Guide to Madrid Metro Prices

If you live in Madrid you should know that the metro is one of its illustrious citizens. It is an essential part of the soul of this city and occupies an important place in the daily lives of the people of Madrid. Whether you want to go to work, or simply to get from one part of the city to another, Madrid's metro network will make you forget about your car. That's why, in this article, we've prepared a guide to Madrid metro prices.

Madrid boasts an up-to-date network which is clean and generally operates without the perennial delays and closures of somewhere like the London Underground. Recently, it celebrated its centenary year. It has come a long way since the first 4 Km, 8-station line. The Madrid Metro is still growing rapidly with 12 lines stretching over 12 municipalities with 302 stations. It is the 5^th largest underground network in the world. Over 75% of the residents of Madrid are less than 600 metres from a Metro station. And to top it all Madrid is one of the most reasonably priced underground systems anywhere in the world.

In this guide, we will explain Madrid metro prices and the different types of tickets, from single trips to season tickets and supplementary charges.

Madrid metro prices for single & multi-trip tickets

Madrid metro prices vary according to your Metro card. This can be a personalized card or a card for charging with credit before you travel.

Chargeable card

The most popular is to buy a Multi Card, which is a red, non-personal, contactless card. You can get this from the ticket machine, and you need to pay for the card initially. This card costs €2.50 and is reusable, so you can charge it just for the trip you are making, or buy a 10-trip ticket or supplement if you are going to the airport. Multi card can be used for individual or package journeys, except for monthly or annual passes. To be able to charge this type of pass you will need a personal card, which will have your photo and personal details on.

A great advantage is that this card can be used by multiple people, and if you buy the 10-trip tickets it is cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Here are a few prices for single journeys and some of the multi-trip tickets. Please note that currently (in 2024 and since a couple of months ago), the Spanish government has approved a discount to encourage the use of public transport and the prices we show, have already applied the 60% discount.

The 10-trip ticket does not include the airport supplement, but you can just add it at the start or end of your journey at a ticket machine.

Another great advantage you should bear in mind is that you can also use these chargeable cards on the bus service to travel around the city. You cannot however use them on the RENFE (National train network) even if just going between two stations within the city.

Season tickets

To get your first personal transport card (TTP) you need to complete the forms online or at one of the main offices (making a pre-arranged appointment online on the same website).

You will be given a credit card size card which contains your name, your photo and a Metro ID number. It does not include your national ID number or passport number, so it can never be used as ID for official things.

This card is valid for ten years from its first issue and you can load all travel packages except the tourist package (you can load this title on your Multi card).

Madrid metro ticket types

There are many different types. Here are a few examples:

• A 30-day ticket for Zona A (which takes in all of the main inner-city network) costs 21.80€. Currently, metro tickets and packages are 50% subsidised, which is why the fares are so affordable.  Zone E2 which covers as far afield as Toledo and Guadalajara costs - 52,70€
  
  
• A Young person’s card for travellers between 7-25 year-olds costs 8€ and a pass for senior citizens (over 65) is totally free since January 2024.

Making straight comparisons is often dangerous territory, but in this case, it is easier. In comparison to somewhere like London, Madrid metro prices are much lower. Zone 1 and 2 on the London Underground are about the same size as Zone A in Madrid.

Get to know the metro inside out

As if all this were not enough (affordable prices, extensive lines, good frequencies), the Madrid metro also offers entertainment for locals and tourists. On their website, you can access the Museum section, where you can see their different itineraries. Throughout 8 different spaces, you can learn more about the history of the metro and even visit a ghost station.

In addition to the museum, the Madrid metro has Bibliometros, a book lending system like that of any public library in the city. These bibliometros are present in twelve stations, you can see if there are bibliometros near you. To use them you will need the Carnet Único de Bibliotecas Públicas de la Comunidad de Madrid (Community of Madrid Public Libraries Card).

Finally, we can only say that you should take advantage of everything the Madrid metro has to offer. Its extensive lines will take you to discover different corners of the city, in an economical and sustainable way.

The Metro system is an example of how to do things well. The public transport, coupled with the ability to develop Madrid Adolfo Suarez airport and its surrounding area are the reasons Madrid is well placed to become a European superhub of the 21^st century. So now you know, next time you have to move around the city, keep all this information in mind, and enjoy your trip!