Looking for advice on transit tickets or passes. We will be in Madrid for 5 days. I see tour packages that include transit passes. Probably going to the Castle and the Prado, not sure what else we might do yet. What is the most economical way to see the city center and it's primary sights?
Posted by
Bilbao
1012 posts
Not sure if by the Castle you are referring to the Royal Palace? Best way to move around in Madrid, from an economical point of view, is the subway or metro system, no doubt.
Posted by
Chicago
4079 posts
Where is your hotel? I will be in Madrid next month and plan to walk everywhere. I will take a taxi from the airport. You can buy tickets for the palace and prado ahead of time on the official websites:
https://www.patrimonionacional.es/visita/palacio-real-de-madrid
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8370 posts
Definitely no need for a vehicle. Most of the main tourist sites are walkable unless there are mobility issues. Personally, I see no reason to buy a tour package when you can easily buy tickets to the sites you want to visit. The package may include places you don’t want to visit and at that point it’s wasted money.
Primary sites are what you’re interested in. Check the Things to Do section on TripAdvisor, or search on popular sites in Madrid to find things of interest to you. It has plenty of museums, but if you’re not into museums there’s no reason to mention them. If you’re looking to save money, visit the Prado and/or Reina Sofía during their free hours.
I use the metro to get to/from the airport, but otherwise walk everywhere.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
396 posts
On a trip to Madrid two years ago, my husband and I walked a lot and used the excellent Madrid Metro system (busses and subway-type trains). Upon landing at the airport, we purchased “7-day multi-pass zone A” that covered all areas of Madrid, including transit from the airport to our hotel near Gran Via.
Checking the official MetroMadrid.es website, I don’t see that exact pass offered today, however there are a number of options including a “Tourist Ticket” valid for 1,2,3,4,5 or 7 days. You would need to do the math to see if you would use the metro system enough to make a pass worth it. Otherwise you can purchase single rides.
Regarding museum/attraction passes, we purchased the Paseo del Arte pass that included the Prado, Reina Sofia and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Currently at €32,80, this is a good deal if you plan to go to all three museums. We’re huge art fans so it was a no brainer. If you’re interested in art beyond what’s at the Prado, the Reina Sofía houses Picasso’s Guernica and the Thyssen-Bornemisza has a fantastic modern collection.