How to Get Around Madrid Cheaply from Malasaña

Getting around Madrid from Malasaña is easy and budget-friendly. This central neighbourhood is well-connected to the rest of the city with various public transport options.

What’s the best way to get around Madrid from Malasaña?

Metro and bus are your best bets for most trips. They're cheap and efficient. If you're heading somewhere central like Gran Vía, just walk it – it's only 10 minutes from our front door on Calle del Pez. Seriously.

For slightly longer journeys, the metro is unbeatable. It runs frequently, with trains arriving every 2-4 minutes during peak hours and every 5-10 minutes during off-peak times. The buses, while slower, offer a scenic way to explore the city and are particularly useful for areas not directly served by the metro. Walking is another fantastic option for exploring nearby neighbourhoods like Chueca or Chamberí, both of which are within a 15-20 minute walk from Malasaña.

How to use Madrid’s metro if you’re staying in Malasaña?

The metro gets you across the city fast. From the hostel, you have two key stations: Noviciado (Line 2) is a 2-minute walk, and Tribunal (Lines 1 and 10) is about 5 minutes away. Don't buy single tickets. Get the Multi Card and load it with a 10-journey pass for €12.20. It works for the bus too.

If you're planning to stay in Madrid for a week or more, consider getting the Tourist Travel Pass. This pass allows unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and even the Cercanías trains within your chosen zones. Prices start at €8.40 for a 1-day pass and go up to €35.40 for a 7-day pass for Zone A, which covers most of the city. The metro operates from 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM, so it's perfect for both early risers and night owls.

For those heading to the airport, Line 8 connects the city center to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport. From Malasaña, you can reach the airport by taking Line 10 to Nuevos Ministerios and transferring to Line 8. The airport supplement costs €3, which you can add to your Multi Card.

Which buses run through Malasaña?

Buses are slower than the metro, but you get to see the city. The main lines cutting through Malasaña are 3, 147, and M2, which will get you to Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Retiro. A ride costs €1.50, and you can just tap your Multi Card.

The M2 line is particularly useful for short trips within the city center, as it connects Malasaña to key spots like Plaza de España and the Royal Palace. For night owls, Madrid's night buses, known as 'búhos' (owls), are a lifesaver. These buses operate from 11:30 PM to 6:00 AM and cover most of the city. The N21 and N23 are the main night bus lines serving Malasaña, ensuring you can get back to the neighbourhood no matter how late you stay out.

For real-time updates on bus schedules, download the EMT Madrid app. It provides live tracking, route planning, and even alerts for service disruptions. This is especially handy during peak hours or on weekends when the city is bustling with activity.

Can you rent a bike or e-scooter in Malasaña?

You'll see BiciMAD stations everywhere in the neighbourhood. It's €2 for the first hour if you're not a subscriber, which is fine for a quick trip. Electric scooters from companies like Lime or Tier are also around, but we find they're only really worth it for very short distances. Watch out for the cobblestones.

For those looking to explore Madrid's parks, renting a bike is a fantastic option. Retiro Park, one of the city's most iconic green spaces, is about a 20-minute bike ride from Malasaña. BiciMAD bikes are equipped with electric assistance, making it easier to navigate Madrid's hilly terrain. If you're planning to use BiciMAD frequently, consider getting a subscription for €25 per year, which reduces the cost of each ride significantly.

E-scooters are another fun way to get around, especially for short trips to nearby areas like Gran Vía or Plaza de España. However, be mindful of Madrid's traffic rules: scooters are not allowed on sidewalks and must be parked in designated areas. Fines for improper parking can be steep, so always double-check before leaving your scooter.

When should you use a taxi or ride-share service?

Only grab a taxi, Uber or Cabify late at night or if you're splitting the cost with a group. Otherwise, it's not worth the money. A typical ride from here to Atocha station will run you about €10-12. Look for the official white cars with the red stripe.

Ride-share apps like Uber and Cabify often offer promotions or discounts, so it's worth checking the app before booking. For larger groups, consider using the 'XL' option available on these platforms, which can accommodate up to six passengers. This is particularly useful if you're heading to the airport or a distant part of the city.

Taxis are also a reliable option for late-night travel when public transport is less frequent. All official taxis in Madrid are equipped with meters and accept card payments, making them a convenient choice. If you're unsure about the fare, you can ask the driver for an estimate before starting your journey.

For 90% of your trips from the hostel, the metro and bus are all you need. Simple.