From 1 June, the Madrid Metro will implement a flat fare of €1.50 for all single journeys across the entire network, Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso announced at an event organised by El Mundo. This coincides with the launch of direct contactless card payment at fare gates.
Currently, single ticket prices vary by distance: €1.50 for up to five stations, then increasing by €0.10 per additional station up to a maximum of €2.00. This distance-based system, introduced in 2012, requires exit validation available only on some sub-networks.
The new flat fare eliminates the need for users to purchase a €3 plastic Transport Card for occasional journeys. Contactless bank card payment (both physical cards and mobile/watch devices) will allow direct entry without using ticket machines.
The €1.50 flat rate was initially presented as a promotional offer to encourage contactless payment adoption during the first weeks, though Ayuso has indicated it fulfils an electoral commitment. The change makes Madrid metro fare structure comparable to London Underground.