Metro and Light Rail

The Community of Madrid has an extensive integrated public transport system, a world-class reference.

Visitors to Madrid have several alternatives to make their trips in a fast, comfortable and accessible way, combining different complementary modes of transport to reach any point in the Region, among which the Metro and the Light Rail (tram) stand out.

Madrid is proud to be home to one of the most extensive and efficient metro networks in Europe. Since its inauguration in 1919 by King Alfonso XIII, it has been a fundamental pillar for the mobility of Madrid residents and visitors, connecting the city with its metropolitan area in a fast, comfortable and accessible way.

With 295 kilometers of length and 302 stations, the Madrid Metro is positioned as the third largest network in Europe, only behind Moscow and London. It also ranks eighth worldwide, surpassing giants such as New York and Seoul.

A tour of its lines and stations:

• 12 conventional lines: The main metro network, which covers most of the city and its surroundings.
• Opera-Príncipe Pío branch: A short journey that connects these two central stations.
• 3 light rail lines: Operated by Metro Ligero Oeste, S. A., these lines complement the main network, reaching more remote areas.

A benchmark in expansion and modernisation:

Throughout its history, the Madrid Metro has experienced constant growth, being one of the networks that expanded most rapidly between 1995 and 2007. Today, there are more than 662 million journeys per year, a figure that reflects the importance of this means of transport for the daily life of Madrid residents.

More than a means of transport, an experience:

The Madrid Metro not only stands out for its efficiency, but also for its integration with the culture and history of the city. The network has emblematic stations such as Sol, Gran Vía, Ópera, Pacífico or Chamartín, which in addition to being important transport hubs, house real museums.

A promising future:

The Madrid Metro continues to modernise and innovate to offer an even better service to its users. New technologies are being implemented, improving accessibility and expanding the network to reach more corners of the metropolitan area.

If you are looking for a fast, comfortable and economical way to get around Madrid, the Metro is the ideal option.

The Madrid Light Rail Network is a light rail network that complements the Madrid Metro, connecting the Spanish capital with various towns in the Metropolitan Area. Opened in 2007, it has become a fast, comfortable and accessible transport option for thousands of users.

Main features:

• 3 lines: ML1, ML2 and ML3, which total 27.8 kilometres and 38 stations.
• Integration with the Madrid Metro: 3 stations (Colonia Jardín, Las Tablas and Pinar de Chamartín) allow connection with the conventional metro network.
• Connections with Cercanías commuter trains: 2 stations (Aravaca and Fuente de la Mora) offer a link with the Cercanías network.
• Parla Tram: The Parla tram, also known as ML-4, is part of the Light Rail system.

Advantages of the Light Rail:

• Fast and direct travel between different areas. 
• Modern and comfortable trams.
• Stations adapted for people with reduced mobility.
• Integration into the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium's fare system.
• Routes that allow you to enjoy the views of the city.

How to use the Light Rail?

The same tickets and passes valid for the Madrid Metro are valid on the Light Rail. The service operates from 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., Monday to Sunday.

The Madrid Light Rail is an ideal option for getting around Madrid in an efficient, comfortable and economical way.

The tourist card is personal and allows you to make a number of journeys on the set of regular passenger transport services that operate within the chosen area, with the exceptions indicated.

This card is available in the Multi Public Transport Card format.

The Tourist Card can only be purchased through authorized sales channels:

• In the management offices of Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Atocha and Sol
• All stations in the Metro network
• At the headquarters of the Regional Transport Consortium of Madrid, Plaza de Descubridor Diego de Ordás, 3.

At the points of sale authorized by the Madrid City Council you can purchase the Madrid City Card, which includes the tourist transport card and many other advantages.

Once the tourist card has been used, the Multi Public Transport Card can be loaded with another tourist card, single Metro tickets or 10-trip tickets.

There are six types depending on their validity: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 calendar days.

Depending on the age, there are two types: normal and children's (under 11 years old).

Two zones have been defined for these passes: zone A and zone T

Zone A corresponds to the limits of said fare zone and coincides practically with the municipal area of ​​Madrid.

Zone T covers the entire geographical coverage of the Transport Pass, up to zone E2.

The passes are valid for the calendar days specified in each type of pass from the date of first use (it is not necessary that it coincides with the date of purchase). The validity will be extended on existing night services, until 05:00 on the last day in force.