Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, officially known as Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, is the legendary home of Real Madrid CF and one of the most iconic football venues in the world.

Located in the Chamartín district of Madrid, this historic arena has witnessed countless La Liga clashes, Champions League triumphs, and unforgettable football moments since its inauguration in 1947.

Are you planning to attend an Real Madrid match? Make sure to get your Real Madrid tickets well in advance!

Here’s a complete guide to do so, in case you need it.

If you’re interested in the current season, check the official dates to see if any of these fits your itinerary.

Whether you’re visiting Madrid to experience the electrifying atmosphere of a Real Madrid home match or to explore the stadium through its renowned Bernabéu Tour, knowing how to get there will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

This guide provides step-by-step directions, transport options, ticket-buying advice, and practical tips to help you reach Santiago Bernabéu Stadium easily and make the most of your Real Madrid experience.

Where is Santiago Bernabéu Stadium?

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is located in the Chamartín district, in the heart of Madrid’s financial and business area. Its central location makes it one of the most accessible football stadiums in Europe.

Address: Avenida de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain

From Madrid city center (Puerta del Sol): 5 km (25 minutes by taxi, 30 minutes by Metro or 30 minutes by bus).
From Atocha train station: 6 km (15 minutes by taxi, 20 minutes by Cercanías, 25 minutes by bus or 35 minutes by Metro).
From Madrid-Barajas Airport: 12 km (20 minutes by taxi or 35 minutes by Metro).

How to get to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium

Thanks to its central location and excellent public transport connections, reaching the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabéu) is quick and convenient.

Insider tip: Get a Multi Card or Travel Tourist Pass if you plan to use public transport during your stay.

Here are all the main options:

By Metro (most convenient option)

The stadium has its own dedicated Metro station (Santiago Bernabéu) on Line 10 (dark blue).
From city center (Sol or Gran Vía): Take Line 1 (light blue) or 2 (red) to Tribunal, then Line 10 toward Hospital Infanta Sofía, exiting at Santiago Bernabéu.
From Atocha station: Line 1 (light blue) to Tribunal, then Line 10.
From Madrid-Barajas Airport: Line 8 (pink) to Nuevos Ministerios, then Line 10 (just 1 stop).
Travel time: 30 min from downtown, 35 min from Atocha, 35 min from airport.
Cost: 1.50-2.00€ (+ 3€ Airport supplement, if necessary).

Insider tip: On match days, Madrid Metro increases train frequency to handle larger crowds. Arrive early to avoid congestion.

By Cercanías train

The Nuevos Ministerios station, located just 15 minutes’ walk from Santiago Bernabéu, is a major hub for Madrid Cercanías commuter trains.
Lines C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-7, C-8, C-8a and C-10 all stop at Nuevos Ministerios, offering fast connections from Atocha, Chamartín, Recoletos, and Madrid-Barajas Airport (T4).
Travel time:
- From Atocha: 20 minutes.
- From Chamartín: 20 minutes
- From Airport T4: 40-45 minutes

Insider tip: Taking a Cercanías train is often faster than metro during rush hour or match days.

By bus

EMT Madrid bus lines 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 147, 150 stop near the stadium on Paseo de la Castellana.
Lines 14 and 27 connect directly from central Madrid.
Travel time: 20 minutes from city center.
Cost: 1.50€.

By taxi or ride-sharing

Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Uber, Cabify, Bolt) are widely available.
From city center: 20-25 min (20-25€).
From Atocha: 15 min (12-18€).
From airport: 20 min (33€).

Walking or cycling

From Nuevos Ministerios or nearby hotels, walking takes 10-15 minutes.
From city center, it’s a 35-40 minute walk along Paseo de la Castellana.
Bike lanes and parking (BiciMAD 149, 150, 153, 253 stations) are available near the stadium.

Driving and parking

Driving is possible, but I don’t recommend it at all on match days due to heavy traffic and limited parking availability.
Private parking garages within 5-10 minutes are available but sell out fast.

How to buy Real Madrid tickets

Buying tickets for a Real Madrid match at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is simple, but because major La Liga and UEFA Champions League games often sell out quickly, it’s best to purchase in advance.

The safest and most convenient way is to buy your Real Madrid tickets online, allowing you to choose your seats and receive your digital entry pass instantly.

