The Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid are the two most popular tourist attractions in Madrid.
Located just 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) apart, both museums attract millions of annual visitors.
Due to their popularity and nearby location, people often search for means of transport to go from one place to another.
This article contains detailed information, including fares, time taken, and the best means of transport to reach the Royal Palace Madrid to Prado Museum and vice versa.
Where are the Royal Palace and Prado Museum Located?
El Prado address: C. de Ruiz de Alarcón, 23, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Royal Palace of Madrid Address: C. de Bailén, 28071 Madrid, Spain
Officially known as the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Prado Museum is the main Spanish national art museum located in central Madrid.
The Royal Palace is situated in the western part of the city center, overlooking the Plaza de la Armería and the Campo del Moro gardens.
Both attractions are only 2 km (1.24 miles) apart on a walking route and 4km (2.4 miles) apart on a driving route.
How to Cover Distance from Prado Museum to Royal Palace Madrid?
To help you choose with ease, we have mentioned the time taken using these means below:
| Mode of transport | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bus | 28 mins |
| Walking | 26 mins |
| Car | 12 mins |
| Taxi | 4 mins |
| Subway → Bus | 27 mins |
How to Reach from Royal Palace Madrid to Prado Museum
If you enjoy walking, you can easily get from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum on foot.
This way, you can also admire the stunning alleys and spots that come between the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid.
By Walk
As mentioned earlier, walking distance is around 2km, and the route is scenic, providing a peak to nearby popular attractions.
It will take you 25 to 30 minutes to walk, depending on your pace.
You can start the walk on the Calle de Cervantes route by taking a left from the Royal Palace towards the Plaza Canovas del Castillo.
Continue walking for a few blocks until you see Calle de Cervantes on your right.
Then, walk on this route for 100 meters, and you will find yourself on the northern side of the Prado Museum.
Similarly, if you are traveling from the Prado Museum to the Royal Palace, you can easily walk back on the same route and reach the palace. GET DIRECTIONS
By walking between the attractions, you can save money, explore the surrounding area and get a better idea of the nearby localities.
Suppose you are more interested in exploring art museums.
In that case, you can also see the Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza Musem, which are part of the Golden Triangle of Art in Madrid.
However, if you plan not to walk, you can easily reach the Prado Museum from the Royal Palace by using Madrid’s efficient public transportation system – by bus, car or taxi.
By Bus
The cheapest way to get from the Royal Palace in Madrid to the Prado Museum or vice versa is by taking a bus.
With a bus ticket in hand, you can cover the distance of just €1.5 to €2 in around 25 to 30 minutes.
You can catch buses 001, 14, 27, and 34 from the nearby Opera bus stop.
These buses will take you to the Jardin Botánico stop, located a 2-minute walk from the Prado Museum.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus to the Cibeles stop from Santa Domingo and then change lanes to Jardin Botánico.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly travel option that provides convenience, then the bus is perfect!
By Taxi
The fastest way to get from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum is by taking a taxi.
A taxi will take around 5 minutes to cover the distance and will cost you around €5 to €7.
Taxis are readily available in the city. You can either book it online or hire one on the street.
Taking a taxi is best if you travel with family or have luggage!
By Car
Traveling from the Royal Palace in Madrid to the Prado Museum by car is also a relatively quick and efficient way.
You can cover a distance of 4 kilometers in approximately 12 minutes, though travel times may vary based on the notorious traffic in Madrid.
To start the journey from the Royal Palace, you can take a slight right and proceed along C. de Bailen until you reach C. del Sacramento.
From here, follow the following streets to reach the Prado Museum:
Plaza de Puerta Cerrada → C. de Concepción Jerónima → C. de Atocha → C. del Prado → Plaza de las Cortes
Continue your journey towards Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo, and you will find yourself arriving at the northern side of the Prado Museum.
It’s advisable to stay updated on traffic conditions to plan your route better accordingly.
Which is the Best Option for You?
The best way to get from the Royal Palace Madrid to the Prado Museum depends on your budget and preferences.
If you are on a budget-friendly trip, you can either choose to walk or take a bus.
However, if you want a more convenient option, you can either take a car or book a cab or taxi.
Prado Museum and Royal Palace of Madrid Guided Tour
For a hassle-free and informed visit, tourists to Madrid can opt for a guided tour that includes both the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace.
