travel cards madrid

Your Madrid City Card

We offer different ways to enjoy the city´s top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions.

Your card also includes a Tourist Travel Pass which you can use to move around Madrid.

ENJOY A VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE OF MADRID

Options and Prices

Madrid City Card

Sin transporte.

Disfrutarás de ventajas y descuentos en los principales atractivos turísticos, culturales y de ocio de la ciudad

Para ello deberás presentar el código QR de tu tarjeta en los establecimientos participantes

Con Transporte

The card includes a Tourist Travel Pass issued by the CRTM, Madrid's Regional Transport Consortium, which allows you to use the city's public transport system for your selected number of days.

The Madrid City Card offers the following options:

• Adult / child
• 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days.

Esta tarjeta la podrás conseguir, sin necesidad de reserva previa, acercándote a las oficinas de turismo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid.

Sin transporte

Con transporte.

You can purchase your Madrid City Card without prior appointment at any of Madrid City Council's Tourist Information Offices.

Children under 11 years old receive a 50% discount on the price of the Madrid City Card.

Children under 4 years old do not need a Madrid City Card to enjoy discounts and other benefits or to travel on public transport for free.

Reserve now

Modalidad sin transporte Podrás darte de alta online en el siguiente link

Modalidad con transporte Esta tarjeta sólo se puede adquirir de forma presencial, sin necesidad de reserva previa, en las oficinas de turismo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid

The city’s new official sightseeing pass offers multiple benefits:

In museums and other cultural and leisure attractions.

Skip-the-line entrance to some of the main tourist attractions.

Tourist Travel Pass

Zone A included in your Madrid City Card.

Other benefits

Other special benefits in affiliated establishments.

Included in your Madrid City Card, you'll find a Tourist Travel Pass valid for your period of chose: 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days.

This travel pass, which is activated on the day you first use it, allows unlimited travel in Zone A for your selected days. It can be used on the following transport options:

• All blue city bus lines operated by Madrid's municipal transport company, EMT. The 24-hour Airport Express shuttle bus line is not included.
• Madrid’s Metro network within Zone A (City of Madrid), including the €3 supplement normally charged for travelling to or from the airport metro stations Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 and Aeropuerto T4 ( Tourist Metro Map ).
• Zones 0 and A of Madrid's commuter train network (Renfe de Cercanías Madrid).
• ML1 of Madrid's light rail network (Metro Ligero).

For detailed public transport and mobility information, please visit our website .

Attractions

Discount on the ticket to the viewpoint and in the shop

50% discount at the ticket office and 10% on articles bought

Discount on the ticket price

15% discount at the ticket office. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience

Discounts on the ticket price

50% discount at the ticket office

Discount on admission and preferential access

10% discount on admission. Buy it at the preferred box office

Discount on the ticket price at office box

10% discount at the Box Office. Not combinable with other offers or promotions. Subject to availability

Discount on admission

25% discount on admission. Buy it at the box office. From Monday to Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Buy online, save €3 per ticket and avoid having to queue at the ticket office

Discount on your ticket (includes an audio guide)

10% discount at the ticket office (includes a 10-language audio guide). Discover all the little-known nooks and crannies...

Discount at the ticket office and on website

10% aditional discount. Promo code MCC10 on website purchase and also at the box office

Discount on typical products from Madrid

Enjoy a 10% discount on typical products and souvenirs from Madrid at our shop in Plaza Mayor

Free entrance for all

Madrid’s Municipal Museums offer free entrance

Discount on the ticket price of the tour

10% discount at the Territorio Atleti ticket office: Museum + Stadium Tour. The museum features large screen displays, v...

15% discount for the bearer and up to 3 companions at the maximum general rate ticket (from 140 cm height) by presenting...

Discount at the ticket office

10% discount at the museum box office. Check our rates on the web.

Free audio guide and discount in the shop

10% discount in-store, apply to purchases of €20 or more (not applicable to publications)

30% discount per person when buying a general ticket (from 8 years old) at the Zoo ticket office. Applicable to a maximu...

10% aditional discount. Promo code MCC10 on website and also at the box office

Soon, with your Madrid City Card at hand, you won’t have to wait in line!

With your ticket, free visit to the Historical Archive

With your ticket at the box office, you can visit for free the Historical Archive of the Real Hermandad del Refugio, whi...

Discount 20% at the ticket office. Check our rates on the website.

10% aditional discount. Promo code MCC10 on website purchase and also at the box office. No valid on Monday prices

Discount on the general admission ticket

€1 discount at the ticket office. Includes a visit to the rooftop and access to exhibitions organised by Círculo de Bell...

Reduced admission (€13) at the ticket office. Please show your Madrid City Card at the palace entrance

We offer you a tasting at DBellota

What better way to enjoy Spain’s wine culture than by enjoying a free glass of wine at DBellota, located in Galería Cana...

Preferential Access

With your Madrid City Card at hand, you won’t have to wait in line!

10% discount

On all first-time flyers flight packages. Redeem your offer online with the discount code MADRIDCITYFLY or directly in...

€1 discount at the ticket office. The visit includes the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions

Enjoy our free admission time slot

Free admission every day during the last two opening hours. Tickets are available Monday to Saturday from 6pm, and on Su...

Enjoy Madrid’s electric bikes

The service is available in the 21 districts of the city and is presented as an active and sustainable mobility alternat...

Enjoy Madrid’s Municipal Planetarium

The aim of the centre is to contribute to the dissemination of astronomy and science. It offers a wide range of audiovis...

Reduced-price admission

Reduced admission (€6) at the ticket office

Discount in the shop

10% discount on books from the Municipal Printing Press’s catalogue

MADRID CITY CARD is a card that allows access to promotions and discounts offered by collaborating businesses, with MADRID DESTINO CULTURA TURISMO Y NEGOCIO, S.A. (MADRID DESTINO) having no involvement in the provision of the service and/or sale of the product that is the subject of the offer. Any complaint or incident regarding the provision of the contracted service and/or the sale of the product must be addressed to the legal entity that manages the participating business, without MADRID DESTINO being liable in any case for fulfilment of the terms and conditions of the discount and/or promotion that the offer consists of.

¿Dónde se utiliza?

Descubre todos los descuentos que te ofrece la tarjeta turística Madrid City Card.

Guía completa

Échale un vistazo a la guía completa y descubre información detallada sobre los espectáculos, cómo moverte de forma sostenible y actividades de ocio.

What is the Madrid City Card?

Issued by Madrid City Council, the city's official sightseeing pass allows tourists to enjoy benefits and discounts on the city's top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions. The card includes a Tourist Travel Pass issued by the CRTM, Madrid's Regional Transport Consortium, which can be used on the city's public transport system.

How do I activate my Madrid City Card?

You can start using your Madrid City Card for discounts and benefits as soon as you purchase it from one of the city's Tourist Information Offices. The Tourist Travel Pass will be automatically activated the first time you use it on any mode of public transport.

Validity of the card

You can continue using your Madrid City Card for discounts and benefits for 1 month after purchasing it. The Tourist Travel Pass will only be valid for your chosen period: 1 day or 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days. Please note that the Tourist Travel Pass is valid for calendar days, not for 24-hour periods. This means that if you activate it at 11:59pm, you will already have used up a full day.

How can I find out which establishments are included in my Madrid City Card?

Check out our “Attractions” section to see where you can use your card.

How do I use my Madrid City Card at establishments that accept the card?

You can enjoy discounts and benefits by simply showing the QR code on your card. You can only use it once in each establishment, unless otherwise indicated in the description of the activity.

Is there a phone number or email address that I can use should I have any questions?

Sí, puedes llamar al número (+34) 915 787 810 de 09:00 a 20:00 de atención telefónica, pero también puedes contactar con nosotros por email en [email protected].

DFP tag: LAYER

Madrid City Pass: free airport transfer and discounts for museums and sights

• The Prado Museum , with priority access
• Reina Sofia Museum
• Thyssen Bornemisza Museum
• The Royal Palace
• Museum of Decorative Arts
• Sorolla Museum
• Contemporary Art Museum
• The Debod Temple
• Royal Botanical Gardens
• The San Fernando Royal Academy of Fine Arts
• Tour of Real Madrid's Stadium, Trophy Room & Museum
• Guided tour to the Atletico de Madrid Museum + free gift
• Guided tour to Las Ventas Bullring
• Lázaro Galdiano Museum
• Lopé de Vega House & Museum
• Museum of America
• Exhibition room, Círculo de Bellas Artes
• and many, many more...

Once you have ordered your card, it may be collected either at Madrid airport, or at the Tourist Information Office (full details on purchase).

Unveil the marvels of Madrid with the Madrid Card

The Madrid Card is a city pass or tourist card. It’s the best way to enjoy the city’s top tourist, cultural and leisure attractions.

Why waiting to get to Madrid? Get your Madrid Card online right now.

If done properly, you can plan your whole holiday with a couple mouse clicks from home.

This is without a doubt the best Madrid discount pass in circulation at the moment: having everything booked from the comfort of home, skipping lines, and saving money… but it really depends what you’re planning to do.

Table of Contents

What’s included in the Madrid Card?

Each Madrid Card includes the following for visiting Madrid:

• Prado Museum: Skip the line access + self-guided tour audio guide.
• Royal Palace: Fast track, skip the line access.
• A 1-day pass (24h) or a 2-day pass (48h) for a panoramic tour through Madrid on the Red hop-on hop-off tourist bus.
• City Tour of Madrid app (100+ spots with audio guide from local experts).
• A 1-hour audio tour of the Prado Museum masterpieces.

You also get a digital discount code giving you 10% off major purchases like:

• Museo Reina Sofía, Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Las Ventas .
• The Santiago Bernabeú Tour and the Cívitas Metropolitano Tour .
• Guided tours, flamenco shows, the city’s best amusement parks, and much more.

How does the Madrid Card work?

The Madrid Card is 100% digital.

During the booking process, you select dates and times for visiting the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (here selecting a time is also mandatory).

You then receive your tickets via email. There’s no need to print them out – just show them on your phone. This has the advantage that on arrival in Madrid, you hit the ground running and can head straight to the city center, with no need to pick anything up.

You also get an audio guide app to listen to on your smartphone (don’t forget to bring earphones), plus a coupon code that gives you a 10% discount on Madrid attractions, tickets and tours purchased from the Madrid tourist card website .

There’s no time limit on when you use the discount code and no booking fees. This is a bonus if you’ll be staying in Madrid for more than just a few days because you can spread your sightseeing out over a longer period.

After booking, you receive a link to the Madrid tourist card website . When booking through this link, there is an extra text field in the shopping cart where you enter the discount coupon code. When you validate the code, the 10% discount is automatically applied to your order.

Is the Madrid Card worth it?

Buying a Madrid City Pass will be well worth your money if you’re planning to spend a while in the city and want to see many of Madrid’s attractions. If you do buy the pass for your visit, be sure to use the City Bus Tour bus in the first 24 hours to maximize the benefits of your card.

If you’re only in Madrid for 1-2 days on your journey through Spain, consider buying the Madrid’s museum pass instead. Paired with a Madrid Travel City Pass to cover the transport costs, seeing Madrid will be a lot easier.

That said, if you’re coming to Madrid with culture in your eyes, and want to check off the major themes of Madrid’s top things to do like the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (without any stress) then it’s something you should seriously consider.

Here are a few reasons:

1. Save money

It’s the reason you looked for a discount card in the first place, isn’t it?

The 10% discount you’ll get on subsequent attractions is the highest discount percentage available on the market for any of the major attractions.

Some math: the 3 tickets included in the basic pass (Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and the City Bus Tour) cost 58€ with the two audio guides adding 5€ of value each – making 68€.

If you buy the pass and nothing else you’re already saving 11€.

That said, if you decide to use the pass for just 3 items like Museo Reina Sofía, Santiago Bernabéu, and Museo Thyssen using the 10% discount you end up saving 5€ more.

If you go on by getting an entrance to Las Ventas, a flamenco show, an amusement park pass, or anything else on the long list of discounts it starts to really add up.

2. Skip the line at Madrid’s most popular attractions

If you’re still wondering if this city pass is worth it, ask yourself how much your time is worth.

Because some attraction entrances can have incredibly long lines, which results into an incredible waste of time.

With the Madrid Card you use your personal discount code to book all your attraction tickets online in advance , skip the lines, and enjoy your visit hassle free.

If your time is, let’s say, worth 30€ an hour you’re now way into savings.

3. No need to waste your time collecting anything

Unlike other Madrid discount cards you’ll benefit from the Madrid Pass being all digital.

That way you won’t have to worry about picking anything up in busy Madrid city center during rigid office hours, printing out tickets, or even losing them.

Just book them at your own pace at home, then show the tickets on your smartphone.

Madrid Card FAQ

Does the Madrid Card include public transport?

No, the Madrid Card doesn’t include public transport. There’s a specific travel city pass that you’ll need to get as well.

Do I have to pick anything up?

No, all tickets and discount codes are done online.

Do I absolutely have to select my visiting dates for the Prado Museum, the Royal Palace and the City Bus Tour?

Yes, it’s fundamental to get your tickets sent.

Keep in mind that time slot selection is super standard as you’re benefiting from a fast-track ticket to enter the Royal Palace.

I suggest you book the City Bus Tour as your first activity, so you can overview the city’s main sights and landmarks as soon as you get to Madrid.

Madrid City Pass

Explore the capital of spain, the card that will take you along a trip through madrid.

Discover Madrid at leisure with the Madrid City Pass. You will find that this Pass makes your city trip very affordable and efficient: the Madrid City Pass allows you to skip the waiting lines and get priority entrance at the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace. Experience the sights of Madrid from the hop-on hop-off bus with a free ticket. If you also opt for a 3-day public transport pass, public transport is free as is the transfer by taxi from Madrid Airport to your hotel in the city. 

The Madrid City Pass is perfect for visitors who want to see the most important sights and attraction, not all museums, sights and attractions, that Madrid offers. The pass also allows you a 20% discount on other sights and museums in the city as well as flamenco shows, tapas tours, bike tours and excursions. The Madrid City Pass is hassle-free, purchase is online, tickets and vouchers are sent to you and there is no need to pick up your pass in person when you arrive in Madrid.

Fast Track Entry

Don’t waste time standing in line and skip straight to the front of queues. You enjoy fast track entry to some of the most popular museum and attraction including the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real). Just show your valid Madrid City Pass ticket and jump to the front line!

Public Transport and Airport Transfer

The hop-on hop-off bus is included in your Madrid City Pass and will take you past all the highlights of the city. Hop off and see sights and attractions in detail, hop on again to continue your tour. You can also opt to add a three-day public transport card including airport transfer from the airport Madrid-Barajas to your hotel or B&B. This pass allows you free travel on metro, bus and train in Madrid.

If you opt to add the public transport pass to your Madrid City Card, a taxi driver will be waiting for you when you arrive at Madrid Airport. He will also give you the physical public transport card and then takes you to your accommodation. Your public transport pass is activated when you scan your card in metro, bus or train for the first time. From then on your pass is valid for three consecutive days.

