Transport · Free reading
Getting around Madrid: walking, metro, taxis and car rental
The best route is not always the fastest. Sometimes you want to discover a street; other times, get on time and reserve strength for the visit. We help you choose without turning each displacement into a problem.
The essentials, at a glance
- Compara
- The complete journeyIncludes accesses, waits and transshipments.
- Comprueba
- Service and accessibilitySee the operator's information.
- GidePass Pass
- Does not include ticketsTransport is contracted separately.
Choose according to plan, not only according to distance
Before you open a map, think about what you need: to walk, to reach a reservation or to rest again. Our criterion is to compare the full time, the effort and the desire to walk. If you travel with children, carry suitcases or need to avoid stairs, those details can matter more than a few minutes of difference. There is no option that is best for everyone.
On foot: when the road is also part of the journey
Walking can fit well between visits you want to discover calmly. Organize small areas of the day instead of crossing the city for each stop: a walk through the Retiro, a break to eat in its surroundings and another nearby plan. Look at the actual route before leaving; a straight line distance does not describe the crosses or the route through the streets. Leave room to stop, look and rest.
Choose with criteria
Three ways to continue the day.
On foot
You want to enjoy the road too.
Metro or bus
Compare full time and trans-shipments.
Taxi or app
Value comfort, cost and collection.
Un paseo real para empezar
Metro: Prepare the station, the sense and the exit
For a metro ride, first check the route in the official planner. Aim at the destination station and check the direction of the line and possible transfers. Also calculate the ride to the station and from the exit to the place you are going to visit. Check the status of the service before travelling: an incidence can change the plan you saw in the morning.
Bus: Look at the stop and in the direction
By bus, it is not enough to know the line number. It confirms the stop from which you leave, the direction and where you have to go. Check the routes and the information of the service in EMT Madrid. Its buses allow to buy the simple ticket on board with bank card; check the conditions of payment of the operator. To choose between bus and metro, compare the wait and the complete route, not only the time inside the vehicle.
Banknotes and fertilizers: check what each covers
The Regional Transport Consortium publishes tickets, tickets and their areas of validity. Before purchasing, check the areas and means covered by the title you are considering. Do not assume that a ticket serves all routes, services or trips to the airport. We link official information for you to check the current conditions. The Rider Pass of GidePass is a tool to discover the city: it is not a transport certificate or includes those tickets.
Taxi and apps: decide with price and pick up ahead
If you choose a taxi or app, confirm the exact destination and pick-up point. When the app shows a quote, check what it includes before accepting. Our advice is to compare comfort and cost with public transport when you have time to choose. Leave room if you go to a show or a visit with ticket: ordering a vehicle does not guarantee to arrive at a specific time.
Accessibility and return: also prepares the return
If you need an elevator or avoid steps, check operator accessibility information and equipment status before you leave. Save the address of your accommodation and think about how to return before the visit is over. Check the schedule of the service you are going to use, especially if your plan ends late. Carrying battery and an alternative to check the route prevents you from relying on a single option.
How to get to enjoy the tour
GidePass brings together tours prepared to explore Madrid at your own pace. First choose what you want to discover and then decide how to get to the start. You can start at the Retiro, tour the surroundings of the Royal Palace or discover a neighbourhood. Navigation and proposals help you organize yourself; rates, tickets and services contracted to third parties are paid separately. The goal is to devote less attention to improvising and more to the place where you are.
Plan your arrival, luggage and day trips too
From Barajas airport to your accommodation
Compare public transport, official taxis and a prebooked transfer for your terminal, arrival time, luggage and group cost. With Kiwitaxi, check passenger numbers, bags, meeting instructions and waiting terms. Opening the link does not make a booking.
Getting around Madrid without your bags
Luggage storage can free up the hours between checkout and your train or flight. Search Bounce for a location that suits your onward journey, rather than simply the nearest one now. Check the address, final price and collection time. Near Atocha does not necessarily mean inside the station.
When to rent a car
A car may suit several stops outside Madrid. For the city centre, compare walking and public transport first; for Toledo or Segovia, compare the train too. On DiscoverCars, check the office, accepted card, deposit, fuel policy, mileage and return conditions. Online payment does not automatically remove the deposit.
Kiwitaxi, Bounce and DiscoverCars booking links are affiliate links: GidePass may earn a commission on an eligible booking. Services are optional, booked and paid with the provider, and not included in the pass.
Uber, Cabify and Bolt for city journeys
You can check these as transport alternatives. Confirm the price, destination and pickup point in the app before accepting. We do not have paid affiliate arrangements connected with these platforms and do not earn from sending you to them.
During your trip
Make your next journey easier.
Keep GidePass routes, recommendations and travel tools with you throughout your stay.
Discover the Madrid pass →Meals, admission tickets, transport tickets and third-party services are not included.