For Commanders fans, the journey begins long before kickoff.
Lesli Foster, Edwin Gonzalez
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Walk, ride, or roll through the city
Where the Commanders will play
Metro tips for visitors
See Madrid your way
MADRID, Spain
As Washington Commanders fans pack their bags for the team’s first-ever game in Spain, navigating a new city might feel overwhelming at first. But as WUSA9’s Lesli Foster discovered, Madrid makes it surprisingly simple to explore — and you don’t need to spend much to do it.
From the moment you land at Madrid-Barajas Airport, the city’s extensive Metro system can whisk you straight into the heart of Spain’s capital. In about 30 to 40 minutes, you can step off the train at Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s bustling center — surrounded by shops, cafés, and centuries-old streets ready to explore on foot.
“The first thing they should do when they arrive to Madrid is step in the Metro,” said Jaime Novo, a local cyclist and Director of Communications for Ciclofera. “It’s the best way to come to the center of Madrid and start walking around. Walking is the best way to see Madrid and really feel Madrid.”
In Madrid, walking isn’t just a way to get from point A to point B — it’s part of the culture. Streets are made for strolling, and much of the central city is car-free, inviting visitors to wander between plazas, restaurants, and museums.
If you’d rather roll, there are electric bikes and scooters.
“There’s a lot of tourist agencies that make bicycle tours or scooter tours,” Novo said. “You need a helmet for scooters, but if you’re over 18, you don’t need one to ride a bike around the city.”
Other easy options: taxis, Uber, and Cabify
For longer trips or late-night rides, taxis and ride-share services like Uber and Cabify are widely available — and fares are comparable. Just pick whichever car is closest.
The Commanders’ historic game will take place at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, one of Europe’s most iconic soccer venues. It’s just a short Metro ride or a 20-minute walk from many central hotels.
Staying downtown gives fans easy access to both the stadium and Madrid’s nightlife, all without worrying about traffic.
“The very center of Madrid, you cannot drive your personal car inside,” Novo explained. “You’ll find a lot of streets where you can walk around with no problem.”
Madrid’s Metro is clean, safe, and simple to use. You can buy single rides, 10-trip passes, or airport tickets right at the station kiosks using a credit card.
“You’ll find the screen in Spanish, but you can switch it to English,” Novo said while showing Lesli how to purchase a card. “You can choose one journey, 10 journeys, or airport. It’s about 7 euros 30 cents.”
Pro tip: Unlike in Washington, several people can share one Metro card. Lesli and her crew used a single 10-trip pass for four people — something visitors might find helpful.
And one more cultural note: if you’re standing on the escalator, stand on the right so walkers can pass on the left — just like back home.
Whether you’re gliding through the city by Metro, biking along the boulevards, or simply walking through its historic neighborhoods, getting around Madrid isn’t just transportation — it’s part of the adventure.
For Commanders fans, the journey begins long before kickoff.