• Audio Guide App

The Madrid Digital Pass also includes an app with audioguide. With this you will discover more than 100 sights in Madrid. Local guides provide commentary and tell about their ‘secret spots’. The app also includes walking routes.

Your Madrid City Pass not only affords free entrance to the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) also the hugely popular hop-on hop-off bus is free. Add to this reduced admission fees for museums and attractions and savings on bicycle and walking tours and excursions (Toledo) and you understand why this City Pass is immensely popular.

• Ticket and skip-the-line entry to the Prado Museum
• Ticket and skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace
• Ticket for the hop-on hop-off bus (valid for 24 hours)
• Option: 3-day public transport card
• Option: Transfer by private taxi from Madrid Airport to your hotel
• Discounts on various other attractions, museums, tours and shows
• Discount on excursions e.g. to Toledo

Alternative to the Madrid City Pass

The Royal Madrid Combo is a more compact and cheaper alternative to the Madrid City Pass. It is a great value ticket that opens up ‘Royal Madrid’. It entitles you to online reservation of skip-the-line tickets to Palacio Royal, the Royal Palace of Madrid, and for Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium tour.

Waiting in the queue is history, because you have fast track and free entry to the Royal Palace of Madrid. With 3,000 splendidly furnished and decorated rooms and galleries, it is Europe’s largest royal residence. Included in the combo ticket is free entry to the imposing Bernabéu Stadium of Real Madrid as well as a stadium tour and the Real Madrid Museum

The Royal Madrid Combo is perfectly suited for visitors who want to see Madrid highlights in a hassle-free way. The tickets and reservations are sent to you via email and there is no need to pick up or exchange vouchers physically on arrival in Madrid. To make your visit even more complete an audio guide app with interesting information and photos of 120 highlights of Royal Madrid is included.

Rated by 144 Happy Travelers!

Compact and cheap alternative: Royal Madrid Combo

• Royal Palace of Madrid*
• Santiago Bernabéu Stadium*
• Real Madrid Museum

*Skip the line tickets

How does the Madrid City Pass work?

The Madrid Digital Pass is not a physical pass, so you don’t have to pick up anything in Madrid, but you can arrange everything online right at home! Select your arrival date in Madrid. After ordering you will receive an email with a link. Here you can enter when you want to visit the attractions in Madrid. You will then receive all tickets by email, which you can also show on your phone. You will also receive a discount code with which you can get a 10% discount at other museums, attractions, tours and excursions in Madrid.

Madrid City

Madrid is the capital city of Spain and is the cultural heart of the country. The locals are proud of their city and they should be! Madrid is home to three top museums and many famous sights. The city buzzes with activity day and night. All very good reasons to go on a city trip to Madrid!

The Highlights

Madrid brims with sights and attractions. Culture lovers will make head straight to Museo del Prado, Museo Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Football fans will have the day of their life when visiting the Real and Atletico stadiums. Madrid has still more to offer (Palacio Real), El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Almudena in a neo-gothic style with a modern twist.

Things to see and do in Madrid:

Prado Museum

Gran Via Madrid

Palacio Real

Prado Museum Madrid

Retiro Park

Money Saving Tips

Madrid explorer pass.

The Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass allows you to choose from 3, 4, 5, or 7 tourist attractions in the capital , with total flexibility. As well as avoiding long lines, it also allows you to save up to 40% on the final price .

Attractions Included

With the Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass, you can choose from the activities , museums , and monuments that interest you most, helping you to save money  and time, and directly visit the sights that you're most excited about.

These are the 15 tourist attractions included in the card:

• Prado Museum
• Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
• Teatro Real
• Bernabéu Stadium tour
• Guided tour of Madrid
• Flamenco show in Torres Bermejas
• Madrid Tourist bus
• Wanda Metropolitano Tour
• Las Ventas Bullring
• Spanish wine tasting
• Shopping in the Las Rozas Outlet
• Toledo half-day experience
• Segovia half-day experience
• Lázaro Galdiano

The Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass card includes a guide with detailed information on opening times , maps , and suggestions as to how to get to the attractions included in the pass.

The pass allows one access to each attraction and is valid for 30 days from activation .

Madrid Explorer Pass Price

Worthwhile.

If you're only in Madrid for a few days, the Go City: Madrid Explorer Pass card is the best way to save money and visit the attractions that interest you most. And the card is an excellent option for tourists who are spending longer in the capital, as it can help your budget go further.

Where to buy the ticket

You can buy the ticket directly from our website. You'll receive an email with the exact pickup points in the center of Madrid.

• Buy the Go City Madrid Explorer Pass

You may also be interested in

Get to know the tourist cards available in Madrid and save during your holidays in the Spanish capital.

Tourist Travel Card

Madrid’s tourist travel card allows visitors to travel as many times as needed on all the city’s public transport system (metro, urban buses, and cercanía trains). There are five types of Tourist Cards, depending on their validity: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 calendar days.

Getting around Madrid: Your best (and cheapest) options

Getting around Madrid is not always easy.

In this post, I will show you the best and cheapest ways to explore the city .

You will find out that public transport in Madrid is affordable, safe, comfortable and efficient.

Table of contents

Slow travel in Madrid: Time to take it easy

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I believe that walking is the best way to experience any city in the world firsthand.

Slow travel is the most sustainable way of tourism and it allows you to better engage with local people, history, and culture.

It is also true that a tight schedule is quite usual, as most tourists want to make the most of their stay in the capital of Spain.

That is when visitors most appreciate the comfortable, diverse, and efficient ways of getting around Madrid.

The weather in Madrid is generally excellent for enjoying a stroll.

And in my post about the best landmarks in Madrid , I have organized all the top-rated attractions by area.

This way, getting around Madrid is much easier, the ones in a specific area are within walking distance and you can use public transport just to move among the different zones.

» Check out my popular post : 10 Best Things to do in Madrid in Winter .

Your accommodation location is also relevant for getting around Madrid.

Depending on how far it is from the main attractions, you may need to use something more than your feet. Be sure you choose one of the best-located neighborhoods .

Ready to start? Here’s my practical guide to getting around Madrid.

If you are planning to travel to Madrid, you need to know that Madrid has just one airport serving all the routes arriving and departing from the city.

Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (code IATA: MAD, code ICAO: LEMD) is located in the northeast of Madrid, Barajas district, only 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Madrid city center.

The total cost of Metro Madrid is under € 5 , including a supplementary Airport charge. It is quite an affordable price in my opinion compared to other cities I visited all around the world.

Metro Madrid is fast, comfortable, safe, and affordable.

However, the best option to go from the airport to the city center will obviously depend on the area where you have booked your accommodation when visiting Madrid.

In my guide to getting from Madrid Airport to the City Center , you will find detailed information about how to get there by metro as well as other excellent options such as bus, train, taxi, or car rental.

Public transport in Madrid is cheap, fast, clean, and comfortable.

Getting around Madrid by subway will get you to the top-rated monuments in just a few minutes. This way you will save time and make the most of your trip to Madrid.

As I said before, there is nothing better than walking in Madrid but if you want to travel fast you have to go underground .

With more than 300 hundred stations, 294 km of network, and 2,400 trains, Madrid´s subway is one of the best and safest in the world .

More than 2 million travelers enjoy every day one of the most popular means of getting around Madrid.

Madrid Metro lines are identified by both their number and their color, as you can see on official metro signs and maps.

Madrid´s subway stations can be accessed from the street. You will find signs on lampposts guiding you to the nearest station.

You will need a transport card to enter the subway.

You can purchase them and top them up in the user-friendly machines located in all the subway stations. Credit cards are accepted and children under 4 years old can travel without a ticket .

There are several types of transport cards but most locals and visitors use the Multi Card .

The price of this card is €2.50 and you can load single and 10-journey tickets. Remember that you can now reload your transport card in Madrid with your mobile phone .

The Multi Card can be consecutively validated as many times as passengers are using the service with the same card. Just be aware that all of them need to begin and end their journey together.

In order to get to the station platform, just swipe the Multi Card through the active turnstiles which are highlighted with a green arrow.

Inside the Madrid Metro stations, you will find plenty of information and orientation signs to help you find out where you are and how to get to your destination.

The panels located on the platforms of all stations inform travelers about the waiting times for the next trains.

Wait for the train to completely stop before approaching it and let people out before going in.

When the train arrives at your destination station, you will find green signs on the platforms and corridors indicating the exit and the nearest streets.

The subway in Madrid operates from 6 a.m. to 1.30 a.m. Metro is the fastest way of getting around Madrid and it is open almost 24/7.

The Metro Madrid official app is available for both Android and iOS.

It is really convenient for getting around Madrid by subway. Among others, you can get information about the stations closest to your location, waiting times for the next trains, and calculate the best route to your final destination.

I find pretty useful for getting around Madrid this tourist map of the subway network :

Madrid Metro is fast, comfortable, extensive, affordable, and safe.

What else could you ask for on your trip to Spain? A single ticket can get you anywhere in the city.

Getting around Madrid by bus

Save time, stress, and money getting around Madrid on public transport. Madrid´s public buses are a convenient and cheap way to move.

Most times buses will not be as fast as the subway but they offer plenty of sightseeing opportunities along the way.

Buses in Madrid run from 6 am to 11.30 pm from Monday to Friday and the usual frequency is 4-15 minutes, depending on the line and the time of day.

On weekends and public holidays, they run from 7 am to 11 pm and buses are slightly less frequent.

After 11.30 the city operates night buses for some specific routes.

Most of the bus stops in Madrid have electronic displays that indicate the waiting time for the next bus to arrive.

When you are waiting at the bus stop, you must signal to the driver that you wish to board as the bus approaches.

If not, the bus could skip the stop and continue its route.

The line number and direction are indicated on the front of the bus and both sides of the bus. Anyway, in case you are not completely sure, ask the driver .

You get on the bus at the front and get off at the rear door of the bus.

The Multi Card must be validated in the ticket stamping machines on EMT buses.

Tickets can be purchased on board too and can be paid for by card. Currently, the price of a single ticket is 1.5 €. Be aware that notes larger than 5€ are usually not accepted .

As it happens in the subway, children under the age of 4 travel for free when getting around Madrid by bus.

In most cases, buses only stop at designated bus stops, and only upon request. To ask the driver to let you off at the next bus stop, you must press the button before you reach it.

Madrid buses can sometimes be faster than the subway and passengers can enjoy the views. Anyway, be aware of the time and skip rush hours to avoid traffic jams.

EMT has created this website with an interactive map that allows you to check the estimated waiting times, calculate the best bus route plan between two points, and other interesting aspects for getting around Madrid by bus.

Madrid Hop on Hop off touristic bus is one of the easiest and most convenient ways of getting around Madrid and discovering the most popular attractions in the city.

I am not such a big fan of this type of tourism as I usually prefer walking to get more involved with the history and culture of the places I visit.

But this is indeed an excellent and pleasant option if, for example, you do not spend much time in Madrid.

All you have to do is purchase your ticket, hop on the bus, put on your earphones, listen to the recorded commentaries and enjoy the tour, monuments, and other attractions you pass by.

You can hop off the designated route at the stop you want , as many times as you like.

You will also benefit from free wifi on board.

Prices, routes, and other information can be found on the official site .

The Renfe service consists of 9 train lines connecting the center to its surrounding suburbs.

Getting around Madrid by train Trains in Madrid is an excellent option due to the high quality of the service. However, it is true that you will not probably need to use them on your trip to Madrid unless you want to make a one-day trip.

The Renfe lines have fewer stops than Metro Madrid and EMT buses, which is why they are more convenient for long distances .

However, if your visit focuses on the attractions of the city center, subway, bus, and walking should be your usual options for getting around Madrid.

As many locals live outside the city center, every morning they use the train to go to work and to get back home in the afternoon.

Trains start running in Madrid every day between 5 am and 6 am and stop at around midnight. They normally run every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the line and day of the week.

» Check out my popular post: 10 Reasons to visit Madrid, Spain .

Getting around Madrid by train is quite affordable too, although the price varies depending on the distance traveled.

Train tickets can be purchased in the self-service machines located in the Cercanías stations.

The same line can sometimes have different destinations . Be sure you take a look at the information displays placed on the platforms to get on the right train.

Madrid is a beautiful city to explore on foot.

The weather is really nice most of the year and many of the city’s top landmarks are within easy walking distance.

For me, walking is the best option for getting around Madrid.

It is true that there could be long distances to cover but good planning will allow you to explore the city by neighborhood.

This is why I have prepared a comprehensive guide with the best landmarks and monuments in Madrid by area. It will be key to saving time and making the most of your trip to Spain.

Strolling around the city will allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions . It will also allow you to discover some of Madrid´s hidden gems.

Madrid also has a wide offer of free walking tours that are usually given by young, local guides who are often students. There is no fee to participate in a walking tour, but if you enjoyed yourself a tip will be welcomed.

Getting around Madrid by bike

Madrid is increasingly bike-friendly, and the network of cycling lanes is growing every day.

You will enjoy the city at your own pace in a healthy and sustainable way .

Rain is not usual in Madrid so weather conditions will be probably quite good to enjoy a ride. Summer can be quite hot though, so remember to carry enough water.

Getting around Madrid by bike is an excellent and sustainable option.

Madrid´s public electric bicycle scheme is called BiciMAD and is a great and healthy way to discover the city, especially for short rides around the city center.

BiciMAD offers a comprehensive, practical, and simple service with more than 7,500 electric bikes. Besides, it is really simple to use.

If you are spending a few days in Madrid, you won´t need the annual subscription. You can sign up as an occasional user at the docking station totem , where you can choose among a 1, 3, or 5-day pass .

You will insert the requested information in the totems as well as the credit card number where you will receive the charge (cash payments are not allowed).

Although BiciMAD will immediately block 150€, they will charge occasional users 2 € for the first hour and 4 € for every additional hour .

You can rent a bike at any of the docking stations and leave it in any other.

You will be billed at the end of the selected period depending on the use of the service.

The mobile app also allows you to check in real time if any bikes are available at the nearest pick-up point.

The 5 Best (and cheapest) Bike Tours in Madrid

There are two possibilities to start the trip: with the card or through the application. The user can swipe the BiciMAD card or the public transport card on the right side of the base or on the side of the lock. You can also scan the QR code from the app and wait for the green light to turn on.

To return a bike, place your BiciMAD bicycle on the base at any station and wait for the green light to confirm that it is properly placed. The new e-bikes lock themselves, no need for the user to manually lock them.

However, getting around Madrid by bike requires extra care . Remember that children under 16 years old must wear a helmet, wear reflective clothing in the dark, obey all traffic signs and lights, and do not cycle on pavements.

The electric bikes are an entertaining way to discover and get around Madrid.

Getting around Madrid by segway is a unique experience . A segway tour is a perfect way to feel Madrid´s spirit, visit the main city attractions, and have fun at the same time.

Segway tours are safe and children-friendly . You will get an orientation instruction and practice session before even starting the tour and a safety helmet is provided for each person.

