Do Spanish metro systems run 24 hours?

No. Most metros run 6am-midnight on weekdays, slightly later on weekends. Madrid has limited night metro on Fridays and Saturdays until 2am. Night buses (búhos) run after metro closes.

Can I use the same card for metro and buses?

Yes, transport cards work across all public transport in the same city - metro, buses, trams, and local trains. You can't use Madrid cards in Barcelona though - each city has its own system.

What if ticket machines are broken?

Buy tickets at tobacco shops (look for red and yellow signs), newsstands, or from bus drivers (exact change only). Most metro stations have multiple machines, and staff can help during operating hours.

Are there discounts for tourists?

Yes, most cities offer tourist transport passes for 1-7 days that cost less than individual tickets. Madrid's Tourist Travel Pass includes airport transfer. Barcelona's Hola BCN cards offer unlimited travel plus discounts.

How to use public transport in Spanish cities

Spanish cities have integrated transport systems with metro, buses, and trams using rechargeable cards or mobile apps. Buy a transport card at metro stations or tobacco shops, validate it each trip, and expect frequent service from 6am to midnight with reduced night service.

Get a transport card or app. Buy a rechargeable transport card at metro stations, tobacco shops (estancos), or newsstands. In Madrid get a Multi card, in Barcelona get a T-mobilitat card, in Valencia get a Móbilis card. Alternatively download the city's official transport app - Madrid has Metro Madrid, Barcelona has TMB App, Valencia has EMT Valencia.
Load money or travel passes. Add credit at machines in metro stations or through the app. For tourists, consider 10-trip cards (T-10 in Barcelona costs €11.35) or daily passes. Madrid's tourist travel pass costs €8.40 for Zone A daily. Machines accept coins, bills, and cards.
Validate every trip. Tap your card on the readers when entering metro stations, boarding buses, or trams. The screen will show your remaining balance or trips. Keep your ticket until you exit - inspectors do random checks with €100+ fines for no valid ticket.
Navigate the system. Metro lines are color-coded and numbered. Follow signs for your destination direction (usually the end station name). Buses show route numbers and main stops on digital displays. Download offline maps or use Citymapper app for real-time arrivals.
Transfer between services. Most cities offer free transfers within 75-90 minutes of first validation. This includes metro to bus, bus to tram, etc. Your card automatically applies the transfer discount when you tap.

Do Spanish metro systems run 24 hours?: No. Most metros run 6am-midnight on weekdays, slightly later on weekends. Madrid has limited night metro on Fridays and Saturdays until 2am. Night buses (búhos) run after metro closes.
Can I use the same card for metro and buses?: Yes, transport cards work across all public transport in the same city - metro, buses, trams, and local trains. You can't use Madrid cards in Barcelona though - each city has its own system.
What if ticket machines are broken?: Buy tickets at tobacco shops (look for red and yellow signs), newsstands, or from bus drivers (exact change only). Most metro stations have multiple machines, and staff can help during operating hours.
Are there discounts for tourists?: Yes, most cities offer tourist transport passes for 1-7 days that cost less than individual tickets. Madrid's Tourist Travel Pass includes airport transfer. Barcelona's Hola BCN cards offer unlimited travel plus discounts.