Getting around a European country is quite easy but sometimes there are a few bits that leave us confused. In my guide here I will break down all the different travel options and how to use the transport in Madrid and how much each one costs. It was very easy to get around and use the transport in Madrid. We mainly used the metro and trains but used taxis and Ubers occasionally. 

USING THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN MADRID // EASY & AFFORDABLE WAYS OF GETTING AROUND

METRO 

The Metro was very easy to use in Madrid with several lines but they were clearly marked and easy to navigate. The best things about the metro system was they were clean, efficient and super cheap to buy tickets.

Download the app “Citymapper” to be able to make the most of your time travelling. Simply enter your current location and your desired destination. This will show you the quickest route of getting there without running out of the time that you have. The app will break down the steps you need to take and give you up to date traffic information and how it affects your journey.

METRO COST:

• Single Journey €1.50 – €2.00 (Zones A to ML1)

The best way of getting around in Madrid is to purchase a Renfe & Tu card ticket that you can top up with however many journeys you’ll need. We made the mistake of buying new tickets every time until our last couple of days when we figured it out. It made it much easier to buy a ticket and top it up for as many journeys as we wanted without having to faff around with a new ticket each time. Simply select the station you want to go to, insert your Renfe & Tu ticket and pay for the journey using cash, card or contactless.

TRAIN

We used quite a few of the trains to get to Toledo for a day trip and also the fast train to get into Sol from our hotel. We found using the fast train into Sol was so much quicker and easier than the Metro as it stopped at less stops. The trains cost the same as the metro which was a bonus.

When catching a train to Toledo you will need to get to the tropical garden inside Atocha train station. It was a little bit confusing at first trying to buy a ticket but in the end it made sense.

TRAIN COST:

• Single Journey:  €1.50 – €2.00 (Zone A to ML1)
• Atocha to Toledo: €13.90
• Chamartin to Airport: €2.00

Open this blog post / map on your phone and use it to navigate when you’re there to find the Tropical Garden or find your way around the station…

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TAXIS/UBERS

We caught a taxi from the airport to our hotel once we arrived and a couple of Ubers to and from Sol on our first day until we realised it was much cheaper to get the fast train into the city centre. We did have one crazy Uber driver who was originally from Ukraine who didn’t speak much English, so trying to talk to him and understand a conversation in Spanish was manic.

TAXI/UBER COST:

• Airport to Hotel Barcelo Imagine (Taxi): €27
• Sol to Hotel Barcelo Imagine (Uber): €23

WALKING

If you like to get some exercise in and explore from the ground, walking is the best inexpensive way of getting around. We did a ridiculous amount of walking and so many steps were recorded on my fitness app whilst in Madrid.

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RENT A CAR

If you are in Madrid for a reasonable amount of time or want to leave the city to drive to Toledo, renting a car might be your best option. There are plenty of rental offices around, make sure you search enough to find the best deal and car for you.

HIRING AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER OR BIKE

We saw plenty of electric scooters and bikes around in Madrid. They were definitely a popular choice in the warm weather to get around on. If there is a free one not being used, all you need to do is download the corresponding app and scan the barcode then pay for how long you’d like to use it for. You can then leave them where ever you need to and someone else will pick it up for the journey they need to do. They are a fun way of getting around for the whole family, especially young children.

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Has my guide on public transport in Madrid helped you? If you have anymore questions, let me know below.