Cycling in Madrid: routes and tips for cyclists

Getting around Madrid by bike is easy if you choose your route well: Madrid Río, the Anillo Verde Ciclista (green cycling ring), the Casa de Campo and the Parque Juan Carlos I have wide paths separated from traffic, while the historic centre combines pedestrian streets, cycle lanes shared with cars and quite a few hills. You can use BiciMAD, the public electric bike service, hire a bike from a shop or bring your own. With an electric bike, the slopes in the centre stop being a problem.

• BiciMAD: the EMT's public electric bike scheme, with docking stations across much of the city. It is used through its app; check the current fares and conditions for occasional users there.
• Hire shops: in the centre and next to Madrid Río there are shops that hire out city, mountain and electric bikes by the hour or by the day, often with a helmet and lock.
• Guided bike tours: several companies organise group rides around the main monuments, a comfortable way to get to know the city if you do not fancy cycling in traffic.
• Your own bike: if you are flying with it packed, further down we explain how to get there from the airport.

Madrid Río and the Parque Lineal del Manzanares

The star route for every level. The cycle path runs along the bank of the Manzanares between the Puente del Rey and Matadero, with no hills and with the Segovia and Toledo bridges as a backdrop. Heading south, you can carry on along the Parque Lineal del Manzanares, which is more natural and quieter.

The Anillo Verde Ciclista

A cycle route that circles the city, linking parks and outlying neighbourhoods, mostly separated from traffic. You do not have to do the whole thing: choose a stretch, for example between the Casa de Campo and Madrid Río or across the north of the city, and combine it with the metro or Cercanías (commuter rail) to get back.

The Casa de Campo

Tarmac paths and dirt tracks among holm oaks and pines, with climbs that will test your legs. It is Madrid cyclists' favourite area for training without leaving the city.

Parque Juan Carlos I

Next to the Campo de las Naciones, very close to the airport, this large contemporary park has wide, flat paths, ideal for a family bike ride among sculptures and alongside the lake.

The centre, at a gentle pace

In the centre there are ciclocarriles, shared lanes marked with the bicycle symbol, where cars must drive at reduced speed and respect cyclists. A good urban route runs from the Paseo del Prado to Cibeles and Recoletos, with stops to see the monuments. If you would rather explore the centre on foot, there are alternatives in Madrid on foot, and to discover murals and graffiti along the way, see our guide to Madrid's street art.

Many of Madrid's best cycling routes go through its large green spaces. If you want to know what to see in each one when you get off the bike, have a look at our guide to Madrid's parks and gardens. Bear in mind that in some historic parks, such as the Retiro, cycling is restricted to certain paths and pedestrians always have priority.

Flying with your bike packed in its box or bag is increasingly common. The problem comes when you land: a bike box will not fit in just any boot. So if you are going to need a taxi, mention when you book your airport taxi that you are carrying a packed bike and its approximate dimensions, so that we can assign you a suitable vehicle or let you know if it is not possible. Larger vehicles, such as the 7-seater taxi, are best suited to bulky luggage. We give you more guidance in how to choose the right taxi for your luggage.

If you are staying inside the M-30 and hiring your bike in Madrid, the transfer from any terminal costs €33 with the Inside M-30 fixed fare, the same in both directions.