If you travel on the Madrid Metro without a valid ticket, you will receive a fine. This guide explains how to pay the fine, how to get a discount, and how to appeal.
You should resolve the fine quickly to avoid extra charges and bank account seizures.
Why you might get fined
Ticket inspectors check cards regularly inside stations and trains. They wear blue uniforms and carry mobile card readers.
You can receive a fine for several reasons.
These are the most common offences:
- No ticket card : You entered the station without tapping a card. This includes slipping through the gates behind another passenger.
- Unvalidated ticket : You have a card but forgot to tap it at the entry gates.
- Wrong zone : Your ticket only covers Zone A, but you travelled into Zone B1 or B2.
- Missing airport surcharge : You travelled to the airport without loading the special €3.00 fee.
- Using another person’s card : You used a personal transport card belonging to a friend or family member.
Fare dodging (Colarse)
Slipping through the turnstiles without paying is called colarse in Spanish. It is the most common reason for a fine.
Security cameras monitor all entry gates. Station staff will alert transit police if they see you fare dodging.
The physical gates can close quickly. You risk injury if you try to squeeze through behind someone.
The cost of the fine
The standard fine for ticket offences is €80.00. However, the transport authority offers a discount for fast payment.
If you pay the fine within 15 calendar days, the cost is reduced by 50%. The reduced fine is €40.00.
You can pay the reduced amount on the spot to the inspector. You can also pay it online within the 15-day window.
If you wait longer than 15 days, you must pay the full €80.00. The fine will increase with interest if you ignore it.
Fines for card misuse
Using someone else’s personal transport card is a serious offence. Inspectors will confiscate the card immediately.
The owner of the card may also receive a fine or face suspension of their transit privileges.
You must always travel with your own card. Make sure your name and photo are clearly visible.
How to pay the fine immediately
Paying the fine on the spot is the easiest option. It resolves the case instantly and secures the 50% discount.
Payment methods on the spot
You can pay the inspector directly using your credit card, debit card, or mobile phone.
Most inspectors also accept cash payments. Ensure you request a receipt after paying.
The receipt
The inspector will print a paper receipt. This receipt is your official proof of payment.
Keep the receipt safe. It proves that the case is closed and that you paid the reduced €40.00 fee.
You do not need to perform any further actions after paying the inspector.
How to pay the fine later
If you do not pay on the spot, the inspector will issue a fine notification. You must pay this fine within 15 days to get the discount.
Document checklist
You need these items to complete your payment online or in person:
- Boletín de denuncia : The paper fine notification sheet given to you by the inspector.
- Identification document : Your original passport, NIE, or TIE. NIE guide
- Payment card : A valid credit or debit card.
Paying online
Go to the official Metro de Madrid website. Select the section for paying fines.
Enter the reference number from your fine sheet. The number is listed as the número de expediente.
Enter your passport or NIE number. Enter your credit card details to complete the payment.
Paying in person
You can pay the fine at licensed tobacco shops (estancos) that offer payment services.
You can also pay at the customer service offices of Metro de Madrid. These offices are located at Sol and Nuevos Ministerios stations.
Bring your fine sheet and your passport or NIE. You can pay with cash or card.
What if you lose the fine sheet?
If you lose the notification sheet, you must contact customer service immediately.
Go to a customer service office at Sol or Nuevos Ministerios. Explain that you lost your boletín de denuncia.
Provide your passport or NIE number. The clerk will search the database and print a duplicate copy for you.
How to buy a transport card in Madrid
How to appeal a Metro fine
You have the right to appeal the fine if you believe it was issued in error.
The appeal process
You must submit a formal appeal within 15 calendar days of receiving the fine. This appeal is called a pliego de descargos.
Note that you lose the 50% discount if you appeal. If the appeal is rejected, you must pay the full €80.00 fine.
You must write your appeal letter in Spanish. Explain the situation clearly and stick to the facts.
Writing the appeal letter
Ensure your appeal letter contains all necessary details.
Checklist for the appeal letter:
- Full Name and Address : Your full name and contact address in Spain.
- Identification Number : Your passport, NIE, or TIE number.
- Reference Details : The fine reference number and the date of the incident.
- Explanation : A clear explanation of why the fine is incorrect.
- Signature : Your signature and the date.
Required evidence
You must submit proof to support your case.
Bring or upload these documents:
- A copy of your active monthly pass receipt.
- A printout of your transit card history showing recent trips.
- A receipt from a broken ticket machine if applicable.
Submit the documents at a Metro customer service office or through the online portal.
What happens if you ignore the fine
Ignoring a Spanish fine is a bad idea. The debt will not disappear.
If you do not pay, Metro de Madrid will transfer the debt to the regional tax agency. This agency is the Agencia Tributaria.
The tax agency has the authority to seize the money directly from your Spanish bank account.
The agency will also add collection fees and interest to the original €80.00 fine. This can make the total cost much higher.
Questions and answers
What if I forgot my personal card at home?
You can get the fine cancelled. Visit a Metro customer service office within 15 days. Show your personal card with the active monthly pass. The staff will cancel the fine, but you might pay a small administrative fee.
Do inspectors speak English?
Rarely. Most Metro inspectors only speak Spanish. If you do not understand, use a translation app on your phone. Do not sign documents if you do not understand them.
Can tourists pay the fine online from abroad?
Yes. You can access the Metro de Madrid payment portal from any country. You only need the fine reference number and a valid credit card.
What if the ticket machine was broken?
You still need a ticket. A broken machine does not allow you to travel for free. You must find another machine or buy a card at a tobacco shop before entering.
Can I get fined on the bus?
Yes. The bus company EMT has its own inspectors. The rules and fines are similar to the Metro system. You will receive an €80.00 fine for travelling without a valid ticket.
What happens if a minor gets a fine?
The parents are responsible. If a child under 18 receives a fine, the transit authority will notify their parents or legal guardians. The parents must pay the fine.
How do Cercanías train fines work?
They use a different system. Cercanías trains are run by Renfe. They have their own inspectors and their own fine payment portal. You cannot pay a Cercanías fine on the Metro website.
