Metro Accessibility

Overview

Metro de Madrid is the city's subway system, one of the largest in Europe. It has 13 metro lines plus the MetroSur light rail line (ML1), serving over 300 stations. The metro runs from about 6:00 AM to 1:30 AM daily.

Madrid has been working on its Plan de Accesibilidad (Accessibility Plan) for over a decade, gradually retrofitting stations with elevators and accessible features. About 75% of stations now have elevator access from street level to the platform. The system is still a work in progress, and older stations on curved sections of track can have significant platform-to-train gaps.

Checking Elevator Status

Elevators go out of service regularly for maintenance. Before traveling, check which elevators are working.

Metro de Madrid App: The official app shows real-time elevator status for every station. It can plan routes that avoid stations with out-of-service elevators. Download it free for iOS and Android. The app also shows which stations are fully accessible.

Metro de Madrid Website: The accessibility section lists all stations with elevators and shows current outages in real time.

Station displays: Information screens inside stations display elevator status and service alerts.

Key Accessible Stations for Tourists

Not all metro stations have full accessibility. The following stations are among the most important for tourists and have elevator access from street level to platform.

Platform-to-Train Gap

Older metro stations, especially those built on curved sections of track, can have a significant gap between the platform edge and the train door. This gap can be 10 to 15 centimeters wide and several centimeters deep. This is the biggest accessibility challenge on the Madrid Metro.

Gap Bridges (Salvaescalones)

Some stations have installed gap bridges - mechanical ramps or plates that extend from the platform to bridge the gap when a train stops. These are typically located at specific doors marked with the wheelchair symbol. Look for the blue wheelchair marking on the platform floor.

Not all accessible stations have gap bridges. The Metro de Madrid app and website indicate which stations have this feature.

Boarding the Train

Newer metro trains have wide doors and designated wheelchair spaces marked with the wheelchair symbol. These spaces include fold-down seats that passengers should vacate when a wheelchair user needs the area.

Steps for boarding:

1. Position yourself at the door marked with the wheelchair symbol on the platform.
2. Check the gap between the platform and the train floor before boarding.
3. If a gap bridge is available, it will be at the marked door.
4. Move to the designated wheelchair space and apply your brakes.
5. Press the stop request button before your station.

Buying Tickets

Madrid uses the Tarjeta Multi, a rechargeable contactless card that works on the metro, buses, and Cercanias trains.

Ticket machines: Located at every station entrance. Machines have screens at wheelchair-accessible height and accept coins, bank cards, and contactless payment. Language options include English.

Key fares:

• Single ticket (Zone A, central Madrid): 1.50 to 2 euros depending on the number of stops.
• 10-trip pass (Metrobus): 12.20 euros (valid on metro and EMT buses).
• Tourist pass: 8.40 euros for 1 day up to 35.40 euros for 7 days (unlimited travel on metro, bus, and Cercanias in Zone A).
• Airport supplement: 3 euros added to any metro trip to or from airport stations.

Accessibility discount: Residents of Madrid with a recognized disability of 65% or more travel free. Visitors from outside Spain pay the standard fare. A companion traveling with a wheelchair user may ride free - ask at the station information booth for details.

Tips for Navigating the Metro

• Plan your route with the Metro de Madrid app and check elevator status before leaving your hotel.
• Travel outside rush hours when possible. Midday (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and evenings after 8:00 PM are quieter.
• Avoid Line 1 during rush hour. It is the busiest line and trains get extremely crowded.
• Use Line 10 and the newer extensions where possible. These have the most modern stations with the widest platforms and newest elevators.
• Gran Via station was fully renovated in 2021 with new elevators, wide corridors, and improved accessibility throughout. It is one of the best stations on the network.
• Ask for help if needed. Station staff (agentes de estacion) are available at larger stations and can assist with boarding.