Airport and city center transportation

The Barajas Airport (Aeropuerto de Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez) is located in the northeastern part of Madrid, from where it’s easy to get into the city center.

It has four terminals, but terminals 1, 2, and 3 can be accessed from one location. So essentially, there are two main areas to exit the airport.

Metro

Line 8 stops at both main areas (T1-T2-T3 and T4 terminals). In the city center, the final stop is Nuevos Ministerios station, where you can transfer to other metro lines (6 and 10).

Public transportation tickets and passes are valid (the airport belongs to „A” zone), but an additional ticket, Billete Suplemento Aeropuerto, is required (3 €). The tourist ticket (Abono Transporte Turístico) is an exception, with which you can travel without an additional ticket.

The ticket price is 4.50-5 € depending on the number of stations (this includes the supplementary ticket). The ticket machine will ask for the destination and calculate the price.

You can find metro prices here!

Buses

Several buses can take you to the city center, connecting to transfer points.

Bus 203 (Exprés Aeropuerto)

Runs from T1, T2, and T4 terminals to Atocha Station.

Travel time is only 30-35 minutes, and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Tickets can be purchased on the bus and public transportation passes are not valid.

Ticket price is 5 €.

Bus 101

Runs from T1, T2, T3 terminals to Canillejas stop, where you can transfer to Line 5 metro.

Tickets can be purchased on the bus, public transportation passes are valid (except metro tickets).

Ticket price is 1.50 €.

Bus 200

Runs from all four terminals to Avenida de América stop, where you can transfer to metro lines 4, 6, 7, and 9.

Tickets can be purchased on the bus, public transportation passes are valid (except metro tickets).

Ticket price is 1.50 €.

You can find all information about these buses here!

Public transportation in Madrid city

Madrid’s transportation is eerily similar to Barcelona’s. The numerous metro lines cover the city, allowing you to reach almost every important location.

Madrid’s transportation system is divided into urban („A” zone) and suburban areas. What interests us, tourists, is that the main attractions are located in the „A” zone.

Public transportation is free for children under 4 years old!

Multi Card

Transportation can only be used with a Multi Card. This is a magnetic card that can be purchased from an automatic machine and must be loaded with tickets or passes. There’s a one-time issuance fee of 2.5 €.

To validate, the magnetic card must be touched to the sensor at the metro entrance and on the bus.

Bus ticket (Billete EMT)

This exists only for buses and can be purchased from the bus driver.

Ticket price is 1.50 €.

Metro ticket (Billete Metro)

As the name suggests, it can only be used on the metro. Valid only for one trip on the day of purchase.

The metro ticket price depends on the number of stations! The ticket machine will ask for the destination and calculate the price. This is valid within Madrid’s boundaries („A” zone), outside of which a uniform price ticket is required (Billete Combinado).

Ticket price is between 1.50-2 € depending on the number of stations.

Collective ticket (Metrobús 10 trips)

This means 10 tickets valid for both bus and metro. For the metro, the number of stations within the „A” zone doesn’t matter. Can be used by multiple people.

The collective ticket price is 12.20 € (station number is irrelevant).

Day passes / Tourist ticket (Abono Transporte Turístico)

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-day passes can be purchased, providing unlimited travel in the purchased zone. If you only want to see attractions within the city, the „A” zone tourist ticket is sufficient.

Each pass is valid for calendar days, meaning it’s valid until midnight on the last day of the period!

With this pass, no additional ticket is needed for the airport metro!

Passes for children under 11 years old are half-price!

Prices:

• 1 day: 8.40 €
• 2 days: 14.20 €
• 3 days: 18.40 €
• 4 days: 22.60 €
• 5 days: 26.80 €
• 7 days: 35.40 €

Madrid transportation in maps

You can find maps of the public transportation network and lines on this website, which are downloadable!

Best museums in Madrid

Spain is also a country rich in art. As a result, Madrid has a wealth of museums.

Read More

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Best museums in Madrid

Prado Museum (Museo del Prado)

One of the most well-known and important art museums in the world.