It is advisable to wear comfortable clothes.

There are many Segway tour companies with different packages. Choose the one you prefer and book the tour now.

It is a thrilling experience!

Getting around Madrid by car

A taxi is probably the most comfortable option for getting around Madrid. It is often the fastest too although it depends on the traffic.

Official taxis in Madrid are easily recognizable, white-colored with a red stripe and the coat-of-arms of the city on their doors.

If a taxi is free, the green light on its roof sign is lit and all you have to do is raise your hand to hail it.

There are also taxi ranks throughout the city with a recognizable blue signpost.

Taxis in Madrid are a popular option for locals and tourists, especially at night, on rainy days, or if you are carrying heavy luggage.

Getting around Madrid by taxi is indeed more expensive than other means of transport, but the tariffs are affordable too and less expensive than in other major European cities.

All vehicles accept payment by credit card.

The fare is based on a price per distance. There is a minimum fare that varies depending on the day of the week and some extra charges could apply depending on the origin or destination.

A flat-rate fare of 30 euros has been set for all trips from Barajas to Madrid city center and vice versa.

Some taxi drivers in Madrid speak and understand English, at least at a basic level. But, to avoid misunderstandings, I recommend you to show them a paper or a mobile screen with the address.

As in most countries in Europe and America, there are several ridesharing companies active in Madrid. The most popular ones are Uber and Cabify.

If you are new to ride-sharing, this is a service that arranges one-way transportation on short notice. They are pretty popular as they are easy to use and rates are competitive.

To use a ridesharing program, you will just need a smartphone, a credit card or Paypal account , and the corresponding App.

Some of the pros of getting around Madrid by ridesharing are that you can see the price to be charged in advance when you book the ride.

And you can even watch the driver move on the map as the car gets closer to your location.

The entire transaction is handled by the app and your credit card is charged automatically.

It is quite convenient as the driver does not handle any cash or credit card information.

Getting around Madrid by Uber is a safe option. However, as it is better to be safe than sorry, always check the driver’s review score in the app and verify the identity of the driver and the car before entering the vehicle.

» Check out my popular post: Free Museums in Madrid .

Most of the must-see attractions in Madrid are in the city center and visitors can easily visit them by walking or, for long distances, public transportation in Madrid will cover all your needs downtown.

It is a good idea to avoid driving in Madrid , due to the heavy traffic at peak times and the limited parking in certain areas.

Besides, this is the less sustainable option. I will just recommend you rent a car if you are heading out of the city on a day trip to a place that public transport does not reach.

If you finally need to drive while in Madrid, make sure you are fully aware of the rules of the road and respect speed limits .

Most importantly, remember that in Madrid you drive on the right and safety belts are compulsory in both the front and back seats.

Before you travel, check if you can use your foreign driving license during your trip to Spain. And always use a reputable car rental company with the best insurance coverage.

A cable car (or funicular) is a unique way of getting around Madrid. It goes from Paseo de Rosales to Casa de Campo in a 11-minute ride.

Traveling 40 meters up in the air, it takes you on a special sightseeing tour that offers a bird’s eye view of the city . A recorded voice describes everything you see, from the Royal Palace and La Almudena Cathedral to the San Antonio de la Florida chapel.

The Madrid Cable Car offers the chance to fly over the city and gaze from the air at the most historical Madrid landmarks.

Monumental buildings, parks, and gardens will be at your feet, offering one of the most evocative views of the capital of Spain.

If you expect to use public transport extensively for getting around Madrid, it is worth thinking about getting a travel tourist pass covering the subway, bus, and train.

Madrid Tourist Ticket , also referred to as Tourist Travel pass and Madrid city pass, is a travel card that allows you to use all types of public transport (metro, urban buses, and Cercanias trains) in Madrid.

You are allowed to take unlimited trips within your chosen timeframe : 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 calendar days.

You should be probably fine with just Zone A , and the prices are € 8.4 for 1 day, € 14.2 for 2 days, € 18.4 for three days, € 22.6 for four days, € 26.8 for five days, and € 35.4 for seven days.

Children under 11 years old have a 50% discount when purchasing the Madrid tourist ticket.

Visitors can purchase the tourist travel pass at any metro station.

The Tourist Travel Passes are loaded onto the Multi Card and once the Pass expires, you will be able to top up the Card with pay-per-ride tickets.

While planning your trip to Madrid you should consider how much you will use Madrid´s public transport. If you expect to use it often you will probably save money by getting this tourist ticket for getting around Madrid.

Useful Apps for getting around Madrid

Today, there is an app for almost everything.

In fact, all the ways for getting around Madrid commented before have their own apps, such as Metro Madrid, Uber, and BiciMAD.

However, downloading numerous apps does not make much sense and it is not practical at all.

For sure you can use the BiciMAD app if you are finally getting around Madrid by bike, but here I will just share with you the app that I use most to get around the places I visit:

With over 100 million downloads, this app is very popular among travelers and is essential for getting around Madrid.

All you have to do is input your destination in the app, which will track your current location and suggest several available public transport options.

After choosing the one you prefer, Moovit will outline step-by-step directions to get to your required destination.

In case the journey requires a change of bus or train, Moovit offers real-time information on estimated waiting times . Based on my experience, they are pretty accurate but it usually depends on the country.

While you move, the app will keep you updated on nearby attractions and notify you when you are close to the destination.

Getting around Madrid has never been so easy.

Final words

I hope you liked this post about the best ways to get around Madrid, let´s make a summary:

The best way to get around Madrid is on foot and by subway. Due to the Spanish nice weather, you can walk to the main attractions, and wandering along the city center is the best way to immerse yourself in Madrid´s culture and history. For longer distances, Madrid Metro is fast, comfortable, safe, and affordable.

On foot. And it is the most sustainable too. Madrid´s subway and buses are pretty cheap too compared to other European cities. Madrid´s transport network is efficient, affordable, and safe. It is one of the best in the world.

No. A car is completely unnecessary in Madrid, especially for a short stay.  You will find heavy traffic at peak times and limited parking spaces in certain areas. I will just recommend you to drive in Madrid if you are heading out of the city on a day trip to a place that public transport does not reach.

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• Travel Tips

Tourist cards for Madrid: prices and more

If you are planning to travel to Madrid and you want to acquire a Tourist Card to improve your experience, find all the information about them in this article.

April 21, 2023

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If you are planning to visit the capital of Spain, you have probably wondered how you can save time and money. Touristic cards are an answer to that question, and it is very nice for those who want to save money on attractions and transportation.

Touristic cards for Madrid work as an all-inclusive pass, which provides entrance to the most touristic attractions in the city, and gives you unlimited public transport for some time. Also, many touristic cards offer discounts at selected restaurants and stores. The price, duration, and included attractions of the different touristic cards for Madrid can vary. In this article, we are going to tell you all about them, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.

eSIM for International travel

Buy a Madrid eSIM for traveling to the city with 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5

What tourist cards are available for Madrid?

In Madrid, different tourist card options vary in price, duration, and included attractions. The most popular cards are the Madrid Card, the Madrid City Tour Card, and the iVenture Card, each of them with their own features and benefits. Although they all offer entry to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, it is important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Madrid Card

The Madrid Card is one of the most complete tourist cards. It offers free access to more than 50 attractions , including the main museums and monuments of the city, and a traveler bus tour. It also includes a public transport ticket for the duration of the card and discounts at selected restaurants and stores. The card is available in 24, 48, and 72-hour options, and its price start at 69 euros.

iVenture Card

On the other hand, the iVenture Card is a flexible tourist card that lets visitors choose the attractions they want to visit. It offers more than 30 attractions, including the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum, the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, and more. The card also includes a public transport ticket and a printed tourist guide. The iVenture Card is available for 3, 5, or 7 attractions, and its price starts at 49 euros.

The Madrid City Card is another popular option. It offers free access to more than 20 attractions, including museums, monuments, and tours, it also includes a public transport ticket for the duration of the card. It offers discounts at selected restaurants and stores. The City Card is available in options of 24, 48, or 72 hours and its price starts at 47 euros.

eSIM card for Madrid

It is also important to get an eSIM card to connect to the internet during your trip, so you can check all the different benefits that the tourist card has to offer, such as the guided tour online and the reservation of additional tours. The eSIM card will let you have the internet all the time.

We recommend you check the Holafly eSIM cards for Madrid. They are the best, thanks to their accessible price and benefits. It is a great way to have unlimited internet during your trip to Madrid.

What attractions do the tourist cards for Madrid include?

Usually, tourist cards for Madrid include some of the most popular attractions and activities for travelers. Museums, palaces, football stadiums, and tourist tours are some of the most common attractions.

You can check the table below where you will find more information about this:

How do I activate my Tourist Card?

Once you have got your Tourist Card for Madrid, it is important to activate it to start using it. It is very simple to do so by presenting the card at one of the attractions or establishments included in the card , which will indicate the start of the validity period.

It is very important to note that most tourist cards have a limited duration, which varies from 24 hours to 7 days. It is relevant to carefully plan the use of the card to make the most of its validity.

Which Tourist Card is best for kids?

If you are traveling with kids, the best way to save money is to buy a tourist card that includes entrance for kids to different attractions. Fortunately, there are many options available for every family.

The Madrid tourist card for kids is called “Madrid Card Kids”. This card is a version of the Madrid Card that offers free access to many of the most popular attractions in the city for children under 11 years. Like the traditional Madrid Card, the Madrid Card Kids also offers discounts on a wide variety of activities and interesting places in Madrid. The card is available in 24, 48, 72, and 120-hour versions, letting families adapt their experience to their travel schedule.

Another popular option is the “Madrid iVenture Card”. This card offers free entry to many of the best tourist attractions, including Madrid Amusement Park, Warner Park, and Madrid Zoo Aquarium. The card also offers discounts in restaurants and shows for the whole family. The card is available in packages of 3, 5, or 7 attractions, letting families customize their experience.

Do tourist cards for Madrid include public transport?

Tourist cards for Madrid are a great way to save money and time, but a frequent question is if they include public transport.

Usually, most Madrid tourist cards include public transport , such as the metro, buses, and trams, making them a great option for tourists who need to move around the city. However, it is important to note that some types of tourist cards may have restrictions when using public transportation.

For example, the Madrid Card tourist card includes unlimited public transport for the duration of the card , it can be one, two, three, four, or five days. This means that you can use public transport in the city without limits for the duration of the card.

The iVenture Card also includes the use of public transport in Madrid but with a time limit. Tourists can use public transport for a maximum of 3 consecutive days, after which they must purchase a separate public transport ticket.

Other tourist cards, such as the Madrid Explorer Pass, do not include the use of public transport . They focus on providing discounts and access to select tourist attractions instead.

How do I pick the best tourist card for Madrid?

To pick the best card for you, it is important that you consider some aspects such as your stay in the city. If you are only going to stay for a few days, it can be better for you to pick a card with a short duration, such as the Madrid City Tour Card of 1 or 2 days. If you are going to stay for a longer time, we recommend the Madrid City Pass or the iVenture Card which lasts longer.

You also have to keep in mind the attractions you plan to visit during your stay. Make sure that the attractions that you are more interested in are the ones that are included in the card. If you want to visit the Prado Museum and the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, make sure that both attractions are included with the card.

Finally, remember that the eSIM card can help you improve your experience by providing you with a cellular internet connection, and a stable and high-speed connection all the time. With the Holafly eSIM card for Madrid, you can connect to the internet with unlimited data, make video calls, and use apps such as maps and public transportation, without worrying about using roaming or the lack of coverage in some areas.

Our recommendation

Tourist cards for Madrid offer a great way to save money and time. With a wide variety of options, it is very important that you consider your traveling needs and preferences to choose the card that best suits you.

Additionally, we recommend you get the eSIM Madrid from Holafly to improve your once-in-a-lifetime travel experience. You are going to need to remain connected to the internet to use your tourist card, and without an eSIM, you won’t be able to do so.

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Metro cards? Travel card? - Madrid Forum

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Not familiar with Madrid.

Traveling solo and will be staying near Plaza Mayor /Sol metro station. Planning on walking while in center Madrid and using the metro from/to Barajas airport to Sol.

Do I need to buy a travel card/multi card? Is that like a UK Oyster card? or do I buy individual metro tickets as I go?

Can I use my contactless credit card at the metro in Madrid (as in done at the London metro)? or does Madrid metro only work with travel cards?

My main metro trips will likely be to/from the airport and the odd ride within the center, if distances are far, but will probably walk to most sights.

4 replies to this topic

You are staying very centrally, so you will be able to explore most of the attractions on foot, which is by far the best way!

As you are coming from London, you will arrive at either T4 or T1. If arriving at T4, you could take the Cercanias commuter train to Atocha, and then change lines to Sol (1 stop). For the Cercanias you can purchase single journey tickets from the ticket machine and no supplement is charged. The Cercanias station is located on the lower level of T4, with ticket machines situated at the very far end on the left.

Another option for getting into the centre from all terminals is the Airport Express bus which will drop you off at either Plaza Cibeles or Atocha. You pay the driver on boarding.

http://www.metromadrid.es/en/travel-in-the-metro/card-types

I have a similar question.

Does this card cover buses, specifically the shuttle bus to the Caja Majica for the tennis? I need to get the metro from my hotel and then this bus.

I’ve read the information from the link above but am still a bit confused!

The Tarjeta Multi covers buses; I'm unsure if the specific shuttle bus is covered by it or not.

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Madrid Hotels and Places to Stay

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Madrid’s public transport system is without a doubt, fantastic. It is fast, safe, clean and very reliable. In comparison with other European cities, Madrid’s public transport is also considered cheap and very efficient, which makes getting around Madrid very easy. Madrid’s public transport consists of the Madrid Metro (underground), day & night buses, the ‘Metro Ligero’ (Madrid light rail) as well as the regional train system known as the ’Cercanías’ which are the suburban trains that connect the city of Madrid with rest of the Madrid region. So, no matter where you are going, Madrid’s public transport system will get you there.

Are you moving to Madrid for a longer period and would like to get a monthly pass? Get ahead and order your personal public transport card in advance.

There are also great alternatives to Madrid’s public transport when it comes to getting around Madrid. Alternatives like, ridesharing apps and car sharing options as well as e-Scooters, e-Bikes & Motor scooter rental services . Since June 2014, Madrid has also been offering public, electric bikes that you can rent at your convenience all over the city.

To keep reading all about Madrid’s transport options, check out the content overview and feel free to click on the topics you are most interested in. Each chapter contains relevant information regarding getting around Madrid. From details on how to get from and to the airport, ticket options, prices, schedules & transport zones to details on the various means of transportation available and how use them.

Furthermore, in our FAQ section at the bottom of this ’Getting Around Madrid’ guide, we will clarify some of the most common questions and doubts regarding Madrid’s public transport.

Important:  The Citylife team has collected & compiled the information on this page via intense research and investigation. It does not replace your own research!

