Mobile apps in Madrid are as popular as in other bustling capital cities. And not only that, they’ve become an essential part of daily life! From navigating the city streets and meeting new people, to learning a new language and ordering anything you need for delivery. Apps simply enhance our lives in every possible way!
In this article, we’ve summed up the most essential apps in Madrid for internationals and locals alike. So keep scrolling and get ready to make some downloads!
1. Public Transport Apps for Madrid
Madrid’s a big city, and luckily, there are various public transport options for you to take advantage of! From one of the best metro systems in Europe to a well-connected bus network. These apps below will ensure you’re ready to get around without a problem.
1.1. Metro Madrid
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Madrid’s underground metro system is quite easy to navigate. Still, you can’t live without the official Metro app as it is one of the most useful apps in Madrid. By providing maps, waiting times and even tariffs, Metro Madrid helps you organize your travel. You can even calculate the quickest and most efficient route from your origin station to your destination!
Madrid’s public transport system is one of the best in Europe. Learn all about how it works, how much it costs and more by checking out our Guide to Madrid’s Public Transport System.
1.2. EMT
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Compared to Madrid’s metro system, traveling by bus in this metropolis can be a little more difficult. But don’t worry, as the EMT app helps travelers with their bus journey. From mapping your route, to consulting schedules and waiting times, this app has it all! You can even report problems yourself when experiencing difficulties.
1.3. Rapibus
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Never miss a bus in Madrid with the Rapibus app! Besides providing important information about Madrid’s bus network, the app has some cool features such as weather updates and reminders to top up your monthly transport card. You can’t live without this amazing app in Madrid!
1.4. Omio
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Omio is one of the best traveling apps in Spain. To help you plan your trips around Europe, Omio displays different options like train, bus or even plane and makes it easy to compare their prices. One of the most unique features is the price alert, so you never miss out on any discounts!
1.5. Renfe
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
You want to travel around the country during your time in Madrid? Then the Renfe app is exactly what you need! The Renfe app helps you organize your journeys. By providing you with trip durations, prices and updated information on routes. You can even store your digital tickets straight on your device. Leave the stress of printing traveling documents behind, and just hop on the train!
2. Personal Transport Apps in Madrid
If you’d prefer to get around Madrid faster and with more comfort, then take a look at the many personal transport options and their accompanying apps! From bike rentals to carsharing, ebike and more!
2.1. Car Rentals & Ride Sharing
Take a look at our guide about car rentals and ride sharing in Madrid so you can get around with ease!
From traditional car rentals to modern ride-sharing apps, there are plenty of options that cater to different budgets and travel styles. In this guide, we’ll break down the best choices so you can move through Madrid with ease and confidence.
Do you need to get to or from the Madrid Barajas Airport? Plan your trip to/from the Madrid Airport and save money along the way by visiting our article Madrid Airport Transport Options and Discounts!
2.2. Scooters, Motor Scooters, eBikes & More
Check our in-depth guide on how to take advantage of bike rentals and more in Madrid!
These eco-friendly options will allow you to travel around the city freely without costing too much money! Check out the best apps in Madrid for scooters, ebikes, motor scooters and more.
3. Madrid Social Apps
Making friends in a new country can feel overwhelming, but social apps make it much easier in Madrid. From joining international student communities to finding local events and meetups, these platforms are a great way to connect with people who share your interests.
3.1. Whatsapp
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
One of the most famous apps in Spain (and Europe for that matter) is without a doubt WhatsApp. This free messenger app syncs to your phone’s contacts and allows you to keep in touch via chat, call and video call options while connected to wifi or a data network.
Are you looking for specific information about Madrid? Would you like to meet fellow internationals and make new friends? If the answer is yes, then check out the different WhatsApp chats that we created for you based on your interests.
3.2. Tinder/Bumble/Grindr
These well known dating apps are incredibly popular in Spain! Not only for navigating the dating world, but also to make friends and find meet-ups happening around you. We know not everyone is a fan of the idea of joining a dating app, but it’s a great way to jump start your social life in Madrid!
3.3. Meetup
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Signing up on MeetUp will make meeting new people in Madrid so much easier. The app has numerous different groups, each one regularly inviting its member to meet and enjoy their favorite activity. The type of groups vary, so everybody can find something! All this makes Meetup one of the must-have apps in Madrid!
3.4. Timpik
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
If you are a sports lover, you will love TimPik. This unique app lets you organize your own sport events or find pre-organized activities. An ideal way to meet new people and enjoy your favorite sport at the same time. The app is free to download. Joining games however starts at a price of €3 per person. Don’t wait, and sign up!
3.5. Fever
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do in the city, Fever is among the incredibly useful apps in Madrid! The app suggests a variety of events, tours, attractions and activities for you to enjoy. And they even offer discount prices for their users. Even more, it lets you store your tickets digitally. You’ll be sure to find something that interests you, for whenever you find yourself bored at home!
4. Food Delivery Apps
When you don’t feel like cooking or just want to try something new, food delivery apps are a lifesaver in Madrid. With just a few taps, you can explore local restaurants, order your favorite comfort food, or discover Spanish dishes delivered straight to your door.
Get free delivery on your first three orders above 6€ with Glovo Spain! Just download the app and make your first order.
