Las Ventas Bus Routes: All Public Transport Options
The fastest and most convenient bus routes to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas are EMT lines 21, 38, 106, 110, 146, 53, and 74, all stopping within a 1–3 minute walk of the bullring. These routes connect major tourist areas such as Sol, Gran Vía, Atocha, Goya, and Salamanca. According to Madrid’s official transport network, Las Ventas is one of the best-served venues in the entire city, with buses arriving every 4–10 minutes depending on the time of day.
Understanding the public transport network is essential because bullfights attract nearly 24,000 spectators at once, especially during the San Isidro Fair. Roads around Calle de Alcalá become congested 45 minutes before the start time, and buses are often the most predictable way to arrive on schedule. They also stop closer to the venue than taxis or rideshares, which typically must drop passengers 150–200 metres away due to crowd control barricades.
In this guide, you’ll learn the exact EMT bus lines serving Las Ventas, travel times from major tourist zones, the best route for first-time visitors, accessibility information, and insider timing tips used by locals to avoid last-minute queues. You’ll also find comparison tables and micro-CTAs to help you plan your arrival before booking your seats.
Which Bus Routes Stop Closest to Las Ventas?
The closest EMT stops to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas are located directly on Calle de Alcalá, less than 60 metres from Gate 1. The most commonly used lines are 21, 38, 106, 110, and 146. These lines form a network that reaches almost every major tourist neighbourhood in central Madrid.
Here is a breakdown of the most useful lines for visitors:
• Line 21 – From El Salvador → Avenida de América → Las Ventas
• Line 38 – From Manuel Becerra → Las Ventas → Puente de Vallecas
• Line 53 – From Sol → Gran Vía → Goya → Las Ventas
• Line 74 – From Pintor Rosales → Plaza de España → Salamanca → Las Ventas
• Line 106 – From Atocha → Pacífico → Manuel Becerra → Las Ventas
• Line 110 – From O’Donnell → Las Ventas → Moratalaz
• Line 146 – From Callao → Gran Vía → Goya → Las Ventas
According to Madrid’s EMT timetable, buses run roughly every 6–9 minutes during daytime and every 10–12 minutes at night.
→ Book your tickets here
Bus Route Comparison Table
| Bus Line | Key Origin | Travel Time to Las Ventas | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | Sol / Gran Vía | 18–22 minutes | Tourists staying in centre |
| 146 | Callao / Gran Vía | 20–24 minutes | Hotels around Malasaña or Chueca |
| 106 | Atocha Station | 15–18 minutes | Travellers arriving by train |
| 38 | Manuel Becerra | 6–8 minutes | Local transfers |
| 21 | Avenida de América | 10–12 minutes | Airport-connected hub |
We recommend Lines 53 or 146 if you are staying near Puerta del Sol or Gran Vía, as both travel directly down Calle de Alcalá.
How to Identify the Correct Stop at Las Ventas
Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas sits on Calle de Alcalá 237, and nearly all bus stops in the area are marked as Ventas or Plaza de Toros. EMT signage is clear, showing route numbers and real-time arrival info.
Closest stops:
• Parada 123 – Las Ventas / Alcalá (East side, near Gate 1)
• Parada 124 – Alcalá / Julio Camba (South side, 2 minutes away)
• Parada 125 – Ventas (For lines coming from M30 direction)
Routes from Sol, Gran Vía, Atocha, Chamartín, Alameda de Osuna, and Retiro all funnel through these same stops.
To better visualise seat locations when booking, see the Las Ventas seating guide.→ Book your tickets here
Which Bus Line Should First-Time Visitors Use?
For first-time tourists, the best line depends on where you are staying:
If you are staying near Sol or Gran Vía
Take Line 53 or Line 146.
Fast, direct, minimal transfers.
If your accommodation is in Salamanca or Goya
Take Line 21, 38, or 146.
Salamanca is the most convenient district for reaching Las Ventas.
If you are coming from Atocha or Retiro
Take Line 106.
Strong frequency and fewer traffic bottlenecks.
If you arrive from the airport
Take Metro Line 8 → Avenida de América → Line 21.
It’s the simplest route with luggage.
Locals favour buses over taxis because Calle de Alcalá becomes partially restricted before bullfights, causing taxis to detour through side streets, often doubling trip duration.
Travel Time Estimates During Bullfight Days
Madrid’s Tourism Board reports that street congestion can increase travel times around Las Ventas by up to 30% starting 45 minutes before the event. Buses are allowed to continue their route normally, which makes arrival time more predictable.
Average daytime times:
• Sol → Las Ventas: 18–22 minutes
• Atocha → Las Ventas: 15–18 minutes
• Goya → Las Ventas: 6–8 minutes
• Callao → Las Ventas: 20–24 minutes
Evening rush hour (when most bullfights occur) can extend these times slightly, but EMT lane priority usually keeps delays manageable.
To see which dates you’re planning for, check the
Madrid bullfighting schedule for 2026.→ Book your tickets here
Do Buses Run After the Bullfight Ends?
