Madrid, the capital of Spain with bright sunshine and charming street scenes, is often hailed as one of the most suitable European cities for couples to travel. Walking on the cobblestone streets, tasting a cup of strong Spanish coffee, or sitting in the city park to appreciate street art, all provide couples with unforgettable romantic memories. When exploring this city, choosing a comfortable and romantic transportation method will add more refinement and comfort to the journey.
1. Madrid Metro: A romantic passage under the city
Travel Overview
The Madrid Metro system is known as one of the most complete metro networks in Europe, with 13 lines covering almost all major attractions and urban areas. Couples can quickly reach popular check-in spots such as Retiro Park, Puerta del Sol, and the Royal Palace through the subway.
Time spent
Generally, the subway runs every 3-5 minutes, and the daily operating hours are from 6 am to 1 am. The travel time between most urban lines does not exceed 20 minutes.
Fare situation
The single fare is about 1.50 to 2.00 euros, depending on the number of starting and ending stations. It is recommended to buy a “10-trip ticket” or “one-day pass” for a more favorable price.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: cheap price, frequent flights, strong accessibility.
Disadvantages: crowded during peak hours, slightly reduced romantic atmosphere, and some old stations lack elevators.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to check and recharge tickets through Madrid Metro, or combine with mainstream European travel platforms such as Omio or Trainline for integrated itinerary booking, which is convenient for multiple transportation combinations.
Suitable for people
Young couples with limited budgets and pursuit of efficiency, or short-term tourists who want to save time and check in at attractions.
2. City bus: slow travel in the scenery outside the window
Travel overview
Madrid city buses are operated by EMT, and blue vehicles are spread all over the city, suitable for travelers who want to enjoy the city scenery along the way.
Time spent
Slightly slower than the subway, stopping at each station, an average of 15 to 40 minutes per trip.
Price situation
Similar to the subway fare, you can also use the subway pass. There are also 24-hour and 48-hour passes, which cost about 8 to 14 euros.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: The view from the window is beautiful and suitable for a leisurely stroll. Some routes, such as “Route 001”, are designed for tourists.
Disadvantages: Affected by traffic congestion, time is not easy to control.
Recommended booking platform
Use EMT Madrid to obtain real-time bus locations and transfer plans, or check routes and times through Google Maps or Moovit. If you need to buy a multi-day ticket, it is recommended to use Omio or Trainline.
Suitable for the crowd
Couples who like to take photos along the street and take a leisurely pace, especially for slow travel enthusiasts who come to Madrid for the first time.
3. Romantic carriage tour: Time travel on the Royal Avenue
Travel Overview
In the center of Madrid, such as Retiro Park and the Royal Palace Square, you can still experience the traditional carriage tour. Led by a well-trained coachman, it goes around famous attractions and is full of ritual.
Time spent
A trip takes about 25 to 45 minutes, and the route can be selected according to the needs of the couple.
Ticket price
The price varies depending on the duration and route, and is roughly between 50 and 100 euros.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: Very romantic, great for taking photos, and unique city memories.
Disadvantages: High price, slow speed, and service time is mostly concentrated in daytime and sunny days.
Recommended booking platform
You can book through third-party platforms such as GetYourGuide or Civitatis, and multilingual guides and customized route services are also provided.
Suitable for people
Couples celebrating anniversaries, proposing marriages or honeymoons, and travelers who prefer classics and rituals.
4. Shared electric scooters and bicycles: free riding in the city
Travel overview
Madrid has developed rapidly in sustainable travel, and a large number of shared electric scooters and bicycles can be seen on the streets, which are suitable for exploring the old town or the park with dense attractions.
Time spent
Depending on the distance, the general riding time for 3 to 6 kilometers is 15 to 25 minutes.
Price situation
The electric scooter costs about 1 euro for the start-up fee and 0.15 to 0.25 euro per minute; the bicycle is charged by the hour, with an average of 2 to 5 euros per hour.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: flexible and convenient, avoiding congested roads, suitable for couples to explore freely along the street.
