If you’re only passing through en route elsewhere, you should buy a Metrobús ticket valid for 10 rides (bus and metro) for 12.20 euro; single-journey tickets cost 1.50 euro. You can avail of tickets from machines in the metro stations, as well as most estancos (tobacconists), and newspaper kiosks.

Metrobús tickets are not allowed on cercanías services. Children under four can travel free.

Monthly or season passes (abonos) only make sense if you have plans of staying long term and use local transport frequently. You’ll need to get a carnet (ID card) from metro stations or tobacconists – take a passport-sized photo and your passport.

An Abono Transporte Turístico (Tourist Ticket; per 1/2/7 days 8.40/14.20/35.40 euro) is also possible.

The fine for being caught without a ticket on public transport is 50 euro plus the price of the ticket, of course.

Metro of Madrid is easy and extensive; the distances might seem long with a huge network you are all over within minutes. It’s nice to use this type of transport when you get tired of walking around Madrid.

Go places and easy now from Barajas with train Cercanias C1and bus 203. The first and biggest of Spain train stations, it’s a modern environment of eco and gardens if you want to commune with nature.

Currently, in Madrid taxicabs are white with a red diagonal stripe going through the front doors. They may also be black with red band and on the side a badge of Madroño tree and a bear.