The museum, opened in 1819, was built on the foundations of the Spanish royal collection and has been continuously expanding since then. It contains more than 8,000 paintings, 7,600 drawings, 4,800 prints, and numerous sculptures, coins, and decorative art objects.

The Prado’s rich collection is particularly famous for masterpieces of Spanish, Italian, and Flemish painting. Notable among these are paintings by Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Titian, and Rubens.

Free entry for those under 18 and students under 25!

Free entry during the last two hours of opening! These two hours are only enough for a quick browse; if you really want to explore thoroughly, you should dedicate at least an afternoon!

All information can be found here!

Reina Sofia Museum (Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía)

Madrid’s other famous museum, specializing in 20th and 21st-century art.

The museum is named after Queen Sofia (Reina Sofía), wife of King Juan Carlos I of Spain, and opened in 1992. It was originally an 18th-century hospital, which was converted in the 1980s.

The museum houses one of the most significant collections of 20th and 21st-century Spanish and international art. The collection is particularly famous for Spanish avant-garde art but also showcases numerous modernist, postmodern, and contemporary artworks.

We can see works by famous artists such as Picasso, Dalí, Miró, and Gris here.

All information can be found here!

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza)

Located in the neoclassical Villahermosa Palace, in the immediate vicinity of the Prado. Together with the Reina Sofia, it is also known as the Golden Triangle of Art.

The gallery showcases great European and – to a lesser extent – American painters from the 14th to the 20th century. Although the collection is large, it is still on a human scale, well-organized, and comfortably navigable.

Some artists whose paintings can be seen: Bellini, Uccello, Veronese, Caravaggio, El Greco, Rembrandt, Velázquez, Goya, Dalí.

In addition to its Madrid collection showcasing about seven hundred paintings, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum also maintains a smaller permanent exhibition in Barcelona at the Palau Nacional.

All information can be found here!

National Archaeological Museum (Museo Arqueológico Nacional)

The country’s archaeological and artistic treasure trove, one of Spain’s most important archaeological institutions.

Founded by Queen Isabella II of Spain in 1867, with the aim of collecting and displaying Spain’s archaeological, numismatic, ethnographic, and decorative art objects in one place.

The collection primarily showcases the development of human society from prehistory to the 15th century through Spanish excavations, based on discovered Roman, Greek, and Moorish artifacts.

One of the most famous pieces in the Iberian collection is the „Lady of Elche” (Dama de Elche), a finely crafted limestone bust from the 5th century. The Roman collection includes numerous statues, mosaics, ceramics, and everyday objects, while items from the Muslim rule period include metalwork, jewelry, and textiles.

Free entry on Saturday after 2 PM and Sunday morning!

All information can be found here!

Museum of the Americas (Museo de América)

The museum showcases the history of Spanish conquest.

The collection displays objects from Maya, Aztec, and Inca civilizations that the conquistadors brought back to Spain.

The exhibition is organized into themes: history, geography, society, religion, communication. There is also a compilation about myths related to America.

All information can be found here!

Sorolla Museum (Museo Sorolla)

We can see paintings by the famous Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla in the museum located in the artist’s former house.

The building was designed by Sorolla himself. Its architectural style shows Spanish regional features, inspired by his own taste and love for Mediterranean culture.

Its collection mainly consists of the painter’s own works, but also includes other artworks, personal items, family photographs, letters, and other documents. We can see more than 1,200 paintings and drawings. Sorolla was famous for his use of light and color, which is most evident in his beach scenes and portraits.

All information can be found here!

Royal Academy of Fine Arts of San Fernando (Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando)

The academy showcases different periods of Spanish and European art from the 16th to the 21st century.

It was founded in 1752, during the reign of King Ferdinand VI of Spain. The academy’s purpose was to support and promote Spanish art and the training of artists. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was an important center of artistic and cultural life, where many renowned artists and sculptors taught and studied.

The painting collection spans from the 15th to the 21st century. The collection includes works by many famous Spanish and European artists, such as Francisco de Goya, Raphael, Zurbarán, Ribera, and Rubens.

The sculpture collection includes numerous classical, baroque, and modern sculptures that demonstrate the development and changes in Spanish and European sculpture. The sculptures include plaster models, bronze casts, marble sculptures, and works made from other materials.

