Starting June 1, the Community of Madrid will activate direct payment with contactless Visa cards at turnstiles throughout the city’s metro network, a measure that comes just in time for two of the year’s most heavily attended events: the historic visit of Pope Leo XIV and Bad Bunny’s 10 concerts at the Riyadh Air Metropolitan Stadium.
This new payment method aims to streamline access to the platforms, eliminating the need to use ticket machines or carry a physical pass, thereby improving passenger flow at some of the city’s busiest stations. The price? Exactly the same as the current single-ride ticket: 1.50 euros.
How will it work, and where can you use it?
The EMV technology installed at the entrances is designed to instantly read the chip on your physical Visa card—whether debit, credit, or prepaid— , or its digital version, so you can use it directly from your mobile phone or smartwatch.
This improvement will be available on all Madrid Metro lines thanks to the retrofitting of a total of 1,249 turnstiles in station lobbies across the entire network. Additionally, stations that already have the new smart turnstiles will allow payment via Visa at any of them.
What if your usual stop only has older ticket gates? At least two adapted turnstiles have been set up to ensure you can enter directly with your Visa.
A more efficient, faster, and modern transportation system
This new feature is coming to Madrid’s subway system to replicate the convenience already enjoyed by users of intercity buses since July 2025 and EMT buses since 2019, allowing for faster, more convenient, and more secure payment of single-ride tickets using contactless Visa cards.
Now all you need to do is pull out your Visa card to travel throughout the entire Metro network like a true Madrilenian from the very first minute.
