The Normal and Young Adult passes give people access to all the zones in Madrid, with people under 26 getting the most amazing deal. If you don't fit into any of those groups (for example, if you're a tourist that is only staying for a weekend), there are different fares that you can use. For example, for 12 euros, you get a card instantly with ten trips on it. Since I'm a student (and I'm under 26), I have access to the entire system for 20 euros a month!
Most metros have about three different bocas (mouths), which are the places where you enter and exit the metro. So, when you use the metro, it doesn't take you directly where you need to go. Instead, it leaves you at the nearest boca and you walk from there, which is why walking is another important form of transportation in Madrid. Since it is so easy to use the metro system, it's common for people not to have cars. My host family, for example, doesn't have a car. They prefer to use the metro system and taxis!
If you don't want to walk or use the metro system, you can drive or take taxis. The streets of Madrid are always full of cars, which creates heavy traffic (metro buses and taxis have their own special lanes on some roads). Overall, getting around Madrid is pretty simple and very accessible. There's always a way to get around.
When you think about it, Madrid’s public transport system can be compared to New York City’s system because of its accessibility. I’m from Cincinnati, and we don’t have anything similar to Madrid’s (or N.Y.C.’s) transportation system, so we drive everywhere.
