Best Means Of Getting Around In Madrid
Madrid, the capital of Spain, is one of the most touristic cities in the world. No wonder! It is filled with incredible people and activities to do. The culture is rich, and the historical landmarks will marvel at you every step of the way.
The best way to get to know a city is to act like a local. Visit the most popular places and eat in the typical restaurants. It is a big city, so it is very important to know the means and transportation available to save time and money and get wherever you want without much trouble.
Public transportation
As in every major city, public transportation is an excellent option for moving around. It is cheap and accessible since a public transport network goes through almost every part of Madrid.
Metro
Metro is the best option to move across Madrid. It has more than 300 stops and 12 different lines. It is the third most expensive network in Europe, and it is one of the fastest.
Ask for a map that includes all the lines and stops so you can plan in advance and move through the city without any significant issues.
The “Multi” ticket
The “Multi” ticket is needed to use the Metro in Madrid. You can either purchase single fares or an extended pass with this ticket. It is rechargeable, and it costs only 2.50 Euros.
The fare is around 1.50 and 2 Euros, depending on the distance you want to travel. The stops are divided into different areas; for a route of up to five stops, you will get charged with 1.50. For every additional visit, you will be charged 0.10, up to a maximum of 2 Euros.
If you are visiting the city for a short time, the best option is to get a Pass of 10 rides. The typical touristic pass is another option for people who want to roam through the town intensively. There are also monthly and yearly passes for locals.
The touristic pass is personal; one person can only use it. This pass is ideal for getting to know the city, it includes the major areas, and you can use the Metro as many times as you need. The price of this ticket is 8.5 Euros per day, but you can get discounts for passes that include more than one day.
You can buy the “Multi” ticket in every station; vending machines are available 24/7. There are other shops and stores authorized for selling them as well. Ask the locals for help if you need to!
Frequency
The service is available from 6 am to 1:30 am every day of the week. The frequency tends to vary; on weekdays, it is around 3 and 7 minutes on weekdays. You will probably have to wait a little longer during the weekend and holidays.
For more information regarding tickets, passes, and availability, you can check the official website.
Bus
The bus is a great alternative to move through Madrid. The buses of Madrid are comfortable and modern, and they even offer free Wi-Fi for their users. There are more than 180 lines during the day and 30 during the night.
The simple fare costs 1.50 Euros, and you can buy it on the bus and pay with a credit card, mobile phone, or cash. Drivers only receive bills of up to 5 Euros, so bear that in mind!
There are also passes available for purchase. The Bus+Bus pass costs 18.30 Euros and has ten rides with transfers available.
Download the EMT Madrid App; it will help you find the ideal line for your ride.
Frequency
The frequency of buses varies depending on the lines. Mostly, buses are available from 6 am to 11:30 pm during the week and from 7 am to 11 pm on Weekends and holidays.
From 11 pm, the night buses begin their ride, and they work through the night.
Taxis, Uber and Cabify
Taxis is one of the most popular means of transport in Madrid since the fare is not as expensive as in other cities in Europe.
The taxis in Madrid are white with a diagonal red stripe on the front door. If available, the light on top of the hood will be green. You can stop them in the street or the designated stops through the city. You can also call them through the App called Free Now.
The fare is 1.10 Euro per kilometer, and there is a fixed fare from the Airport to downtown Madrid for 30 Euros.
Uber and Cabify can be cheaper options; it depends on the demand. They are usually particularly more affordable for short stretches.
Rent a Car
This option is the most expensive of all. It can be the most comfortable one, but a car can be counter-productive in a city like Madrid with such a complex net of public transportation.
To rent a car makes sense if you plan to visit the city’s surroundings and other towns nearby. In this case, a vehicle offers you freedom and practicality.
Some tips and recommendations
Bear in mind that public transportation tends to be crowded during rush hour, and the traffic in the city’s central areas intensifies. Try to avoid moving during these time lapses.
Take a physical map with you, so you do not have to depend on Wi-Fi access.
When in doubt, ask the locals for directions. It is the perfect opportunity to practice the language skills that you can get in Spanish lessons Madrid. Locals are used to tourists and are usually quite friendly and helpful.
Also, try to have change at hand to buy the tickets and passes.
With these tips in mind, you are ready to make the most out of your next visit to the beautiful city of Madrid.
