Quick Overview

Official Name: Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace of Madrid)
Address: Calle de Bailén s/n, 28071 Madrid, Spain, next to Plaza de Oriente in the historic Barrio de los Austrias district.
Main Entrances: Ticketed visitor access is usually via Plaza de la Armería (between the palace and Almudena Cathedral) or Plaza de Oriente, depending on the day and route your ticket indicates. Follow on-site signs for “Palacio Real / Acceso visitantes”.
Closest Metro: Ópera (Lines 2, 5 & R), short walk to the palace.
Nearby Metro: Santo Domingo (L2) & Plaza de España (L2, L3, L10), both about 8–10 minutes on foot.
Nearby Buses: EMT routes such as 3, 25, 39, 148, 133, 146, 147, 65, 74 stop close to Plaza de España / Gran Vía / Santo Domingo, from where it’s a short walk to the palace.

Best First-Time Route (From Puerta del Sol)

Most visitors start in the central area around Puerta del Sol, where many hotels, shops, and metro lines meet. The easiest way is:

  • Walk from Puerta del Sol along Calle Arenal (pedestrian street) to Ópera.
  • Continue towards Plaza de Oriente following signs for “Palacio Real”.
  • Reach the main entrance in about 10–15 minutes on foot, mostly flat and very scenic.

From Plaza Mayor & Old Town

If you’re exploring the old quarters around Plaza Mayor or La Latina, you can reach the Royal Palace on foot in around 5–10 minutes:

  • From Plaza Mayor, exit via the west side (Calle Mayor).
  • Follow Calle Mayor towards Calle Bailén.
  • Turn left at the viewpoint over the cathedral and continue towards the palace and Plaza de la Armería.
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Option 1 — From Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía & City Centre

Best if you’re staying in the most central part of Madrid.

  • Walking from Puerta del Sol: Follow Calle Arenal towards Ópera. Continue past the Teatro Real into Plaza de Oriente, where the Royal Palace rises directly in front of you. This is the most scenic and straightforward route.
  • Walking from Gran Vía: From Gran Vía, head towards the Plaza de España end of the street, then follow signs down towards the palace (via Calle de los Reyes or Calle de San Leonardo). Expect about 10–15 minutes on foot with gentle slopes.
  • Metro Option from Sol: If you prefer not to walk, take Metro L2 (red line) from Sol in the direction of Cuatro Caminos and get off one stop later at Ópera. From there, the palace is a short signposted walk.

Fare & Tickets

Madrid’s metro and buses use an integrated ticket system. For short stays, a reloadable public transport card or single-journey tickets are usually enough. Check machines in the station for current prices and zone maps.

Option 2 — Metro & Buses (Most Common)

By Metro

The metro is the most reliable way to reach the Royal Palace, especially during busy hours:

  • Ópera (L2, L5, R): Closest station, about 3–5 minutes walk to the palace gates.
  • Plaza de España (L2, L3, L10): Around 8–10 minutes walk via Gran Vía and Calle de la Princesa/Calle de Bailén.
  • Santo Domingo (L2): Roughly 10 minutes walk, mainly downhill towards the palace.

Trains run frequently throughout the day, with slightly reduced frequency late at night. Metro usually operates from around 6:00 am to 1:30 am.

By City Bus (EMT Madrid)

Several city buses serve the Royal Palace area, stopping close to Plaza de España, Ópera, and surrounding streets. Useful lines include:

  • 3, 25, 39, 148: Connect central Madrid areas with Plaza de España / Princesa.
  • 65, 74, 133, 146, 147: Also pass near Palacio Real / Santo Domingo, handy if you’re staying slightly further out.

Validate your ticket when you board and check the digital display for the stop closest to “Palacio Real” or “Plaza de España”.

From Atocha (Rail Station & Museums)

From Estación de Atocha (Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen area), take Metro L1 to Sol, then switch to L2 to Ópera. Alternatively, taxis from Atocha to the palace take about 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.

From Chamartín or Nuevos Ministerios

From northern business districts and train stations, use Metro L10 to Plaza de España, then walk downhill to the palace; or connect via L1/L2 to reach Ópera.

Wayfinding Tip

Wherever you start, aim for Ópera or Plaza de España on the map. Once there, follow brown tourist signs for “Palacio Real / Royal Palace” or look for the large open spaces of Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de la Armería.

Option 3 — Scenic Walks via Old Town & Austrias Quarter

Walking is one of the nicest ways to arrive at the Royal Palace, especially if you’re already sightseeing in Madrid’s historic centre. Streets are mostly pedestrian and lined with cafés and viewpoints.

