If you live in Madrid you should know that the metro is one of its illustrious citizens. It is an essential part of the soul of this city and occupies an important place in the daily lives of the people of Madrid. Whether you want to go to work, or simply to get from one part of the city to another, Madrid's metro network will make you forget about your car. That's why, in this article, we've prepared a guide to Madrid metro prices.
Madrid boasts an up-to-date network which is clean and generally operates without the perennial delays and closures of somewhere like the London Underground. Recently, it celebrated its centenary year. It has come a long way since the first 4 Km, 8-station line. The Madrid Metro is still growing rapidly with 12 lines stretching over 12 municipalities with 302 stations. It is the 5th largest underground network in the world. Over 75% of the residents of Madrid are less than 600 metres from a Metro station. And to top it all Madrid is one of the most reasonably priced underground systems anywhere in the world.
In this guide, we will explain Madrid metro prices and the different types of tickets, from single trips to season tickets and supplementary charges.
Madrid Metro single ticket prices in 2026 remain one of the most affordable ways to travel around the city, especially within central Zone A. A standard single ticket (“Billete Sencillo”) costs between €1.50 and €2.00 depending on the number of stations travelled.
For most tourists and expats staying in central Madrid, the standard Zone A fare will usually apply. If you travel outside the main metro zone or use combined routes across the wider network, different fares may apply.
Madrid metro prices vary according to your Metro card. This can be a personalized card or a card for charging with credit before you travel. This card can be purchased directly from Metro station machines and other authorized or designated offices. Read up on the different types of cards and tickets below.
The most popular is to buy a Multi Card (“Tarjeta Multi”), which is a red, non-personal, contactless card. You can get this from the ticket machine, and you need to pay for the card initially. This card costs €2.50 and is reusable, so you can charge it just for the trip you are making or buy a 10-trip ticket. Multi-card can be used for individual or package journeys, except for monthly or annual passes. To be able to charge this type of pass you will need a personal card, which will have your photo and personal details on.
A great advantage is that this card can be used by multiple people, and if you buy the 10-trip tickets it is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Another great advantage you should bear in mind is that you can also use these chargeable cards on the bus service to travel around the city. You cannot, however, use them on the RENFE (National train network) even if you’re just going between two stations within the city.
If you are a Madrid resident and use the metro frequently, it makes sense to get your own personal transport card (TTP). To get your first card, you need to complete the relevant forms online or at one of the main offices (making a pre-arranged appointment online on the same website).
You will be given a credit card size card which contains your name, photo and a Metro ID number. It does not include your national ID number or passport number, so it can never be used as ID for official things.
This card is valid for ten years from its first issue and you can load all travel packages except the tourist package (you can load this title on your Multi card).
A 30-day transport pass for Zone A, which covers Madrid’s main inner-city metro, bus and Cercanías network, costs €32.70 in 2026. The Community of Madrid is continuing its public transport discounts throughout 2026, with a 40% reduction still applied to most monthly passes for adults aged 26–64 and a 50% discount for youth passes. Zone E2, which covers longer-distance areas including Toledo and Guadalajara connections, now costs €79.00 per month.
The Youth Transport Pass for travelers aged 7–25 costs €10 per month in 2026 and allows unlimited travel across all public transport zones in the Community of Madrid. Meanwhile, public transport remains free for senior citizens aged 65 and over, although passengers must still apply for and carry a personal Public Transport Card (“Tarjeta Transporte Público”).
Below is a table of prices for Madrid metro tickets in 2026. Since 2024, the Spanish government has maintained a discounted rate to encourage the use of public transport.
| Ticket type | 2026 Price |
| Single Ticket Zone A | €1.50 (up to 5 stations) – €2.00 |
| Single Ticket (6 stations) | €1.60 |
| Single Ticket (7 stations) | €1.70 |
| Single Ticket (8 stations) | €1.80 |
| Single Ticket (9 stations) | €1.90 |
| Single Ticket (10+ stations) | €2.00 |
| Standard 30-day pass (Zone A) | €32.70 |
| 30-day Youth Pass (under 26) | €10.00 |
| 30-day pass for seniors over 65 | Free (Personal Public Transport Card required) |
| 10-trip Metrobus ticket | €7.30 |
| Combined Metro single ticket | €3.00 |
| Airport supplement | €3.00 |
| Multi Card (reusable transport card) | €2.50 |
Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is served by Metro Line 8, connecting the airport with Nuevos Ministerios in around 20 minutes. However, as mentioned above, travelling to or from Madrid airport by metro requires a special airport supplement in addition to the standard ticket fare.
A single Metro ticket within Zone A costs between €1.50 and €2.00 depending on the number of stops, while the mandatory airport surcharge adds another €3.00 per passenger, bringing the total journey cost to around €4.50–€5.00. If you are using a 10-trip Metrobus ticket, you must still pay the €3 airport supplement separately when entering or exiting the airport stations (Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 or Aeropuerto T4).
One exception: travelers with a valid monthly transport pass or Tourist Travel Pass do not need to pay the airport surcharge.
Discover other ways for getting around Madrid and Spain by public transport.
Making straight comparisons is often dangerous territory, but in this case, it is easier. In comparison to somewhere like London, Madrid metro prices are much lower. Zone 1 and 2 on the London Underground are about the same size as Zone A in Madrid.
Buying Madrid Metro tickets is simple and most metro stations now use self-service ticket machines available in both English, Spanish and some of Spain’s regional languages.
You will need to purchase the aforementioned reusable Multi Card, which will then be loaded with the different ticket types. Once you have your card, simply select your ticket type on the machine, pay by cash or card, and tap your card at the metro barriers when entering and leaving stations.
Most visitors staying a few days in Madrid usually choose either single tickets or the 10-trip ticket, while residents and long-term expats generally save money with a monthly travel pass.
As if all this were not enough (affordable prices, extensive lines, good frequencies), the Madrid metro also offers entertainment for locals and tourists. On their website, you can access the Museum section, where you can see their different itineraries. Throughout 8 different spaces, you can learn more about the history of the metro and even visit a ghost station.
In addition to the museum, the Madrid metro has Bibliometros, a book lending system like that of any public library in the city. These bibliometros are present in twelve stations, you can see if there are bibliometros near you. To use them you will need the Carnet Único de Bibliotecas Públicas de la Comunidad de Madrid (Community of Madrid Public Libraries Card).
Finally, we can only say that you should take advantage of everything the Madrid metro has to offer. Its extensive lines will take you to discover different corners of the city, in an economical and sustainable way.
The Metro system is a just one example of how Spain does things well. The public transport, coupled with the ability to develop Madrid Adolfo Suarez airport and its surrounding area are the reasons Madrid is well placed to become a European superhub of the 21st century. Another thing Spain does well is healthcare, and Caser is one of the top providers for health insurance for expats living in Madrid.
Next time you have to move around the city of Madrid, keep all this information in mind, and enjoy your trip!