Transport cards in Madrid: how to get around cheaply as a student

Living in Madrid as a student can be expensive, but thanks to Madrid’s public transport cards you can get around cheaply and comfortably. With public transport, you can explore the capital in a convenient, fast, and affordable way. Here are the best options for students and newcomers.

First things first: the Personal Public Transport Card (TTP)

Before loading any pass, you need the official card from the Madrid Regional Transport Consortium (CRTM). It’s the foundation of everything: without it, you can’t use the Youth Pass (Abono Joven) or the cheapest travel bundles.

All the official info is here: https://www.crtm.es/tarjeta-transporte-publico-personal

Important if you’re arriving in 2026: you need to register your address (empadronamiento)

Since 15 June 2026, to get a new TTP you must prove that you live in the Community of Madrid (or in certain bordering municipalities in Castilla-La Mancha and Castilla y León included in zones E1 and E2).

In practice, this means:

• You need a valid registration certificate (empadronamiento) issued within the last 3 months

• Or you can authorize the CRTM to check it online if you’re registered in Madrid and have a DNI/NIE

• If you have large-family ("familia numerosa"), you don’t need to prove residence (but you do need to show your card)

Money-saving tip for international students: register your address (empadronamiento) as soon as you have a flat or a letter from your residence. Without it, you’ll have to pay single tickets, which are much more expensive.

How to apply for the card (and how much it costs)

• Online: Apply on the CRTM website and receive it at home in about 7 days

• In person: Book an appointment, get your photo taken, and take the card with you on the spot. Appointments: https://webttp.comunidad.madrid or phone 012

• First-time issuance fee: €4

Documents you’ll need

• A passport-size photo (they can take one at the office if you go in person)

• DNI, NIE, or passport

• Registration certificate (empadronamiento), no older than 3 months

• If applicable: large-family card or disability certificate (≥65%)

Youth Pass (Abono Joven): the student’s best friend

If you’re under 26, you’re in luck. The Youth Pass is the cheapest transport pass: for just €10/month you get unlimited travel on metro, bus, and commuter rail (Cercanías) across the entire Community of Madrid.

• Fixed price: €10/month

• Covers all zones (A through E2)

• Includes trips to nearby towns like Alcalá and Getafe on Cercanías trains

To get it, you need the Personal Public Transport Card (TTP), which you can apply for online or at CRTM offices.

Link to get your transport card in the Community of Madrid: https://webttp.comunidad.madrid/CRTM-ABONOS/home.aspx

Standard pass and discounts

If you’re over 26, the standard monthly pass is still a good investment.

The price depends on the zone:

• Zone A (central Madrid): €54.60/month

• Outer zones: from €63.70 up to €131.80/month

There are also special discounts for large families and people with disabilities, which significantly reduce the price.

Multi Card: the flexible option

If you don’t use public transport every day, the Multi Card is ideal. It’s reloadable and works with single tickets or 10-journey bundles on both metro and bus. It costs €2.50 at tobacconists or metro machines.

Tips to save even more

• Apply for your card before you arrive: you can order the TTP online and receive it at home so you don’t pay single tickets during your first days

• Use Cercanías for day trips: your youth pass takes you for free to charming towns like El Escorial or Aranjuez

• Combine bike + metro: BiciMAD offers passes from €15/year and works perfectly with public transport

• Register your address as soon as possible: since 2026 it’s required for the TTP and saves you from overpaying at the start

Join the Uniwords community and discover how other students save on transport.

Last updated: August 2026. Requirements may change according to the CRTM. Always check the official website before applying.