How to prepare for your trip to Madrid to see the NFL
The NFL lands in Spain for the first time this November 16, when the Miami Dolphins host the Washington Commanders at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. If you are visiting the city for the match, here’s a guide to make the most of your football weekend in the Spanish capital.
Know the key facts
Let’s start with the basics: kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time at the renovated Santiago Bernabéu, the NFL’s first regular-season game in Spain. You should only buy tickets through official channels (NFL.com or links from the stadium’s site) to avoid scams, and sign up for alerts if you’re still hunting for seats. You should expect standard stadium rules: one ticket per person, limited re-entry, no smoking, and restrictions on alcohol and animals.
If you are flying from outside the EU/Schengen, you should be aware of border basics. Spain follows Schengen entry rules; your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond departure. With the EU’s new Entry/Exit Systems, biometrics are recorded for most short-stay visitors, so you should plan a few extra minutes at arrivals. ETIAS (the separate pre-travel authorisation) won’t start until late 2026, so it won’t be a hustle.
Getting there, getting around and what to pack
To stay as close to the stadium as possible, you should base yourself near the northern centre of the city (Chamartín, Cuzco, or Nuevos Ministerios). On game day, don’t even think about a car: pick Metro Line 10, that stops at “Santiago Bernabéu,” or use Cercanías commuter trains to “Nuevos Ministerios.” Both run frequently and are inexpensive. Arrive at least 90 minutes early to clear security and enjoy the pre-game buzz.
For public transportation, you should be aware of the schedule. The Metro operates roughly 6:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., perfect for early arrivals and post-game rides. Still, expect busy platforms just after the final whistle, so you can have a snack nearby. If you want to play some games while you arrive, don’t even think about the “casino” inside the stadium. This is a fake news piece that has been circulating for a while, but it doesn’t exist. Your only option is to play online slot games on your own device, but if you come from another country, it might be difficult to get them to work in Spain.
Pack light and be compliant for your trip. Bring layers for mid-November’s variable weather, a compact power bank, photo ID, and contactless payment for transit. Keep bags small to speed security, clear or small personal bags are the safest bet. As with most major events, professional cameras, umbrellas, and bulky souvenirs can slow or block entry.
And to enjoy your experience in the city, don’t limit yourself to the game itself. Make a touristic plan and explore the major icons of Madrid. Eat along Paseo de la Castellana before or after the game, go to the Royal Palace-Almudena axis and Plaza Mayor on your non-game day. Finally, 48 hours before kickoff, re-check your ticket QR codes, bag policy and transport notices so Sunday is all about football. ¡A disfrutar!