Disadvantages: Need to pay attention to safety, some blocks have large slopes or dense traffic.
Recommended booking platform
It is recommended to use scooter apps such as Lime, Dott, and Tier; bicycles can be purchased through Donkey Republic.
Suitable for people
Vigorous couples who like free route planning, especially suitable for weekend street adventures when the weather is fine.
V. Uber and taxis: the first choice for night and comfortable travel
Travel overview
Madrid taxis are spread throughout the city, and also support online car-hailing services such as Uber and Cabify. Suitable for scenes at night or when there is no direct subway between attractions.
Time spent
Point-to-point travel is faster, usually saving transfer time than the subway.
Price situation
The starting price of a taxi is about 3.5 euros, which is calculated according to the distance; the price of Uber/Cabify is slightly higher, which is adjusted dynamically during peak hours, and generally between 10 and 25 euros per trip.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages: No need to transfer, suitable for carrying luggage, late at night or rainy days.
Disadvantages: The cost is higher during peak hours, you need to wait for the driver to accept the order, and it is difficult to call a taxi in some areas.
Recommended booking platform
Use Uber directly. Some couples may consider choosing to provide luxury car services to increase the sense of ritual of travel.
Suitable for people
Couples who pay attention to privacy, comfort or travel at night, especially suitable for hotels to and from the airport or long-distance transfers.
6. Trains and high-speed rail: a romantic extension of a one-day tour of surrounding cities
Travel overview
Madrid is a hub city of the Spanish railway network. The high-speed rail (AVE) connects Toledo, Segovia, Barcelona and other cities, which is suitable for couples to take a one-day or in-depth tour of the surrounding areas.
Time Spent
It takes about 30 minutes to Toledo, about 27 minutes to Segovia, and 2.5 to 3 hours to Barcelona.
Ticket Price
Depending on the route and the time of booking, the one-way ticket price ranges from 10 to 60 euros.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages: comfortable and fast, suitable for cross-city dating and in-depth sightseeing.
Disadvantages: need to book in advance, and tickets are tight during popular time periods.
Recommended Booking Platform
It is recommended to use Trainline to book high-speed rail tickets, and you can also book integrated multi-city transportation plans through Omio.
Suitable for people
Couples who plan to arrange a day trip, want to extend the travel radius, or niche travelers who like to combine culture and food.
VII. Exclusive advice for couples: How to choose the most suitable travel method for you?
1. Pay attention to the sense of ceremony and photo effects: Carriage tours are ideal for adding a romantic atmosphere and taking photos. Shared scooters are easy and convenient, suitable for stopping at any time to take pictures. High-end online ride-hailing cars provide a private, comfortable and exclusive experience.
2. Prefer efficiency and cost-effectiveness: The subway and city bus network is well-developed, fast and economical, suitable for in-depth tours. Buying a Madrid multi-day pass can enjoy discounts, which is very cost-effective.
3. Adequate budget and pursuit of comfort: Choose a day trip by train to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. High-end taxi services provide personalized pick-up and drop-off to ensure comfort and privacy.
4. Sunny weather and plenty of time: Rent an electric car or scooter, explore Madrid freely in the sun, and enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable city tour.
5. First time in Madrid and have a lot of luggage: For couples who are visiting Madrid for the first time and carrying a lot of luggage, choosing Uber pick-up service is undoubtedly the most convenient. Directly from the airport or station to the hotel, avoiding complicated transportation transfers. The subway is also very convenient, especially suitable for a quick tour after getting familiar with the city.
For couples, transportation in Madrid is not just about moving from “point A to point B”, but an indispensable part of the travel experience. Every ride, every stop at every street corner, and every view from the car window are part of shared memories. Choosing a travel method that suits you can not only make the journey smoother, but also make your relationship warmer. In this city where culture and passion coexist, elegant travel is the continuation of romance.
