The metro is an underground railway system found in the major cities of Spain, such as, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao, with the new Seville Metro due to open soon. They offer the best way to get around these cities. Tickets are readily available and can be purchased from the ticket machines or ticket office at the various stations.
A map (plano del metro) showing the lines in different colours can be obtained from the ticket office or tourist information centres. It is advisable to get one of these maps as finding your way through the maze of platforms can be difficult.
It is an extremely inexpensive way to travel, with single tickets costing from €1.10, or you can buy a 10-trip pass from €5.40. Further discounts are available for pensioners and children. Monthly passes are also available to save you even more money. Remember to keep your ticket with you until you exit the Metro station as failing to show a ticket when requested can incur a fine of 30euros.
Using the Metro
If you are used to using an underground system then you should find the Spanish Metro easy to use. You can easily spot a Metro entrance. Just look for the letter ‘M’ inside a circle. Metros are generally available from 6am until 1.30am, but travelling at night can be a bit daunting as pickpockets are common. If you have luggage with you, it is advisable to take a taxi as the Metro can be extremely busy, especially at peak times.
There are lifts available to the various platforms. You will find these very useful if you have a wheelchair or pushchair. Access to the train can be fairly easy as the entrance is usually level with the platform.
Please be aware of the dangers when travelling during peak times. The platforms can get extremely over crowded. Make sure you stand behind the yellow line on the floor of the platform.
Doors to the trains do not open automatically. They are opened by pressing a button beside the door both inside and outside of the train. Be careful when you press the button inside the train as it is situated near the emergency stop button.
Check the front of the train for your destination. There could be a few trains using the same line but going to different destinations.
Most ticket attendants don’t speak any English so knowing a few key phrases before you travel will be an advantage. Here are a few:
Where is the nearest Metro station?
¿Dońde está la estación de Metro?
Do you have a map of the Metro?
¿Tiene un plano del Metro?
How does the ticket machine work?
¿Cómo funciona la máquina de billetes?
Which line is it for…?
¿Qué linea es par ir a …?
In which direction?
¿En qué direccíon?
Do I have to change?
¿Tengo que cambiar de línea?
A single to …
Un billete de ida a …
2 return tickets to …
Dos billetes de ida y veulta a …