The academy’s rich drawing and print collection comprises thousands of pieces, including works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Dürer.

All information can be found here!

Lázaro Galdiano Museum (Museo Lázaro Galdiano)

The art museum showcases the collection of Lázaro Galdiano, a prominent Spanish businessman, art collector, and patron.

Galdiano was a successful businessman and book publisher. His love for the arts and financial means allowed him to create an exceptional collection that includes artistic creations from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.

The museum is located in an elegant district of Madrid, in the Barrio de Salamanca area, in a 19th-century neo-Renaissance style palace that was once Galdiano’s private residence. The building itself is a work of art, with richly decorated interiors and an impressive exterior facade.

Its collection is extremely diverse, containing more than 12,600 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, jewelry, weapons, porcelain, and textiles. The collection is particularly rich in works by Spanish and European masters.

The painting collection is one of the museum’s most outstanding parts, featuring works by famous masters such as Francisco de Goya, El Greco, Velázquez, Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Paul Rubens, and Lucas Cranach.

Its sculpture collection is also noteworthy, with works spanning from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Among the sculptures, baroque and Renaissance works are particularly valuable.

All information can be found here!

Science and Technology Museum (Museo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología)

One of the most exciting institutions in the Spanish capital, where the history of science and technology can be explored through interactive exhibitions.

The museum is especially recommended for families and young people, as visitors can experiment hands-on and discover natural science phenomena. The exhibitions, created in the spirit of modern museum pedagogy, playfully introduce the audience to the world of science.

The museum’s mission is to preserve and showcase Spanish scientific and technological heritage, as well as to promote scientific culture. Thanks to its continuously expanding collection over the years, it has become one of Spain’s most significant science museums.

The collection includes outstanding pieces from the history of science, historical scientific instruments, and objects demonstrating the development of Spanish industry and technology. A special attraction is the museum’s planetarium, where spectacular astronomical presentations are held. The exhibitions feature historical examples of microscopes, telescopes, computers, and other technological achievements that trace the development of scientific thinking.

All information can be found here!

Naval Museum (Museo Naval)

Located in the heart of Madrid, this impressive institution showcases Spain’s maritime traditions and naval history.

Although the capital is not located on the coast, the museum nevertheless boasts one of the country’s most significant collections in the field of maritime navigation. Visitors can gain insight into an era when the Spanish fleet ruled the world’s oceans.

The museum was founded in 1843 and is housed in the building of the Spanish Navy headquarters, near Paseo del Prado. From the beginning, the institution’s goal has been to preserve and showcase the glorious past of Spanish seafaring.

The collection contains more than three thousand two hundred artifacts, including ship models, maps, navigation instruments, and paintings of naval battles. A special treasure is the first world map created by Juan de la Cosa in 1500, which is one of the earliest examples of the depiction of America.

The museum also displays copies of documents and objects related to Christopher Columbus’s expeditions, as well as an exhibition presenting the history of the Spanish Armada. Among the ship models are priceless pieces that show in meticulous detail the shipbuilding knowledge of different eras.

All information can be found here!

Gallery of the Royal Collections (Galería de las Colecciones Reales)

One of Madrid’s newest and most impressive cultural institutions, showcasing the Spanish royal family’s centuries-old collection.

The modern building located in the immediate vicinity of the royal palace offers a unique opportunity for visitors to admire the artistic treasures of the Spanish monarchy. The ultra-modern building is situated between the Palacio Real and the Almudena Cathedral, offering stunning views of the city.

The collection comprises more than one thousand five hundred artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries, armor, and decorative objects. The exhibition guides visitors chronologically through the history of the Spanish monarchy, from the Middle Ages to the present day. Among the special pieces are masterpieces from the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, works by Velázquez, Goya, and other famous painters, as well as a unique collection of weapons and armor. The gallery makes discovering the royal treasures even more enjoyable with modern exhibition techniques and interactive elements.

All information can be found here!

Cerralbo Museum

The magical atmosphere of an aristocratic palace awaits visitors in this special museum, which is also a time travel journey into the world of 19th-century Spanish nobility.

