If you’re a tourist or first-time visitor in Madrid, one of the most affordable and convenient ways to explore the city is by using the Madrid Metro. This transportation system is inexpensive and widely used by locals and tourists alike.
The Madrid Metro has a vast network that covers almost every corner of the city. In this article, we will explore where the Madrid Metro goes and discover some of its must-visit stations.
Madrid Metro Network
The Madrid Metro network consists of 12 lines, denoted by different colors, that connect over 300 stations. It spans across the entire city, covering all major neighborhoods and landmarks. The metro network also connects the suburbs with downtown Madrid, making it easy to travel within and beyond the city limits.
Line 1: Light Blue
Line 1 is one of the oldest lines on the network and runs from Pinar de Chamartín in the north to Valdecarros in the southeast. It passes through some major tourist spots such as Sol (city center), Gran Via (shopping district), Atocha (train station), and Retiro Park.
Line 2: Red
Line 2 runs from Las Rosas in the southeast to Cuatro Caminos in the north. It passes through some popular areas like Goya (shopping district), Banco de España (Prado Museum), Noviciado (Malasaña neighborhood), and Canal (TV studios).
Line 3: Yellow
Line 3 runs from Villaverde Alto in the south to Moncloa in the northwest. It passes through some famous landmarks such as Lavapiés (multi-cultural neighborhood), Callao (shopping area), Plaza de España (Royal Palace & Sabatini Gardens) , and Argüelles.
Line 4: Brown
Line 4 runs from Argüelles in the northwest to Pinar de Chamartín in the northeast. It passes through some significant areas such as Bilbao (shopping district), Colón (National Library and National Archaeological Museum), and Avenida de América (Bus station and Interchange).
Line 5: Green
Line 5 runs from Alameda de Osuna in the northeast to Casa de Campo in the west. It passes through some noteworthy spots such as Chueca (LGBTQ neighborhood), Callao, Opera (Royal Theatre), and Principe Pío.
Line 6: Grey
Line 6 runs from Circular in the north to Legazpi in the south. It passes through some famous landmarks such as Cuatro Caminos, Moncloa, Argüelles, Plaza España, Mendez Alvaro (South Bus Station) and Pacifico.
Line 7: Orange
Line 7 runs from Pitis in the northwest to Hospital del Henares in the east. It passes through some significant areas such as Canal, Gregorio Marañón (Hospital), Chueca, Callao, Cibeles (Cibeles Palace) and Las Musas.
Line 8: Pink
Line 8 runs from Nuevos Ministerios in the north to Aeropuerto T4 in the southeast. It passes through some notable spots such as Colombia (Financial district), Mar de Cristal (Business area), Barajas T1-T2-T3 & T4.
Line 9: Purple
Line 9 runs from Arganda del Rey in the southeast to Paco de Lucia in the southwest. It passes through some significant areas such as Gran Via, Principe de Vergara (Shopping district), Avenida de América, Rivas Futura (Suburb area) and Puerta de Arganda.
Line 10: Dark Blue
Line 10 runs from Hospital Infanta Sofía in the north to Puerta del Sur in the south. It passes through some famous landmarks such as Plaza de España, Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartín (Train Station), Tribunal (Malasaña neighborhood), and Casa de Campo.
Line 11: Light Green
Line 11 runs from Plaza Elíptica in the south to La Peseta in the west. It passes through some significant areas such as Legazpi, Principe Pío, Ciudad Universitaria (University Campus), and Pan Bendito.
Ramal: Dark Green
Ramal is a branch line that connects Opera with Príncipe Pío. It is a short route that covers only two stations on Line 6.
- Tip: You can download the Madrid Metro Map from the official website or get a printed copy at any ticket machine or station.
- Tip: You can purchase a single ticket or use a rechargeable Multi Card for multiple journeys.
Conclusion
The Madrid Metro is an excellent way to travel around Madrid comfortably. With its vast network of lines and stations, it covers almost all areas of the city.
From historical landmarks to shopping districts, museums to suburbs, the Madrid Metro takes you almost everywhere you want to go in Madrid. Don’t forget to check out some of its impressive modern architecture stations like Chamartin, Atocha Renfe, Bilbao or Arganzuela-Planetario while exploring the city with this iconic transportation system!