickets for a group riding together on buses (Metro needs one tap per person).

What are Cercanías trains and when should I use them?

Renfe's commuter rail — the C lines — connecting Atocha, Chamartín, Sol and Nuevos Ministerios with the suburbs and day-trip towns like El Escorial, Alcalá de Henares and Aranjuez. Fares are distance-based (from about €1.70) with separate tickets from the Metro, unless you hold a Tourist Pass, which covers city-zone Cercanías.