1.3 Madrid Tourist Travel Pass

2.2 have your transport card delivered to the citylife office for free, 3.5 autobuses interurbanos – the suburban buses of madrid, 4.3 comparison tools, 5.2 car rentals, carsharing & ridesharing in madrid with discounts, 1. getting around madrid by public transport – ticket options & prices.

As previously mentioned, Madrid’s public transport system is very accessible and efficient. You can get all over the city centre by using just the Madrid metro and bus . The Madrid metro and bus systems are integrated, meaning that you can access the Madrid metro lines and the EMT bus lines with the same ’ticket’. Other available transportation means like the Cercanías and Renfre trains and the suburban buses which take you outside the city will have different ticket types and different tariffs. The beginning of this article will focus more on the main transport within the city center (metro & city bus), however if you wish to read more on Madrid’s Light Rail system, suburban buses and long distance options, you can skip ahead .

To start with, there are various ticket options available for the Madrid public transport system. Some of which are better for those staying in the city for mid to long-term periods while others are perfect for those visiting for a short-term period. In the section below we will explain each ticket option in detail.

1.1 Monthly Pass for Mid to Long-Term Stays

If you are coming to Madrid for a longer period – to study or work, for example – it is very likely that you will move around by public transport on a regular basis. In this case we highly recommend getting your personal public transport card . This card will give you access to the the monthly transport pass , known as the ’ Abono ’. Using a monthly pass is by far the cheapest and most convenient way as it gives you full access to all of Madrid’s public transport for 30 day periods.

When it comes to getting your public transport card , we highly recommend ordering it online in advance . Ideally about 15 days before you plan to arrive to Madrid . By doing this you will avoid long wait times to book an appointment as well as simply skipping the need to attend an appointment in the first place. By ordering online, your card will be delivered to you. For more details on how to order you public transportation card online either continue reading, or click here to skip ahead.

Download the Madrid Metro Map and check out various other maps for Madrid bus routes, light rail train lines and regional train lines in our chapter called Madrid Transport Options – A Comprehensive Outline, or skip ahead .

Monthly Pass – Prices & Where to Buy

As we mentioned above, to get the monthly pass you must first get your personal transport card . This card costs 4€ and once you have it in your possession, you can then top it up with the monthly pass (’ Abono ’). The price of your monthly pass depends primarily on your age and the transport zones of Madrid you would like to have included – there are no special prices for students. Finally, every 30 days you will need to top up your personal public transport card with your new monthly pass to be able to continue to use Madrid’s public transport system. You can do so conveniently at one of the many metro stations at the machines either with cash or credit card.

Abono Joven (Monthly Youth Pass)

If you are under 26 years of age , you will be able to use the youth pass, known as ’Abono Joven’. With this pass you will only need to pay 20€ a month and you will be able to use all of Madrid’s transport options between all transport zones ! You can move freely by metro and bus all over the city, to its outskirts as well as to the airport without paying a supplement.

Abono Normal (Monthly Standard Pass)

If you are aged 26 or older you will have access to the standard monthly pass, known as ’Abono’. This pass requires users to pay per transport zone. The base price which covers zone A, currently costs 54,60€. If you need to include more zones, the price will rise. Click here for more information of each of Madrid’s zones.

The Madrid Transportaton Office has officially reduced prices of all transport ticket types until the end of 2023! For a detailed look on prices please refer to the official page here .

If the monthly pass is what you need, you can skip ahead in this article for instructions on how to order your public transport card online.

Above you see a price chart per-zone, however there are also inter-zone packages which combine certain zones together under one price. This is a great option for those who don’t often visit the more central zones and therefore do not want to pay for access to them. For more details on all pricing options, click here .

1.2 Single & 10 Trips Tickets

If you happen to be visiting Madrid for only a few days or weeks, or if you don’t need to use the public transport system on a daily basis, you can use Madrid’s more short-term option known as the Multi Card . As with the personal public transport card, you will first need to purchase the card itself (only 2.5€ ), then you top up the short-term pass of your choice onto the card. The Multi Card offers two options: Single tickets and 10 trip tickets.

Single & 10 trips tickets – Prices & Where to Buy

A single journey on public transport in Madrid will usually cost between 1,50€ and 2€ , making it very budget friendly. If you don’t want to top up your card every time you need it, you should consider buying a 10 trip ticket which costs just 12,20€ . Both tickets work on metro and bus systems within zone A. As the Multi Card is not personalized, it can be shared with others .

Buying the Multi Card and it’s corresponding tickets is incredibly easy. All you need to do is go to any metro station in Madrid and place your order at any of the ticket machines there. These machines look like ATMs but will have the branding of the Madrid metro on them. Once there you can pay either in cash or with credit card.

Please be aware that you may change freely between various metro lines once you are inside the metro system. But changing from metro to bus or from one bus to another means that you have to use your card again. That being said, you can also top up your Multi Card from the bus driver – but only in cash.

To read more about the Multi Card, please click here .

The Madrid tourist travel pass gives you unlimited usage of zone A and T between 1-7 days. This is a very practical and very affordable way to get around Madrid on a short-term basis. This is especially true because the majority of Madrid’s most popular locations for visitors and tourists are located within zone A. Additionally, zone T is perfect for those planning to make day trips to some of the small cities located outside of Madrid.

Madrid Tourist Travel Pass – Prices & Where to Buy

Prices are determined by number of days and by desired zones . Check out the table below for a price breakdown of each. To buy the Madrid tourist pass you simply visit any metro station and use the ticket machines located there. Alternatively, you can buy these passes at the sales points at the Madrid airport. The Madrid tourist pass comes with the Multi Card included. Once the pass expires, you can top up the Multi Card with single or ten trips tickets and keep using it. Finally, please keep in mind that Madrid tourist pass cannot be shared between several people. Therefore, each person in your group must hold their own card. For more details on the Madrid tourist pass, please click here .

2. How to Get your Personal Public Transport Card

As we mentioned at the top of this article, we recommend that your order your personal public transport card online – ideally about 3 weeks before your arrival . It will save you time , money and hassle . To make the process of ordering your public transport card online as simple as possible, we’ve created a step by step guide . Continue reading below for all the details.

If you are already in Madrid or did not order your transport card on time online, you can use our FREE SERVICE to make an appointment for a time that suits you best ! Citylife has access to exclusive appointment dates and times so you can get a next-day or even a same-day appointment that you won’t find online! To do so, simply fill out our form below and we will be in touch.

2.1 Step by step Guide – How to Order your Public Transport Card Online

Order your public transport card online by filling out the official request form. Once your request has been processed by the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid, your card will be sent to the indicated shipment address usually within 10-15 working days. Here is a step by step description:

• Access the CRTM webpage here !
• Select the option “Individual”, close the pop-up screen by clicking on “Cerrar” proceed to the next screen
• On the next screen you have to provide some personal information. You need to choose between “pasaporte” (if you have a passport) or “DNI no español” (if you have a valid national ID card.) At “Código ISO” you need to fill in the country code of your passport and at “Documento” you need to fill in the document number.
• Next up you need to fill in your “nombre” (first name), apellido (last names) and your date of birth. And press “iniciar solicitud on-line” to continue.
• On the next page you will have the chance to review your details. You will also need to add your email address (correo eletronico), Spanish phone number and the address in Spain where you would like the card to be sent ( please feel free to use our phone number and address ). Once done, click “Siguente.”
• You will be asked to upload a standard passport sized photo in colour, as well as a scanned copy of your passport or ID card.
• Once uploaded, you need to accept the terms and conditions at the bottom and continue by clicking on “Siguiente”.

• Last but not least, you will be asked to review and confirm the information you have provided. You will also have to pay the mandatory standard fee of 4€ to the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid for issuing your public transport card. If the process is completed successfully you will receive a confirmation email.

The Consorcio de Transporte de Madrid only delivers personal public transport cards to Spanish addresses . Additionally, you can only input a Spanish phone number on the application form. To keep things stress free, you can indicate the Citylife mobile phone number and use our office address as the shipment location . We will happily store the card for you free of charge until you are able to pick it up.

While at our office you you can also take advantage to ask all your questions, activate a free Spanish prepaid SIM card , open a free Spanish bank account , get free advice on housing or simply some hints & tips to explore this beautiful city.

To ensure that you correctly complete the online form when ordering your transport card, make sure to read the text above and have a look at the example image we included. We’ve also included the Citylife details that you will need to fill out the form and to ship it to our office for free storage, below:

IMPORTANT: Once you’ve ordered your card online and indicated our address as shipment address, please send us a short confirmation via WhatsApp to our official mobile phone . This way we are aware of it too and can notify you once it has arrived! Please don’t forget! Once you have picked up your public transport card upon your arrival, you can top it up with your monthly pass at any machine located in one of the many Madrid metro stations around the city.

If you couldn’t request the public transport card ahead of time or the online order didn’t work, send us a WhatsApp with your full name and arrival date . We will make an appointment for the day and time that is convenient for you at no cost!

3. Madrid Transport Options – a Comprehensive Outline

The following sections of this article will outline everything you need to know about getting around in Madrid by public transport. From all Madrid’s modes of transport and how to use them to convenient alternatives. In addition to a detailed and comprehensive explanation we will also include promo codes for Uber and Cabify at the bottom of this article, which will help you save money along the way!

3.1 Madrid Metro – Zones, Lines & All Available Passes

The Madrid metro is the most popular way to get around Madrid. Its 12 metro lines, 300+ stations and several other unique connections to some of the harder to reach places makes it one of the most accessible metro systems in Europe. Continue reading for a complete breakdown of the Madrid metro system.

• Download the Full Madrid Metro Map
• Download the Madrid Metro Map for Tourists

Metro Operating Hours

Typically, the metro runs from 06:00 – 01:30 with trains arriving every 2-15 minutes. Frequency is dictated by the city’s rush hours.

Metro Zones

The Madrid metro will take you to zones A, B1, B2 & B3. In most cases you will only need access to zone A to enjoy Madrid, especially as a tourist. However you might find that your workplace, university campus or home is located in Madrid’s farther zones. We go into detail on what tickets you need and their prices above, however we have summarized the ticket options for you.

Metro Tickets & Prices

• Single Ticket (Zone A) – 1.50€ – 2.00€.
• 10 Trip Ticket (Zone A) – 12.20€.
• Unlimited Monthly Metro Pass – Please refer to our chart above by clicking here .

Recommended Apps to Download

3.2 Madrid Buses (EMT) – Routes, Night Buses & Airport Shuttle

The Municipal Transport Company of Madrid ( EMT ) is in charge of Madrid’s ultra efficient bus system. Comprised of over 200 bus lines with roughly 2,000 buses in operation, the bus system in Madrid is a great way to get around the city as it can take you to many places that the Madrid metro can’t reach. The EMT buses are blue city buses that operate within the central zone of Madrid – meaning they do not travel throughout the entire province of Madrid, but only the city of Madrid. Skip ahead for more info on how to travel through the Madrid province by bus .

Need to get to the Madrid airport ? The Madrid bus system is the cheapest way to get to Madrid Barajas Airport! They run all year round and the airport shuttle even runs for 24hrs a day! Read more in our guide to Madrid Airport Transportation Options and Discounts .

• View the Interactive Bus Map
• View the Tourist Bus Map

Bus Operating Hours

Typically, buses run from 06:00 – 23:30 with frequency ranging from every 5-20 minutes on weekdays. On weekends and holidays they run from 07.00-23:30 and with less frequency.

Night Buses

Madrid’s night buses, known as Búhos or Owls, run from 23:30 – 6:00 in 27 different routes. All routes start and end at the central Plaza de Cibeles. You can find the night bus schedule at bus stops in the city. Also check out the night bus map here .

Bus Tickets & Prices

You can access the bus with both your monthly transport card and the Multi Card which we cover above . If you have 10 rides loaded to your Multi Card you simply board the bus and tap your ticket. If you need to purchase a single ride you can do so right from the bus driver.

Airport Shuttle

Though you can certainly get to the airport via the standard metro and bus routes, there is a great airport shuttle available as well. It runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 35 during the night, stopping at Cibeles and Atocha. Tickets for the shuttle cost 5€. For more details, click here .

Electric Buses

Madrid is introducing eco friendly buses to the city, starting with lines 001 and 002 which operate within some of Madrid’s more heavily used routes.

3.3 Metro Ligero Madrid – The Light Rail of Madrid

The Metro Ligero is Madrid’s Light Rail system. It’s an above ground metro system that connects Madrid through 4 lines and over 50 stations. However, this transport system is different from the Madrid Metro as it connects travelers to the less central areas of the city. You will find them more in the suburban areas of Madrid, connecting Zone A with zone B1, B2 and B3.

Light Rail Maps

• View the Light Rail Map
• View the Madrid Metro & Light Rail Combo Map

Light Rail Operating Hours

Metro Ligero lines ML1-ML3 share the same hours as the Madrid Metro day hours (6:00 – 01:30. And line ML4 runs from 5:00 – 00:45.

Light Rail Lines

Get a better look at how the Metro Ligero connects with the Madrid Metro by checking out each of the four lines below. The CRTM has layed out all the Metro Ligero lines, stops and connections for you to easily plan your commute around Madrid.

Additionally, make sure to take a look at each individual stop on the Metro Ligero routes.

• View the Metro Ligero Lines
• View the Metro Ligero Stations

Light Rail Tickets & Prices

• With the standard Multi Card pass and zone A monthly pass you will have access to the ML1 line. Single tickets cost between 1.50€ – 2.00€ and 10 ride tickets cost 12,20€.
• To access the ML2 and ML3 lines you will need to top up an additional pass to your Multi Card or pay a supplement with your monthly pass. Single tickets/supplement costs 2.00€ and 10 ride tickets cost 12,20€.
• If you plan your trip ahead you can combine your Madrid Metro access and your Metro Ligero access in one top up. Single combo tickets cost 3.00€ and 10 ride combo tickets cost 18.30€.
• To access the ML4 (Parla Tram) you will need to top up an additional pass to your Multi Card or pay a supplement with your Monthly Pass. Single tickets cost 1.30€ and 10 ride tickets cost 8.50€.

For all details on these tickets and fares, please refer to the official website of the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid.

3.4 Cercanías Madrid – The Regional Trains of Madrid

Like the Metro Ligero, the Cercanías Madrid is an above ground train system. However, the Cercanías system takes travellers through the entire region of Madrid. Not just the suburbs of the of Madrid city, but the actual province of Madrid. The Cercanías trains operate in partnership with Spain’s high speed train network – called Renfe – allowing it to be fast, reliable and comfortable. With 9 lines and over 90 stations, Cercanías offers great connections to the small towns and areas within the Madrid region.

Cercanías Maps

• View the basic Cercanías Station Map
• View the detailed Madrid Cercanías Map

Cercanías Operating Hours

The Cercanías Madrid trains run everyday from 5:30 – 23:30.

Cercanías Lines

Get a better look at how the Cercanías system connects with the Madrid Metro by checking out each of the 9 lines below. The Concorcio de Madrid has layed out all the Cercanías lines, stops and connections for you to easily plan your commute around Madrid.

