Transportation & Getting Around Madrid

BU Madrid does not subsidize public transportation costs for students. Students are responsible for budgeting for their own transportation expenses throughout the semester and should plan accordingly before arriving in Madrid.

Students have several options for getting around Madrid. You can choose what best suits your needs on the official Madrid Regional Transport Consortium website.

Madrid Multi Card

Students can purchase a Madrid Multi Card, which can be loaded with up to two 10-trip tickets at a time, for a total of 20 trips. The Multi Card is shareable, which means students may use the same card with other students when commuting. Sharing the card can help students reduce their overall transportation expenses.

Where to Purchase: All tickets can be purchased directly inside any metro station.

Cercanías Train Pass for UAM Students

Students who need to travel to Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) — including Science students during the Fall semester and Madrid University Studies students during the Spring semester can get a monthly Cercanías pass.

Where to Purchase: Students can purchase their Cercanías pass at any Cercanías station in Madrid, including major stations such as Sol, Atocha, Nuevos Ministerios, and Chamartín. Passes can be purchased from the station ticket machines or ticket offices. Students will need to have their passport number on hand when purchasing the pass. We recommend keeping a copy or photo of your passport on your phone for easy access.

  • Cost: €20 per month
  • Validity: Unlimited Cercanías train travel for 30 consecutive days
  • Transportation covered: Cercanías (Renfe commuter trains) only
  • Not valid for: Madrid Metro or city buses
  • Transferability: The pass is personal and non-transferable and cannot be shared with other students.

Walking and Transportation Budgeting

Madrid is a highly walkable city, and many destinations can be reached on foot. Students may be able to reduce their transportation expenses by walking whenever practical. Students should plan and budget for their transportation needs before arriving in Madrid. Transportation costs will vary depending on individual schedules, destinations, and frequency of travel.