4.1. MercaMad
If you want to explore Madrid in a fun and unique way, try it by going to its many markets. MercaMad can help you with this by giving information about the 46 markets and 2.000 stalls in Madrid. Besides showing you the locations, the app allows you to bookmark your favorites and even tells you what products are sold. Definitely one of the must-have apps in Madrid!
5. Financial Apps to use in Madrid
Managing your money while in another country and dealing with a different currency can be stressful. But luckily, it’s never been easier than it is today! With all the banking options and apps for money transfers, you can manage your funds with a tap of a finger.
5.1. Revolut
Managing money abroad can be tricky, but Revolut makes it simple. This all-in-one banking app lets you open an account in minutes, spend in different currencies with no hidden fees, and easily split bills with friends. For international students in Madrid, Revolut is especially useful for budgeting, sending money home, and avoiding costly exchange rates—making it a smart choice for everyday student life.
Learn about all of Spain’s banking options for international students by checking out our guide to the Best Banks in Spain!
5.2. Bizum
Another popular one among banking apps in Spain is Bizum. Bizum allows you to send and receive money instantly by only using your smartphone. The great part: you only need the other person’s phone number. Around 12 million Spanish people use this app not only to play small amounts but also pay their bills or rent. Even some shops allow you to pay through Bizum. Be aware that Bizum can only be used directly through your Spanish bank account.
5.3. N26
A fully digital German-based bank popular with internationals. With N26 you can open an account easily with just your passport, manage everything through the app, and get a free debit card. Great for everyday spending and withdrawals in Spain. The N26 Standard Account is completely free to open and takes less than 10 minutes to set up. Not to mention, it can be set up from anywhere around the world!
5.4. PayPal
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
PayPal is a well-known online payment platform that makes it easy to shop securely without sharing your bank details. Many Spanish and international websites accept it, making it especially handy for students who shop online or need to send money abroad. While not as common for everyday transfers as Bizum, PayPal is still a reliable backup for international transactions.
6. Language & Cultural Integration Apps
Learning Spanish and getting to know local culture can make your time in Madrid much more rewarding. With the right apps, you can practice the language, meet locals, and feel more connected to daily life in Spain. From quick translations to interactive lessons and cultural exchanges, these tools help international students settle in faster and enjoy a deeper experience abroad.
6.1. Duolingo
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Probably the most famous language app, Duolingo makes learning Spanish fun and accessible through short, game-like lessons. It’s great for beginners who want to build vocabulary and practice daily without feeling overwhelmed. The app tracks your streaks and progress, which keeps you motivated to keep learning a little every day. While it won’t make you fluent on its own, Duolingo is a perfect starting point for international students in Madrid.
Don’t just rely on apps to teach you a new language! You can learn Spanish in Madrid with language courses, Spanish schools, language exchanges and more!
6.2. Google Translate
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
A must-have app for anyone moving abroad, Google Translate helps you instantly understand signs, menus, or conversations. Its camera feature lets you point your phone at text and see an immediate translation, which is extremely useful in daily life. You can also download Spanish offline, so you’re covered even without internet access. For students in Madrid, it’s not a learning tool in the traditional sense, but a practical safety net when your Spanish falls short.
6.3. Hello Talk
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
HelloTalk is built around real conversations with native speakers. The app has useful features like translation, pronunciation tools, and corrections, so you can learn naturally while chatting. It’s especially good for beginners who might feel nervous about speaking Spanish in person. Using HelloTalk can help you build confidence before practicing in real-world situations in Madrid.
7. Health & Wellness Apps in Madrid
Taking care of your health is just as important as enjoying your time in Madrid. Whether you need to find a doctor, order medication, locate a late-night pharmacy, or simply manage stress, there are plenty of apps to make the process easier.
7.1. Sanitas
Sanitas is one of Spain’s largest private health insurance providers, and their app is essential if you’re covered by one of their plans. Through the app, you can book doctor appointments, access your digital health card, and even arrange video consultations with medical professionals. It also lets you view test results and manage reimbursements directly. For international students with Sanitas insurance, the app makes navigating private healthcare smooth and stress-free.
7.2. Doctoralia
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
This app helps you find doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals in Madrid with just a few clicks. You can filter by specialty, location, language, and even read reviews from other patients to make sure you’re choosing the right professional. Appointments can often be booked directly through the app, which saves a lot of time compared to calling clinics one by one. For international students, Doctoralia is especially useful if you’re new to the Spanish healthcare system and need clear options fast.
To read an in-depth breakdown of the Spanish healthcare system, take a look at our guide to Healthcare in Spain. And don’t forget to check out our top insurance recommendations and receive personalized, free private health insurance quotes by popular Spanish insurance companies!
7.3. Promofarma
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Promofarma allows you to order medications, vitamins, and personal care products online from local pharmacies, often at discounted prices. You can compare different options across pharmacies, which makes it easier to find the best deals. Deliveries are quick, and the app is user-friendly for both everyday essentials and specific treatments. It’s a convenient way to avoid running around the city if you’re busy or not feeling well.
7.4. Headspace
Download for free on iPhone and Android.
Beyond physical health, mental well-being is just as important when adjusting to life in a new country. Headspace offers guided meditations, breathing exercises, and sleep aids to help manage stress and maintain balance. It’s perfect for international students who may be dealing with culture shock, academic pressure, or homesickness. Adding this app to your routine can help you feel more grounded while settling into Madrid.
