What is the location of the Prado Museum?

By bike

Access is available both by private bicycle and through the city’s public electric bicycle system, known as BiciMAD. To use this service, travelers must register as ‘occasional users’ through the mobile application.

It should be noted that bicycles may only be parked at official BiciMAD stations. The closest stations to the Prado Museum are:

• Station 86: Located in Plaza de Murillo, adjacent to the Royal Botanical Garden on the south side of the museum.
• Station 65: Located on Calle Antonio Maura, near the Hotel Ritz and the northern Jerónimos entrance.
• Cuesta de Moyano Station: Located at the end of the street featuring the book stalls. This option serves those arriving from the direction of Atocha who wish to avoid the incline.

By bus

Accessing the Prado Museum by bus is highly convenient, as several stops are located just steps from the entrance. Key routes include line 27, which follows the Paseo de la Castellana axis from the north, and line 34, connecting the museum with western neighborhoods like Carabanchel.

Visitors from the Salamanca district can take line 10, while lines 14 and 37 offer frequent north-south service. Additionally, the line C03 provides a sustainable, zero-emission circular route connecting central areas like Puerta de Toledo and Argüelles. Most lines stop at “Museo del Prado – Jardín Botánico,” leaving travelers only a short 50-meter walk from the museum's Murillo entrance.

Photo: “27 EMT Madrid” by Autobusesbcn.

By metro

This is the fastest option. As one user on Facebook points out, “taking the metro is easy, cheap, fast, and safe.” While there is no station directly underneath the building, two main stops are located within a 900-meter walk: Estación del Arte (Line 1) and Banco de España (Line 2).

Single tickets range from €1.50 to €2.00, but for better value, visitors can purchase a Multi Card for €2.50. Thanks to 2026 government discounts, a 10-trip pass costs only €7.30, reducing the price per journey to just €0.73. This shared card option offers significant savings and a seamless travel experience through Madrid’s historic center.

Photo: “Sign at the Estación del Arte station, Madrid Metro” by Lojwe.

By car or taxi

Reaching the Prado Museum is convenient thanks to Madrid's high availability of taxis, which can be easily hailed on the street or booked via apps. Since the museum lacks a private parking lot, visitors must use nearby facilities such as Parking Sánchez Bustillo, Las Cortes, or Montalbán. These 24-hour garages typically charge between €2.50 and €4.50 per hour.

Crucially, the museum is located within the Madrid 360 Low Emission Zone. Vehicles without environmental labels are prohibited, while those with B or C labels must head directly to a public car park. To avoid significant fines and ensure a smooth arrival, booking a parking space in advance is highly recommended when visiting this protected central district.

Opening hours

To plan a successful visit, understanding the Prado Museum opening hours is crucial. The gallery welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday between 10:00 and 20:00. On Sundays and public holidays, the doors are open from 10:00 to 19:00.

It is important to note that the museum remains closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25. Additionally, there are reduced hours from 10:00 to 14:00 on January 6, as well as on December 24 and 31.

Access to the galleries is permitted until 30 minutes before the closing time each day.

Prado Museum opening hours >

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Prado Museum is generally during weekdays, as weekends tend to be significantly busier with both tourists and locals. Regarding the daily schedule, arriving early at 10:00 or waiting until the evening after 18:00 offers a much calmer experience.

Seasonally, visiting during spring or autumn provides pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding areas. To ensure a smooth entry and avoid long queues, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Following these tips will help you maximize your time and appreciate the world-class art in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Best time to visit the Prado Museum >