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Getting Around
It is a good idea to purchase a travel book that has well-illustrated maps to take with you. Spain has one of the most advanced and reliable public transportation systems in the world. It is very easy to take buses, trains, and subways to go where you need to go quickly and affordably. Keep reading to find out useful information about tickets and routes. Once you arrive in Spain, you will receive orientations to help you learn how to use the bus, train, and other forms of transportation.
Trains
Click the RENFE button below for a map of the train stops that are local to Madrid.
The train system is known as RENFE in Spain. RENFE stands for Red Nacional de Ferrocarriles Espanoles. You can take one of the red city buses in order to get to the estacion de trenes or train station in Alcala de Henares. Line #1 drops you off about 2 blocks away from the train station. If you plan to use the train frequently, you may find it more cost effective to purchase a BONOTREN ticket. This type of ticket is good for 10 trips and is less expensive than paying for 10 trips separately. Once you have your ticket, check the schedule (posted on the walls and bulletin boards) to know which train to take. For example, if you want to go to El Prado museum, look for a train that is headed toward Chamartin. You will want to exit at the Atocha station. To go to the Biblioteca Nacional, take a train headed toward Chamartin, but exit at the Recoletos stop. When heading back to Alcala from Madrid, take either the train headed for Guadalajara or Alcala de Henares. Pay attention to the signs on the walls, electronic bulletin boards, and announcements to know when the next train arrives. Be sure to notice which Via (track/platform/route) you need and follow the signs accordingly.
Buses
Alcala de Henares offers a convenient line of local and city-to-city buses. To travel within Alcala, take one of the red buses. Check the city map of Alcala for a list of bus stops. Also, you can check one of the maps and schedules of arrivals, departures, and stops at any of the bus stops. Look for either a red post or covered area that has benches. Line #1 will take you within a few blocks of the Escuela Universitaria Cardenal Cisneros and the train station. Like with RENFE, you may want to purchase a BONOBUS ticket if you plan to use the buses frequently. You can purchase a BONOBUS ticket at a tobacco stand and at some panaderias.
Subway
Click here for a map of the Metro system.
Madrid's subway system, the Metro, is very fast and reliable. The lines are color coded to make it easier for you to know which line to take, where to change etc.
