TRANSPORT IN MADRID
Public transport in Madrid.
The city of Madrid boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network structured around 11 underground lines, 170 bus routes operated by Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT), and 8 suburban railway lines with part of the journey through the city centre. The fact that the public transport system offers a wide range of services and ample timetables, and it is easy to change lines and understand the signposting, makes it the best option for visitors on their trips around our city.
The Underground.
The Madrid Metro, inaugurated in 1919, has undergone extensive renovation and modernisation work.
In just the last 8 years, 111 kilometres of new lines have been built which include 63 stations that can be accessed by lift. The Underground network is currently fifth on a global scale of length, 176 kilometres, and number of stations, 161.
The Underground is open every day of the week from 6.00 am to 1.30 am, although some stations and entrances have limited opening times. Train frequency depends on the line, the time of day, and the day of the week, and may fluctuate between every three minutes at rush hour to every five minutes the rest of the day. At night, frequency drops to every 15 minutes.
You can access the Underground by inserting your ticket into the machines in the ticket halls. You can change as many times as you want between lines with the same ticket.
Passengers who are used to travelling by Underground will not find the Madrid network particularly difficult to use. Each line is marked with a colour and a number, and you do not have to walk very far to change lines. It is not advisable to travel during the rush hour, between 7.30 am and 9.00 am, as the crowds can make your trip uncomfortable. The Madrid Metro is safe thanks to the presence of security guards and cameras, but, as in other cities, it is advisable for passengers to take care of their personal effects.
EMT buses.
EMT bus routes in Madrid link the centre with all the districts of the city.
Buses are easily-identifiable as they are red, except for those which operate with natural gas which are blue. Most vehicles offer access for the disabled and persons with mobility difficulties; they all have air conditioning, which is essential during the hot Madrid summer.
EMT buses operate every day of the week from 6.00 am to 11.45 pm. Frequency depends on the time of the day and the bus route, and may fluctuate between 5 and 15 minutes. From 11.45 pm onwards, a network of 25 nightly bus routes comes into operation - the buses are commonly known as ‘owls’. The bus terminal for these buses is located on the central square of La Cibeles.
You should get on buses at the front. Next to the driver, there is machine where you should insert your ticket for it to be clipped. On buses, tickets are valid for one journey only and in order to change routes you should purchase another ticket. At most bus stops, there is a city plan where you can check the bus routes.
Several EMT bus routes go through the historic centre of the city which is why it is advisable to use the bus for short trips. If you should wish to see the whole city, we suggest you use certain EMT routes such as the Circular or “C” route, which goes round the city centre, or the number 27, which goes down the entire length of the Paseo del Prado-Recoletos-Castellana thoroughfare, the main avenue in the city.
The Suburban railway
The railway has undergone substantial progress. The three main means of public transport to get to Madrid are linked to the suburban railway stations: Atocha and Chamartin (long-distance railway and the AVE – high speed rail network), Nuevos Ministerios (underground connection to the Airport), Méndez Alvaro (Estación Sur de Autobuses – long-distance coaches).
Other stations within the urban nucleus of Madrid are Delicias, Pirámides, Príncipe Pío and Recoletos. The axis of Paseo de la Castellana, with the three leading art galleries of El Prado, the Thyssen Museum and the Reina Sofia Centre, or the Nuevos Ministerios shopping area, can be reached using the suburban railway.
Trains runs from 6:00 to 23:00, every three to five minutes, depending on the time zone.
Tickets.
The Tourist Travel Card is a personal transport card that entitles its holder to travel an unlimited number of times on the Underground, EMT (bus network) or Renfe-suburban railway, in zone A, during its validity period. To do so, the holder’s personal identification must be noted in the respective space on the back of the ticket.
Other types of ticket also available:
· Single ticket. Valid for only one journey. It can be purchased from the Metro ticket offices and automatic machines or from EMT bus drivers.
· Ten-trip or metro-bus ticket. Valid for ten journeys on the Metro, EMT and night buses. It can be purchased from ticket offices or automatic machines in the Metro, from tobacconist’s or press kiosks, and at EMT information kiosks located at major bus terminals.
· Renfe-suburban railways also sells its own tickets for one and ten journeys in zone A.
In any of the options above, it is compulsory for passengers to keep their tickets for the whole of the journey on public transport.
Further information.
Passengers can obtain free maps of the network at ticket offices in the Metro and at passenger service offices. Plans of the bus network can be bought at most newspaper kiosks. The Madrid Regional Transport Consortium, an organisation that coordinates public transport in the city, has a web page where you can enquire about trips using public transport round the city, and which includes information on journey times, recommended routes and changing lines. www.ctm-madrid.es
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