How to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid

By bus

Several municipal bus lines provide a way for those wondering how to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid using public surface transport. Lines 3, 25, 39, and 148 have stops near the palace grounds, specifically at the Plaza de la Marina Española or along Calle de Bailén. Passengers should look for stops labeled "Palacio Real" or “Ópera.”

The bus system operates throughout the day, providing regular intervals for travelers who prefer to remain above ground rather than using the underground network to reach the historic site.

Photo: “EMT Madrid 101 - Irizar i2e” by AmigoDeBusesEMT3.

By metro

The metro is a primary method for how to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid due to its proximity to the Ópera station. This station serves Line 2 (red) and Line 5 (green), as well as the R (Ramal) shuttle that connects directly to the Príncipe Pío transport hub. After exiting the station at Plaza de Isabel II, the palace is located approximately 400 meters away at the end of Calle del Arenal.

Another option is the Plaza de España station, which serves Line 3 (yellow) and Line 10 (dark blue). From there, a short walk south along Calle de Bailén leads directly to the palace entrance.

By train

For those arriving from outside the city or from distant suburbs, how to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid by train involves the Cercanías network. The closest major station is Príncipe Pío, which is served by lines C-1, C-7, and C-10. From Príncipe Pío, the palace is located uphill, approximately 1 kilometer away. Visitors can walk through the Campo del Moro gardens or take the metro (Ramal line) one stop to Ópera.

Alternatively, travelers arriving at the Atocha main station can take the metro Line 1 to Sol and then transfer to Line 2 to reach the Ópera station, which is the closest stop to the palace.

By car or taxi

If you are considering how to get to the Royal Palace of Madrid by car or taxi, note that the palace is located in a restricted traffic zone called "Madrid Central." Private vehicles without specific permits may face fines. Taxis and ride-share services can drop passengers off near the Plaza de Oriente or on Calle de Bailén.

For those driving private cars, several underground parking garages are available nearby, such as the one located at Plaza de España or Plaza de Oriente. Using a taxi is a direct option for door-to-door service, although traffic conditions in the city center can vary depending on the time of day.