A Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid

Whether you are attending a match, taking the Bernabéu Tour or simply exploring Madrid’s football culture, this guide will help you plan your visit.

Brief History of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium

Real Madrid was founded in 1902, but the club’s modern identity was shaped significantly during the presidency of Santiago Bernabéu, who served from 1943 until his death in 1978.

The stadium opened on 14 December 1947 as the Nuevo Estadio Chamartín. Its inaugural match was played between Real Madrid and the Portuguese club Os Belenenses. In 1955, the ground was renamed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in recognition of the president who oversaw its construction and helped transform Real Madrid into an international football institution.

The stadium was enlarged and modernised several times during the twentieth century. Floodlights were installed in 1957, allowing European and evening matches to be staged under lights.

Among the major events held at the Bernabéu are:

• The 1964 European Championship final
• The 1982 FIFA World Cup final
• European Cup and UEFA Champions League finals
• The 2018 Copa Libertadores final
• Numerous historic Real Madrid league, cup and European matches

A major redevelopment project launched in 2019 has transformed the stadium with a metallic exterior, retractable roof, retractable playing surface, underground pitch-storage system, modern hospitality spaces and advanced digital technology. The venue is now designed to accommodate football, concerts and other international events.

Where Is Santiago Bernabéu Stadium?

The stadium is located in the Chamartín district, north of central Madrid, on one of the city’s principal avenues.

Address:
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Avenida de Concha Espina, 1
28036 Madrid, Spain

The regular entrance currently listed for the Bernabéu Tour is on Avenida de Concha Espina at Gate 84. Because entrances can change during matches, concerts and building works, follow the directions printed on your ticket when you arrive.

Travelling to the Stadium Locally

By Metro

The simplest public-transport option is Santiago Bernabéu station on Metro Line 10. The station is immediately beside the stadium.

On match days, trains and platforms can become extremely busy. Allow extra time, particularly during the hour before kick-off and immediately after the match.

By Cercanías Train

The nearest major suburban railway station is Nuevos Ministerios, approximately a 10–15-minute walk from the stadium. It is served by several Cercanías lines, including C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-7, C-8 and C-10.

From Nuevos Ministerios, you can walk along Paseo de la Castellana or take Metro Line 10 to Santiago Bernabéu.

By Bus

Several EMT city buses stop close to the stadium, including routes 14, 27, 40, 43, 120, 126, 147 and 150. Night buses N22 and N24 also serve the surrounding area.

By Bicycle

BiciMAD bicycle stations can be found around Paseo de la Habana, Paseo de la Castellana, Avenida General Perón and Calle Doctor Fleming. Check the BiciMAD application for live bicycle and docking-space availability.

By Taxi or Ride Service

Madrid’s official white taxis can drop passengers close to the stadium, although road closures may be introduced on match and event days. If leaving after a large event, consider walking several blocks away from the stadium before requesting a vehicle.

By Car

Driving is generally not recommended on match days because of congestion, traffic restrictions and limited parking. The stadium’s official information currently describes its dedicated parking facility as “coming soon,” so visitors should not rely on it without checking for updates.

International Connections

From Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport

Madrid’s international airport is approximately 15 kilometres from the stadium.

A convenient public-transport route is:

1. Take Metro Line 8 from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios.
2. Change to Metro Line 10.
3. Travel one stop to Santiago Bernabéu.

Airport taxis and private transfers are also available. Travel time varies considerably according to traffic and your terminal, so allow extra time if you have a scheduled tour or match ticket.

From Madrid-Chamartín–Clara Campoamor Station

Travellers arriving by high-speed or long-distance train at Chamartín can take Metro Line 10 directly to Santiago Bernabéu.

From Madrid-Puerta de Atocha-Almudena Grandes Station

From Atocha, take a Cercanías train to Nuevos Ministerios. From there, walk to the stadium or continue for one stop on Metro Line 10.

International Flights and Rail Connections

Madrid-Barajas has direct or connecting flights to destinations throughout Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Madrid is also connected by high-speed rail with Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Málaga, Alicante and many other Spanish cities.

Visitors arriving from outside Spain should consider reserving their Bernabéu Tour or match tickets before travelling, especially during weekends and major football fixtures.

Bernabéu Tour Opening and Closing Times

The standard published opening hours are:

• Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Sundays and public holidays: 9:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
• Closed: 1 January and 25 December

These times refer primarily to the Bernabéu Tour rather than unrestricted entry to the stadium. The stadium does not operate as an ordinary walk-in attraction outside the designated tour hours.