Step #1: Check the match schedule

Look for home matches at the Bernabéu.
Keep in mind that final kickoff times are only confirmed a few days before each match.
Weekend matches are most common, but fixtures can also be on Fridays or Mondays, and European matches typically take place midweek.

Step #2: Select your seat

The Bernabéu seating map shows different stands and views. You have it below, in the next section.
Choose based on your preferred vantage point and budget.

Step #3: Complete your purchase

Enter your personal details and payment information carefully.
Double-check your email address to ensure you receive your confirmation and e-tickets.

Skip queues and guarantee your spot: book your Real Madrid tickets for Santiago Bernabéu Stadium online.

Buying Real Madrid tickets is simple, but here’s a complete guide to help you through the process if needed.

Learn how to easily access your seats

Navigating Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is straightforward once you understand the information printed on your Real Madrid match ticket. The stadium is divided into four main stands and multiple sectors:

Lateral Este (East Stand)
Lateral Oeste (West Stand)
Fondo Norte (North Stand)
Fondo Sur (South Stand)
Corner sectors connecting these main stands

Your ticket will include the following details to help you find your seat efficiently:

Acceso (Access gate)

Refers to the outer entrance from the surrounding streets.
You can only enter through your designated access gate, so make sure to check the number on your ticket.
Gates are clearly marked with blue signs around the stadium.

Puerta (Turnstile gate)

This is your mandatory entry point to access the stands.
The Puerta number is printed on your ticket and displayed above each turnstile.
Scan your ticket’s QR code or barcode to pass through security.

Sector (Seating section)

Indicates the specific sector within your stand.
Follow the overhead signs inside the concourse to reach your sector.

Fila (Row)

Rows are sequentially numbered on the sides of seats.
Follow the numbering until you locate your assigned row.

Asiento (Seat)

Seat numbers run consecutively, with odd numbers on one side of the aisle and even numbers on the other.

Insider tip: Arrive at least 45-60 minutes before kickoff to comfortably pass security checks, locate your seat, and enjoy the pre-match excitement.

Book the ‘Bernabéu Tour’

Even if you’re not attending a match, visiting the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a must for football fans. The ‘Bernabéu Tour’ offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access to one of the world’s most iconic football venues, letting you experience the magic of Real Madrid up close.

What’s included in the tour

Walk through the players’ tunnel and step onto the pitch.
Explore the home and away locker rooms, press room, and VIP lounges.
Visit the newly renovated Real Madrid Museum, showcasing trophies, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits about the club`s rich history.
Enjoy panoramic stadium views from the highest stands and skyboxes.
Access to exclusive areas of the stadium’s ongoing redevelopment.

Tour Availability

Tours run daily, including weekends (available up until 5h30min before the match starts, maybe closed only on major events).
Duration: 60-90 minutes, self-guided with audio guide options in multiple languages.
Flexible entry times allow you to explore at your own pace.

Secure your spot and book the official Bernabéu Stadium Tour online.

History of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid CF, is one of the most legendary football arenas in the world. Opened on December 14, 1947, it was originally known as Nuevo Estadio Chamartín before being renamed in 1955 in honor of Santiago Bernabéu, the club’s iconic president.

Over the decades, the Bernabéu has undergone multiple renovations to keep pace with modern football standards. Major upgrades took place in 1955, 1982 (for the FIFA World Cup), 1990s, and early 2000s, expanding seating capacity and improving facilities.

In 2019, Real Madrid began an ambitious redevelopment project to transform the Bernabéu into a world-class, multifunctional stadium. The renovation included:

A retractable roof and pitch.
A completely redesigned façade with cutting-edge LED technology.
Expanded seating and premium VIP areas.
A new 360-degree video scoreboard.
Upgraded hospitality, restaurants, and commercial spaces.

The modernized Nuevo Santiago Bernabéu is set to be one of the most advanced sports venues globally, hosting not only football matches but also concerts, entertainment events, and conventions. With a capacity of over 85,000 spectators, it remains the centerpiece of Madrid’s sporting culture and a must-visit for football fans worldwide.

This article is part of a complete tutorial about football in Madrid where you can read all the information you need to attend a football match in the city.

Here is a complete summary of all the guide:

1. Check the Real Madrid calendar
2. Get your Real Madrid tickets
3. How to get to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
4. Check the Atlético de Madrid calendar
5. Purchase your Atlético de Madrid Tickets
6. How to get to Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano
7. Live a thrilling football match in Spain

How to get to Santiago Bernabéu Stadium