Las Ventas Underground Tour: Hidden Passages
Yes, you can visit the hidden underground passages beneath Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas—and the guided underground tour is the only way to access areas normally reserved for matadors, veterinarians, and bull handlers. This matters because these spaces are completely off-limits during a bullfight, yet they reveal how the arena actually functions behind the scenes, far beyond what you see from the stands.
If you’re travelling from the USA and deciding whether the underground tour is worth your time (and money), this guide gives you exact prices, what you’ll see, how long it takes, and whether you should combine it with bullfight tickets. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to book—and whether to do it before you arrive in Madrid.
What Is the Las Ventas Underground Tour and What Do You Actually See?
The Las Ventas Underground Tour is a guided visit through restricted areas beneath Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, including tunnels, holding pens, and service corridors used on bullfight days. You’ll access spaces that explain how a corrida operates, not just what happens in the ring.
During the tour, you typically visit:
- The Toril tunnels where bulls enter the arena
- Corrales and chiqueros (holding and release areas)
- Veterinary inspection rooms
- Matadors’ preparation corridors
- Internal passageways beneath the stands
The tour lasts 60–75 minutes and is conducted with a licensed guide. According to official Las Ventas tour data, underground access is limited to small groups for safety and preservation reasons.
We recommend this tour if you want context and understanding, especially before attending a live bullfight.
→ Book your tickets here: Reserve Tickets (Instant Confirmation)
How Much Does the Las Ventas Underground Tour Cost?
The Las Ventas Underground Tour typically costs €18–€25 per adult, depending on language and season. Prices are fixed and regulated by the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas management.
Underground Tour Price Breakdown
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult (standard) | €22 |
| Reduced (students/seniors) | €18 |
| Children under 12 | €12 |
| Private tour | €35–€45 per person |
There are no dynamic discounts at the on-site ticket desk, and popular English-language tours sell out several days in advance during peak months (April–June).
If you’re already planning to attend a corrida, combining the underground tour with your bullfight date saves time and ensures availability. For full event planning, see our bullfighting tickets Madrid guide.
→ Book your tickets here: View Seating & Prices
Are the Underground Passages Worth Visiting Before a Bullfight?
Yes—visiting the underground passages before a bullfight dramatically improves your understanding of what you’ll later see in the arena. You’ll recognise entry points, movement patterns, and the logistics behind each phase of the event.
Here’s why timing matters:
- You learn where bulls enter and exit
- You understand why pauses happen during the corrida
- You can follow matadors’ movements more clearly
- The bullfight feels structured, not chaotic
Many American visitors report that the underground tour turns a confusing first bullfight into a comprehensible experience. We strongly recommend scheduling the tour earlier the same day or the day before your event.
If you haven’t chosen a date yet, consult the Madrid bullfighting schedule 2026 to align both experiences.
Which Underground Areas Are Most Impressive?
The most impressive areas are the Toril tunnels and chiqueros, where bulls are positioned moments before entering the ring. These spaces are narrow, silent, and intentionally designed to control movement—something you only grasp when standing inside them.
Other highlights include:
- Veterinary control rooms where bulls are inspected pre-fight
- Matador access corridors beneath Tendido sections
- Original 1931 brickwork and iron gates
- Acoustic chambers that amplify crowd noise upward
According to official Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas documentation, much of this infrastructure has remained structurally unchanged since the arena opened in 1931, offering a rare look at early 20th-century arena engineering.
For orientation and seating context above ground, our Las Ventas seating guide pairs well with the underground visit.
→ Book your tickets here: Book Your Seats Now
Underground Tour vs Standard Las Ventas Guided Tour: What’s the Difference?
The underground tour is more technical and operational than the standard guided visit. If you only have time for one, the choice depends on whether you prefer architecture or behind-the-scenes mechanics.
Comparison: Tour Options at Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas
| Feature | Underground Tour | Standard Guided Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Access to tunnels | Yes | No |
| Arena floor access | Limited | Yes |
| Focus | Operations & logistics | History & architecture |
| Duration | 60–75 min | 45–60 min |
| Best for | Bullfight attendees | Casual visitors |
Our recommendation: If you plan to attend a corrida, choose the underground tour. If you are not attending a bullfight, the standard tour may be sufficient.
→ Book your tickets here: Reserve Tickets (Instant Confirmation)
When Do Underground Tours Run and How Many Spots Are Available?
Underground tours run daily except event days, with limited slots during bullfighting season. English-language tours usually operate 2–3 times per day, most commonly at:
- 10:30 AM
- 12:00 PM
- 4:00 PM
Group size is capped at 15–20 people, which is why tours often sell out 3–5 days in advance between April and June. Walk-up availability is unreliable, especially on weekends.
If your Madrid trip is short, booking ahead avoids schedule conflicts and guarantees entry.
How Do You Get to the Underground Tour Entrance?
The underground tour entrance is located within Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, Calle de Alcalá 237, Madrid 28028. Entry instructions are provided after booking.
Best ways to arrive:
- Metro: Line 2 or 5 to Ventas station
- Taxi/Uber: €10–€15 from central Madrid
- Arrival time: 15 minutes early for check-in
The tour involves stairs and uneven flooring. Comfortable shoes are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Las Ventas Underground Tour
Is the underground tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
The underground tour is not fully accessible. It includes stairs, narrow corridors, and uneven surfaces, and there are no elevators in restricted areas. Visitors with mobility limitations should consider the standard guided tour instead, which offers better accessibility and fewer physical constraints.
Is the tour graphic or disturbing?
The tour is informational and operational, not theatrical. You will see holding areas and equipment, but no live animals or active bullfighting elements. Guides explain procedures factually. Most visitors describe the experience as educational rather than graphic.
Can I take photos in the underground passages?
Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash may be restricted in certain sections. Guides will clearly indicate where photos are permitted. Video recording is sometimes limited due to safety regulations.
How early should I book the underground tour?
During peak season (April–June), you should book at least 3–5 days in advance for English-language tours. San Isidro Fair weeks fill fastest. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Can I combine the underground tour with bullfight tickets?
Yes, and this is the most efficient option for first-time visitors. Combining both ensures schedule alignment and availability. Many travellers complete the tour earlier the same day. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Is the tour available in English?
Yes. English-language tours are available daily, but capacity is limited. Booking online guarantees your preferred language slot and avoids last-minute changes. Book worry-free with instant confirmation.
Ready to Explore Beneath Las Ventas?
To recap:
- The underground tour gives you exclusive access to restricted areas.
- Prices range from €18–€25, with limited daily capacity.
- Visiting before a bullfight significantly improves your experience.
Booking through madridbullfighting.com guarantees instant confirmation, secure entry, and English-speaking support throughout your visit. If you have questions, our team speaks English, French, German, and Italian and can help you plan both the tour and your bullfight tickets seamlessly.
You can select your preferred date and language and secure your spot inside the hidden passages of Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas—one of Madrid’s most fascinating spaces, still operating beneath the arena inaugurated in 1931.
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.