Getting Around Madrid
The best way to get around Madrid is by metro. More than 10 metro lines extend as far north as the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) into the city's southern suburbs. Buses are an option too as are metered taxis, which can be hailed on the street or found in ranks throughout the city. Renting a car is another alternative, but you should note that it's nearly always rush hour in Madrid.
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Metro |
Madrid's metro system is clean, easy to use and extensive, with 12 color-coded routes that reach from the Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) into the surrounding suburbs. Fares are figured by a zone system with the cheapest one-way ticket costing less than €2 EUR. You can buy tickets in all metro stations -- there are nearly 300 of them. The metro’s hours are pretty extensive, but if you do miss the last train (after a wild night out on the town), you can also take a night bus back to your hotel. |
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Bus |
There are 150 bus lines tracing the city, and like the metro, tickets are charged by a zone system with the cheapest one-way ticket costing less than €2 EUR. They can be purchased at convenience stores, metro counters and newspaper kiosks. The city's night buses, which operate from midnight to 6 a.m. are especially helpful to tourists who want to experience Madrid's nightlife and don't want to spring for a taxi. |
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Taxi |
You can hail metered taxis on the street or find them lining up in queues throughout Madrid. The ones that are free will have an illuminated green light on the roofs. The meter starts at about €2 EUR and adds a euro or so for every kilometer traveled. A word of warning: Make sure the taxi meter is switched on. Some drivers deliberately keep it off to swindle tourists out of a few extra euro. You should also only ride the official cabs (ones that are white, black and red) since unofficial ones aren't metered and may charge you more. |
| Car |
Although it's not the best way to get around (tons of traffic, impatient drivers, high parking fees), renting a car is another option. You may want to stick with an international or American rental company, which have offices in the airport and in the city; in the past, some travelers have had billing and insurance issues with the Spanish companies. |
Entry & Exit Requirements
A valid passport is required for United States citizens traveling outside the mainland by air or sea, as well as for U.S. citizens trying to re-enter the country. But you won't need a visa unless you plan on staying longer than 90 days. Visit the U.S. State Department's website for the latest information on foreign exit and entry requirements.
