We absolutely loved our time in Madrid and were genuinely surprised by how affordable it was to get around. Whether you’re backpacking, travelling solo, or exploring with friends, this guide breaks down the cheapest, easiest, and most enjoyable ways to move through the Spanish capital like a local. And if you’re looking to stretch your budget even further, don’t miss our blog post on free things to do in Madrid—pairing both guides gives you everything you need for an unforgettable (and wonderfully affordable) adventure.
Metro: Fast, Clean and Affordable
Madrid’s Metro is one of the largest in Europe, and it shows. Trains run frequently, stations are spotless and the network connects nearly every corner of the city.
What makes the Metro great
Fast: You can cross the city in under 30 minutes.
Safe: Well‑lit, monitored, and busy at most hours.
Easy to navigate: Clear signage and color‑coded lines.
What you need to know
The Multi Card – reusable transport card you load with tickets. You only need one per group, you just swipe once per person.
- There is a fee of €2.50 for the card itself which you can purchase at Metro tricket machines, tobacconists, and authorided outlets
- The card itself can hold single tickets, 10-trip tickets, airport supplement and tourist passes
Single tickets – cheap and ideal for occasional rides and vary based on the distance you travel.
- Price (Zone A & ML1)
€1.20–€1.60 depending on number of stations:
- Up to 6 stations → €1.20
- 7–9 stations → +€0.10 per station
- 10+ stations → €1.60
- Combined single ticket (all zones): €2.40
10‑trip ticket – the best value for most travellers — and it’s shareable.
Price
€12.20 for 10 trips (Zone A, EMT buses, ML1) → €1.22 per trip
Valid on:
Metro Zone A
EMT city buses
Metro Ligero ML1
Here is a table with the breakdown of ticket types and prices.
| Ticket Type | Price | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi Card | €2.50 | Everyone | Required to load most tickets; reusable for 10 years. |
| Single Ticket | €1.20–€1.60 | Occasional riders | Price based on number of stations. |
| 10‑Trip Ticket | €12.20 | Most travelers | Shareable; works on Metro + EMT buses. |
| Airport Supplement | €2.40 | Airport trips | Add to single or 10‑trip tickets. |
Metro Tips
Avoid rush hour if you can — trains get packed.
Stand on the right side of escalators so others can pass.
Keep your bag zipped and in front of you in crowded stations. We never had any issues but were warned that pickpocketing does happen on a regular basis.
Buses: Scenic, Comfortable and Cheap
Madrid’s buses are a hidden gem. They’re modern, air‑conditioned, and often less crowded than the Metro. Plus, you get to enjoy the city views while you ride.
Why buses are worth using
Same price as the Metro
Great for short distances
Perfect for reaching parks and residential areas
Best bus routes for travellers
Route 001: A cheap, eco‑friendly bus connecting Atocha and Moncloa.
Route 146: Takes you along Gran Vía — great for sightseeing.
Route 27: Known as the “museum bus” because it passes major cultural spots.
Bus Tip
Google Maps and Citymapper show real‑time bus arrivals.
Use Night Buses (Buhos) After Midnight
Madrid’s nightlife is legendary, and the city makes it easy to get home safely and cheaply after hours.
What to know about night buses
They run from midnight until 6AM (does vary slightly by route).
All routes start from Plaza de Cibeles, the central night-bus hub
They’re safe and reliable
- They cost the same as the regular daytime EMT buses, €1.50 per ride with no additional weekend surcharge
Perfect for getting home after tapas in La Latina or dancing in Malasaña!
Cercanias Trains for Cheap Day Trips
If you’re planning to explore beyond central Madrid — think Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez, El Escorial, or even the mountains — the Cercanías commuter trains are hands‑down the cheapest and easiest way to do it. They’re fast, clean, comfortable, and incredibly affordable compared to long‑distance trains.
Where you can go cheaply
Toledo: Medieval streets and stunning views.
Alcalá de Henares: Birthplace of Cervantes.
Aranjuez: Royal palace and gardens.
El Escorial: Monastery and mountain scenery.
