Finding your way around Madrid by public transport

Tarjeta Transporte Público

The Public Transport Card (Tarjeta Transporte Público) can be used on all types of transport: metro, bus, and tram (Metro Ligero). 

There are two types of cards: Multi and Personal. The Multi card is sold by the automatic machines at the metro stations and in tobacco and convenience shops around the city. It will cost you €2,50, it can be recharged and shared. The Personal card, costing €4,00 is available by online request or at designated offices.   

If you have the Multi card, the simple one-way metro tickets cost €1,50 each, or you can get a package of 10 for €12,20. But the cheapest way to move around is to use the Transport Pass (Abono Transporte), which starts at €25 for unlimited monthly rides and can be purchased if you have a Personal card. You can check out the details and the fares by zones here.

Please note:  

• Pozuelo de Alarcón is in Zone B1. Therefore, if you’re staying at Student Experience Madrid Pozuelo, ensure your pass covers this area.  
• If you’re under 26, there’s a special discount available for you. If you get this card, your pass grants access to all zones in Madrid, making it even more convenient for your city-wide adventures. 

Metro and Metro Ligero

The metropolitan service in Madrid offers quick, practical and safe travel throughout the city with 12 underground routes, 3 tram lines and a special Ramal line (Line R), which connects Ópera station to Principe Pío station. For those staying at Student Experience Madrid Pozuelo, the closest Metro Ligero station is only 750 meters away and is called Prado Del Rey - (ML2)

Bus

Madrid city center 
There are more than 200 bus lines tracing the city. While loose tickets can only be purchased on board, most buses now accept card payments. The city's night buses are especially helpful to those who want to experience Madrid's nightlife and don't want to splurge on a taxi. Additionally, there is a 24-hour bus service from the airport to the city center.  

Pozuelo de Alarcón 
If you're staying in Madrid Pozuelo, your Abono transporte card can be used on the green buses within the municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcon. However, it's important to note that these buses do not accept card payments, so be sure to carry cash with you. Conveniently, the bus stop for line 564 is located directly in front of the residence, with additional stops within walking distance (400m) from the complex, including lines 560, 562A, and 563. All these buses stop at Colonia Jardin, the nearest metro station, providing easy access to the city center from there. 

Bike rental

Madrid offers an electric bike rental service called BiciMAD which allows you to rent a bike as an occasional user for one or two hours. You can find more than 2000 bikes located in over 160 stations. The cost can vary from €2 to €4 euros for a two-hour rental. It is a great option to explore Madrid’s city center.  

Please note: BiciMAD is not available at Pozuelo de Alarcón.  

Carsharing

Using a car in Madrid is very convenient for a short trip on the weekend outside the city or when you need to pick something up from IKEA, for example. Student Experience Madrid Pozuelo provides electric cars by Activacar for your use. By registering here you can sign up for Activacar. Then, download the app, fill in your details, and get on the road!

Scooter rental

Electric scooters are very popular in the city center, and there are several companies in Madrid that offer scooters for rent in public spaces! The main electric scooter companies you will find are Lime, Voi, and Bird. You have to download the app of the corresponding company, register with a payment method, get next to the scooter, scan the QR code, and you are good to go! The average price is €0,15 per minute, with some companies offering them at €0,11 and others at €0,23 per minute.

Good to know: you cannot ride or park electric scooters on the pavement, in bus lanes, or on streets with more than one lane in each direction. The maximum speed is limited to 25 kilometers per hour. When riding on cycle paths, or cycle lanes, you must keep at least a 1-meter distance from pedestrians. The use of an approved helmet is recommended, and it is only mandatory for children under 18 years of age or if you are riding on a multimodal lane at 25 kilometers per hour.

Please note: Scooter rental is not available at Pozuelo de Alarcón.

For more information about public transport in Madrid, check out this guide.