Yes. EMT maintains extended frequency during major events, especially during the San Isidro Fair (15 May–15 June). Buses run until late evening, and post-event services remain reliable.
Most bullfights last around 2 hours, depending on the programme. If a fight begins at 19:00, expect to leave Las Ventas around 21:00, when buses from Calle de Alcalá are still active on full schedules.
However:
• Allow 10–15 minutes to exit the bullring
• Expect moderate queues at the closest stops
• For faster departure, walk 200 metres east to the O’Donnell avenue stops
Is Taking the Bus Better Than the Metro?
Both options are strong, but they suit different travellers.
Bus Advantages
• Stops closer to the bullring gates
• No stairs (better for accessibility and children)
• More scenic route
• No platform crowds after the event
Metro Advantages
• Faster from Chamartín, Barajas, Argüelles
• Unaffected by surface traffic
• Direct station: Ventas (Lines 2 & 5)
Most tourists prefer arriving by bus and leaving by Metro Line 5 because its direction toward Gran Vía empties out more slowly, reducing crowding.
Bus vs Metro Comparison Table
| Category | Bus | Metro |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Gates | 40–60 metres | 150–220 metres |
| Average Travel Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Accessibility | High | Moderate |
| Scenic Views | Yes | No |
| Post-Event Crowds | Medium | High |
If you prefer a simple, smooth arrival with minimal walking, we recommend the bus.
Tips for Using Buses on Bullfight Days
• Tap your contactless card to pay (€1.50 per ride).
• Board using the front door to validate payment.
• Avoid the last-minute rush: take a bus 60–45 minutes before the event.
• Keep your phone ready for navigation.
• After the fight, walk a short distance to a less crowded stop for faster boarding.
If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, secure your seats early—shadow sections (Sombra) sell out the fastest. Start at the homepage: https://madridbullfighting.com
→ Book your tickets here
Frequently Asked Questions About Las Ventas Bus Routes
How long does the bus take from Sol to Las Ventas?
On normal days, Line 53 takes about 18–22 minutes from Sol to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. During busy bullfight days, this may increase by 3–5 minutes. The route includes major landmarks such as Gran Vía and Goya before arriving directly on Calle de Alcalá. Buses remain the easiest surface transport option for tourists. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Do buses stop running after the bullfight ends?
Yes. EMT buses continue operating well after the event finishes, especially lines 21, 38, 53, and 106. Madrid’s transport authority increases vehicle frequency during San Isidro to accommodate large crowds. You will always find a way back to the city centre without requiring taxis or rideshares.
Where exactly do I get off the bus?
Most routes stop at “Ventas / Alcalá” or “Plaza de Toros,” both less than one minute from Gate 1. The stop signage is clear and shows the bullring icon. Once you step off, the entrance to Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is directly visible ahead.
Are buses crowded before the bullfight?
Moderately. They are busiest 30 minutes before start time, especially on routes from Sol and Gran Vía. Because EMT runs high-capacity buses, you’ll still find room, but leaving slightly earlier ensures a calmer ride.
Is the bus accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes. EMT buses offer low-floor designs, ramps, and priority seating. This makes buses easier than the Metro for visitors with mobility concerns. Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas also has designated accessible entrances.
Which bus should I take if I’m staying near Retiro Park?
Take Line 106 from Atocha or Line 21 from Avenida de América. Both routes avoid the most congested areas and offer predictable travel times. For central hotels along Gran Vía, Lines 53 or 146 remain the simplest choice.
Is taking the bus safe at night after the bullfight?
Yes. Madrid is one of Europe’s safest capitals, and the EMT network remains well-staffed and monitored. The area around Las Ventas stays busy for at least an hour after each spectacle, with families, tourists, and vendors present throughout.
Ready to Experience Las Ventas?
You now have a complete guide to every bus route serving Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, including exact line numbers, travel times, accessibility tips, and direct comparisons with the Metro. With buses stopping just steps from the arena, this is often the most convenient and straightforward way to arrive—especially if you’re coming from Sol, Gran Vía, Atocha, or Salamanca.
Combine this practical transport plan with your preferred seating at the bullring, and your visit becomes effortless from start to finish. Remember: all bookings through madridbullfighting.com include instant confirmation, transparent seat selection, and multilingual support in English, French, German, and Italian.
Madrid Bullfighting was created 25 years ago out of the need to bring Spain’s bullfighting tradition closer to international visitors coming to Madrid, making ticket purchasing easier and providing clear, reliable information in their own language. This program was originally launched by the Community of Madrid.
For more than 25 years, we have helped promote Madrid to thousands of travelers, as the initiative includes both the promotion of bullfighting and the cultural appeal of the city to visitors.
The program offers recommendations and guides to cultural activities considered of interest by the Community of Madrid, including visits, shows, and traditional experiences. Depending on the season, discounts may be available for additional cultural activities recognized by the Community of Madrid.