Ticket Buying Guide: Watching Real Madrid Live at the Santiago Bernabéu

The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium has been redeveloped into a high-tech arena with a retractable roof and a 360° video scoreboard. With a capacity of over 80,000, it is one of the most iconic football stadiums in the world. Visiting Madrid and catching a Real Madrid match is a bucket-list experience, but tickets are highly sought‑after.

Official Ticket Sales & Packages

Real Madrid match tickets are sold through the club’s official website. Typically, single-match tickets go on sale only 1-2 weeks before kickoff. Club members and Madridista Premium cardholders get first access. Any remaining tickets are then released to the general public. In practice, this means fans must monitor the official site closely at the sale launch to snag available seats. Club-friendly filtering tools on the site can help show current availability for upcoming home games.

If you need to book well in advance, consider ticket+hotel packages from the club’s partners. Real Madrid offers La Liga match packages that include a high-quality hotel stay. These packages (which often include the option of a stadium tour) guarantee your ticket and accommodation but must be purchased as a bundle. Note that when the next home game is still many weeks away, only VIP or hospitality tickets may be on sale through official channels, ordinary seats for that match might not yet be available for general purchase.

High Demand and Availability

Demand for Bernabéu tickets is extremely high. Major matches, like El Clásico against Barcelona or Champions League games, often sell out quickly, sometimes before public release. In fact, most Bernabéu seats are occupied by season-ticket holders, so when official sales open even for smaller fixtures, tickets often vanish within minutes. Fans must be prepared for stiff competition. Big domestic games and European knockout nights typically are gone almost immediately. On the flip side, less glamorous cup ties or midweek games against lower-ranked opponents may have somewhat more availability, but cannot be guaranteed.

Because of this intense demand, reserve seats as early as possible by being online the instant tickets go on sale. If initial availability is zero, keep checking back, and sometimes, season-ticket holders drop seats for resale at later dates.

Resellers and Guarantees: 1BoxOffice

If you resort to the secondary market, choose a reliable platform. For example, 1BoxOffice, a global ticket broker offers a 150% Money Back Guarantee: if your purchased tickets do not arrive in time, you get a full refund plus a 50% credit toward another event.

They work with approved ticket specialists to fulfil orders. After purchase, 1BoxOffice sends a confirmation email and tracks the delivery. E-tickets (PDF or mobile) are typically emailed 24-48 hours before the match, while any required paper tickets are dispatched 3-5 days prior with tracking information.

Season-card tickets if used are delivered to your hotel the day before the game and must be returned to reception after use. If you have no hotel, 1BoxOffice can arrange a convenient venue pick-up. They also allow last-minute orders: tickets can often be bought the day before or even on matchday, subject to availability.

1BoxOffice lets individuals resell their seats. Sometimes tickets bear the original purchaser’s name, but they remain valid for entry. Note that most listings are for home-team sections unless specified; they will not knowingly sell opposition-section tickets to away fans.

Getting to the Bernabéu

The Bernabéu sits on Avenida de Concha Espina in northern Madrid (just off Paseo de la Castellana). The quickest way is via Metro: take Line 10 to the Santiago Bernabéu station, which exits right by the stadium. Line 10 trains become extremely crowded before and after big games.) A popular alternative is Cercanías commuter rail: ride any of the C-1, C-2, C-3, C-4, C-7, C-8, C-8a or C-10 lines to Nuevos Ministerios station, then walk 15 minutes or take a taxi to Concha Espina. Several EMT bus lines, such as 14, 27, 40, etc., stop along Paseo de la Castellana near the stadium. From downtown, a taxi to the Bernabéu typically costs about €10-15.

Public transit gets jammed around matches, so allow extra time. Once inside the stadium, seats are divided into “Longside” along the pitch and “Shortside” behind the goals and also by level. Tickets are priced accordingly (longside seats and lower tiers are more expensive). Premium VIP tickets often include lounge access and the best views.

Santiago Bernabéu Tours & Museum

When you’re in Madrid, consider a stadium tour to see the Bernabéu up close. Tours which include the club museum and trophy rooms run daily when there’s no game. The basic “Classic” tour is €35 per adult online (€38 at the ticket office). A flexible-timing ticket costs about €40, while the Premium tour is €47 online. Guided group tours (with an official Real guide) are available for around €54 per person. These give you access to the pitchside view, changing rooms, players’ tunnel, and a panoramic stadium outlook. Book tours in advance via the Real Madrid tour website, or purchase on-site if open.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it easy to get tickets for Real Madrid LaLiga games?

No, it’s quite challenging. Real Madrid is immensely popular, so even many ordinary league matches often sell out quickly. All tickets not held by season-ticket members vanish fast once official sales open. Your best bet is to be ready at the computer the moment tickets go on sale, typically 1-2 weeks before the match. If a game seems sold out, keep checking: sometimes fans release season-ticket seats later in the week. Failing that, you may have to use a trusted resale site, knowing prices will be higher than face value.

• Are Champions League tickets harder to get?

Yes. Even though fewer tourists are in town midweek, CL knockout nights are in very high demand. Real’s big European ties often sell out well before general sale, snapped up by members and sponsors. It can be nearly impossible to find tickets at face value for those nights unless you have club access or pay a premium on the secondary market.

• How much do Real Madrid tickets cost?

Prices vary widely by opponent and seating. The lowest LaLiga tickets start in the lower tiers behind each goal, around €75 for members and about €100 for non-members. For mid-range matches, expect roughly €100-€200 for decent seats. Big games (e.g. vs Barcelona or Atlético) can exceed €200-€300 for good long-side seats. VIP or box seats cost much more. Cup matches, such as the Copa del Rey, usually have lower prices and are easier to obtain. On the resale market, tickets can be significantly more expensive than these base prices if the game has sold out.

• How do I travel to the stadium?

Metro Line 10 station Santiago Bernabéu is the most direct route. Alternatively, take Cercanías Renfe to Nuevos Ministerios and walk or taxi from there. Many EMT buses also serve the area. Plan for crowds: metros and trains become very busy just before kick-off and right after full-time.

• Do I need to print my tickets?

No. Tickets are delivered electronically. PDF or mobile tickets can simply be scanned by showing the QR code at the turnstiles. If you receive paper tickets or a season card, 1BoxOffice will arrange delivery to your hotel or a collection point.

• Can I buy tickets at the stadium on matchday?

Only if the game is not sold out. The ticket office Taquilla does open on matchday and the days before, but long lines are expected and seats are often gone. It’s safer to purchase in advance.

• Is alcohol allowed inside the Bernabéu?

No. Spanish stadiums generally prohibit alcohol. However, the area around the stadium, Paseo de la Castellana/Plaza de Lima, has many bars and restaurants where you can drink before or after the match.

• When do tickets go on sale?

Real’s match schedule is finalised late around one month prior. Generally, official tickets appear only a week or two before a game. Hospitality tickets and travel packages can be bought earlier. If you need to plan, consider booking a Real Madrid weekend break (ticket+hotel) to secure seats, since buying single tickets far in advance is usually impossible.