Although the procedure is a bit of a hassle, it is suggested that you apply for the Madrid Transport Card, locally known as “Abono de Transporte”. This Card gives you full access to the Madrid Public Transport Service (including the metro, bus and the commuter trains called “Cercanías” during 30 consecutive days, starting from the date of its validation).
Madrid Transport Cards are priced according to your age and the zone you live in. (For example, if you reside in the downtown area, you live in Zone A. Regardless of the date of its validation, you will be able to use your Metro Card for 30 consecutive days. The following month you will only need to recharge your card, which you can do at the machines in any metro station.
- Abono Joven (Until June 30th of your 26th birthday) All zones = 20,00€ per month
- Abono Normal (between 26 and 64) Zona A = 54,60€ per month
In order to apply for the Abono de Transporte, please keep in mind you’ll have to bring the following documents:
- Bring your physical passport AND a copy!
- 4€ (processing fee)
- A previous appointment (Cita Previa) is ABSOLUTELY necessary. The website to set your appointment is https://www.tarjetatransportepublico.es/CRTM-ABONOS/entrada.aspx
Please read the following instructions before setting up your appointment.
- Click on the link and click the first option to obtain a JOVEN card, 26 years and younger (Quiero obtener una Tarjeta Transporte Público > El solicitante tiene entre 7 y 25 años). It will ask you to put in the passport number to reference the appointment. Don’t forget to put the passport code in front of the passport number. For example, put “USA” for an American passport, or the country code of your passport.
- Click “aceptar” and the page will refresh. Scroll down and click “pedir cita previa” to make the appointment.
- Check “Iniciar búsqueda de cita previa por fecha”- That way, you check the offices that have appointments available by DATE. Pick the office that has the earliest appointment date. Make sure to click on “Ver localizaciones y horarios de apertura de las oficinas de gestión” to MAKE SURE YOU CHOOSE OFFICES THAT ARE CENTRAL.
- When you have chosen an office, check “BUSCAR CITA PREVIA” and it will bring up the appointments available at that office.
- Pick date & time and then just be there PUNCTUALLY.
- When you go to your appointment, they will ask you to fill out a Metro form AND they take your picture there.
The Abono Metro Card process is constantly evolving and improving; if you find a particular office that is super quick and efficient in creating your metrocard, please send an email to nyumadrid-studentlife@nyu.edu