• View the Cercanías Madrid Lines
• View the Cercanías Madrid Stations

Cercanías Tickets & Prices

• If you have the monthly transport pass you will have access to the Cercanías stations that are located within the zones that your pass covers. If you need to go beyond the zones of your monthly pass, you will need to pay a supplement that covers the distance you will be going. Prices vary based on where you start and end your journey, so please check the detailed pricing table here .
• The Cercanías system is operated by Renfe, which means that you cannot access these trains with your Multi Card. They have their own ticket systems and zones. For a detailed pricing info please check the pricing tables here .

Unlike the rest of the Madrid public transport system, the suburban buses are run by a network of private companies that travel throughout the region of Madrid. There are over 300 lines in operation with roughly 20,000 operations each day. These buses depart from various central stations in Madrid, connecting travelers to hundreds of stops outside of the city.

Suburban Bus Maps

• View the complete Suburban Bus Route Map
• View the Regional Suburban Bus Maps

Suburban Bus Operating Hours

Typically the suburban buses run between 6:00 – 23:30. However some buses will operate at night as well. Please refer to the official time table for each region here .

Suburban Bus Lines

Use the trip calculator facilitated by the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid to get all the information on the suburban bus lines that you need to take.

• View the Suburban Bus Line Calculator

You can access these suburban buses at the following major stations in Madrid: Plaza de Castilla, Avenida de América, Plaza Elíptica, Príncipe Pío and Moncloa

Suburban Bus Tickets & Prices

• If you have the monthly public transport pass you will have access to the suburban bus lines that are located within the zones that your pass covers. If you need to go beyond the zones in your monthly pass, you will need to pay a supplement that covers the distance you will be going. Prices vary based on where you start and end your journey so please check the detailed pricing table here .
• Single tickets and 10 trip tickets are available but are not associated with the same Multi Card that we have mentioned throughout this article. The suburban bus system has it’s own tickets and pricing system. Single ride tickets can be purchased directly from the bus and 10 trip tickets can be bought at the bus stations and other licensed ticket points.

For all details on these tickets, fares and where to buy them, please refer to the official website of the Consorcio de Transportes de Madrid.

4. Traveling Long Distance Around Spain

4.1 long distance trains.

Renfe is Spain’s high speed train network that connects travelers all over Spain. The trains can also take travelers across the border form Spain to Portugal and France. Check out the official Renfe website to learn more. Also check out the new lost-cost train routes offered by Ouigo .

4.2 Long Distance Buses

There are several private bus companies that can take you all over Spain and beyond. The most popular being Avanza Group , Flixbus and Alsa .

You can compare the train times, destinations and prices among Spain’s top long distance train and bus operators by using Trainline ! Additionally you can check out trains and buses across Europe and compare those prices as well. If you want to compare across all modes of long distance transportation (bus, train, car rental & flights) we recommend that you use Comparabus !

Looking for additional travel options? Check out our other articles on Bike and Scooter Rentals as well as our top recommendations for car sharing and car services including available promo codes to save money.

5. Private Transport & Alternative Transport Options

Even though Madrid’s public transport system can easily get you where you need to go, you might be looking for some alternative options. Whether you want to get to your destination faster , you’d just like some privacy or maybe you’re trying to adopt a more eco friendly lifestyle . Whatever your case might be, Madrid is home to some great private transport and alternative transport options that suit everyone’s preferred lifestyle.

5.1 Renting e-Scooters, e-Bikes & Motor Scooters in Madrid with Discounts

Electric transportation is on the rise around the world and Madrid is no different! If you’re looking for a unique and affordable way to travel around Madrid while reducing your carbon footprint, then we recommend downloading one of the many apps out there! In Madrid you’ll find e-Scooters (kick scooters), e-Bikes and Motor Scooters parked in the streets just waiting to be used. All you need to do is download the corresponding app, hire one of them and off you go!

Check out our detailed list of top recommended e-Scooter, e-Bike and Motor Scooter companies in Madrid companies in the city and receive some exclusive discounts on your next ride !

Madrid is a big city. It can take time to get from one end of the Spanish capital to another with public transportation. Many people would prefer to drive to to their destination but they don’t have the means to own a car themselves. This is where car rentals , carsharing and ridesharing comes into the fold! You can either hop in a car and be driven across town (rideshares like Free Now & Uber ), or drive an electric car yourself from one point of the city to another (carshare, e.g. Free2Move ), or even rent a car for several days to explore beyond the Madrid city limits. Whatever it is, Madrid has something for you!

Take a look at our comprehensive guide to Car Rentals, Carsharing & Ridesharing in Madrid to find the top companies in the city and also receive some great discounts for your next trip !

Save 5€ on your next taxi ride by downloading the Free Now app and using Citylife’s exclusive promo code! It’s quick, reliable and incredibly easy!

6. Make Your Transport Card Appointment with our Free Service

If you’re struggling to make the appointment to obtain your public transport card, we can help! Fill out this form below, follow the instructions and we will let you know the available options!

Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

Your Phone (WhatsApp) Number

EU citizen or Non-EU citizen? —Please choose an option— EU citizen Non-EU citizen

Estimated Date of Arrival in Madrid - DD/MM/YYYY

Duration of Stay in Spain (in months)

Your University/Work in Madrid —Please choose an option— ACADEMIA CONTACTO ACCENT AIL ALCALINGUA APUNE AU PAIR IN SPAIN BEDA BOSTON COLLEGE BOSTON UNIVERSITY BRITISH COUNCIL BRITISH LANGUAGE CENTRE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CÁMARA DE COMERCIO IFE CAPA CARDENAL CISNEROS CEA CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS FINANCIEROS CENTRO DE NUEVAS PROFESIONES CEV CIEE CLUB EOI CLUB ESTUDIANTES CONVERSA SPAIN CUNEF DUKE UNIVERSITY EAE EBS MADRID EF MADRID EFTI ÉLITE Lenguas ENFOREX EOI CARABANCHEL EOI EMBAJADORES EOI GOYA EOI JESÚS MAESTRO ESCP ESDI ESERP BUSINESS SCHOOL ESIC ESCUELA DON QUIJOTE ESCUELA ENFOREX ESCUELA OFICIAL DE IDIOMAS ESTUDIO SAMPERE EUDE EUREKA FULBRIGHT FUNDACIÓN EOI FUNDACIÓN ORTEGA MARAÑON GBSB BUSINESS SCHOOL GEORGE WASHINGTON GEORGETOWN HAMILTON HELPMADRID HOMOLOGATION HSS IBS Next IEB IES ABROAD IFC IMF BUSINESS SCHOOL IN MADRID INHISPANIA IN2SPANISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL INSTITUTO CERVANTES INSTITUTO EMPRESA INSTITUTO VOX INTERNATIONAL HOUSE IRONHACK ISDI JOHN HOPKINS KINGS TRAINING MADRID PLUS MARIST COLLEGE MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY MEDDEAS MIDDELBURY NEXT IBS NLC Madrid NYU OISE OSTELEA OTHER PARANINFO SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY STANDFORD UNIVERSITY SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY SUNY ALBANY SYRACUSSE TANDEM TT MADRID TUFTS SKIDMORE UCEAP UCETAM UDIMA UNED UNIVERSIDAD ANTONIO NEBRIJA UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA UNIVERSIDAD CAMILO JOSÉ CELA UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III UNIVERSIDAD CEU SAN PABLO UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE UNIVERSIDAD DE ALCALÁ UNIVERSIDAD DE VILLANUEVA UNIVERSIDAD EUROPEA DE MADRID UNIVERSIDAD FRANCISCO DE VITORIA UNIVERSIDAD INTERNAC. MENÉNDEZ PELAYO (UIMP) UNIVERSIDAD POLITÉCNICA DE MADRID UNIVERSIDAD PONTIFICADA DE COMILLAS UNIVERSIDAD REY JUAN CARLOS UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA USAC VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY VASSAR-WESLEYAN VATEL MADRID VAMOS MADRID WILD CODE SCHOOL WIP WUSTL OTHER...

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There are several different types of tickets for the Madrid metro. From a quick pay as you go type metro card to the monthly subscription card known as the abono. Check out our chapter called “ Ticket Options & Prices ” to read about how to get a Madrid metro card.

If you have lost your Madrid metro card then all you need to do is cancel the old card and order a new one. You can either do this online or at any CRTM website! For more details take a look at our article on replacing a lost or stolen metro card .

The tourist travel pass for Madrid is loaded onto a red plastic card called the Multi Card. You simply top up the card with a tourist travel pass choosing how many days you want the pass for. This is all done at any Madrid metro station at the machines. Check out our chapter called “ Madrid Tourist Travel Pass ” for more information on how to get a tourist travel pass for Madrid.

Getting around in Madrid by public transport is easy and quick. In general, the Madrid metro and the Madrid bus services are the best way to get around Madrid. Check out our chapter called “ Madrid Transport Options – A Comprehensive Outline ” for a break down on all transport types available in Madrid.

The cost to ride the metro in Madrid depends on which ticket you use and where you go. Single rides can start from 1,5€ and monthly passes can start between 20€ (abono joven) to 55€ (Zone A, normal tariff). Check out chapter “ Ticket Options & Prices ” for a full breakdown of all costs related to public transport in Madrid.

The Madrid metro does go to the airport, but you need to pay an additional supplement of 3€ in addition to the metro pass ticket. Simply visit any ticket machine at any metro stop to find out how the supplement works.

There are several options to travel from the Madrid airport to the city. You can take the Madrid metro, the bus shuttle, a taxi or a car service. Check out our article called Madrid Airport Transportation for all the details plus some amazing discounts!

Typically, the metro runs from 06:00 – 01:30 with trains arriving every 2-15 minutes. Frequency is dictated by the city’s rush hours. At night you have the Madrid night buses, also known as Búhos, that run in and around Madrid (27 different routes). All routes start and end at the central Plaza de Cibeles. You can find the night bus schedule at bus stops in the city. For a night bus map click here .

To pay for the metro in Madrid you must have either your personal transport card or the Multi Card. You either top up your monthly subscription or you top up your single ride/10 rides to your card at the machines in any metro station. You can pay with cash or card.

If you lost your Madrid metro card you can print a replacement for 6€ at any of the major Metro stations in Madrid – Sol, Plaza de Castilla, Moncloa, etc. You do not need an appointment (cita previa), you can simply go there and get your metro card replaced.

There is no student metro card in Madrid nor a special price for students. Madrid sets its prices based on age groups. Those under the age of 26 only pay 20€ per month for their monthly transport plan (abono joven). It includes all zones. Those older than 26 will need to buy a monthly plan (abono) according to the zones they need to travel. For more info on pricing, please refer to our chapter called “ Monthly Pass – Prices and Where to Buy “.

If you need to rent a car in Madrid then you have several options available. You can either use one of the many carsharing apps to rent an electric car to use within the community of Madrid. Or, you can rent a full sized car from a classic car rental company for a longer period which you can take outside of the city limits. Check out all the options by reading our guide on How to Rent a Car in Madrid .

If you are looking for a more eco-friendly kind of transportation, there are many options for renting bikes, e-bikes and e-Scooters in the city of Madrid. To see all the different companies that are running in Madrid, take a look at our article called Best eScooters, Motor Scooters, Bike Rentals & Segway Rentals in Madrid .

More Articles About Moving to Spain :

Moving to Spain Made Easy With our Friends at MTS

Finding the Best SIM Card for your Time in Spain

Lycamobile – Best Pay as You Go SIM Card Deals for Spain & Europe

Best Health Insurance in Spain for International Students & Expats for 2024

Your Step by Step Guide to Apply for a NIE or TIE in Madrid 2024

Citylife Housing – The Ultimate Living Experience in the Heart of Madrid!

The Cost of Living in Spain – Budgeting for Spain’s Major Cities

Relocate to Madrid with our Support Package

Spain Immigration Explained – What documents do you need to study, work or live legally in Spain?

The Ultimate Guide to Student Housing in Madrid

Getting Around Madrid – Your Guide to Madrid’s Public Transport System

The Ultimate Guide to Best Banks for Students & Expats in Spain

Connectivity Mobile – eSIMs and Pay as You Go SIM Cards in Spain

Healthcare in Spain – Your Guide to Safely Navigating the Spanish Healthcare System

Leah warner.

Leah has been living in and exploring Madrid since 2013 when she moved to the city for a simple summer abroad. She started the Citylife Blog in 2014 with the goal to share everything there is to know about her favourite place on earth!

12 Comments . Leave new

Hello! I cannot find my Unibersity in the list: Alfonso X el Sabio university (UAX). I cant get a public transport card when I will attend classes at that university?

Hi! If you don’t have a Spanish phone number, does that mean you can’t order a public transport card? Thanks!

Hey there Manon! You do need to have a Spanish phone number in order to order the madrid metro card. But you are more than welcome to use the Citylife office number and address! We will save the card at our office until you are ready to pick it up.

Calle Gran Vía 22 – Duplicado, 2nd Floor, 28013 Madrid, Spain +34 915 296 673

Hi! If my friends and I take the metro using 1 multi card, does it mean we can tap the same card 4x to enter?

Hey there Crystal! You can share the Multi-card as many times as you need.

I charged the card for 10 trips for A zone by mistake, can I change it to compindo zone to include the B1 zone any by the difference in price

How many individuals can use a single multi card. If we have 6 people in our travel party and we’re only in Madrid a few days, can all 6 of us travel using the same card?

Hi there Jarom! Yes! You can share the multicard with several people. You will just need to top it up more often.

Can I go to Toledo with my student pass?

Yes. You can take the ALSA bus for free with public transportation card from the Plaza Eliptica bus station.

I have a problem. The internet page to buy the card has an error. when I type in my credit card name and click “siguiente” nothing happens. The page loads itself again. what can I do?

Hi Sarah! Sometimes the page gets stuck and you need to close it down and start again. Another problem could be that your card is not accepted. Unfortunately I can’t give you further info about the problem unless I see it. Feel free to send an email to [email protected] and we can help you order your transport card.

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The 15 Best Hotels in Madrid

Book your stay at these editor-loved and T+L award-winning properties.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Palacio de los Duques Gran Melia

Madrid seems to be welcoming new luxury hotels with increasing frequency, with top names in hospitality like Mandarin Oriental and Rosewood putting down roots in the Spanish capital in recent years. And still, there’s more to come: EVOK is set to open Brach Madrid later this year, promising an array of superlative stays as diverse as the city itself.

Whether you’re looking for next-level luxury of the Grand Dame-variety, bespoke furnishings at 19th century palaces, or the lusty minimalism of Ian Schrager’s latest hotspot, Madrid’s hotel scene offers something for everyone. The best offer easy proximity to the city’s many cultural and gastronomic delights : many are practically perched atop the Golden Triangle of museums — the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofia — or are otherwise tucked away in the smart shopping district of Salamanca.

Here, we’ve curated a list of the best places to stay in Madrid, including winners of our annual  World’s Best Awards and It List, as well as other properties thoroughly researched and recommended by T+L editors. For more to see and do around the city, check out our Madrid travel guide .

