Public
Transport
Central Madrid is served by a comprehensive network of more than
150 city bus routes, an extensive and modern metro system and local
trains to the neighbouring cities and towns. The main hub is Puerta
del Sol.
The Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid
(telephone number: (902) 444 403, metro system covers more than
230km (143 miles) and is good value, clean and efficient, although
very crowded during rush hour. Trains run every three to five minutes,
daily 0600 hrs–0130 hrs. Each of the 11 metro lines is distinguished
by a colour and number at stations and on maps.
EMT (telephone
number: (91) 406 8810) runs Madrid’s bus service. Night buses,
known as buhos (owls), depart from Plaza de Cibeles for the suburbs,
between nightly 0000 and 0600 hrs, and cost the same as the ordinary
day ticket.
The local train network, operated by Cercanías
(telephone number: (902) 444 403), comprises of 11 lines in the
Madrid area and provides a fast link between Charmartín
Station and Atocha Station, as well as
to destinations including as Toledo and El
Escorial.
Single tickets for the metro and city buses, available for purchase
on board and at stations at a cost €1.10. Metrobús tickets
(a carnet of ten tickets) cost €5.20 and are available for
purchase at metro stations, estancos (tobacconists) and EMT
information kiosks at Plaza de Callao and Puerta del Sol. The abono
transportes pass, for which a passport photo is required, 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 €32.30 (concessions are also available).
Taxis
Oficina
Municipal del Taxi (telephone number: (91) 588 9632) is
the governing body for the taxis in Madrid. City taxis, white with
a diagonal red stripe and a green light on the roof and are available
for hire at ranks or on the street. Meters start at €1.35 and
rates per kilometre are €0.63 before 2300 hrs and €0.81
thereafter. When entering a taxi, travellers should always check
that the meter is not already running, as this is an occasional
scam to overcharge tourist passengers. There are surcharges for
additional passengers, luggage and telephone or airport pick-up.
Taxi touts should be avoided. For tipping, rounding up to the nearest
Euro is appreciated.
Major private taxi companies include TeleTaxi (telephone
number: (91) 371 2131), Radio Taxi Independiente
(telephone number: (91) 405 1213) for long-distance trips and Radio
Taxi (telephone number: (91) 447 3232), which also provides
a service for the disabled.
Limousines
Limousines are available for hire at Madrid’s top hotels and
from Autos Chamartín (telephone number:
(91) 405 4599) and Autos Delicias Limousine (telephone
number: (91) 547 4023). The cost is approximately €344 (plus
driver’s lunch) for eight hours. To hire a Mercedes with driver
costs approximately €231.
Driving
in the City
Due to frequent traffic jams, aggressive drivers and problematic
parking, driving in central Madrid is not recommended to tourists.
Visitors who ignore this advice should make use of centrally located
car parks, including Plaza Santa Ana, Plaza Mayor,
Plaza de Oriente, costing €0.80 per half hour and €15.20
for a full day. Parking meters now operate in the city centre. These
take the full range of coins and have operational instructions in
English and other European languages. Illegally parked cars might
be towed away. Impounded cars should be recovered as soon as possible
as the fines rise every hour (telephone number: (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 and full
insurance is advised.
Providers include:
Avis,
Charmartín Station (telephone number: (90) 213 5531),
Europcar, Atocha
Station (telephone number: (91) 530 0194)
Herz,
Barajas airport (telephone number: (902) 402 405).
Rates start at approximately €65 for one day of car hire.
Bicycle & Moped Hire
A great way to get around Madrid than by bombing along on a moped,
thus avoiding the parking problems that car drivers often suffer.
Motoalquiler, Calle Conde Duque 13 (telephone number:
(91) 542 0657), offers a choice of vehicles, with prices ranging
from approximately €30 to €120 per day.
Bicycles are best reserved for trips out of town. Karacol
Sport, Calle Tortosa 8 (telephone number: (91) 539 9633),
hires out mountain bikes at €12 per bike, a €40 returnable
deposit is required and organises excursions into the surrounding
countryside. |
