How to Get Around in Madrid Without a Car
Madrid is one of the most walkable and well-connected cities in Europe, so you absolutely don’t need a car to explore it. In fact, driving in the city can be inconvenient due to traffic, limited parking, and low-emission zones. Fortunately, Madrid offers an excellent public transportation network, reliable taxis and rideshares, and plenty of eco-friendly options like biking and electric scooters.
Here’s a full guide to help you move around Madrid easily — car-free.
1. Use Madrid’s Metro System (Subway)
The Madrid Metro is one of the largest and most efficient in Europe. It’s clean, safe, punctual, and connects almost every neighborhood and major attraction in the city.
Why use it:
- Fast, affordable, and easy to navigate.
- Trains run frequently (every 2–5 minutes).
- Reaches nearly all tourist areas, including the airport.
Key facts:
Popular routes for tourists:
- Line 2 (Red): Sol → Retiro → Goya
- Line 10 (Dark Blue): Plaza de España → Santiago Bernabéu
- Line 8 (Pink): Airport (Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3) → Nuevos Ministerios
Tips:
- Keep your ticket handy; you’ll need it to exit some stations.
- Avoid peak rush hours (8–9:30 a.m. and 6–8 p.m.) for comfort.
2. Hop on the City Buses (EMT Madrid)
Madrid’s blue EMT buses complement the metro network and are great for seeing the city above ground.
Why use it:
- Clean, modern, and air-conditioned.
- Great coverage in areas not served by the metro.
- Many buses run late into the night (and special “búhos” night buses operate after 1:30 a.m.).
Tickets:
- Same as metro: use the Metrobus ticket or Tourist Travel Pass.
- Buy onboard (contactless payment accepted) or at metro stations.
Useful routes:
- Route 001: Circular route through central Madrid (Sol, Cibeles, Atocha).
- Route 002: Great for reaching museums and parks.
Tip:
Use the official EMT Madrid app to check routes and schedules in real-time.
3. Walk — Madrid Is Wonderfully Walkable
Madrid’s compact layout makes walking one of the best ways to experience its charm. Many top attractions are within short distance of each other.
Why walk:
- Safe, clean, and full of scenic streets.
- Many pedestrian-only zones (especially in Sol, Gran Vía, and Plaza Mayor).
- Great cafés, shops, and street art along the way.
Ideal walking routes:
- Historic route: Puerta del Sol → Plaza Mayor → Royal Palace → Almudena Cathedral → Temple of Debod.
- Art route: Prado Museum → Thyssen Museum → Reina Sofía → Retiro Park.
Tip:
Wear comfortable shoes — Madrid’s old town has cobblestone streets and gentle hills.
4. Use the Cercanías Trains (Suburban Rail)
The Cercanías Renfe trains are suburban commuter lines connecting central Madrid with nearby areas.
Why use it:
- Perfect for day trips and airport connections.
- Fast and punctual.
Key destinations:
- Atocha, Sol, Chamartín – main city stations.
- Toledo, Segovia, El Escorial – easy day trips (with regular service).
- Airport (T4 Terminal): direct Cercanías train from Atocha or Nuevos Ministerios.
Tickets:
- Single ride: about €2–€4 depending on distance.
- Use the same contactless transport card (Tarjeta Multi).
5. Take a Taxi or Rideshare (Safe and Reliable)
Madrid’s taxis are regulated and generally affordable.
Taxi tips:
- Official taxis are white with a red diagonal stripe and city crest.
- Fares start around €4–€5; additional charges apply for airport trips or nighttime rides.
- You can hail one on the street or use apps like Free Now or Pide Taxi.
Rideshare options:
- Uber, Cabify, and Bolt are widely available.
- Prices are often competitive with taxis, especially for short rides.
Why use it:
Convenient for late-night returns or when carrying luggage.
6. Cycle Around Madrid (BiciMAD)
Madrid has made huge improvements to become a bike-friendly city with dedicated cycling lanes and public bike services.
BiciMAD:
- City-run electric bike-sharing system.
- Over 7,500 bikes and 600+ docking stations across the city.
How it works:
- Register via the BiciMAD app or at docking stations.
- Pay per minute (around €0.30) or get a daily pass.
Best areas for cycling:
- Retiro Park and Madrid Río Park for relaxed rides.
- Paseo del Prado and Gran Vía (protected lanes).
Why use it:
Eco-friendly, fun, and great for short-distance sightseeing.
7. Try Electric Scooters (E-Scooters)
Electric scooters are another fun way to get around. Multiple companies operate across the city, including Lime, Tier, and Bird.
How to use:
- Download the company’s app.
- Unlock a scooter by scanning the QR code.
- Pay per minute (usually around €0.25–€0.35/min).
Rules:
- Use bike lanes or the right side of the street (not sidewalks).
- Helmets recommended, especially for longer rides.
Why use it:
Quick, flexible, and perfect for exploring central areas like Malasaña or Lavapiés.
8. Madrid Tourist Transport Pass (Abono Turístico)
If you plan to use public transportation often, the Tourist Travel Pass is the best value.
Zones & Prices (approx.):
- Zone A (covers most attractions):
- 1 day – €8.40
- 3 days – €18.40
- 5 days – €26.80
- Zone T (includes airport and suburbs): slightly more expensive.
Benefits:
- Unlimited rides on metro, buses, and Cercanías trains.
- Valid for airport transfers.
Where to buy:
- Metro stations, airport kiosks, or online.
9. Airport Transfers Without a Car
Getting to or from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD) is easy without driving.
Options:
- Metro (Line 8): Airport → Nuevos Ministerios (≈25 min).
- Cercanías Train (C1/C10): From Terminal 4 → Atocha or Chamartín.
- Airport Express Bus (Line 203): Runs 24 hours from Atocha → Airport (€5).
- Taxi: Fixed fare of €30 from city center.
10. Walk and Wander — The Best Way to See Madrid
At the end of the day, Madrid’s soul is best discovered on foot.
The neighborhoods of La Latina, Chueca, Malasaña, and Lavapiés are full of life, tapas bars, street art, and hidden gems — all easily walkable.
Why walk:
You’ll feel Madrid’s rhythm — the street performers, the smell of coffee, the sound of people chatting on terraces. No car can give you that experience.
Summary: Best Ways to Get Around Madrid Without a Car
| Mode | Best For | Cost | Notes |
| --------------- | -------------------- | --------------- | --------------------- |
| Metro | Fast city travel | €1.50–€2.00 | Extensive network |
| Bus | Scenic rides | €1.50 | Great night coverage |
| Walking | Central areas | Free | Best way to explore |
| Cercanías | Day trips & airport | €2–€4 | Quick suburban trains |
| Taxi / Uber | Late nights, luggage | Moderate | Reliable & easy |
| BiciMAD | Short rides | €0.30/min | Electric bikes |
| E-Scooters | Fun, flexible | €0.25–€0.35/min | Use bike lanes |
Final Thoughts
Madrid is a city designed to be enjoyed without a car. Its compact layout, excellent metro and bus system, and pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy, affordable, and enjoyable to get around.
You can explore royal palaces, world-class museums, lively plazas, and vibrant neighborhoods — all by metro, bike, or on foot. Whether you’re staying for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll find that moving around Madrid is simple, safe, and part of the fun of discovering the city.
