Orientation
Getafe sits just south of Madrid within the Community of Madrid, and its public transport is part of the same regional network, run by the Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid. That single-operator setup is the key to getting around: buses, metro and rail all belong to one coordinated system, so a visitor can move between them without leaving the network.
Rail
Getafe is well served by Madrid's commuter train network (Cercanías), which is the most straightforward way to arrive from central Madrid and to move between the city's neighbourhoods.
- The C-4 line towards Parla stops at Las Margaritas Universidad, Getafe Centro and Getafe Sector 3.
- The C-3 line towards Aranjuez stops at El Casar and Getafe Industrial.
Between them, these services put you within reach of the central area as well as the university and industrial zones.
Metro and tram
Madrid Metro's Line 12 links the southern population centres of the region with the capital, and it opened in April 2003. It forms part of the same regional network as the trains and buses, so it can be used alongside them when planning a journey. The wider Getafe network also includes tram-style services among its bus, metro and rail routes.
Buses
Buses are the workhorse of local movement and also provide a direct link to Madrid.
- From Madrid's Plaza Elíptica bus station (on the grey Circular metro line), the 441, 442 and 444 lines run to the centre of Getafe. The 443 also runs from there but leaves you somewhat far from the centre.
- Two night bus lines, N803 and N805, end at Plaza Elíptica and are useful for late returns.
- Within Getafe, buses serve the city centre and surrounding areas, with stops concentrated along streets such as Calle del Ferrocarril, Avenida Juan Carlos I, Avenida de España, Calle Madrid and Avenida Arcas del Agua.
Tickets and passes
Because buses, metro and rail in Getafe are operated by the Consorcio Regional de Transportes de Madrid, tickets and travel passes are handled through that regional system rather than by separate local operators. Buy your ticket or pass through the Consorcio's channels and use it across the modes.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis are an easy option, particularly late at night. A taxi from Madrid to Getafe costs roughly €25–30 (as of January 2026), and taxis are described as the easiest way to reach Getafe after a late night out, when services wind down around 01:30 or 02:00.
Walkability
Getafe is a compact, largely flat city, and its central streets and neighbourhoods are practical to explore on foot. The main bus corridors — Calle del Ferrocarril, Avenida Juan Carlos I, Avenida de España, Calle Madrid and Avenida Arcas del Agua — are lined with stops, so walking between stops and combining short walks with buses or trains works well.
By car
If you are driving, four highways and divided highways pass through Getafe: two beltways (A-42 and A-4) and two highways leading through Madrid (M-45 and M-50). A two-lane road connects Getafe with Leganés, and two provincial roads lead to Perales del Río.
Getting from the airport into the city
Madrid's airport is the main gateway for visitors, and the practical approach is to use the regional public transport network. From the airport, connect to Madrid's rail, metro or bus services and then travel onward to Getafe using the Cercanías lines (C-3 or C-4), Metro Line 12, or the buses from Plaza Elíptica. Alternatively, a taxi from Madrid to Getafe costs roughly €25–30 (as of January 2026).