Access the museum using Madrid's public transportation network. Driving to the museum is not recommended. If you cannot use public transportation for one reason or another, take a taxi instead.
Take Madrid's light rail network to the Atocha station, access the museum via subway by getting off at the Banco de España station or Atocha station, or arrive by city bus. Madrid bus lines 9, 10, 14, 19, 27, 34, 37 and 45 all make stops at or very close to the Museo del Prado.
Determine if you qualify for free admission. People under 18 or over 65, as well as people with permanent physical or mental disabilities, get in free of charge. Also, unemployed citizens of European Union countries, European Union students less than 25 years of age and some Spanish tourist networks may also visit the Museo del Prado for free.
Understand that the price of access to special collections or touring exhibitions may be different (and frequently more expensive) than general admission. The cost of a ticket to special programs is determined by the museum's director(s), and fluctuates depending on the particular exhibition. General admission, though, is quite affordable.
Know that museum staff will not admit additional visitors within a half-hour of closing time. Galleries are cleared out by security personnel about 10 minutes before the museum closes. Arrive early in the day if you want to avoid crowds.
Enjoy the museum's amazing collection! You can learn more about it to plan your visit at the Museo del Prado's official English-language website (see Resources below).