Getting around Madrid by Train
ATTENTION: Works at Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor station
The works in progress between Chamartín and Nuevos Ministerios stations - scheduled to last until at least December 2023 - affect the rail services on suburban trains (Cercanías) C-3, C-3a, C-4, C-4a and C- 4b. To guarantee user mobility, an alternative transport system has been introduced on the affected lines.
Therefore, trains from Alcobendas-San Sebastián de los Reyes and Colmenar Viejo will stop at Chamartín-Clara Campoamor where passengers can switch to Atocha via the Recoletos tunnel, using lines C-1, C-2, C-7, C-8 and C -10.
Trains originating from or heading to Aranjuez and Parla will terminate at Atocha and Nuevos Ministerios, respectively, where passengers will be able to continue their journey on the rest of the Cercanías lines.
Further information (in Spanish)
This Renfe service consists of 9 train lines running in the Region of Madrid. They all depart from or stop at Atocha train station. In some zones, you can use the same ticket as for the metro and buses.
The Cercanías suburban service lines currently run the following routes:
- C-1: Príncipe Pío - Atocha - Recoletos - Aeropuerto T4
- C-2: Guadalajara - Alcalá de Henares - Atocha - Chamartín
- C-3: Aranjuez - Atocha - Sol - Chamartín - El Escorial
- C-4: Parla – Atocha - Sol - Chamartín – Cantoblanco
- C-4a: Parla - Atocha - Chamartín - Cantoblanco - Alcobendas - San Sebastián de los Reyes
- C-4b: Parla - Atocha - Chamartín - Cantoblanco - Colmenar Viejo
- C-5: Móstoles El Soto - Atocha - Fuenlabrada - Humanes
- C-7: Alcalá de Henares - Atocha - Chamartín - Príncipe Pío - Atocha - Chamartín - Fuente de la Mora
- C-8: Atocha - Chamartín - Villaba - Cercedilla
- C-9: Cercedilla - Cotos
- C-10: Villalba - Príncipe Pío - Atocha - Chamartín - Fuente de la Mora
The Cercanías suburban trains are cheap and fast, making them the best option for getting to and from towns and villages in the Region of Madrid. In fact, they are ideal for going on daytrips to the outskirts of the city, to the Guadarrama Mountains and to nearby UNESCO Heritage Sites such as Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez and El Escorial. You can also use Cercanías trains within the city, travelling for example between Madrid - Chamartín - Clara Campoamor Station and Atocha stations, which is much faster than by Metro.
Bicycles and pets
You are allowed to travel with bicycles on all Cercanías trains and between all stations. The only exception is line C-9 (Cotos-Cercedilla) where you can only embark on a train with a bike at Cotos or Cercedilla (not Puerta de Navacerrada). Bikes are not allowed on this line at weekends or during the winter season.
You may travel with guide dogs and small pets on all trains provided you follow the rules.
Times and prices
Trains start running every day between 5am and 6am and stop at around midnight. They normally run every 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the line. The price varies according to the distance travelled. You can buy a single ticket or a bonotren, which is valid for ten journeys. The following fares apply according to the zones:
ZONE | SINGLE TICKET | BONOTREN |
|---|---|---|
1/2 | 1.70 € | 10.00 € |
3 | 1.85 € | 13.70 € |
4 | 2.60 € | 18.55 € |
5 | 3.40 € | 24.30 € |
6 | 4.05 € | 28.55 € |
7 | 5.50 € | 38.45 € |
Green Zone* | 8.70 € | -- |
*Green Zone: A flat rate of 8.70 € for a single journey and 17.40 € return is established from any zone on the Cercanías network on the C-9 line.
Children under 6 travel free provided they do not occupy a seat. Discounts are also available for children under 12, groups and large families on presentation of proof of large family.
You can also get a +Renfe & Tú Contactless Card. As a contactless card, you just have to place it close to the access control reader to open the gates. Saving you time and effort when you travel, it's reusable, rechargeable and has no expiry date.
Wi-Fi
The stations of Nuevos Ministerios, Sol, Méndez Álvaro, Príncipe Pío, Atocha Cercanías and Getafe Centro offer free Wi-Fi and access (by first downloading an app) to the PlayRenfe platform, which provides the Agencia EFE newsfeed, specific services for each station, RenfeViajes leisure options, short films, film trailers, books and games. The initiative is part of the Local Trains Overall Improvement Plan and users can stay connected for a maximum of 30 minutes.
Leisure
In addition to services provided by Renfe, travellers can also enjoy special offers aimed at promoting culture and entertainment in the Autonomous Region of Madrid. For more information on Knowledge Trains, Culture Trains, Fun Trains and Special Trains, visit the Renfe official website.
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