What is the name of the underground rail network serving Madrid, Spain?
Answer
Madrid Metro
The underground rail network serving Madrid, Spain, is the Madrid Metro.
The system opened on 17 October 1919, when King Alfonso XIII inaugurated its first short route between Sol and Cuatro Caminos. It expanded into a major rapid-transit network serving Madrid and surrounding municipalities, and is operated mainly by Metro de Madrid, owned by the Community of Madrid.
“Renfe” is Spain’s national rail operator, while Madrid Cercanías refers to the regional commuter-rail network. They connect with the Metro but are separate systems. Madrid also has Metro Ligero light-rail lines, which should not be confused with the conventional underground network.
The Madrid Metro’s conventional network has 13 heavy-rail lines and is among Europe’s largest. Although most of it runs underground, some sections operate in open air, so “Madrid Metro” remains the correct name even when a particular train is above ground.