Map of Madrid Sol Station – Metro, Cercanías & Entrance Guide

Madrid Sol Station is a major underground transport interchange beneath Puerta del Sol in the historic centre of Madrid. Its central position places major shopping streets, squares and landmarks within easy walking distance.

The station combines Madrid Metro lines 1, 2 and 3 with Cercanías suburban rail services on the C-3 and C-4 routes. It also provides quick connections to Atocha, Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartín.

Quick Answer

Madrid Sol Station is directly beneath Puerta del Sol. The prominent glass Cercanías entrance with lift access is the easiest entrance for most visitors to identify. Other entrances serve Calle Carretas, Calle Mayor and nearby shopping streets. Sol connects Metro lines 1, 2 and 3 with Cercanías services, but long-distance and high-speed trains do not depart from this station.

Map of Madrid Sol Station

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Location and Entrances

Sol Station lies beneath Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s best-known public spaces and a central reference point for navigating the city. Pedestrian streets lead from the square towards Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace.

Because the station is underground, there is no single main station building. Passengers enter through several stairways, escalators and lifts positioned around Puerta del Sol.

The large glass Cercanías entrance is the clearest landmark for first-time visitors and includes lift access. The entrance near Calle Carretas is convenient for passengers approaching from the south, while entrances near Calle Mayor and Calle Arenal suit visitors walking from Plaza Mayor or the Royal Palace.

Entrances near Calle del Carmen, Calle Preciados and Calle Montera are useful for the main shopping area and Gran Vía. As Puerta del Sol is heavily pedestrianised, taxis and buses use surrounding streets rather than stopping beside every entrance.

Metro and Cercanías Services

Metro Line 1 runs north–south through central Madrid. From Sol, it provides direct connections towards Gran Vía, Tribunal, Atocha and Chamartín. Passengers connecting at Atocha to a long-distance train should allow extra time.

Line 2 runs east–west and connects Sol with Sevilla, Banco de España, Retiro and Ventas. In the opposite direction, it serves Ópera, which is convenient for the Royal Palace and Plaza de Oriente.

Line 3 links Sol with Callao, Plaza de España, Lavapiés, Embajadores and Moncloa.

Cercanías services on the C-3 and C-4 routes provide fast rail connections through central Madrid. Southbound trains serve Atocha, while northbound services continue to Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartín. Services continue towards destinations including Aranjuez, Parla, Alcobendas and Colmenar Viejo.

Sol does not serve AVE, Avlo or other long-distance trains. These usually depart from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes or Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor.

Transfers and Station Navigation

The interchange includes several underground levels, corridors, escalators, lifts and ticket barriers. Metro and Cercanías services occupy separate platform areas, so passengers should follow the signs for the correct operator and line.

Transfers can take longer than expected, particularly when changing between Cercanías and the Metro. Allow extra time when travelling with luggage or limited mobility.

Ticketing systems differ between Metro and Cercanías. Check that your ticket or transport card is valid for the service you intend to use before passing through the barriers.

Nearby Attractions

Puerta del Sol contains several famous landmarks, including the equestrian statue of King Charles III, the Bear and the Strawberry Tree statue and Madrid’s Kilometre Zero marker.

Plaza Mayor is about five minutes away on foot. Gran Vía, Callao and the principal shopping streets are also nearby. The Royal Palace and Mercado de San Miguel are generally within a 10-to-15-minute walk.

Visitor Tips

Sol can become extremely crowded during commuting periods, weekends, demonstrations and major celebrations. Access may be controlled during large events, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Check whether Metro or Cercanías offers the simplest route before entering. Keep personal belongings secure in crowded passageways and monitor signs carefully when changing lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lines serve Madrid Sol?

Metro lines 1, 2 and 3 and Cercanías services on the C-3 and C-4 routes serve Sol.

Which entrance is easiest to find?

The prominent glass Cercanías entrance in Puerta del Sol is the clearest landmark for most visitors.

Can I walk to Plaza Mayor?

Yes. Plaza Mayor is approximately five minutes from Sol on foot.

Do long-distance trains use Sol?

No. Long-distance trains generally use Atocha or Chamartín.

Is lift access available?

Yes. Lift access is available through the clearly marked accessible entrance in Puerta del Sol.

Related Station Maps

Disclaimer: This map is provided as a general guide. Station entrances, platforms, services and transfer routes may change. Check current information from the relevant railway operator before travelling.