  • From Plaza Mayor: Exit via the west side of the square onto Calle Mayor, continue until you reach the junction with Calle Bailén, then follow signs downhill to the cathedral and palace. This takes about 5–8 minutes.
  • From La Latina: Walk towards Cava Baja / Plaza de la Cebada, then up to Plaza Mayor and follow the route above. Allow around 15–20 minutes from most La Latina streets.
  • From Almudena Cathedral Viewpoints: Many visitors head first to the viewpoints around Catedral de la Almudena. From there, the Royal Palace is just a few steps across Plaza de la Armería.
  • Evening Arrival: Arriving near sunset via Jardines de Sabatini gives you beautiful golden light on the palace façade and good photo opportunities before or after your visit.

Photo Tip

The best full-palace views are from Jardines de Sabatini (north side) and from the edges of Plaza de la Armería, where you can frame both the palace and Almudena Cathedral in your pictures.

From Madrid Airport (Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas)

By Metro

From airport terminals connected to Metro L8, ride to Nuevos Ministerios. From there, you can:

  • Take L10 to Plaza de España, then walk to the palace.
  • Or connect via L6 + L3/L2 depending on where your hotel is, then continue to Ópera or Sol.

By Cercanías Train & Metro

From Terminal 4, Cercanías commuter trains run to central stations like Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartín, Atocha. From any of these, switch to the metro and follow the routes above. This can be faster at peak traffic times.

Airport Express Bus

The airport express bus connects the terminals with Cibeles and Atocha. From there, continue by metro (L1 to Sol + L2 to Ópera) or by taxi. This is a good option if you are staying near the main train station.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Official Madrid taxis from the airport charge a fixed fare to central zones that include the area around the Royal Palace. Expect roughly 25–35 minutes travel time depending on traffic. For drop-off, ask for “Palacio Real, Plaza de Oriente”.

Luggage Tip

Large suitcases are inconvenient around the palace’s cobbled squares and security checks. If possible, leave big bags at your hotel or a luggage storage service before visiting.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving to the Palace

The Royal Palace sits inside central Madrid’s low-emission zone, where access for private vehicles is restricted and parking is limited. If you are driving, always check the latest rules for “Madrid Distrito Centro / ZBEDEP” before entering.

Parking

There is no large car park immediately in front of the palace. Use nearby underground car parks around Plaza de Oriente, Plaza de España, Gran Vía, or Mayor and walk the final few minutes.

Bikes & E-Scooters

Madrid has bike and e-scooter schemes, but riding is restricted in pedestrian squares. You must dismount in Plaza de Oriente, Plaza Mayor, and the palace terraces, and park only in designated areas.

Accessibility

The Royal Palace offers step-free routes and elevators, but some paths around the building are on slopes or cobblestones. If you use a wheelchair or have mobility needs, check the official Palacio Real website for the latest accessibility information before you visit.

Practical Visit Tips

Arrive a Little Early

Plan to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your ticket time. You’ll need to pass security, scan your ticket, and possibly queue briefly, especially during high season and weekends.

What to Wear

There is no strict dress code, but comfortable shoes are essential—floors inside are marble and the surrounding squares are cobbled. In summer, bring a hat and water for the exposed plazas.

Photography & Bags

Photography rules can be strict inside certain rooms. Expect no-flash, handheld only, and some areas where photos are not allowed. Large backpacks or tripods may be prohibited and could need to be left in the cloakroom.

Combining with Other Sights

The palace is right next to Almudena Cathedral, a short walk from Plaza Mayor, and close to the Austrias quarter. It’s easy to create a full day linking the palace with the cathedral, viewpoints, and tapas bars nearby.

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Getting There Cheatsheet

Exact Location

Calle de Bailén s/n, 28071 Madrid, between Plaza de Oriente and Plaza de la Armería, facing Almudena Cathedral.

Closest Metro

Ópera (L2, L5, R) – 3–5 minutes on foot.
Plaza de España (L2, L3, L10) – 8–10 minutes on foot.

Key Buses

EMT lines 3, 25, 39, 65, 74, 133, 146, 147, 148 – stops around Plaza de España / Santo Domingo, then short walk to the palace.

Typical Walk Times

Puerta del Sol → Palace: ~10–15 min via Calle Arenal & Ópera.
Plaza Mayor → Palace: ~5–8 min via Calle Mayor & Bailén.

Crowd Strategy

Aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the strongest sun and the biggest tour groups. Weekends and holidays are busier.

Nearby Essentials

Cafés and restaurants around Plaza de Oriente, Calle Arenal, and Plaza Mayor; shaded benches in Jardines de Sabatini and small parks nearby.

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Ready to Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid?

Whether you arrive on foot from Puerta del Sol, by metro to Ópera, or straight from the airport, reaching the Royal Palace is simple once you know the route. Plan your journey, book your tickets in advance, and enjoy one of Europe’s most impressive royal residences.

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