How to get around
Getting around Spain is easy, and Madrid has one of Europe's best public transport systems, and it's easy to get around. The Metro has 12 lines and over 300 stations, running from 6 AM to 1:30 AM. A single ride costs €1.50-€2, but if you plan on using public transport frequently, the Tourist Travel Pass (€8.40 for one day, up to €35.40 for seven days) is worth it.
City buses fill in the gaps where the Metro doesn't reach, and hop-on-hop-off sightseeing buses (€22 for one day) give a good overview with audio guides. The historic center is very walkable—most major sights are within a 20-minute stroll of Puerta del Sol. Taxis are easy to find and affordable (€15-€20 for most trips across the city), while Uber and Cabify are also available. If you'd rather bike, BiciMAD has electric bike rentals, and Madrid's cycling infrastructure is growing. If you'd like to know more, check our guide to getting around Spain.
How to get to Madrid
Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is Spain's main international gateway, with direct flights from all over the world, and is often how many get to Spain. The Metro Line 8 (€5, including an airport supplement) gets you to the city center in about 30 minutes, while the Airport Express Bus (€5) runs 24/7 to Atocha and Cibeles in around 40 minutes.
If you're arriving by train, Madrid is well connected to the rest of Spain. High-speed AVE trains from Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia take just 1.5 to 2.5 hours, arriving at Atocha or Chamartín stations. There are also international train routes from Lisbon and Paris, though these take around 10 hours. Long-distance buses, mostly run by ALSA, can give you affordable connections to cities across Spain and beyond, with most routes ending at Estación Sur.
Driving into Madrid is straightforward, but parking can be a challenge. The city has strict low-emission zone rules (Madrid Central), so check the regulations if you're bringing a car. For more information, be sure to see our guide to getting around Spain.
Plan your trip with Rough Guides
Planning your trip to Spain? You're in the right place. If you're making plans now, take a look at our sample Spain itineraries—they're a great starting point. Our Rough Guide to Spain is also packed with expert tips and solid recommendations.
- 14 days in Spain itinerary: Two weeks in Spain gives you time to see a mix of cities and countryside. You can explore Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville, take in the Alhambra in Granada, and still have time for the beaches of the Costa del Sol or the vineyards of La Rioja.
- 10 days in Spain itinerary: Ten days is enough to cover Spain's highlights if you move at a steady pace. You can split your time between Madrid, Barcelona, and Andalusia, visiting Seville and Granada, or swap in Valencia or San Sebastián for a different experience.
- 7 days in Spain itinerary: A week in Spain means making some tough choices, but you can still see a lot. Focus on either Madrid and Andalusia, or Barcelona and the north. If you want a fast-paced trip, you can fit in Madrid, Seville, and Granada or Barcelona, Valencia, and the Costa Brava.
Or if planning a trip feels overwhelming, let us do it for you. Our tailor-made trips are designed by local travel experts who know Spain inside and out. Trips are customized to what you want to do, with 24/7 support along the way.