Both the collection and the building have fully retained their original character, so visitors can see the artifacts and furnishings exactly as they were part of the everyday life of the aristocracy of the past century. The museum offers a more intimate, personal experience than larger institutions.

Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, the 17th Marquis of Cerralbo, founded the museum in 1922 when he bequeathed his life’s work and vast collection to the state on the condition that they be displayed in their original setting, in his palace. The neo-baroque palace located on Ventura Rodríguez Street was built in the late 19th century, and every detail reflects the splendor of the upper-class lifestyle of the era. The marquis was an archaeologist, historian, and passionate art collector, so the museum also preserves his intellectual legacy.

The museum houses more than fifty thousand artifacts, ranging from paintings to archaeological finds, furniture, and porcelain. Among the most valuable pieces are works by Tintoretto, El Greco, and Zurbarán, as well as a special collection of weapons and armor.

Every room of the palace, from the grand ballroom to the intimate library, can be viewed in its original state, complete with furniture, wall tapestries, and decorative objects. Particularly impressive are the ceiling fresco in the ceremonial hall and the mirror room, which is a masterpiece of European palace architecture.

All information can be found here!

Madrid public transport

You can easily reach important places, almost exclusively by using the metro.

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There are many great museums in the world. Here are some of the best!

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Spain’s capital and largest city is located along the Manzanares River. Although Madrid has modern infrastructure, many of its historical neighborhoods and streets still retain their original appearance and unique atmosphere.

Madrid attractions

Gran Vía

The city’s main tourist route runs between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de España. Shops, bars, and even a casino line this wide street, which stretches for over 1 km.

Its most famous building is the Metropolis, adorned with a 24-carat gold tower. Another is the Telefónica Building, which was the first skyscraper in Europe when it opened in 1929.

Gran Vía ends between the Torre de Madrid and Edificio España, opposite the Miguel de Cervantes monument in the large square.

Access: Line 1 and 5 metro to Gran Vía station.

Plaza de Cibeles

Located at the eastern end of Gran Vía, this square is one of the city’s most beautiful. In the center of the roundabout, there’s a beautiful 18th-century fountain. This is where Real Madrid football fans celebrate when the team wins a trophy.

The most beautiful building is the Palacio de Comunicaciones, formerly the main post office, now functioning as the city hall. Another notable building is the Bank of Spain, where the Spanish gold reserve is stored.

Definitely visit the square at night, as it’s most beautiful when illuminated!

Access: Line 2 metro to Banco de España station.

Royal Palace (Palacio Real de Madrid)

The official residence of the king, but not his living quarters. It’s mainly used for ceremonies and diplomatic receptions.

One of Europe’s largest royal castles, it has 3400 rooms. The interior is extraordinary, decorated with paintings by artists like Goya, Caravaggio, Velázquez. Also, don’t miss the throne room and the armory!

Access: Line 2, 5 metro to Ópera station.

Almudena Cathedral

Planning began in the 16th century when Madrid became Spain’s new capital (replacing Toledo), but it wasn’t completed until the end of the 20th century.

Its interior is very beautiful, and you can climb up to the dome for a panoramic view of the city.

Entry is free, with a suggested donation of €1.

Access: Line 2, 5 metro to Ópera station, then a 500 m walk; bus lines 3, 148 to Palacio Real stop.

Moncloa Tower (Faro de Moncloa)

Located in the northwestern part of downtown, it offers a beautiful view of the city.

You can stay up there for a maximum of 30 minutes. Closed in bad weather!

Access: Line 3, 6 metro to Moncloa station.

Casa de Campo

This huge park is located on the western side of the city, across the Manzanares River. Many choose it for relaxation and hiking, with many well-developed trails.

Accessible from several stops on the line 10 metro: Lago, Batan, Casa de Campo stations.

Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas

Spain’s largest bullring, seating nearly 24,000 people!

Bullfights are regularly held from spring to autumn. There’s also a bullfighting museum.

Access: Line 2, 5 metro to Ventas station.

Puerta del Sol

Madrid’s central square, an ideal starting point for exploring downtown.

