Metro de Madrid wants to clarify how and where to travel with a bicycle to avoid conflicts with other passengers and safety issues. The network allows bicycles during extended hours, but sets very specific rules regarding placement inside the train, the maximum number of bicycles per car, and behavior within stations.
Metro de Madrid allows standard bicycles at no extra cost, but during these hours: Monday through Friday, bicycles are only allowed outside of peak hours (approx. 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), while on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, access is permitted during all operating hours. Folding bicycles and children’s bicycles are considered carry-on items and may be brought on board at any time, although during peak hours they must be folded before boarding the train.
On lines such as 8, 11, and 12, and on certain sections outside the M-40 ring road, bicycles are allowed all day without time restrictions, provided that space permits. Additionally, if an incident occurs that increases crowding, station staff may temporarily limit the entry of bicycles, even outside peak hours.
Where to stand on the train
As explained in its social media posts, Metro stipulates that bicycles must be placed in the first or last car, next to the driver’s cab, and only two bicycles are allowed per car. Whenever the train has designated areas or multifunctional spaces set aside for bicycles, these take priority and should be used preferentially.
The goal is to avoid blocking doors, aisles, and areas with heavy passenger traffic, which is especially important at very busy stations or during transfers. Placing your bike against the side of the car, with the handlebars parallel to the flow of passengers and keeping a safe distance from the doors, helps other passengers board and exit normally. On very crowded trains, Metro recommends waiting for the next train or changing cars to avoid creating dangerous situations or arguments on the platform.
Basic rules to avoid problems
Each person may bring only one bicycle and is responsible at all times for its safekeeping and for ensuring it does not cause damage or inconvenience. Riding a bicycle within the network is not permitted: passengers must always walk through corridors, platforms, concourses, stairways, and elevators. Access must be through lobbies staffed by personnel, who will open the wide gates or passages for people with reduced mobility; this facilitates entry and prevents congestion at standard turnstiles.
On escalators, moving walkways, and elevators, it is recommended to exercise extreme caution, wait until they are not crowded, and position your bike so that it does not obstruct the passageway. If the train is crowded or there are service disruptions, staff may ask you to wait for the next train or not to board with your bike at that time.