Getting around Madrid from Usera: line 6 and everything it connects

Line 6 of the Madrid metro — the circular, the gray one on the map — is Usera’s superpower: it surrounds the center, connecting with all the radial lines. Staying next to it means that almost all of Madrid is one or two transfers away.

How the circular works

Line 6 goes around the city in about 40 minutes, in both directions (platform 1 and platform 2). It doesn’t matter where you go: at most you go half way around the ring.

The connections you’ll actually use

• Pacific (L1): towards Sol, Gran Vía, Tribunal. The classic center.
• Legazpi (L3): towards Lavapiés, Sol and Moncloa. And it is the Matadero stop.
• Nuevos Ministerios (L8, L10): direct to airport on line 8.
• Prince Pío (L10): for the Royal Palace and the Casa de Campo.
• Moncloa (L3): northwest, University City.

Real times from Usera

• Matadero / Madrid Río: 5–10 minutes (or a walk).
• Sol / Gran Vía: 20–25 minutes.
• Prado Museum / Reina Sofía: 25 minutes (L6 → Pacífico → L1 → Atocha).
• Airport: 45–55 minutes.

Tickets and passes

• 10 trip voucher: the most practical for stays of several days; It can be shared between several people by passing the card to each traveler.
• Tourist pass: unlimited trips per day; profitable if you will make many daily trips.
• Contactless: the Madrid metro accepts bank cards directly at the turnstile.

A piece of advice from Madrid residents

Line 6 is circular: if you doubt the direction, look at the list of stations on the platform and look for yours. And remember that during rush hour (8–9:30 and 18–19:30) the metro is full as in any capital; If you can, visit museums during those hours and travel afterwards.

Here you have our accommodations next to the Usera metro: leaving the house and being in the Prado in less than half an hour is our routine.