How to Get Around in Leganés Without a Car
Leganés is a well-connected city located just 11 kilometers southwest of Madrid, and it offers excellent public transportation and pedestrian infrastructure. Because of its size, efficient layout, and proximity to Madrid, getting around Leganés without a car is both practical and comfortable. Visitors can easily move through the city using public transport, walking, or cycling, without needing to rent or drive a vehicle.
Below is a comprehensive guide to getting around Leganés without a car.
1. Train (Cercanías Renfe)
The commuter train, known as Cercanías Renfe, is one of the most convenient ways to travel to and from Leganés, as well as to move between nearby towns and Madrid.
- Main Line: C-5 (Móstoles–El Soto to Humanes)
- Stations in Leganés: Leganés Central, Zarzaquemada, San Nicasio, and Parque Polvoranca.
- Frequency: Trains run approximately every 10 to 15 minutes during the day.
- Travel Time: The journey from Leganés Central to Madrid’s Atocha Station takes around 20 minutes.
The Cercanías system is reliable, affordable, and ideal for those who want to make day trips to Madrid or explore neighboring municipalities without the need for a car.
2. Metro (Madrid Metro – Line 12)
Leganés is also served by the Madrid Metro network, which provides quick and direct access to various parts of the city and the Madrid metropolitan area.
- Line: Metro Line 12, also known as MetroSur, connects Leganés with nearby towns such as Getafe, Fuenlabrada, Alcorcón, and Móstoles.
- Key Stations in Leganés: El Carrascal, Julián Besteiro, Leganés Central, San Nicasio, and Hospital Severo Ochoa.
- Connection to Central Madrid: You can transfer to Line 10 at Alcorcón or Line 10 and Cercanías trains at Puerta del Sur for direct access to Madrid’s city center.
MetroSur is a reliable way to move around southern Madrid without a car and is especially useful for daily commuting or short-distance travel.
3. Bus Services
Leganés has an extensive urban and intercity bus network operated by the Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid. Buses connect different neighborhoods within Leganés and link the city to other nearby towns and parts of Madrid.
- Local Buses: Operate within Leganés, connecting residential areas, commercial centers, and train or metro stations.
- Intercity Buses: Provide services to Madrid and surrounding municipalities.
- Night Buses (Búhos): Night buses run from Madrid to Leganés and other towns in the region, offering safe transport after metro and train services stop running.
Bus travel is cost-effective and well-suited for reaching areas not directly connected by metro or train.
4. Walking
Leganés is a pedestrian-friendly city. The urban layout is compact, and many of the main attractions—such as the Church of San Salvador, Plaza Mayor, and the Open-Air Sculpture Museum—are within walking distance of each other.
Sidewalks are wide and well-maintained, and many parks, such as Parque Central and Parque de Polvoranca, have dedicated paths for walkers and joggers.
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the city’s atmosphere, discover local cafés, and observe everyday life.
5. Cycling
Cycling is an increasingly popular way to get around Leganés. The city has developed a network of bike lanes and cycling paths, particularly around parks, residential neighborhoods, and university areas.
You can bring your own bike or use public bike-sharing systems available in the wider Madrid region. Bicycles are also allowed on some trains and metro lines, making it easy to combine cycling with public transport.
Cycling is an eco-friendly and flexible way to travel around the city while enjoying its open spaces.
6. Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are available throughout Leganés and can be found near transport stations, shopping centers, and major intersections. They can also be booked by phone or mobile apps.
Ride-sharing services such as Uber, Bolt, and Cabify operate in the Madrid metropolitan area, including Leganés. These services are convenient for travelers who prefer direct transportation or need to reach areas not covered by public transit late at night.
7. Accessibility and Connectivity
Public transportation in Leganés is modern and accessible. Most metro and train stations are equipped with elevators, ramps, and accessible ticket machines.
The integrated transport system means that one ticket (the Tarjeta Multi) can be used across buses, metro, and trains within the Madrid region, making it easier for visitors to move around without confusion or additional expense.
8. Suggested Transport Combination
For visitors without a car, the most efficient way to get around is to:
- Use Cercanías trains for travel to and from Madrid.
- Use Metro Line 12 for travel within the southern towns.
- Use local buses or walking for short distances within Leganés itself.
This combination covers nearly all routes a traveler might need and provides reliable, frequent service throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Getting around Leganés without a car is straightforward, affordable, and environmentally friendly. The city’s excellent public transport connections, walkable streets, and safe cycling routes make it ideal for visitors who prefer not to drive.
In summary, the best ways to get around Leganés without a car are by train, metro, bus, walking, or cycling. Each option is efficient, convenient, and well-integrated into the Madrid transport system, ensuring that visitors can explore the city and its surroundings with ease.
