World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Madrid  - Getting Around
Getting Around

Public Transport
Central Madrid is serviced by a dense network of 150 city bus routes, a modern and extensive metro system and local trains to the neighbouring cities and towns. The main hub is Puerta del Sol. The metro system (tel: (91) 552 5909) is good value, clean and quick, although crowded during rush hour. Each of its 11 lines is distinguished by a colour and number at stations and on maps. (Note that the service on line ten between Gregorio Maran and Campamento stations is suspended until at least March 2001 due to engineering works). Empresa Municipal de Transportes (EMT tel: (91) 401 1409 or 406 8810) runs Madrid's bus service. Night buses (buhos) depart from Plaza de Cibeles between 0000 and 0600 to the suburbs. Single tickets for the metro and city buses (bought on board) cost Pta135; ten tickets cost Pta705. Metrobús tickets may be purchased at metro stations, estancos (tobacconists) and EMT information kiosks at Plaza de Callao and Puerta del Sol.

The local train network - Cercanías (tel: (91) 506 7067) - comprises 11 lines in the Madrid area, and provides a fast link between Charmartín and Atocha stations, as well as to destinations such as Toledo and El Escorial (see Excursions section).

The abono transportes pass offers unlimited trips on any combination of public transport - metro, bus and train - within the zone and period of time (month or year) chosen. A one-month ticket costs Pta4620 (concessions available).

Taxis
Taxis, distinguished by their white colour, diagonal red stripe and green light on the roof, may be hired at ranks or in the street. Meters start at Pta190 and it is always worth checking that the meter is running. There are surcharges for additional passengers, telephone or airport pick-up, and luggage. Taxi touts are to be avoided. The major companies include Madrid Radio Taxi (tel: (91) 547 8608), Independent Radio Taxi (tel: (91) 405 1213), for long-distance trips, and RadioTaxi (tel: (91) 447 3232), who provide a service for the disabled.

Limousines
Limousines may be hired at Madrid's top hotels and from the following companies: Autos Chamartín (tel: (91) 405 4599) and Autos Delicias Limousine (tel: (91) 502 0912). Prices cost Pta25,000-32,000 for eight hours' hire.

Driving in the City
Due to frequent traffic jams, aggressive drivers and problematic parking, driving in central Madrid is not recommended. Those who ignore this advice should make use of centrally located car parks (Plaza Santa Ana or Plaza Mayor) or the ORA (Operación Regulación Aparcamiento) pay-and-display parking system - cards valid for a maximum of two hours may be purchased at estancos. Illegally parked cars may be towed away. Impounded cars should be recovered as soon as possible as the fines rise every hour (tel: (91) 345 0666).

Car Hire
Cars can be hired by drivers aged 21 years and above on presentation of a passport and valid driving licence (held for at least one year). A valid international insurance policy is also necessary. Full insurance is advised. Providers include Avis, Agustin de Foxa 32 (tel: (90) 213 5531), Europcar, Atocha station (tel: (91) 530 0194) and local company Alcar SL, Paseo de la Castellana (tel: (91) 555 1010).

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
There is no better way of getting around Madrid than bombing along on a moped, thus avoiding the parking problems that car drivers suffer from. Motoalquiler, Calle Conde Duque 13 (tel: (91) 542 0657), provides a choice ranging from Vespas for about Pta7000 per day to large motorbikes for about Pta17,000 per day. Bicycles are best reserved for trips out of town. Sport Karacol, Calle Tortosa 8 (tel: (91) 539 9633), provides mountain bikes for hire (Pta2000 per bike; a Pta5000 returnable deposit is required) and also organises excursions into the surrounding countryside.



Copyright © 2001 Columbus Publishing
    
GENERAL
City Overview
City Statistics
Cost of Living
History
Language
Accommodation
 
GETTING THERE
Air
Road
Rail
 
GETTING AROUND
Getting Around
 
BUSINESS
Business
 
SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing
Key Attractions
Further Distractions
Tours of the City
Excursions
 
ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
Sport
Shopping
Culture
Special Events
Food and Drink