Who hasn’t been through this? Arriving in a city and not knowing how to get around. Aside from the classic taxi, which depending on where you are, also has its tricks. Transport, both public and private, is a world in itself.
—And nowdays, with these new international modalities, the variety of options is even greater —says Paloma thoughtfully.
—Right! the same app works anywhere in the world —adds Almudena.
—As long as they understand you, of course!
—Well, an address isn’t that complicated to explain.
—Try China, for example.
—Yeah, a close example —Almu ironizes.
The public transport network in Madrid is good and not very expensive. It reaches all corners, especially in the capital. Regarding the suburbs, frequency depends on the proximity and actual number of users.
There is bus, subway and suburban train. The Transport Consortium regulates public transport. In this link you can find updated prices, routes, payment methods and types of tickets and transport cards.
—And we also have light rail (Metro Ligero)— adds Almu, who won’t let one go by.
—The urban and interurban buses —completes Palo.
—That’s making matters worse.
—True, because there are very few light rail lines. They only reach Aravaca, Boadilla del Monte and Sanchinarro-Las Tablas.
—And the urban buses are the ones that circulate in Madrid capital.
—And the interurban ones communicate the capital with the different municipalities of the province.
—Don’t forget there’s even a tram to Parla.
In short, the bus and metro are the most widespread means of transport. You can buy a ticket for a single trip but you should buy a card with several to get a better price. You can buy them at tobacconists (“estancos”), Metro stations, Bankia ATMs and, also, online at the Transport Consortium web.
In addition, there are cars that you can hire with a driver, such as Uber and Cabify. And, of course, taxis.
—In Madrid, taxis are white with a diagonal red stripe on the front doors.
—The truth is that you find many taxi stops all over the city.
—You can also stop them in the street.
—And book your trip by phone, online or through applications.
—I use Free Now (formerly My Taxi) and have been told that Tele-taxi works very well.
On the other hand, there are the driverless cars that you can rent for a short trip like Emov, Free2move and Zity. Through an application you can hire a car that will be parked in the street and leave it parked anywhere else in the city, always within the service area of each company. They are small, electric cars with many vehicles available in the centre of Madrid.
And of course the rental cars. Large international companies such as Hertz and Avis operate in Madrid. Besides, there are some local companies with a more flexible concept and a more personalized service such as BIPI. They can deliver the vehicle to you wherever you choose and also pick it up at the place and time you prefer. It can be a one-off rental but they also have monthly subscription services.
There is a very convenient app, Chipi. It compares prices and availability from a specific location in real-time.
In case you are planning to move to Madrid shortly, you will find all the relevant information in The secret of relocating to Madrid. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or, even if you want us to accompany you, check out our services.
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