On Real Madrid match days, the Tour is normally available only until approximately five hours and thirty minutes before kick-off. The route may be shortened, altered or temporarily closed because of matches, concerts, private functions and maintenance.

The tour organisers advise that access to the changing rooms and dugouts may be unavailable on the day before a match and on match day. Always check the official calendar and the conditions attached to your selected date before travelling.

Bernabéu Tour Entry Fees

Published prices begin at the following amounts:

Ticket-office purchases generally cost €3 more than online bookings. Prices may vary according to demand, the selected date, ticket category and available promotions.

A standard Classic Tour usually includes:

• The Real Madrid Museum
• The club’s trophy collection
• Exhibitions covering Real Madrid’s history
• A panoramic view inside the stadium
• Interactive and audiovisual displays
• Changing rooms and dugouts when operational conditions permit
• Temporary access to the press-room area, subject to availability

Match tickets are not included in the stadium-tour price. Football tickets must be purchased separately, preferably through Real Madrid’s official sales channels.

Important Ticket Conditions

Tour tickets are normally valid only for the selected date and time. Flexible tickets permit entry at an available time on the chosen date, subject to their conditions.

Confirmed purchases are generally non-refundable and cannot normally be changed. You may display the ticket or QR code on your mobile phone, so printing is not usually necessary.

Buy tickets only from official or clearly authorised sellers. Unofficial match tickets may be invalid, duplicated or priced far above face value.

What to Expect During the Visit

Allow approximately 90 minutes to two hours for the full experience. Football enthusiasts who enjoy reading every display and photographing the trophy collection may require longer.

The tour contains numerous staircases, and parts of the itinerary can be altered according to construction, matches or special events. Visitors with limited mobility should contact the Tour in advance to confirm the accessible route available on their intended date.

The retractable grass pitch may be stored in its underground maintenance facility when no match is scheduled. Concert staging or event equipment may also cover parts of the playing area, so visitors should not assume that the football pitch will always be fully visible.

Best Time to Visit

For a calmer tour, reserve an early-morning weekday slot outside school-holiday periods. Weekends, public holidays and days surrounding important matches are usually busier.

If you want photographs of the exterior, daylight provides the clearest architectural views. The stadium is also impressive after dark when its modern façade is illuminated.

Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled tour. For a football match, arrive considerably earlier to allow time for transport delays, security screening and finding the correct gate and seating section.

Dos When Visiting Santiago Bernabéu

• Book in advance. Popular dates and time slots can sell out.
• Check the stadium calendar. Matches, concerts and corporate events can affect the route and opening hours.
• Use public transport. Metro Line 10 is usually the most convenient option.
• Follow the exact entrance shown on your ticket.
• Carry identification. It may be required for discounted, personalised or age-restricted tickets.
• Keep your mobile phone charged. You may need it to display your QR ticket.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The tour can involve considerable walking and numerous stairs.
• Respect security instructions. Bags may be inspected at the entrance.
• Keep children supervised, particularly in busy exhibition spaces.
• Ask before using flash or professional equipment. Photography rules may vary between areas.
• Allow additional travel time on match days.
• Purchase official merchandise from recognised club shops.
• Keep your ticket until you have completed the visit.

Don’ts When Visiting Santiago Bernabéu

• Do not bring prohibited objects, including weapons, fireworks, flares or dangerous items.
• Do not carry large luggage unless you have confirmed that suitable storage is available.
• Do not enter restricted areas or cross barriers.
• Do not touch trophies, displays or protected exhibits.
• Do not smoke or vape in areas where it is prohibited.
• Do not bring outside alcohol into the stadium.
• Do not display offensive, discriminatory or provocative material.
• Do not obstruct stairways, emergency exits or tour routes while taking photographs.
• Do not assume the entire route will always be available.
• Do not buy tickets from street sellers or unverified resale websites.
• Do not arrive at the last minute, especially before a match.
• Do not expect the pitch to be visible in its normal playing position every day.

Useful Contact Information

For questions specifically about the Bernabéu Tour:

• Telephone: +34 913 984 370
• Email: tour@corp.realmadrid.com
• Address: Avenida de Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid

Opening hours, routes and prices can change, so confirm the latest details directly before your visit.

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