Madrid has an extensive and very, very well oiled and convenient public transport system comprising the metro, bus service and train transport.
The metro has been revamped and expanded now stretching it's service right up till Barajas airport and Arganda del Ray in the far south of Madrid. A one-way ticket on the metro costs $1.45 or you can buy a taco (a 10 trip ticket) for $6. A Metrotour Card is also valid for 3 to 5 days of unlimited travel. The metro runs from 6 in the morning right till 1:30 am at night.
An extensive bus network with over 150 routes services the city and suburbs. The buses are especially fast and efficient since they travel along special lanes and each stop has a schematic diagram depicting the route in detail. The tickets are available for $1.45 and can be purchased even at most newspaper kiosks or shops selling tobacco and stamps.
The Bonobus ticket for $6.15 can be used for 10 trips and is valid even on the metro service. A $4 ticket can be bought for 10 trips valid only on buses.
The Madrid bus system is one of the best in Europe divided into the $1.45 common red buses and the smaller yellow microbuses.
Lookout for an illuminated Libre sign on the roof when you hail down your taxi. Cab fares are rather reasonable. When you flag a cab, its meter should show 1.35 euros. A extra charge is levied for trips to the railway station or the bullring as well as on Sundays and holidays. The rate of the extra charges is also fixed from 2 euros for railway trips to 1.35 euros on holidays and Sundays.
The Aerocity shuttle service operates 24 hours and will take you in air conditioned comfort to your doorstep. Depending on the number of people, it could be cheaper than taking a cab.
Make sure the meter is turned down when you get in and is on the correct starting rate. Avoid taxis without meters unless you're hiring them for a day or afternoon. For a metered cab look out for black cabs with horizontal red bands or white cabs with diagonal red bands.
Renting a car in Madrid is a madman's decision. If you drove down to Madrid, just leave your car in the nearest garage and forget it there till you're ready to leave. Parking is a nightmare in the city and expensive affair. The roads always look like rush hour. Save your car rental for excursions out of the city and just leg it or bus your way within!
Just keep in mind that in Spain, a time change occurs the first weekend of spring. Adjust your watch or face missing your plane by arriving too late at the airport!
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