Best Bike Routes in Madrid: Pedal and Discover the City
Louis CousaertMadrid by bike is a whole different story. No cars, no rush, no stress. Just you, the breeze on your face, and the city at your feet. If you're thinking about hopping on a bike—rented or your own—and don’t know where to go, here are the best bike routes in Madrid. For all levels, preferences, and plans.
Looking for a peaceful ride through a park? Or something longer to break a sweat? There’s something for everyone.
Route through El Retiro Park and Surroundings
Level: Easy
Ideal for: Beginners, relaxed rides, families
El Retiro is a classic. Big, beautiful, and with wide paths. You can ride through it in 30–40 minutes without hurrying. The best part: no cars, so it’s great for getting started or riding with kids.
You can extend the ride outside the park and go through:
- Paseo del Prado
- Neptune Fountain
- Spanish Parliament
- Calle Alcalá and loop back through Cibeles
Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a chilled ride.
Madrid’s Green Cycling Ring (Anillo Verde Ciclista)
Level: Medium
Ideal for: Motivated cyclists, longer routes
This is the most well-known route among Madrid cyclists. It’s a circular path of about 65 km that loops around the entire city. It’s well marked, has bike lanes for most of the way, and runs through green areas, residential neighborhoods, and parks.
Highlights:
- You can ride just a section (e.g., Casa de Campo – Madrid Río)
- Plenty of entry and exit points
- Great for training or sport cycling
Tip: Bring water, spare parts, and check your bike beforehand. If you’re using an electric bike rental, make sure it has enough battery for the full loop.
Madrid Río Route
Level: Easy
Ideal for: Chill rides, outings with friends, couples
Madrid Río is one of the most modern, bike-friendly areas in the city. It runs alongside the Manzanares River and connects to key spots like Casa de Campo, Matadero, and Puente de Toledo.
Recommended route:
- Start at Príncipe Pío
- Follow the river to Matadero
- Cross into Casa de Campo if you want more nature
It’s super pleasant and has it all: fountains, shade, cafés. Perfect for renting a bike for a couple of hours and disconnecting from downtown.
Casa de Campo Route
Level: Medium–High
Ideal for: MTB, long routes, nature lovers
Casa de Campo is massive—over 1,700 hectares of forest, paths, and trails. If you’re into mountain biking or want to escape the pavement, this is your place.
You can do 5, 10, or even 30 km routes without repeating paths. There are climbs, downhills, technical areas… and also flat stretches for an easy ride.
Recommendation: if you don’t have your own bike, find a solid electric bike rental to handle the hills comfortably.
Urban Route: From Malasaña to El Retiro
Level: Medium
Ideal for: Seeing Madrid from a different perspective
If you’re confident riding in the city, try this short urban route:
- Start in Malasaña
- Ride down Gran Vía
- Cross Cibeles
- Enter El Retiro via Puerta de Alcalá
It’s only about 5 km, but super scenic. You’ll pass buildings, shops, plazas… Madrid from the inside. Just avoid rush hours due to traffic.
Quick Tips for Your Rides
- Choose the right bike: for city routes, a cruiser or electric bike works well. For off-road or long distances, go for a trekking or MTB bike.
- Check your bike’s condition: brakes, tires, battery (if electric).
- Bring water and snacks if you’ll be riding more than an hour.
- Check the weather beforehand—Madrid gets hot in summer.
- Wear a helmet and use a lock, even if it’s not mandatory in the city.
No Bike? No Problem.
No worries. You can easily find a bike rental in Madrid and jump into any of these routes. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this bike rental marketplace, where you can book a bike near you in just a few clicks.
Exploring Madrid by bike completely changes how you experience the city.
Go for it, pick your route, and enjoy the ride.
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