Getting Around Madrid: Transport Apps & Your First 48 Hours

Madrid is compact, sunny, and built around one of Europe's best metro systems. Getting around is easy once you've sorted the reusable card and know about the airport supplement. Here's what actually works.

The best default: the Metro

Madrid's Metro is dense, fast, and reaches essentially everywhere a visitor goes. Trains run every few minutes, so for nearly every central trip it beats a taxi on both time and money.

You need a reusable Multi card

You can't buy a disposable paper single. Load your tickets onto a Tarjeta Multi (about €2.50 for the card), which you tap at the gates. A 10-trip ticket is the best value if you'll ride more than a few times.

The airport supplement to plan for

The airport is on Metro Line 8, about 15–20 minutes to Nuevos Ministerios with easy onward connections.

The airport adds €3

Any Metro trip that starts or ends at the Barajas airport stations adds a €3 supplement to your fare — unless you use a Tourist Travel Pass, which includes it. If you're arriving and leaving by Metro and riding during your stay, the pass often pays for itself.

Apps you can reuse

You don't need anything new for navigation.

Google Maps — reliable routing across Metro, bus and Cercanías trains
Citymapper — clear step-by-step routing for the centre

Apps and rides

For the city's commuter trains, the Cercanías / Renfe network fills gaps the Metro doesn't reach. For door-to-door rides, Cabify, FreeNow, Uber and Bolt all operate in Madrid.

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Your first 48 hours

From MAD, take Metro Line 8 into the city — and consider a Tourist Travel Pass to cover the €3 airport supplement.
If you skip the pass, buy a Tarjeta Multi and load a 10-trip ticket.
Keep Google Maps or Citymapper for navigation.
Save Cabify, FreeNow, Uber or Bolt for late nights and heavy luggage.

Do those four things and Madrid's transport is sorted from the moment you land.

Frequently asked questions

Which transport app is best in Madrid?

Google Maps and Citymapper both cover the Metro, bus and Cercanías well for routing. The official regional transport apps let you load and check your travel card. For rides, Cabify, FreeNow, Uber and Bolt all operate here.

How much is a Madrid Metro ticket?

A single ride in central Zone A is distance-based, roughly €1.50–2.00. You load tickets onto a reusable Tarjeta Multi card (about €2.50 for the card itself). A 10-trip ticket is the better value if you'll ride a lot.

Do I need a Tarjeta Multi in Madrid?

Yes — single and 10-trip tickets must be loaded onto a reusable Tarjeta Multi card, which costs about €2.50. The card is free if you buy a Tourist Travel Pass instead.

How do I get from Madrid Airport (MAD) to the city?

Metro Line 8 runs from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios in about 15–20 minutes, with onward connections across the city. Note there's a €3 airport supplement on top of your fare — unless you're using a Tourist Travel Pass, which includes it.

What is the Madrid airport Metro supplement?

Any Metro journey that starts or ends at the Barajas airport stations adds a €3 supplement to your normal fare. The Tourist Travel Pass (from about €10 for one day) covers it, so it can pay for itself if you also ride during your stay.

Should I buy a Madrid Tourist Travel Pass?

It's worth it if you'll ride a lot or arrive/leave by Metro, since it covers the €3 airport supplement and includes the card. A 1-day Zone A pass is around €10. For light use, a Tarjeta Multi with single tickets is cheaper.

Which ride-hailing app works in Madrid?

Madrid is one of the easier Spanish cities for ride apps — Cabify, FreeNow, Uber and Bolt all operate. Compare a couple before booking. The Metro still beats them on time and cost for most central trips.