The Royal Palace of Madrid isn’t just another landmark—it’s a grand symbol of Spain’s rich history and royal legacy. Built in the 18th century on the site of a Moorish fortress, this palace has been home to Spanish monarchs for centuries. While the royal family no longer lives here, it remains the largest functioning palace in Europe and a must-visit attraction for anyone in Madrid.
But before you can admire its lavish halls and stunning courtyards, you need to figure out how to get there! Luckily, reaching the Royal Palace is pretty easy, whether you’re taking the metro, hopping on a bus, or enjoying a scenic walk through the city. In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to get to the palace so you can spend less time navigating and more time exploring. Let’s get started!
Where exactly is the Royal Palace of Madrid?
Address: Calle de Bailén, s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain
Landmark: Located in the Austrias district, near Plaza de Oriente and Almudena Cathedral
How to reach the Royal Palace of Madrid
By public transport
- Metro: Take Line 5 or Line 2 to Ópera Station, then walk 5 minutes.
Alternatively, take Line 10 to Plaza de España Station, a 7-minute walk.
- Bus: Routes 3, 25, 39, and 148 stop near Plaza de Oriente, just 2 minutes from the entrance.
Bus 75 stops at Calle Bailén, close to the palace.
- Train: Take any Cercanías train to Principe Pío Station, then walk 10 minutes.
🚕 By taxi/car
Use Cabify, Uber, or FreeNow to book a ride.
A taxi from Puerta del Sol costs around €7-€10.
Driving directions
- From Puerta del Sol, drive via Calle Mayor (1.5km, 7 minutes).
- From Madrid-Barajas Airport, take M-30 and A-42 (25 minutes).
🚗🅿️ Parking near the Royal Palace of Madrid
If you're driving to the Royal Palace, here are your parking options:
- On-site parking:❌ No parking available at the Acropolis but there are paid parking areas available nearby.
- Nearest parking lots:
Parking Plaza de Oriente: 3-minute walk
Parking Santo Domingo: 7-minute walk
Parking Princesa: 10-minute walk
- Street parking: Limited and expensive so it's better to use a parking lot.
- Accessible parking: Available at Plaza de Oriente.
👣 On foot
If you're near Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid is a 10-minute walk via Calle Mayor.
🚲 By bike
- Bike rentals: Available at Madrid’s BiciMAD stations, including one near Plaza de España.
- Bike parking: Available near Plaza de Oriente.
From major transport hubs
- From Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD):
- Metro: Take Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, then switch to Line 10 to Plaza de España (40 minutes).
- Bus:Take Exprés Aeropuerto to Atocha, then Metro Line 1 & 2 to Ópera (50 minutes).
- Taxi: Takes around 25 minutes.
- From Atocha Train Station:
- Metro: Take Line 1 to Sol, then switch to Line 2 to Ópera (15 minutes).
- Taxi: Takes around (10 minutes).
Recommended tickets to the Royal Palace of Madrid
Frequently asked questions
Taking Metro Line 2 or 5 to Ópera Station is the fastest and most convenient option.
No on-site parking, but paid parking lots are available nearby.
It's located 1 km from Puerta del Sol, about 5 minutes by metro or a 10-minute walk.
Yes! The palace has ramps and elevators, and accessible parking is available at Plaza de Oriente.
Metro followed by walking is the easiest and most cost-effective way to reach the Royal Palace of Madrid.
