Your guide to the Madrid Metro in 2025

If you’ve just arrived at Adventure Hostel Madrid and want to know how to get around without missing anything, this complete guide to the Madrid Metro in 2025 is exactly what you need.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE MADRID METRO?

Madrid was a pioneer. On 17 October 1919, its first line opened between Cuatro Caminos and Sol. 3.5 km of tunnels that seemed like science fiction at the time.

1919 – First operational line. 8 stations.

1950s-70s – Massive expansion and full electrification.

1980s – Modern trains, new colours and increased capacity.

1995-2007 – Huge growth: lines like MetroSur and MetroNorte were created.

2020s – Technological upgrades, universal accessibility… and now, driverless trains (gradually).

UNDERGROUND MADRID: MORE THAN JUST A JOURNEY

Open every day from 06:00 to 01:30.

The last trains leave at 01:30, but be careful – not all routes allow transfers at that time.

🧠 Adventure pro tip: Get yourself a Multi card as soon as you arrive. Without it, you can’t use any ticket.

APPS TO NAVIGATE LIKE A PRO

Getting around Madrid might feel like a maze at first, but with the right apps, it becomes a breeze. If you hate wasting time wandering or getting off at the wrong station, take note: you’ll need a few digital allies.

Citymapper is, without a doubt, the queen of urban navigation. It tells you where to go, how long it’ll take, which line to take, where to get off… and even if you’ve got time to grab a coffee before the next train. If you’re someone who likes to have total control over your time, this app is your new best friend.

The official Metro de Madrid app is also a reliable option. It has updated maps, alerts you to service disruptions and helps you plan your routes with precision. Plus, if you like knowing how many stops are left without counting them on your fingers, it’s all here.

MADRID’S NEW DRIVERLESS METRO

Since 2024, Line 8 — the one connecting the airport to the city centre — has been testing driverless trains. The system is autonomous, 100% automated, with sensors, cameras and remote control from an operations centre.

To start with, you’ll notice everything runs a bit smoother. Autonomous trains don’t get distracted, don’t make mistakes and don’t run late: they operate with pinpoint accuracy, meaning more punctuality and shorter waits. Then there’s the visual experience. If you stand in the first carriage, where there would usually be a closed-off driver’s cabin with darkened glass, you now have a clear view of the tunnel ahead, like sneaking backstage in Madrid’s underground.

What about safety? Don’t worry. Even though there’s no driver, there’s continuous monitoring from the control centre, 360-degree camera surveillance and security staff on the trains. The future might be quieter, but it’s more closely watched than ever.

HOW TO GET TO THE HOSTEL FROM THE AIRPORT (BY METRO)

Take Line 8 (pink) → Aeropuerto T1-T4 to Nuevos Ministerios.

Transfer to Line 10 (dark blue).

Walk 3 minutes → Adventure Hostel Madrid is ready to welcome you 🙂

To start with, you’ll notice everything runs a bit smoother. Autonomous trains don’t get distracted, don’t make mistakes and don’t run late: they operate with pinpoint accuracy, meaning more punctuality and shorter waits. Then there’s the visual experience. If you stand in the first carriage, where there would usually be a closed-off driver’s cabin with darkened glass, you now have a clear view of the tunnel ahead, like sneaking backstage in Madrid’s underground. What about safety? Don’t worry. Even though there’s no driver, there’s continuous monitoring from the control centre, 360-degree camera surveillance and security staff on the trains. The future might be quieter, but it’s more closely watched than ever.

1. Take Line 8 (pink) → Aeropuerto T1-T4 to Nuevos Ministerios.

2. Transfer to Line 10 (dark blue).

4. Walk 3 minutes → Adventure Hostel Madrid is ready to welcome you 🙂

LEARN TO SURVIVE UNDERGROUND

Navigating Madrid’s Metro has its own set of rules, even if no one says them out loud. Here, you don’t make eye contact. You don’t talk. You don’t breathe too loudly. You go, you sit if you can, and that’s it. If music plays in the carriage, you pretend you don’t have any spare change. Everyone does it. If you see a free seat, move quickly but with dignity. Running is for rookies. And if you can avoid 8 a.m. or 6 p.m., do it. At those times, the Metro turns into a silent war. Transfer at Sol? Brace yourself. It’s not a station; it’s a battlefield with endless stairs. Take a deep breath. And push through as best you can (we’re exaggerating).

UNWRITTEN RULES OF THE METRO

Navigating Madrid’s Metro has its own set of rules, even if no one says them out loud. Here, you don’t make eye contact. You don’t talk. You don’t breathe too loudly. You go, you sit if you can, and that’s it. If music plays in the carriage, you pretend you don’t have any spare change. Everyone does it. If you see a free seat, move quickly but with dignity. Running is for rookies. And if you can avoid 8 a.m. or 6 p.m., do it. At those times, the Metro turns into a silent war. Transfer at Sol? Brace yourself. It’s not a station; it’s a battlefield with endless stairs. Take a deep breath. And push through as best you can (we’re exaggerating).

WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER

In short, if you’re visiting Madrid and staying with us at Adventure Hostel Madrid, using the Metro will be inevitable. But just because it’s inevitable doesn’t mean it has to be boring. On the contrary: it can be your best ally for exploring the city, improvising plans, getting lost on purpose or arriving on time to that rooftop in Malasaña where they say sunsets taste like vermouth and guitars. And if you do get lost for some reason, don’t worry. Calle del Pez number 1. Stop: Noviciado. We’ll be here. Always.