Madrid is a city made for exploring—whether you’re wandering down the grand boulevards of Gran Vía, getting lost in the tapas bars of La Latina, or chasing the perfect sunset in Retiro Park. But with so much to see and do, figuring out the best way to get around can feel overwhelming at first. Luckily, Madrid has one of the most well-connected, affordable, and traveler-friendly transport systems in Europe. From the lightning-fast metro to bikes, buses, and even late-night “búho” (owl) routes, there’s a way to move around that fits every style and budget.

In this guide, we’ll break down all the different ways to get around Madrid so you can spend less time stressing about logistics—and more time enjoying churros and vino tinto.

Madrid’s metro is one of the largest in Europe, with 12 lines and over 300 stations. It’s clean, safe, and runs frequently. You can get nearly anywhere within the city and even straight to the airport.

• Best for: Quick city travel, airport transfers.
• BTH Recommends Get a Tarjeta Multi (reloadable travel card). A single trip costs around €1.50–2, but a 10-trip pass saves money.

Here, I broke it down into a very simple step-by-step template on how I approach using the metro:

1. Find out which metro stop you are at.
2. Find out which metro stop you want to get off on.
3. Look to see the color of the metro line you are at and what color metro line your destination it is placed on. Note: Several color lines may pass through it (which makes it easier for you)
4. IMPORTANT: this is where I think most people get confused. You want to select the correct DIRECTION as most metro lines go in 2 directions. MOST metros will have the END destination on signs or displayed on the train windows. Make sure that when you are checking the map that your destination is headed toward the direction of the metro’s end destination.
5. Board the metro and get off at your destination!

Here’s an example:

Let’s say I’m running around in circles at Plaza del Castilla (located in the middle of the map) and now for some reason, I want to go to Parque del Retiro to lay back on the grass and take a nap. I’ll follow the steps like before:

1. The closest stop to me is Plaza del Castilla, they have a metro stop.
2. The closest metro stop to Parque del Retiro is Principe de Vergara.
3. I look to see what color metro line Plaza del Castilla is at: looks like the light blue and purple line goes through it (it’s large metro station). Now, I look at which color metro line passes through Principe de Vergara and OH HEY! The purple line goes through it.
4. Now, I check the end destinations of the purple line: Paco de Lucia and Argana del Rey. I check the map and see that Principe de Vergara is going toward Argana del Rey.
5. So, in the metro station, I will follow the signs for the purple line that is going toward Argana del Rey, then when I board the metro, I make sure that it’s the purple line and Argana del Rey is displayed on the window or heading. Make sure to pay attention and listen to the announcer to make sure you don’t miss your stop! If you don’t speak the language, then keep your eye on the stops. I usually count the amount of stops. In this case, there are 6 stops to get to Principe de Vergara. Once I hear or see the stop, I get off the metro and head up and make my way to my destination!

It takes some practice. It can be a little nerve racking at first, especially if you’ve never taken a metro before. Trust me, I’ve made some many mistakes and had so many mishaps, missed connections, went toward the wrong destination, hopped off on the wrong stop etc. It might

If you’d rather see Madrid above ground, the buses are a solid option. They cover every part of the city and even run night buses (“búhos”) after the metro shuts down.

Madrid’s bus system is run by EMT Madrid, and it’s surprisingly easy to use once you get the hang of it. With 200+ routes covering the city, buses can take you to places the metro skips—like small neighborhoods, shopping areas, or certain tourist sites.

The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and most are wheelchair accessible. Unlike the underground metro, the bus gives you a moving view of Madrid’s streets, plazas, and architecture—great if you don’t want to miss the sights while traveling.

• Operating hours: Typically from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM. After that, the night buses (“búhos”) run hourly from Plaza de Cibeles, keeping the city connected even in the wee hours.
• Tickets: You can use the same Tarjeta Multi as on the metro. Just tap when boarding.
• Best for: Areas the metro doesn’t reach, late-night trips.
• BTH Recommends: Download the EMT Madrid app to check real-time bus arrivals. It’s a lifesaver. It shows bus stops near you, real-time arrivals, and even route suggestions.

Taking a taxi or Uber is also an effective way to get around the city. It may be a little bit more expensive, but it can be faster than the metro.

Madrid taxis are everywhere, painted white with a red stripe. They’re metered, regulated, and usually cheaper than you’d expect in a capital city.

You also don’t have to endure some of the cons that come with public transportation such as crowded trains, pick pocketing, funny smells and unsolicited entertainment (which can be entertaining sometimes). If you are not up for public transport, then taxis and ubers are a great alternative. I highly recommend taking a taxi or an Uber/Lyft if you are going to be out late and need transport back to your accommodation. It’s my personal preference, but in my experience, riding public transportation at night can carry high risks for security issues. Make sure to have the Uber/Lyft app downloaded. If you plan to use taxis’, then talk to your accommodation’s reception about scheduling a taxi ride, then get the number of the driver or the company and call them when you need a ride.

Best for: When you’re carrying luggage, heading home late, or don’t want to figure out transfers.

BTH Recommends:

• Use the Free Now or Cabify app to book without needing to hail one down.
• Compare prices—sometimes rideshares cost more than taxis depending on demand.

Madrid has been expanding its bike lanes, and with Madrid’s official e-bike sharing system, BiciMAD, biking is easier than ever and has exploded in popularity! With 7,500+ electric bikes and hundreds of docking stations spread throughout the city, it’s a convenient way to zip around without worrying about parking.

BiciMAD bikes are electric-assisted, which means hills like those around La Latina or Lavapiés won’t leave you sweaty and regretting your choices – but you’ll get a good work out! Just pedal lightly and let the motor give you a boost.

• Costs: About €0.50–€1 per trip depending on the distance, or you can get daily/weekly passes if you’re visiting longer.
• Coverage: You’ll find stations in all major neighborhoods and tourist areas—Sol, Retiro, Malasaña, and beyond.

How to use:

1. Download the app: You can use the BiciMAD app to plan your trip and find bikes and stations. 
2. Unlock a bike: Unlock a bike using the QR code in the app, a BiciMAD card, or a transport card (MPass). 
3. Return a bike: Return the bike to any station by inserting it into an available base until the indicator light turns green and a beep is heard. 

Best for: Short trips, sunny days, or getting to tapas bars without traffic stress.

BTH Recommends:

• Madrid is hilly—grab an electric bike unless you fancy a workout.
• Madrid traffic can be intense, so stick to the growing network of bike lanes where possible. Sundays are especially fun—main streets like Paseo del Prado are sometimes closed to cars, turning into giant bike-friendly boulevards!

• Best for: Exploring hidden streets, tapas crawls, and soaking up the energy.
• Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—Gran Vía is flat, but other areas have cobblestones that are not heel-friendly.

Be a part of the walking culture in Europe and get some exercise and walk! Madrid’s center is super walkable, especially areas like Sol, Gran Vía, Malasaña, and Retiro. Strolling is often the most rewarding way to experience the vibe. Really embrace the pulse of the city when your foot’s on the ground. Make sure you wear your most comfortable shoes!

—you can mix and match depending on your mood, budget, and plans. For most travelers, the Metro + walking combo is unbeatable. That’s my preferred option. If I’m tired, I’ll add in the occasional taxi, bus, or E-Bike (which can be fun!), and you’ve got all of Madrid at your fingertips.

I definitely recommend purchasing a Tarjeta Multi, especially if you will be using the metro frequently! You’ll save a buck!

So, put on your best walking shoes, and have fun exploring Madrid!

For more travel tips, recommendations and content, subscribe to Beyond the Horizon!

See you out there!