Cercanías Ticket Prices (One‑Way)
Cercanías fares are based on how many zones you travel through. Here are the official prices:
| Zones Traveled | Price (One‑Way) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 zones | €1.70 |
| 3 zones | €1.85 |
| 4 zones | €2.60 |
| 5 zones | €3.40 |
| 6 zones | €4.05 |
| 7 zones | €5.50 |
| Green Zone (C‑9 mountain line) | €8.70 |
Valid for two trips (outbound + return)
Return can be used any time the next day
Price = double the one‑way fare
Typical Day‑Trip Costs
Here’s what you can expect to pay for popular destinations:
| Destination | Approx. Zones | One‑Way Price |
|---|---|---|
| Alcalá de Henares | 4–5 zones | €2.60–€3.40 |
| Aranjuez | 5–6 zones | €3.40–€4.05 |
| El Escorial | 6 zones | €4.05 |
| Cercedilla | 6 zones | €4.05 |
| Cotos (C‑9 mountain line) | Green Zone | €8.70 |
How to Pay
You can buy Cercanías tickets using:
Contactless payment directly at the turnstiles (tap your bank card or phone)
The +Renfe & Tú transport card
Ticket machines at any Cercanías station
Good to Know
You must validate your ticket at both entry and exit stations
You have 2 hours to start your journey after buying a ticket
Trains run frequently, especially from major hubs like Atocha, Sol, and Chamartín
BiciMAD: Madrid’s Electric Bike System
BiciMAD is Madrid’s public e-bike system and it’s perfect for travellers who want to cover more ground without paying for public transport. It’s a fun and affordable way to see the city. Here’s exactly what you can expect to pay as a visitor.
BiciMAD Prices for Tourists & Occasional Users
If you’re just visiting Madrid, you’ll be using the “occasional user” rates:
€2 for the first hour
€4 for the second hour
€4 per hour after the 2‑hour limit (penalty rate)
BiciMAD is designed for short trips, not all‑day rentals, which is why the price jumps after two hours.
Time Limits
Maximum continuous ride time: 2 hours
After that, penalty rates apply to encourage bike turnover
Tourist Cards
You can buy short‑term BiciMAD cards directly at the docking stations:
1‑day card
3‑day card
5‑day card
These cards give you access to the system for the duration of your stay, but usage fees still apply (the €2/€4 hourly rates).
Discounts
BiciMAD offers small incentives to help balance bike availability:
€0.10 discount for taking a bike from a station that’s over 70% full
€0.10 discount for returning a bike to a station under 30% full
It’s not huge, but it’s a nice touch if you’re using the bikes often.
Annual User Pricing (For Long‑Term Stays)
If you’re staying in Madrid for a while, the annual subscription is much cheaper:
€25 per year (standard)
€15 per year if you also have a Madrid public transport pass
Ride rates for annual users:
€0.50 for the first 30 minutes
€0.60 for the next 30 minutes
€4 per hour aft
Best places to ride
Retiro Park: Smooth paths and beautiful scenery.
Madrid Río: A long riverside route with great views.
Salamanca → Malasaña: A fun cross‑city ride.
Walking: Madrid is Built for Wandering
Madrid’s city center is compact, lively, and full of character. You can walk from Puerta del Sol to Gran Vía, Malasaña, Chueca, or La Latina in under 20 minutes. And unlike some European capitals, Madrid’s sidewalks are wide, clean, and well‑lit at night.
Why walking is unbeatable
It’s free — and in a budget guide, that’s always a win.
You’ll see more: street performers in Sol, vintage shops in Malasaña, tapas bars in La Latina.
It’s often faster than taking public transport for short distances.
Local walking routes to try
Sol → Gran Vía → Plaza de España: classic city energy.
Lavapiés → La Latina: multicultural, colorful, full of street art.
Retiro Park loop: peaceful, green, and perfect for a morning stroll.
Exploring Madrid doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With so many cheap, easy ways to get around—and plenty of free things to do once you arrive—you can experience the city’s culture, food, and vibrant neighbourhoods without overspending. Whether you’re hopping between sights on a budget or pairing this guide with our post on free things to do in Madrid, the city is wide open for you to enjoy at your own pace.
