If you’re planning to travel by bus in Madrid, then it’s essential to know how to buy bus tickets. Madrid has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city and its suburbs, making it one of the most convenient modes of transportation. In this article, we’ll guide you through different ways to buy bus tickets in Madrid.
Buying Bus Tickets from Venta y Recarga de Tarjeta Multi
The most common and preferred way of purchasing bus tickets in Madrid is through a rechargeable card called Tarjeta Multi. It’s a contactless smart card that allows you to pay for your journey without having to worry about carrying cash. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Find a kiosk or a ticket vending machine labeled as “Venta y Recarga de Tarjeta Multi” at any metro station or major bus stops.
- Select “Comprar nueva tarjeta” (Buy new card).
- You’ll be asked whether you’d like an anonymous card or a personalized one with your name and photo on it.
- If you choose an anonymous card, then select “Tarjeta Anónima” and pay €2.50 upfront.
- On the other hand, if you select a personalized card, then you’ll have to provide your ID card or passport details along with a recent photograph and pay €4 upfront.
- Once you’ve purchased your new Tarjeta Multi, you can recharge it with any amount ranging from €5-€50 at any time.
Using Your Tarjeta Multi Card
Now that you have your Tarjeta Multi Card, here’s how you can use it on buses:
- Board any EMT (Municipal Transport Company) bus and tap your card on the electronic reader located next to the driver’s seat.
- The card will deduct the cost of the journey from your balance automatically.
- You can check your card’s balance by tapping it again on the reader, and it’ll display your remaining amount.
Buying Bus Tickets from EMT Offices
If you don’t want to use a Tarjeta Multi Card, then you can buy individual bus tickets from any EMT office or kiosk. Here’s how:
- Find an EMT office near you, which is usually located at major transport hubs or tourist areas.
- Request for “billete sencillo” (single fare ticket) or “bono de diez viajes” (ten-journey ticket).
- If you opt for a single fare ticket, then it’ll cost €1.50 per journey. However, if you purchase a ten-journey ticket, it’ll cost €12 in total (€1.20 per journey).
- Pay using cash or credit/debit card, and you’ll receive your ticket(s) instantly.
Using Your Single Fare Ticket
Once you have purchased a single fare ticket, here’s how to use it:
- Board any EMT bus and show your ticket to the driver before taking your seat.
- The driver will punch a hole in the ticket, which indicates that it has been used once.
- You can use this same ticket for multiple journeys until all the holes are punched out.
Using Your Ten-Journey Ticket
Ten-journey tickets are perfect for people who travel frequently on buses. Here’s how to use them:
- Board any EMT bus and show your ticket to the driver before taking your seat.
- The driver will punch one hole in the ticket for each journey you make.
- You can use this same ticket for up to ten journeys, after which it’ll be invalid.
Conclusion
Madrid’s public transportation system is one of the best in Europe, with an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Buying bus tickets is easy and convenient, thanks to the Tarjeta Multi card and EMT offices/kiosks. Just follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be able to buy and use bus tickets in Madrid without any hassle!