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Here is some basic information you need to get around Madrid. Be sure to check out the Multi Card section below, because it is the easiest way to use public transportation. Also, if you are going to do some sightseeing on your own, take a look at this Tourist map of the Madrid Metro, which shows the main monuments and places of interest and will help you to find your way around.
Important notice:
Unfortunately, during the dates of the assembly, the "Ciudad Universitaria" Metro station (our campus stop) will be closed due to renovation works. However, buses covering the same route have been made available. The bus that reaches the UCM campus is marked with the letters SE6 (=Special Service 6). Find more information on this map.
To and from Madrid Barajas Airport
From the international airport Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas you can get to Madrid:
By Taxi: all journeys between the city center and the airport (in both directions) have a flat rate of 33€, as long as you do not leave the perimeter of the M-30, a highway that circles almost the entire central core of the city.
Airport Express Bus (Express Line 203), connects all terminals in the airport with Cibeles square and Atocha station (city center), 24 hours a day. It costs 5€ and the ticket is purchased on the bus. They do not accept tickets of more than 20€ for payment, but you can also pay by credit card.
Metro (Line 8, there is a stop at every Terminal). Just be aware that you will pay a 3€ supplement in addition to the regular Single Ticket fare.
Cercanías Renfe ( Commuter, Line C-1) from Terminal 4, which crosses the entire city (Chamartín - Nuevos Ministerios, Atocha, Príncipe Pío). Both Nuevos Ministerios and Príncipe Pío are connected via Metro Line 6 to Moncloa and Ciudad Universitaria, making the Cercanías a very convenient option for transport from our campus to the airport.
Metro
Madrid Metro has a total of 12 lines. Named according to the two stations located at their ends, can also be identified by two additional criteria: a number and a color (e.g., Line 1 — Light Blue). Map here.
The network operates from 06:00 to 01:30.
Single Ticket: Priced between 1.5 and 2€, it is valid for a one-way journey. It does not include travel to the airport zone on Line 8 (T1, T2, T3 and T4).
Combined Single Ticket: 3€, valid for a one-way journey between two different fare zones.
10-Journey Ticket (for Metro and Bus): Priced at 12.2€, this pass offers ten trips on the Metro and on urban buses (EMT)- see "Multi Card" section below.
Airport Supplement Ticket: 3€, covers travel within the airport stations.
Tourist Travel Pass: The price varies depending on the number of days selected ranging from 1 to 7 consecutive days. It comes in two versions: A (for Madrid’s fare zone A) and T (for the entire regional transport system). Depending on the duration and the chosen zone, prices range from 10 to 61€.
EMT Buses (Urban Lines)
The Municipal Transport Company (Empresa Municipal de Transportes, EMT) operates Madrid’s network of urban buses, which includes over 200 lines covering the entire city. There are different types of lines:
Daytime Lines: These operate during daytime hours, from 06:00 to 23:00. Notable daytime lines that pass through Ciudad Universitaria (Universidad Complutense de Madrid) include lines 82 and 132.
Night Lines ("Búhos"): These run at night, from 23:00 to 06:00. They are identified by the letter “N” (e.g., N28), and most of them pass through or connect at Plaza de Cibeles.
Special Lines: These routes are designed for specific purposes or key public areas like UCM Campus, Ciudad Universitaria. Highlighted among them are lines F, G and U.
A Single Bus Ticket costs approximately 1.5€, with a maximum change of 5€. It is therefore recommended to pay with coins when boarding. Payment by credit card is also accepted in every bus. More information can be found on the EMT website.
Cercanías (Commuter)
Cercanías Renfe services generally run from around 05:30-06:00 until 23:30-00:00.
Single Ticket: Valid for a one-way journey only. Prices range from 1.70 to 5.50€ depending on the number of fare zones crossed during the trip.
Return Ticket: Valid for two journeys. The return trip can be made at any time throughout the day following the date of purchase.
10-Journey Tickets (Bonotren): The price, when not leaving central Madrid, is 10€. More specific information can be found here.
More specific information about routes, timetables, and fares can be found at the following link.
Multi Card
One of the most convenient ways to get around Madrid by public transport is by acquiring a Multi Card (Tarjeta Multi) from vending machines at most Metro stations. Non-personal and transferable, it is very recommended for short stays.
The first time you have to buy the card (2,5€) and you can recharge it as many times as you want, either with a single trip or with a 10-trip voucher. You can use it both on the Metro and on the EMT buses. It does not work on the commuter, which has its own 10-ride card.
Follow the instructions in English on the vending machines and you will be able to move around the central area of Madrid without any worries. More info here.
Taxis in Madrid
Madrid’s official taxis are white with a red diagonal stripe and a green light on top when available. They can be hailed on the street, found at designated taxi ranks, or booked via phone or app.
All taxis are metered, and fares are regulated by the city. You can pay by card or in cash. There are set rates for journeys to and from the airport, and drivers are generally honest and professional. Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up the fare is common practice.
In addition to traditional taxis, Madrid is well served by ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify, Free Now and Bolt. These services are widely used, reliable, and often offer fixed pricing, which can be convenient during busy hours. They operate through their respective mobile apps, allowing you to book and pay directly from your phone.
BiciMAD: Madrid’s Electric Bike Sharing System
BiciMAD is Madrid’s public electric bike-sharing service, offering an easy and sustainable way to get around the city. With hundreds of docking stations throughout central Madrid, including several in the Ciudad Universitaria campus — one of them located right on Avenida Complutense, next to the metro station — it’s a convenient option for students and visitors alike. To use the service, simply download the BiciMAD app, register, and choose a pass (pay-as-you-go or time-based). Bikes must be picked up and returned at official docking stations. You’ll find all the details in this leaflet.
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