Two statues are located in the square: the bear climbing a strawberry tree, the city’s emblem, and the equestrian statue of Charles III.

Access: Line 1, 2, 3 metro to Sol station.

Plaza Mayor

Madrid’s main square, surrounded by buildings on all four sides.

Many cafes, bars, and restaurants are hidden under the arcaded buildings. A popular place among tourists. In the center of the square is a statue of King Philip III.

Access: 350 m walk from Puerta del Sol.

Debod Temple (Templo de Debod)

An Egyptian temple complex on the edge of downtown, unique in the country. The temple would have been destroyed due to a dam construction, so Egypt gifted it to Madrid.

Entry is free!

Access: Line 6, 10 metro to Príncipe Pío station, then a 500 m walk.

Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá)

Located at the northwest corner of Retiro Park. Formerly the city’s eastern gate, this triumphal arch was built in the 18th century.

Access: Line 2 metro to Retiro station.

Gate of Europe (Puerta de Europa)

Interesting-looking twin towers, as the buildings are tilted at a 15-degree angle. If you have nothing else planned in Madrid, include it in your itinerary!

Access: Line 1, 9, 10 metro to Plaza de Castilla station.

Retiro Park (Parque del Retiro)

A park on the edge of downtown, ideal for relaxation and walks. There’s a large lake where you can go boating, with a monument of King Alfonso XII behind it.

Two beautiful buildings in the park: the Glass Palace (Palacio de Cristal) and the Palacio de Velázquez. Both are free to visit.

Access: Line 2 metro to Retiro, line 9 metro to Ibiza station.

Atocha Station (Madrid Puerta de Atocha)

The railway station is also a botanical garden. About 7000 plants are present, including a greenhouse with fish and turtles.

It features mahogany, breadfruit, rubber trees, coconut palms, traveler’s palms, and even bananas. Among the smaller plants, the coffee plant and cocoa bean are noteworthy.

Access: Line 1 metro to Atocha Renfe station.

Royal Botanical Garden (Real Jardín Botánico)

Founded in the 18th century, it now boasts 30,000 plants and 1500 trees. The outer part is divided into three sections, with a large herbarium and two greenhouses.

All information can be found here!

Access: Line 1 metro to Estación del Arte station.

Cable car (Teleférico)

About a 10-minute ride from the edge of downtown to Casa de Campo park. The lower station is not far from the Templo de Dobod.

All information can be found here!

Access: lower station – Line 3, 4, 6 metro to Argüelles station, then a 500 m walk; upper station – Bus 33 to Albergue Juvenil stop, then a 700 m walk.

Vertical Garden

For an interesting sight, the Vertical Garden is a good choice! Invented by a French botanist, it covers a wall with plants using a synthetic material. At 25 meters high, about 250 different plants settle on the wall.

Access: Line 4, 5, 6 metro to Diego de León station.

Amusement Park (Parque de Atracciones de Madrid)

Not a huge amusement park, but ideal for families with children. It includes several roller coasters, including the vertically rotating Tornado.

Bus 33 goes to the entrance.

All information can be found here!

Zoo (Zoo Aquarium de Madrid)

The zoo includes a large aquarium and dolphinarium. Among its attractions is the rare giant panda. Reviews of the zoo are positive.

Bus 33 goes to the entrance.

All information can be found here!

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

The stadium of one of the world’s most famous football teams, Real Madrid. Capable of accommodating more than 80,000 people.

You can tour the stadium, see the club’s trophies, peek into the dressing room, sit on the bench, and walk through various levels of the stadium.

Access: Line 10 metro to Santiago Bernabéu station.

Wanda Metropolitano Stadium

The stadium of Madrid’s other famous team, Atletico Madrid. A new, modern arena, home to the club since 2017.

Also available for stadium tours.

Access: Line 7 metro to Estadio Metropolitano station.

Madrid public transport

You can easily reach important places, almost exclusively by using the metro.

Read More

Best museums in Madrid

Spain is also a country rich in art. As a result, Madrid has a wealth of museums.

Read More

A Madrid attractions bejegyzés először Tips for journey-én jelent meg.