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid

Four Seasons Resorts

Beyond the sophisticated design and superior service you’d expect from a Four Seasons property, unique draws include the hotel’s collection of over 2,500 pieces from local Spanish artists.

The guest rooms are simple and subdued in design — spring for a suite if you’re looking for something a bit more memorable.

Housed in a striking 19th century building, the Estudio Lamela-designed Four Seasons Hotel Madrid has become a favorite of locals and visitors alike since opening in September 2020 , landing coveted spots on our It List in 2021 and World’s Best Awards in 2022 and 2023 for its regal design and refined service.

It’s one of seven meticulously restored buildings in the Centro Canalejas, including a luxury shopping center that’s a destination in itself. In terms of location, this 200-room property is as central as it gets — Puerta del Sol and the Prado museum are only a short walk away — but once you’ve glimpsed the expansive wellness center (at four stories, it’s the largest in the city) and buzzy rooftop restaurant Dani (helmed by local chef Dani García), you may be tempted to stick around for a while. While the city has no shortage of museums, art buffs will love that the hotel itself features a collection of over 2,500 pieces from local artists studded throughout the space.

Original features like the lobby’s stained-glass roof have been restored to their former glory, while bright rooms — including 39 spacious suites and 22 private residences — balance old-world style with modern amenities in sophisticated neutral tones, plus marble bathrooms. If you’re looking to splash out on a truly unforgettable stay, spring for one of the gargantuan, classically-decorated suites, like the light-washed Penthouse Suite, which leads out onto two terraces overlooking calles Sevilla and Alcalás below. Guests can count on the dedicated concierge team to curate exceptional experiences as well, from Flamenco workshops to Spanish wine tastings.

The Details:

• Neighborhood : Centro
• Distance From Airport: 9 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Puerta del Sol, Prado Museum, San Fernando Fine Art Royal Academy, Gran Via, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum
• Accessibility: Across room categories
• Rates : Start at $860

Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá - The Leading Hotels of the World

A lush central garden provides an oasis in the center of the city, while a rooftop pool and hot tub offer spectacular views of the mountains.

Only guests booking Red Level rooms have access to the hotel’s very best suites on offer, though this room category also comes with exclusive access to the hotel lounge, an open bar, a terrace, and more.

You may not be able to spend the night in the Prado, but you can still sleep beneath some magnificent Spanish artwork (or replicas of it, at least) at this Diego Velázquez-inspired property. Fluffy white beds beckon beneath prints of his famous 17th-century paintings, many of which hang in museums that are just a few minutes’ walk away. Of the 160 rooms and 20 suites, several are well suited to family travel, including two- and three-bedroom suites that are available exclusively for Red Level guests, who receive perks ranging from private check-in to access to the hotel’s executive lounge, an open bar, and more. At all levels, rooms feature Champagne-hued velvet couches and thick golden drapes that draw on the moody and opulent palette of the works, while bathrooms are stocked with Clarins toiletries and typically feature both bathtubs and showers.

What truly sets this 19th century palace apart is its spectacular rooftop pool and hot tub, which provide delightful views over the city from an intimate perch in Los Austrias, one of the most bustling neighborhoods. Downstairs, the manicured garden and courtyard also allow for moments of quiet contemplation — and if it’s serenity you’re after, you’re bound to find it at the Thai-inspired spa, which boasts a sauna and steam room. 

• Neighborhood : Los Austrias
• Distance From Airport: 10 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace, Royal Theater, La Almudena Cathedral
• Accessibility: Nine adapted rooms
• Rates: Start at $332

Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid

Mandarin oriental Ritz, Madrid

You’re spoiled for choices with five wonderful culinary options here, all envisioned by famed Valencian chef Quique Dacosta.

The hotel is certainly a splurge, but there’s very little we can fault otherwise — the attention to detail and level of service make it an unforgettable experience that’s worth the investment.

Gilded and gorgeous, this historic 1910 property reopened to much fanfare in 2021 (after a $100 million overhaul), re-establishing itself as the singular place to see and be seen in Spain’s capital city. The property’s historic Palm Court was brought back to life after decades out of use, while a new Mediterranean restaurant bloomed in its iconic garden — just a few of the superb updates which earned it a spot on our It List (2022) and in our World’s Best Awards (2022). Sauntering past the uniformed doorman and into the ornate lobby, it’s impossible not to consider whose company you might be in: the institution is a favorite of the Spanish royal family (King Alfonso XIII helped finance it), while Grace Kelly honeymooned here and Salvador Dalí dined in its garden. Take it all in from the intimate Champagne Bar or over the highly lauded tasting menu at two-Michelin-star Deesa, a glamorous affair helmed by chef Quique Dacosta.

After dinner (and perhaps a dip in the marble pool at the serene Beauty Concept retreat), you can luxuriate in unparalleled comfort and chic design specifics in each of the 100 rooms and 53 suites. Think Spanish leather headboards, sultry dark oak wood floors, and Dolomite marble bathrooms — some of the stylish suites even feature mica ceilings that dazzlingly reflect the sunlight, while others offer views practically into the neighboring Prado. 

• Neighborhood : Retiro
• Nearby Attractions: Prado Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor
• Accessibility: Several room categories
• Rates : Start at $818

Rosewood Villa Magna

The superb Sense spa and hammam make this a full-on wellness destination, with offerings ranging from eight-step facials to innovative sense journeys inspired by ancient Iberian practices.

Those who prefer a more classic color palette may find the mid-century rooms too modern.

Tucked back from the leafy Paseo de la Castellana, the modern and elegant Rosewood Villa Magna offers travelers a charming, contemporary place to indulge and unwind in the heart of the city’s ritzy Salamanca district. Beloved for decades as Hotel Villa Magna, the property joined Rosewood Hotel Group in 2021. Since then, T+L readers have voted it the best hotel in Madrid two years in a row in our World’s Best Awards, citing its supremely central location (smack in the city’s luxury shopping mecca) and superlative wellness offerings at Sense spa as primary draws.

154 generously-sized rooms and suites feature colorful accent walls and bold, chevron-printed carpets, which are a refreshingly modern departure from some of the city’s more classically-designed hotels (but don’t worry — there’s still plenty of old-world charm throughout this list if that’s more your style). All rooms feature large windows that look out over the treetops, offering city views from higher floors. Families will be delighted by the rooftop “Houses,” ultra-luxe accommodations that can sleep up to six guests and feature terraces large enough to host events on.

• Neighborhood : Salamanca
• Distance From Airport: 7 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Platea Madrid, Lázaro Galdiano Museum, National Archaeological Museum
• Accessibility : Five adapted rooms
• Rates : Start at $696

Santo Mauro, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid

Lorenzo Castillo-designed suites offer unique and playfully posh digs, like the namesake Duke of Santo Mauro’s green velvet-shrouded former chambers.

The mélange of Indian- and French-inspired textiles may feel overwhelmingly vibrant to those with more classic sensibilities.

Modern amenities meet 19th-century French aristocratic sensibility in this five-star hotel, which earned a place on our 2023 It List for its flamboyant decor and 49 antique furnished rooms spread across three sophisticated buildings. Formerly home to the Duke of Santo Mauro, the hotel showcases notable French influences in its design and architecture — yet many of the Lorenzo Castillo-designed suites feature unique textiles inspired by the Duke’s travels in India and China.

The former ballroom is a focal point, having been refurbished as a dramatically eclectic salon with crown molding and punchy patterned sofas fringed in bright blue trim. For a cozy bite, head to Rafa Peña’s intimate, upscale Spanish restaurant, which draws a well-heeled local crowd in the palace’s former library, which retains much of its original character.

• Neighborhood : Chamberí
• Distance From Airport: 6 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Sorolla Museum, Reina Sofia Museum, Temple of Debod
• Accessibility : Adapted rooms available
• Rates : Start at $670

“Like many aristocrats of his era, the Duke of Santo Mauro gravitated to Madrid’s elegant Chamberí neighborhood, settling in a palace built for him between 1889 and 1902. Now, that sprawling noble residence is a 49-key hotel named for its original denizen, and it continues to exude a regal air. The property’s cozy restaurant, situated in the former library, is appropriately decorated with books and burnished wood, while the salon (the old ballroom where current visitors can gather to socialize, read, or have a drink) is outfitted in deep red hues and a flamboyant assemblage of Louis XIV-inspired textiles.”

–Alia Akkam, Editor

The Westin Palace, Madrid

Dining beneath the magnificent stained-glass cupola in La Rotonda Restaurant is an experience not soon forgotten.

While a spa, sauna, and fitness center are all on-site, unfortunately there isn’t a pool.

T+L readers voted The Westin Palace as a winner in our World’s Best Awards in 2023, deeming their plush beds some of the dreamiest around, and delighting in the Art Nouveau hotel’s prime location beside the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, and Reina Sofia Museums in the city’s famed Art Walk. The 470-room property is a true Grand Dame hotel, commissioned by King Alfonso XIII in 1912 and so embedded in the city’s cultural fabric of the last century that it’s home to a museum dedicated to its own history (a star-studded one, naturally — Dalí came here to draw, Madonna to vacation, and Hemingway set a scene from "The Sun Also Rises" at the bar).

The palatial property — which houses 470 light-filled rooms and one of the largest event spaces in the city — retains much of its original grandeur, thanks to architectural marvels like La Rotonda’s stained-glass cupola. Inside the Belle Époque rooms, guests will find calming yellow-toned wallpaper, parquet flooring, and the hotel’s sumptuous beds sheathed in crisp Frette linens, which invite a superb night’s sleep.

• Neighborhood : Las Letras
• Distance From Airport: 8 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Parliament, Royal Palace, Prado Museum, Reina Sofia Museum
• Accessibility: Adapted rooms available
• Rates: Start at $367

The Principal Madrid Hotel

Principal Madrid Hotel

The panoramic view of the city from the rooftop restaurant, Ático, is rivaled only by chef Ramón Freixa’s mouthwatering Spanish cuisine.

Breakfast isn’t included in all the room rates — but it’s worth adding on, as it’s also served up on the spectacular rooftop.

Intimate and well-positioned on the Broadway-esque Gran Via, this five-star hotel is easy walking distance from expansive Retiro Park and the peachy-hued Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. It’s a prime location for first-time visitors, and with just 76 rooms, it’s one of our go-to boutique properties in the city for warm, thoughtful service. Decor skews sleek and masculine, with shiny black-tile bathrooms and pops of purple and gold in the well-appointed bedrooms.

Above all, the true draw here is the hotel’s superb rooftop restaurant, Ático — helmed by chef Ramón Freixa, who has two Michelin stars under his belt — where you can tuck into a locavore tasting menu while savoring an excellent view of the iconic Metropolis building. The vistas don’t end there: head up to the solarium for a sunbathing session with the city as your backdrop, or stop by La Terrazza late into the evening, which draws a buzzy crowd of in-the-know visitors and trendy locals to the rooftop bar for craft cocktails.

• Nearby Attractions: Plaza de Cibeles, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum,  Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park
• Rates: Start at $311

The Madrid EDITION

Sexy, energetic, and unabashedly modern, this hotel is a microcosm of all things hip: Mexican and Peruvian eateries, the city’s largest infinity pool, and maybe the coolest billiards table in town.

The hotel’s modern design represents Madrid’s youthful, cosmopolitan side — anyone seeking a more traditional experience in the city should consider one of the classic hotels included on this list instead.

An enigmatic pink-washed hallway leads into the design wonderland of The Madrid Edition , a 200-room hotel whose 2022 opening was perhaps the most emblematic of the city’s refreshed appeal. A massive, undulating white slip of staircase delivers on hotelier Ian Schrager’s beloved brand of minimalist-modernism, while the hotel invites the sort of old-meets-new interplay of Baroque tapestries flanking futuristic pool tables.

Just off the Plaza de Celenque, Jéronimo (one of the hotel’s five dining concepts) draws you in with Luis Barragán-inspired pops of pink and a delectable Mexican menu from the minds of chef Enrique Olvera and Santiago Pérez (the powerhouses behind Mexico City’s Pujol, New York City’s Cosme, and Los Angeles’ Damian). The culinary delights run up to the roof, where an urban sanctuary serves up Peruvian bites; there’s also a spectacularly large infinity pool, where you can get your glow on before recharging in the candlelit spa. For unparalleled luxury, look to the two penthouse suites, each of which boast their own private pool.

• Neighborhood : Sol
• Distance From Airport : 7 miles
• Nearby Attractions: Descalzas Reales monastery, Puerta de Sol, Plaza Mayor, Golden Triangle, Gran Vía
• Rates: Start at $406

JW Marriott Hotel Madrid

Most rooms at this ultra-central hotel offer beautiful balconies that bring in ample natural light.

The property does not offer a swimming pool, although spa guests can dip into a private hot tub.

Smack in the cultural and commercial heart of the city, JW Marriott’s first property in Spain debuted in 2023 and has been delighting visitors and residents ever since with its consistently excellent service, soothing color palette, and spacious rooms and suites. An easy walk from main sights like the Prado and Plaza Mayor, the hotel’s 127 rooms and 12 suites  — the latter of which feature exceptionally large terraces with optimal views — are a perfect place to base yourself for exploring and unwinding. Most rooms boast a private balcony, while all are tranquil havens decorated in neutral tones by Rockwell Group.

The property aims to inspire mindfulness, offering experiences to maximize your well-being at every turn, be it the brick-detailed fitness center and exclusive spa treatments or the celebrated cuisine at chef Mario Sandoval’s QÚ Restaurant.

• Distance From Airport : 9 miles
• Nearby Attractions : Puerta de Sol, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor
• Rates : Start at $602

Relais & Châteaux Hotel Orfila

This incredibly chic and well-located palace also happens to be exceptionally family-friendly, offering everything from babysitting services to kids menus and early dinner.

The preservation of the historic layout means the property doesn’t offer adapted rooms for those with reduced mobility.

Immerse yourself in a piece of Madrid’s history with a stay in this 19th century palace, which offers just 32 rooms, suites, and villas. This is old-world charm on a truly intimate scale, with warm and eager service that will help you to feel instantly at home in your wallpapered abode. The staff here go above and beyond, greeting you by name and offering the sort of personal attention only smaller spaces can, but without ever feeling intrusive. Families will love how gladly staff will facilitate early dinner times (no need to fuss over finding food during Siesta) or babysitting services for younger children.

Our main gripe is that given the property’s historic layout, it’s unable to provide adequately accessible rooms for those with reduced mobility. However, the lauded garden restaurant, chef Mario Sandoval’s El Jardín, is accessible.

• Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Romanticism, National Archaeological Museum, Retiro Park
• Accessibility : No
• Rates : Start at $434

Tótem Madrid, a Small Luxury Hotel of the World

Totem Madrid

Sophisticated, residential-style rooms lure a cosmopolitan clientele at this 65-room boutique hotel tucked between Salamanca’s swanky shopping streets.

