Madrid is equipped with a remarkably efficient public transport network for a southern European capital. The Madrid Metro (13 lines, 302 stations) covers the entire city and connects Adolfo Suárez-Barajas airport in 30 minutes via Line 8. The EMT bus network covers areas not served by metro. The Cercanías suburban rail network serves Aranjuez, El Escorial and connection points to the main intercity lines.
From Madrid-Atocha station, AVE high-speed trains reach all major Castilian cities: Toledo (30 min), Segovia (27 min from Chamartín), Salamanca (1h40 by Alvia), Cuenca (55 min), Burgos (1h15), Valladolid (55 min). Madrid is also the hub of Spain's entire rail network: Barcelona (2h30 by AVE), Seville (2h30), Valencia (1h35), Bilbao (4h). Travelling from Madrid by high-speed train is almost always faster, cheaper and less stressful than flying.
For excursions to the villages and castles of the Meseta off the main rail lines, a rental car is recommended. The Route of Don Quixote through La Mancha (windmills of Consuegra and Campo de Criptana, the historic town of Almagro) is best done by car. The national roads and motorways of Castile are in excellent condition and traffic is light outside the immediate Madrid area.
Within Madrid, sustainable mobility is expanding: BiciMAD, the electric bike-sharing scheme, covers the central neighbourhoods. Uber and Cabify work well, and Madrid's white taxis are reliable and price-regulated. Avoid taking a car into the city centre — parking is difficult and the Madrid Central zone imposes access restrictions on most non-resident vehicles.
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- Madrid, Europe's most vibrant capital — The Prado, Reina Sofía, La Latina tapas and Madrid's legendary nightlife, in Goya's city.
- Toledo, City of Three Cultures — Gothic cathedral, synagogues, mosque and El Greco in a medieval masterpiece above the Tagus.
- Spain — Complete guide: visa, budget, regions to explore and the best time to visit.
- Catalonia — Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees — the other great Spanish region.