For a tourist the best option is to purchase a Tourist pass (Abonos Tousticos) - these come in the option of a 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 day passes. I bought a 3 day one and it cost 9.60 euro. this can be used for travel from Bajaras Airport too, single purchase tickets would require a 2 euro supplement if travelling from Barajas Airport. The ticket also allows for travel on Buses and the local train network (within zone 1).
My previous trip to Madrid I used a taxi from the airport to Sol and this was about 28euros, one way! and it took 35mins, whereas the metro took 1 hour for the same trip - a fair compromise I think... more money for Tapas!