There isn’t a spa on-site, but the in-the-know concierges — referred to as “Local Gurus” — will gladly point you in the right direction for an indulgent wellness experience.

Nestled near some of the city’s best shopping in smart Salamanca, this 65-room property lures chic clientele with an eye for detail. Distinction and design are the overarching principles here, with minimalist whitewashed digs offering bright spaces to rest and recharge in a quiet part of the neighborhood. But those looking to socialize needn’t worry — head straight to the roof to find a buzzy crowd of well-dressed locals sipping craft cocktails on velvet green loungers.

The property features over 300 eye-catching artworks, including tastefully framed black-and-white prints in the rooms. As part of its protected historical heritage, the designers painstakingly restored the property’s original pine staircase — an impressive feat, including beautiful iron fence work that’s easy to admire as you make your way home at night.

• Nearby Attractions: National Archaeological Museum, Retiro Park, Puerta de Alcalá
• Accessibility : Two Deluxe Exterior rooms
• Rates : Start at $217

VP Plaza España Design

VP Plaza Espana

Situated in a sleek skyrise overlooking the iconic Plaza de España, this contemporary hotel boasts some of the best views in a prime location.

Large meeting and event spaces draw a steady stream of business travelers — if you’re looking to unplug, the laptop-friendly breakfast room may not be ideal.

While rooftop bars and sun-drenched pools peek through Madrid’s treetops in abundance, few offer as superlative a vantage point as VP Plaza España Design, which is housed in a sleek 214-room skyscraper perched over its bustling namesake, the Plaza de España. The luxury hotel’s privileged position lures business travelers seeking sophisticated and stylish accommodations within walking distance of popular destinations like the nearby Templo de Debod and Royal Palace of Madrid. While the Wi-Fi is fast enough for all your Zoom needs, you may want to turn your camera off while working poolside (yes, it works up there, too). The spectacular rooftop is decidedly the property’s crowning jewel — head up there early to snag a spot at Ginkgo Sky Bar, a colorful collision of Asian and Spanish influences with frequent live music.

The property is also a leader in the neighborhood’s move towards sustainable tourism, and was one of the first hotels in the country to receive the LEED Gold Certificate rewarding its dedication to environmental consideration.

• Nearby Attractions : Cerralbo Museum, Templo de Debod, Royal Palace of Madrid, Casa de Campo 
• Accessibility: Eight adapted rooms
• Rates : Start at $302

Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid

The hotel boasts a rare flexible check-out policy, so you can linger in your plush bed or soak up the sun on your private patio for a full 24-hours after check in, so long as capacity allows.

The Veuve Clicquot-branded garden feels a bit overwrought.

Elegant yet approachable, this award-winning design hotel — which bears the stylish mark of Spanish interior designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán — is centrally located to many of the city’s historic and cultural sights, as well as the trendy districts of Chueca and Malasaña, where cafés and nightlife are abundant.

While all the rooms are sun-soaked and spacious, there’s nothing quite like the two attic suites: both feature romantic sloped ceilings, exposed wooden beams,  and fabulous outdoor patios that are perfect for relishing your morning coffee. The largest of the two has its own library. Best of all, the property offers a flexible late check-out policy that allows you to enjoy your room for a full 24 hours even on one-night stays, so you can grab a book and kick back — you’ve got time.

• Neighborhood : Salesas
• Nearby Attractions: Mercado de San Ildefonso, Retiro Park, Plaza del Dos de Mayo
• Accessibility : Deluxe rooms
• Rates : Start at $251

Mariana Borau

This family- and women-run hotel offers warm, truly personal service — not to mention, some of the best local recommendations for things to do around the bohemian Malasaña neighborhood.

Rooms facing hip Calle de Valverde are soundproofed, but those looking for a more tranquil experience should request accommodations facing the interior patio instead.

If you can spring for one of the penthouse rooms with a terrace at this family-run Malasaña gem, you won’t be sorry. Hammocks and yoga kits beckon on generous outdoor patios, while inside the rooms, chic Spanish artisanal touches abound — like handcrafted carpets from Gan Rugs and unique steel-and-leather bed frames made in collaboration with local designer Matías Carvia — all of which showcase the talents of Kikekeller’s studio, who redesigned the hotel.

The property was first opened in 2002, and is now run by the three granddaughters of the original founder; it’s a rare bird in that sense, offering a true family atmosphere to visitors who return year after year to this comfortable and well-curated abode. If you’re looking to explore the vibrant cafés, bars, and nightlife venues around the local Malasaña neighborhood, the staff will be glad to guide you in the right direction. While there’s plenty of art nearby — including the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art — there’s always something on at the hotel’s lobby gallery, 7i Art Gallery, a Berlin-inspired space with rotating collections featuring emerging artists.

• Neighborhood : Malasaña
• Nearby Attractions: Mercado de San Ildefonso, Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art, Plaza del Dos de Mayo
• Rates: Start at $115

CoolRooms Palacio de Atocha

Some of the suites in this quirky former palace are truly lavish, ranging up to 1,185 square feet.

With only 34 rooms, this hotel offers a more intimate, boutique experience – a consideration for travelers who may be looking for something more traditional or anonymous.

The Palacio de Atocha by CoolRooms offers some fittingly palatial suites, given that the 34-room property is housed in a 1852 palace that’s been reborn as a chic guesthouse. The impressively vaulted entrance gives a sense of the spacious interiors to come — at 22 feet high, it was initially designed to allow horse-drawn carriages to pass through into the palace; today, it leads into a discreet garden oasis, where you can dip into an aquamarine pool.

The suites here are some of the largest (and most reasonably priced) in the city, all sophisticated in their decor and largely done up in neutral tones with expansive leather headboards and Japanese-inspired bedside lanterns. For a next-level experience, consider either of the CoolSuites, which boast their own private terraces and outdoor jacuzzis overlooking the energetic Las Letras neighborhood below.

• Nearby Attractions : ICO Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Antón Martín Market
• Accessibility : Junior Suite
• Rates : Start at $237

Know Before You Go

Wear good walking shoes.

Madrid is a city you’ll be exploring primarily on foot, and many of its wide boulevards and shop-lined back streets are paved with cobblestones. Be sure to pack sneakers or supportive sandals with great traction that will carry you comfortably for hours on end. When your feet get tired, fear not — Madrid’s metro system is reliable, ultra-easy to use, and cost-effective, and you can get pretty much anywhere in the city within 30 minutes.

Be prepared for Siesta and later mealtimes

First-time visitors, be warned: Madrileños take their Siesta seriously. Many shops and restaurants around the city will close their gates for the late afternoon, typically from 2 to 5 p.m., in order for staff to rest, eat, or just escape the heat during the scorching summer months. This is typically an excellent time to duck into a museum, as most of the larger ones remain open (and cool, thanks to air conditioning).

If you’ve visited Spain before, you know mealtimes in general are much, much later than what we’re typically used to in the U.S. — dinner time in particular can come as a shock to visitors, as Spaniards usually eat around 9 or 10 p.m. If that’s past your bedtime, you’ll still be able to find some places that are open for continuous service — they might just cater somewhat more to visitors than to locals. For cravings at any time of the day, several of the luxury properties on this list offer all-day restaurants and 24/7 room service as well.

Tipping isn’t required

As is the case across much of Europe, tipping is generally optional. While it’s a nice gesture to leave 10 to 15 percent for friendly or superior service in restaurants, bars, and taxis, tips aren’t expected or required. For small, inexpensive meals — think a glass of wine and any corresponding tapas — a Euro or two is always appreciated.

Learn some basic Spanish

While almost everyone you’ll encounter in Madrid’s vibrant hospitality industry will speak a solid level of English (at minimum), it’s still a good idea to brush up on some Spanish 101. Firstly, it’s polite to be able to greet people and offer pleasantries in their local language; secondly, some shopkeepers or smaller business owners may speak little-to-no English, so it’ll come in handy to be prepared with a few key phrases.

Book reservations in advance

Madrid is home to an ever-growing number of global culinary destinations , from modernist Michelin-star meccas like DiverXo to seafood spectacles like Desde 1911 . To avoid disappointment, be sure to book as far in advance (several weeks to several months) as possible. For less fancy or fussy spots, walk-ins or week-of reservations are typically fine.

How We Chose These Hotels

Madrid has seen a spectacular revival of its luxury hotel scene just in the past few years, with a dozen big-name luxury brands moving in along the city’s energetic Gran Vía and tucked away in elegant Salamanca. Narrowing down the top properties in the city wasn’t easy — several of the hotels included on this list were voted as T+L readers’ favorite properties in Madrid in our annual World’s Best Awards, while the most impressive new openings and design refreshes earned coveted spots on our annual It List.

In addition to those award-winning properties, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd relied on her expertise as a travel writer specializing in luxury and boutique hotels in order to research and review several editor-recommended properties. She previously spent a summer living and working from Madrid, during which time she familiarized herself with the best neighborhoods to be based in for prime exploring, shopping, dining, and more.

She also consulted other editor-favorite hotels in the city, and poured over hundreds of reviews. The properties included here reflect exceptional guest experience, attractive design, superlative comfort, and friendly concierge services. She also prized hotels with accessible rooms, sustainable programs, and luxurious amenities like spas, pools, and fitness centers.

And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values .

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• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is geared toward those who want to earn cash back on their everyday spending and still want access to a helpful intro APR offer.

Balance transfer offer : New card members receive an intro 0% APR for purchases and balance transfer for the first 15 months, after that a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies. For the first 60 days of account opening, there's an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer ($5 minimum). After that, a standard balance transfer fee of $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer applies, whichever is greater.

Best for rotating bonus categories

Chase freedom flex℠.

5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate (then 1%), 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3% on drugstore purchases and on dining (including takeout and eligible delivery services), 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Member FDIC. Terms apply. Information about the Chase Freedom Flex℠ has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.

Read our Chase Freedom Flex℠ review.

• Opportunity to earn up to 5% cash back in select categories upon activation
• Bonus categories must be activated each quarter

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Flex℠ is a great card for anyone who enjoys squeezing the most value out of their credit card thanks to its generous rotating quarterly bonus categories.

Balance transfer offer : New cardholders can take advantage of a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months on purchases and balances transfer, then a 20.49% to 29.24% variable APR applies. An intro balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer applies to transfers completed in the first 60 days. After that, the standard balance transfer fee is 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

More on our top Chase balance transfer credit cards

The Chase Slate Edge℠ is a no annual fee card with several features that can help you pay less interest, but doesn't earn rewards.

Get an automatic review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time and spend $500 in the first six months.

Notable perks

With the Chase Slate Edge , you are automatically considered for a 2% APR reduction if you pay your monthly bill on time and spend at least $1,000 on the card before your next account anniversary (terms apply). While you'll want a plan to pay off your balance transfer before the interest kicks in, this feature can help you lower your APR compared to what you might pay with other credit cards.

This card's insurance benefits include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, roadside dispatch and rental car collision and theft coverage (secondary in the U.S.).

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of CNBC Select's top no-annual-fee cash-back credit cards with a unique intro bonus and a handful of useful benefits to complement its cash-back earnings.

• 6.5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 4.5% cash back on dining
• 4.5% cash back at drug stores
• 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).

Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 and enroll for three complimentary months of DashPass (activate by Dec. 31, 2024). Purchases are also covered by a range of built-in protections like rental car collision damage insurance (secondary in the U.S.), extended warranty coverage, purchase protection and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

While this is a cash-back credit card , you can boost the value of the rewards you earn by pairing this card with a Chase card that allows points transfers (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card ). By transferring the rewards you earn to travel partners like World Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan, you can potentially book luxury hotels and flights for fewer points.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ packs a punch with generous rewards in bonus categories that change every quarter and an easy-to-earn welcome bonus.

• 5% cash back on the first $1,500 spent in categories that change each quarter, then 1% cash back (activation required)
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 3% cash back on dining
• 3% cash back at drug stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. 

Cardholders receive discounts and special perks with partners like Lyft and DoorDash. There are also many valuable built-in protections for a no-annual-fee card, including:

• Cell phone insurance
• Rental car insurance (secondary in the U.S.)
• Extended warranty coverage
• Purchase protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

When you have a Chase card that unlocks the ability to transfer Chase points to hotel and airline partners (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card) , it increases the value of the Freedom Flex. So this isn't only a strong standalone rewards credit card , but it has synergies with other cards.

How to complete a Chase balance transfer

Chase typically charges a balance transfer fee from 3% to 5% with a $5 minimum. Before you complete a balance transfer , be sure the interest you save will outweigh the fee.

There are several ways to do a balance transfer with Chase. One of the best and easiest options is to complete a balance transfer when you apply for a card. When you do this, you'll be able to make the most out of your intro APR because any 0% interest timeframe you qualify for begins when you open the card.

If you want to perform a balance transfer with a Chase card you already have, you'll need to log in to your account and follow these steps:

• Click "Pay & Transfer"
• Then click on the "Transfer" dropdown menu
• Select "Card balance transfers"

You can then select any of your Chase cards from a dropdown menu and see what balance transfer offers are available.

Are Chase balance transfers worth it?

When you make a balance transfer, you'll generally pay a fee of 3% to 5% of the balance. To determine whether a balance transfer is worth it, calculate how much you would save in interest compared to how much you'd pay in transfer fees.

What is one disadvantage of a 0% interest balance transfer card?

Aside from the balance transfer fees, the biggest downside to a balance transfer is you'll have the same amount of credit card debt as before. If you don't have a plan, or the resources, to pay off your debt before the intro APR expires, you'll be stuck paying interest once again.

Do balance transfers hurt your credit?

A balance transfer doesn't directly hurt your credit score and could help improve your credit if you're able to pay down your debt. However, you'll want to keep in mind that your credit score will temporarily dip when you apply for new credit (including a balance transfer card).

Bottom line

The top balance transfer cards Chase issues offer intro APR periods of 15 to 18 months, and these intro APR offers also apply to purchases, making them even more useful. If you're interested in paying less interest , these are some of the best offers available. When you're in credit card debt, your primary focus should be repayment, not earning rewards, but the fact that some of the cards on this list earn rewards is a nice bonus.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card   article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card   products .  While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best Chase balance transfer credit cards.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Our methodology

To determine which Chase cards are best for balance transfers, CNBC Select analyzed the Chase credit cards with intro APR balance transfer offers. We compared each card on a range of features, including the annual fee, rewards, welcome bonus and balance transfer fee. We also considered additional perks, consumer protections, the application process when available and how easy it is to redeem rewards. However, when you're in credit card debt, your priority should be repayment, so we focused more on the cards that provide consumers with the cheapest ways to pay off their debt rather than the number of rewards they could potentially earn.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Travel Insurance – 10 Frequently Asked Questions [2024]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview

Recap of chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, 2. does chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance cover cruises, 3. what does the chase sapphire preferred card baggage insurance cover, 4. what does the chase sapphire preferred card medical insurance cover, 5. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover hotel cancellations, 6. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover airbnb cancellations, 7. does chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance cover rental cars in other countries, 8. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover turo or zipcar rentals, 9. how do i file a chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance claim, 10. do i need travel insurance if i have the chase sapphire preferred card, final thoughts.

