How Expensive Is Public Transport in Madrid?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a trip to Madrid, one of the things you’ll want to consider is how you’re going to get around the city. Public transportation is a popular option for many tourists, but how expensive is it really? Let’s take a closer look.

Types of Public Transportation in Madrid

Madrid has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, metro trains, and regional trains. The metro is the most popular option for getting around the city, with 12 lines and over 300 stations.

Buses are also widely available and can take you to areas not covered by the metro. Regional trains are useful for traveling to nearby cities like Toledo or Segovia.

Metro Fares

The cost of a single journey on the metro depends on the number of zones you travel through. Zone A includes central Madrid and costs €1.50 per journey. Zones B1 and B2 cover areas outside central Madrid and cost €1.60 and €1.90 respectively.

If you plan on using public transportation frequently during your stay in Madrid, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a multi-journey ticket or pass instead of individual tickets. For example, a 10-journey ticket for zone A costs €12.20, which is a savings of €3 compared to purchasing 10 individual tickets.

Bus Fares

Bus fares in Madrid are also based on zones, with zone A costing €1.50 per journey and zones B1 and B2 costing €1.85 and €2 respectively.

Like with the metro, purchasing a multi-journey ticket or pass can save you money if you plan on using the bus frequently during your trip.

Regional Train Fares

The cost of regional train journeys depends on the distance traveled and whether or not you reserve a seat ahead of time. For example, a one-way journey from Madrid to Toledo typically costs around €12 without a seat reservation.

Conclusion

Overall, public transportation in Madrid is relatively affordable compared to other major European cities. While the cost of individual journeys may add up if you use public transportation frequently, purchasing multi-journey tickets or passes can result in significant savings.

Remember to plan ahead and consider your transportation needs when budgeting for your trip to Madrid. With the city’s extensive public transportation system, getting around should be easy and affordable!