Guided tours often include skip-the-line access, saving you time and allowing you to bypass long queues at these popular attractions.
Moreover, you will get a local guide who will provide you with valuable insights into the history, art, and culture of the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum.
The guide will tell you about the attractions, and you can also enjoy a walking tour of the surrounding area.
Itinerary of the tour:
1. Royal Palace of Madrid: (1.5 hours)
You can meet your guide at Estatua Felipe IV at Plaza de Oriente and enter the Madrid Royal Palace with a skip-the-line ticket.
At the palace, you can explore the throne room, royal armory, the Hall of Columns, lush Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro Gardens.
2. Congreso de Los Diputados (15 minutes)
After the Prado Museum tour, you can stroll through the streets of Madrid, passing landmarks such as the Congress of Deputies.
3. Puerta del Sol (15 minutes)
Before reaching the Royal Palace, you can see the Puerta del Sol, a famous square featuring the iconic statue of the bear and the arbutus and the post office clock known for the year-end chimes.
4. Casa de Cervantes (15 minutes)
While walking from the Prado Museum to the Royal Palace, explore the Cervantes House, the residence of the most important writer in Spanish literature.
Pro Tip💡: Want to save money and enjoy a tour at a cheaper rate?
Opt for these combo guided tour tickets, which cost just €65 per person, including skip-the-line access to both the attractions and a tour guide.
5. Prado National Museum:
Finally, you can arrive at the Prado Museum, skipping the line for an in-depth exploration guided by your expert.
You can learn about the most significant art collections and stories surrounding their commissioning from your guide.
About Royal Palace and Prado Museum
The Prado Museum is an art museum hosting the world’s greatest collections of classical European art.
The museum contains artworks by some of the greatest Spanish painters, such as Velázquez and Goya, as well as Rubens and Bosch.
It is one of the largest museums in Spain, and with 2.5 million annual visitors, it ranks 16th on the list of most-visited art museums worldwide.
On the other hand, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
It has an area of around 135,000 square meters and contains 3,418 rooms, making it the largest royal palace in Europe.
The palace attracts around 2 million annual visitors who come to discover its rooms, works of art and treasures that are unique worldwide.
Despite their distinct purposes, the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace share a common thread in showcasing Spain’s cultural heritage.
FAQs about Royal Palace Madrid to Prado Museum
1. How far is the Royal Palace and Prado Museum?
The Royal Palace and Prado Museum are approximately 2 kilometers apart on a walking route and 4 km apart on a driving route.
2. What is the walking distance from the Royal Palace to Prado Museum?
The walking distance between the Royal Palace and Prado Museum is about 2 kilometers, providing a scenic route for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
3. Can I take a walk from Royal Palace Madrid to Prado Museum?
You can easily walk from the Royal Palace to the Prado Museum.
The walking distance is around 2 kilometers, taking approximately 25 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace.
4. What is the cheapest way to get from Royal Palace Madrid to Prado Museum?
The cheapest way is by taking a bus, with ticket prices ranging from €1.5 to €2. Alternatively, walking is a budget-friendly option.
5. What is the best way to get from Royal Palace Madrid to Prado Museum?
The best way depends on your preferences.
Walking or taking a bus is a good option if you’re on a budget. However, a taxi or car might be preferable if you want convenience.
6. Do I need a guided tour of Royal Palace Madrid?
Yes, a guided tour enhances your experience by providing insights into the Royal Palace’s history and significance.
It’s especially beneficial if you want a more informative visit.
7. How long does it take to tour the Prado Museum in Madrid?
The time it takes to tour the Prado Museum depends on your pace and interest. On average, visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the extensive art collections.
8. How long is the guided tour at Royal Palace Madrid?
The guided tour at the Royal Palace Madrid lasts approximately 1.5 hours. During this time, you can explore key areas such as the throne room, royal armory, and lush gardens.
9. Is there a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Prado Museum?
Yes, various guided tours and combo tours include the Royal Palace and Prado Museum.
The tour tickets provide skip-the-line access, insights from a knowledgeable guide and additional visits to nearby attractions.
10. Can I cancel my guided tour tickets?
You can conveniently cancel the guided tour tickets up to 24 hours before the experience starts, based on the local time.
Featured Image: Medium.com