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card remains one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards for numerous reasons. Alongside excellent earning rates and a fair amount of benefits that justify the $95 annual fee, the card also offers numerous shopping and travel insurance benefits.

If you’re like most people, you hear the word “insurance,” and your eyelids start feeling heavy. Let’s be honest: Insurance isn’t thrilling. The terminology can feel confusing, leaving you with many questions about what exactly the travel insurance on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card does and doesn’t cover.

You have questions, and we have answers. Here’s a simple look at your most common questions about travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Before moving any further, let’s ensure you’re familiar with the long list of travel protections built into the Chase Sapphire Preferred card :

• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement

You’ll also enjoy several other cardholder benefits and protections beyond travel insurance :

• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees
• Purchase protection
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency assistance

Some of the benefits seem more obvious than others. And, as with all insurance, there are always specific terms to understand, exclusions to mind, and coverage limits . Let’s clear some of those up.

1. What Flight Insurance Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Have?

When flying, you’ll have 2 types of insurance: travel accident insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Both types are in effect for trips for which you paid at least a portion of the cost with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Let’s look at each benefit.

Travel accident insurance applies to you and your immediate family members if one of you becomes permanently injured or dies while traveling. The cardholder benefit guide lists specific dollar amounts that you can be paid for specific injury types. The coverage is further divided into 2 categories: traveling on a common carrier and 24-hour coverage .

Coverage related to a common carrier covers both injuries and death resulting from your travel on a licensed air, land, or sea transport that regularly carries paying passengers . Think planes and ferries, for example. You’ll also be covered while at an airport, terminal, or station immediately before or after a trip, including courtesy transport to or from these places if provided as part of your trip. If your flight booking includes the airline picking you up from the hotel, this could be covered if all other conditions are met.

The 24-hour coverage applies around the clock and is valid on trips of up to 30 days. If you take a trip longer than this, coverage will end 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day, though it would come back into effect when you are in transportation to the airport for your flight home. If you drive yourself to the airport, coverage should resume once you are inside the airport .

This benefit reimburses you for the money you lose when a trip paid for (in whole or part) with your card is interrupted or canceled. Trip interruption is when you’ve started the trip and must end it early for a covered reason; trip cancellation applies to canceling a trip before it begins. The maximum benefit payout here is $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip. Both the cardholder and immediate family members are covered.

Trip cancellation coverage begins when you make your first deposit toward the trip and ends when you depart on your scheduled departure date. Trip interruption starts on your scheduled departure date and ends on your scheduled return date. However, if these dates or times are adjusted for reasons beyond your or the carrier’s control, the benefit will adjust automatically .

What expenses are reimbursable? They include nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses by a licensed supplier, such as a travel agency, hotel, shore excursion agency, etc. When canceling for a covered reason, you’re also covered for redeposit fees to get your airline miles back. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t cover lost money you paid for tickets to shows or theme parks, tee times at golf courses, museums, or other entrance fees unless they’re part of a tour package.

You’ll be covered for a few more situations with trip interruption coverage only . These include fees for returning a rental car early or to the nearest facility and up to $250 of expenses to transport you for necessary medical treatment. However, that doesn’t include medical transport (such as ambulances or medevac).

What if you paid with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and are due a refund under these benefits? You’ll be reimbursed according to the value on your travel supplier’s confirmation receipt, assuming that’s listed. If there’s no trip value listed on the receipt after you paid with points, you’ll be reimbursed at a value of 1 cent per point.

Covered Reasons

Not every reason for canceling a trip or ending it early is covered under these benefits. Covered reasons include accidental death or injury, a sickness requiring hospitalization, severe weather, a named storm warning, a change in military orders, a subpoena or call to jury duty, your home being burglarized or becoming uninhabitable, your hotel becoming uninhabitable, a public transportation strike that makes you miss 20% of a trip or a scheduled tour departure, and more. Consult the Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide to see if your specific cancellation or interruption reason is covered.

Trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover everything. For example, changing your mind about a trip is not covered. If your plans are subject to change, you may want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

This part is a bit confusing, but yes. Chase’s benefits guide for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card states explicitly that cruise lines aren’t included in the definition of a “common carrier.” However, cruise lines are included in the definition of a “travel supplier.”

Why does this matter? Many of the trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits only apply to travel with a common carrier, which doesn’t include cruise lines. However, some benefits do apply to cruises . These include stolen luggage benefits or even canceling a trip if delays mean you’ll miss at least 20% of the trip or that you’ll miss the departure of your cruise ship.

The travel accident and injury benefits also apply while you’re cruising, but it’s worth noting that returning late to your cruise ship, only to find it’s left for the next island without you, isn’t a covered expense. You’ll be on your own for the costs of catching up to your ship.

There are 2 types of baggage protection here: coverage for delayed bags and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Baggage delay insurance covers up to $100 per day for up to 5 days when your bags are delayed by at least 6 hours, covering each additional 24 hours past that until the maximum of 5 days is reached. This benefit applies to you and your immediate family members when you pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You don’t need to be traveling with your immediate family members for them to be covered , as long as at least part of their trip was paid for with your card, which can be a nice perk if you book travel for relatives.

Coverage begins on the scheduled departure date and ends on the scheduled return date, though coverage adjusts automatically if there are changes outside your or the travel provider’s control. There’s also a list of non-covered items, such as medical devices, losses due to war/conflict, electronics, and cash equivalents. In case of baggage delay, you must report it to the travel provid er as soon as possible and keep receipts for necessary expenses you incur ; you’ll submit these for reimbursement afterward.

Lost luggage reimbursement is different; it covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. Both checked and carry-on bags are covered up to a maximum of $3,000 per person per trip. However, there’s a limit of $500 for jewelry, watches, and electronics.

There are some specifics to understand about this coverage, however. First, it doesn’t cover items you leave behind by accident . Second, coverage applies to you and immediate family members (even if you aren’t traveling with them) so long as you paid for at least part of the trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Coverage is available from the scheduled start to the scheduled end of your trip, but it is automatically adjusted if there are uncontrollable delays to either date.

Coverage applies to common carriers and cruise lines, and you must report the loss, theft, or damage within the timeframe specified by your travel provider. Then, the coverage on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card will cover any difference in the value of your monetary loss (after depreciation of the items) and the payment you receive from the travel provider . Thus, this is secondary coverage. It’s worth noting that documents, furs, tickets, and cash-like items aren’t covered.

Accidents can happen on any trip, from accidentally slipping on the wet deck of a cruise ship to spending nights in a hospital at a far-flung destination. Does your health insurance at home cover you when you head to Florida? What about South America? These are questions worth asking. If your medical coverage won’t be in effect, it’s worth considering medical travel insurance .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes travel accident insurance for you and your immediate family members . It’s in effect if you pay at least part of the airfare for your trip with this card. You’ll receive varying maximum payouts depending on the type of injury (or death) encountered during your trip, and the maximum limit also depends on whether the accident occurs while traveling on a common carrier or at some other point during your trip . The 24-hour benefit provides maximum coverage of $100,000, increasing to $500,000 when traveling on a common carrier.

But how does this work in practice?

If more than 1 person is injured , the benefits administrator will pay no more than 2 times the maximum limit for each type of injury. That sum will be divided among all covered persons eligible for benefits payments.

In case of death , the benefits administrator will give the money to your named beneficiary. If you haven’t named a beneficiary, the order of preference goes from a spouse or domestic partner to children, then parents, siblings, and finally, your estate. If you go missing and haven’t been found after a year, then this will trigger the “loss of life” benefit.

Coverage begins either when you reach the airport, station, or terminal for travel on a common carrier or when you enter courtesy transportation provided to take you to the point at which your trip begins, such as a train station or airport. If you didn’t buy your tickets in advance but are purchasing them when you arrive at the station, coverage begins once you make the payment for travel. Coverage ends after you leave the transportation vessel or exit the courtesy transportation provided afterward.

The 24-hour coverage functions a bit differently. It’s in effect around the clock for up to 30 days, starting from your scheduled departure for air travel. If your trip is longer than 30 days, coverage will pause 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day and resume when you reach the airport for a flight home or are in courtesy transportation to the airport for the flight home.

Obviously, there are exclusions. You aren’t covered if you’re a pilot or crew member on a flight, you get injured while committing a crime, you get injured while skydiving, your injury is self-inflicted, or you’re injured in a war.

Lastly, you may wonder how COVID-19 factors in . The benefits guide says this under covered losses: “Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.”

Thus, your illness could be covered if a doctor or government requires quarantine related to COVID-19. COVID-19 is generally covered under most travel insurance policies in the same way sicknesses are covered. However, not traveling to avoid COVID-19 risks isn’t covered. As the benefits guide says, “Your disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders, or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic.”

Hotels aren’t treated separately under the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance terms. If you must cancel or interrupt a trip for a covered reason, then your hotel cancellation fees can be covered. This would include situations like forfeiting a first night’s room cost for canceling your hotel booking at the last minute, assuming you couldn’t arrive for a covered reason, such as a travel delay or a last-minute injury that made you unable to travel.

While you won’t find the word “Airbnb” or even “vacation home” in the benefits guide, you will find a description that covers these types of rentals :

“Provider of Lodging – a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or hostel; a Provider of Lodging includes non–commercial time shares, condominiums, or rentals of a private residence; such rental shall require a written contract between You and the property owner or management company, executed in advance of the commencement of the rental period …” Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide.

So long as you’ve reserved your rental in advance and have a written contract — which Airbnb provides at the time of booking, courtesy of your confirmation details — your vacation home rental should count as a type of lodging. The contract must state the cancellation provisions, must not include a rental of more than 60 days, and your booking must be made directly with a licensed website or agent — not with the homeowner directly (unless that person is a licensed agent).

Airbnb is a covered lodging type, meaning your booking should qualify for trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay coverage .

In short, yes. However, there are some exclusions. Since your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you abroad, it’s great to know that paying with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and declining the rental company’s collision damage waiver can provide protection on your next rental .

You can be covered up to the actual cash value of most rental cars against theft or collision damage. Coverage can include administrative fees, loss-of-use charges, and even towing charges. Coverage applies to rentals up to 31 days and covers you plus any additional drivers listed on the rental contract .

You’ll need to use your card (or your points) to pay for the entire cost of the rental , and most vehicle types are covered by this primary insurance. However, coverage doesn’t apply to exotic or antique cars, high-value vehicles, cargo vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, or vans with seating for more than 9 people (including the driver). Note that Teslas qualify as high-value vehicles, so these aren’t covered .

The benefits guide doesn’t spell out any specific excluded countries . However, Visa typically excludes coverage in Israel, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland, plus you may not be able to use your card to pay for a rental (and thus coverage won’t be in effect) with U.S. Treasury Department monetary embargoes . These destinations include places where your credit cards won’t work, such as Cuba, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea.

Unfortunately, no. Because Turo and Zipcar rentals aren’t considered rentals from a rental car agency, most credit card rental car insurance doesn’t cover them .

To file a claim, you should first gather all of the documents related to your claim . These can include receipts, accident reports, police reports, photos, hospital records, or anything else pertinent to the type of claim you’re making.

Next, you can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online . Different claims have different required timelines. For example, auto claims must be filed within 100 days of the incident. However, you need to file within 90 days for baggage delays or losses, but you’re supposed to contact the benefits administrator within 20 days of these incidents to at least provide notice, even though you have 90 days to finish submitting the claim.

This question will be subjective, and different people will arrive at different conclusions. Travel insurance can be useful for the unexpected, but no 2 trips are equal. The best way to decide whether you need additional insurance beyond what the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers is to look at what it doesn’t cover.

Will you be skydiving? Do you have significant trip expenses related to Turo rentals or short connections that could cause domino effects if you miss a departure time? Are you renting an RV or going camping — types of travel not covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

If you have prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that wouldn’t be reimbursed by your credit card’s travel insurance in the event of delays or cancellations, getting a travel insurance policy that covers these could be a good idea and could provide peace of mind. That said, not every travel activity is covered by every travel insurance policy, so you want to make sure you choose a policy that covers your expenses for your particular trip .

If you look at your trip and decide that your flights, hotel plans, and simple plan of just relaxing at the beach will be covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, then purchasing an extra policy probably isn’t necessary.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers numerous protections for purchases and trips. Insurance terms can feel confusing, but hopefully, the explanations of these policies should clarify what is and isn’t covered, as well as policy limits, in a way that helps you know whether the coverages are sufficient for your upcoming travels.

Want to learn more about what else this card offers beyond travel insurance? Consult our full Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chase sapphire preferred card have trip insurance.

Yes, it has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement.

How to file a claim with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance?

You can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online. Each claim type has different required documents and a different required submission timeline, so check your benefits guide for your specific claim type.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card reimburse for travel cancellation?

Yes, you can be reimbursed for monetary losses of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip if you cancel for a covered reason. You’ll need to pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and the cancellation must be for a covered reason, such as death, injury, or being called to active military duty.

What insurance does Chase Sapphire Preferred card cover?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. Cardholders also get shopping insurance benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection, plus other benefits like roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance services (though these are pay-per-use benefits).

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal avenges Barcelona defeat, crushes Alex de Minaur

Madrid open: rafael nadal beat australia’s alex de minaur 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 at the manolo santana stadium on saturday and will next face pedro cachin..

Listen to Story

• Rafael Nadal beat Alex de Minaur 7-6 (8-6), 6-3
• Nadal had lost to de Minaur in the Barcelona Open
• Nadal will next face Argentina’s Pedro Cachin

Rafael Nadal, on Saturday, defeated Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the second round of the Madrid Open. He took just over 2 hours to win the match 7-6 (8-6), 6-3 at the Manolo Santana Stadium. Earlier this month, Nadal lost to de Minaur in straight sets in the second round of the Barcelona Open, but the King of Clay returned the favour.

In Madrid, Nadal took the upper hand right away in the first set after taking a 2-0 lead with an early break of serve, but de Minaur made a comeback to earn the break back and make it 2-2. The Australian star broke Nadal’s serve again to put the Spaniard under pressure. But Nadal broke his opponent back and somehow took the set into a tie-break.

This backhand to set up match point was *huge* 💣 @RafaelNadal #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/mIZHggcqB7 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 27, 2024

Rafael Nadal up and running

Nadal won 71 percent of his points from first serve (41 out of 58) to show his dominance. Both players hit 13 winners, but 33 unforced errors cost De Minaur the match. Nadal looked a tad nervous early on, but once he found his feet, there was no stopping him. He showed his agility and pulled off the classical shots he is known for.

In the Round of 32, Nadal will be up against Argentina’s Pedro Cachin, who defeated USA’s Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (1), 3-6, 6-4. Published By: sabyasachi chowdhury Published On: Apr 27, 2024 Also Read | Watch: Rafael Nadal's son steals the show in adorable moment at Madrid Open