Madrid is a Spanish city littered with quirky museums and art galleries. Whether you live here, are just passing through, or are planning a vacation here, this city offers a lot of magical places to go to. It is also a great starting point for a day trip to nearby cities where you can discover other destinations without having to look for a place to spend the night. You can travel to these cities mostly by train and bus, making these trips very affordable. Enjoy this selection of 10 best day trips from Madrid!
1. Toledo
Toledo is a city in the Spanish province of the same name. It is known as the “City of the Three Cultures” because of the Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences on its cultural history. In 1985, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) named it a World Heritage Site for its extensive cultural heritage.
1.1. How to Get to Toledo From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Toledo:
BEST: Train at €8 to €12 (35 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €3 to €5 (1 hour and 12 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Bus: €4 to €15 (1 hour)
Taxi: €95 to €120 (49 minutes)
Drive: €12 to €19 fuel cost (49 minutes)
1.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Toledo
Toledo is a beautiful choice for day trips from Madrid on the banks of the Tagus River. Must-sees in Toledo include the Toledo Cathedral, an impressive 13th-century High Gothic cathedral. You should also take the time to see the Alcazar fortress, which overlooks the city, as well as the Greco Museum. For lunch, you will be able to discover traditional Castile-La Mancha cuisine.
2. Segovia
Segovia is a city found in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon in Spain and is one of the best day trips from Madrid. UNESCO declared this old city a World Heritage Site in 1985 for its multitude of historic structures that include those of Jewish origin.
2.1. How to Get to Segovia From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Segovia:
BEST: Line 1 Subway, Train at €9 to €32 (1 hour and 12 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €3 to €5 (1 hour and 34 minutes)
FASTEST:
Taxi: €110 to €150 (1 hour and 2 minutes)
Drive: €15 to €23 fuel cost (1 hour and 2 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Train at €10 to €15 (2 hours and 10 minutes)
2.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Segovia
You will arrive at Segovia from Madrid in a little more than an hour. Segovia is truly a magnificent city and one of the best day trips from Madrid. The three main landmarks that you should not miss are the Roman aqueduct, the cathedral, and the castle. These three monuments are breathtaking and worth a few pictures. You should also know that the castle served as a model for Disney’s Cinderella Castle!
3. Salamanca
Located in the Iberian Peninsula’s northwestern region, Salamanca is a great choice among day trips from Madrid. This city is home to the University of Salamanca, Spain’s oldest active university, which was founded in 1218. In 1988, UNESCO designated this old city as a World Heritage Site for its historical-architectural heritage.
3.1. How to Get to Salamanca From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Salamanca:
BEST: Bus at €14 to €45 (2 hours and 25 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €10 to €13 (2 hours and 44 minutes)
FASTEST: Drive with €35 to €55 fuel cost (2 hours and 10 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Train via Madrid-Principe Pio: €20 to €28 (2 hours and 47 minutes)
Train via Madrid-Chamartin: €21 to €29 (3 hours)
3.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Salamanca
Salamanca is two and a half hours away from Madrid. It is a little further than the other day trips from Madrid, but it will be worth it. But you will probably need to get up early to have enough time in the city. Indeed, it is a lively city thanks to the numerous students there. You can start by walking around the Plaza Mayor, an 18th-century baroque square. The cathedral is also an interesting sight, as well as the convent.
4. Royal Palace of Aranjuez
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is another great option for day trips from Madrid. It became an Artistic Historical Monument in 1931 when it opened to the public. In 2001, the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The public agency Patrimonio Nacional currently manages the site, including its museums, royal rooms, and gardens.
4.1. How to Get to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez:
BEST: Bus at €3 to €5 (56 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €2 (1 hour and 4 minutes)
FASTEST:
Taxi: €65 to €80 (38 minutes)
Drive: €8 to €13 fuel cost (38 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Train at €4 to €6 (1 hour and 23 minutes)
4.2. Day Trips from Madrid to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a nearby destination for day trips from Madrid. This palace is a former Spanish royal residence that opened to the public in 1931. Its history as a royal residence began in the 16th century when the construction of a grand hunting lodge started. The building was modified several times through the years, with parts added or altered. This allowed a wide diversity of architectural styles, such as Renaissance, French Empire, and Rococo. You can also roam around to discover its several rooms, such as salons, offices, bedrooms, and, of course, the gardens.
5. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
San Lorenzo de El Escorial (El Escorial de Arriba) is a town 29 miles away for day trips from Madrid. This settlement is notably different from the neighboring village of El Escorial (El Escorial de Abajo). It is home to remarkable Spanish Renaissance monuments, one of which is a monastery that is also a World Heritage Site. Since June 21, 2006, El Escorial de Arriba has been under the Community of Madrid’s protection as a Property of Cultural Interest.
5.1. How to Get to San Lorenzo de El Escorial From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial:
BEST: Line 3 Metro, Bus at €4 to €7 (1 hour and 8 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €3 (1 hour and 22 minutes)
FASTEST:
Taxi: €65 to €80 (44 minutes)
Drive: €8 to €13 fuel cost (44 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Line 001 Bus, Line 661 Bus €4 to €10 (1 hour and 33 minutes)
5.2. Day Trips from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
This option for day trips from Madrid, sits at the foot of Mount Abantos. The main must-see in this town is El Escorial, or the “Royal Seat of San Lorenzo de El Escorial .”This enormous Renaissance complex functions as a basilica, royal palace, monastery, pantheon, library, and more. You will also be able to go to the Valley of the Fallen, a monumental memorial for reconciliation where dictator Franco was buried until 2019. You can also go on a hike on Mount Abantos or in the woods surrounding the El Escorial. This trip combines nature and culture in a single trip.
6. Chinchón
Chinchón is a town in the Community of Madrid, located 50 kilometers southeast of Madrid and situated in the middle of vineyards and olive groves. In 1974, the UNESCO named its main square a World Heritage Site. This iconic square has a lot of restaurants serving Castilian cuisine. It also serves as the venue for its festive events. You’ll know when you’re nearing the town because you can see its iconic houses built into the hills from a distance.
6.1. How to Get to Chinchón From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Chinchón:
BEST: Bus at €4 to €6 (55 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €3 (1 hour)
FASTEST:
Taxi: €65 to €75 (41 minutes)
Drive: €7 to €12 fuel cost (41 minutes)
6.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Chinchón
What is very interesting about this town is its whole architecture. The Plaza Mayor is an interesting site with galleried houses and cafés surrounding it. You can also go see the medieval castle to take pictures from the outside, but you won’t be able to go inside. Chinchón is also known for its festivals that attract a lot of people for day trips from Madrid. The two main festivals are the Chinchón Festival de anís y vino (celebration of locally distilled anisette and wine) in March and the October garlic festival.
7. Cuenca
Cuenca derives its name from the Latin word “conca,” which means “river basin.” Other accounts say its name comes from Kunka, a defunct Arab castle. At present, the city of Cuenca is known as the “Eagle’s Nest” because of its location on the edge of the gorge of the rivers Jucar and Huecar.
7.1. How to Get to Cuenca From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Cuenca:
BEST: Train at €16 to €40 (55 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €9 (2 hours and 10 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Bus: €11 to €17 (2 hours and 5 minutes)
Train via Madrid-Chamartin: €19 to €42 (2 hours and 17 minutes)
Drive: €28 to €45 fuel cost (1 hour and 43 minutes)
7.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Cuenca
Cuenca is in Castile-La Mancha, across a steep spur with the Júcar and Huécar rivers below. When at Cuenca, you have to see the hanging houses. These structures are very impressive as they are built right on the cliff’s edge. You can also admire the cathedral, the Museum of Spanish Abstract Art or walk around the Ciudad Encantada, a site where the rock formations have beautiful abstract shapes that create a magical landscape.
8. Valencia
The name of this city came from the Latin “Valentia,” which means “strength” or “valor.” Valencia is the third-most populated municipality in Spain and is one of the Gamma-level global cities recognized by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network. It is also known as one of the top destinations for day trips from Madrid because of its affordability and high quality of life.
8.1. How to Get to Valencia From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Valencia:
BEST: Train at €35 to €55 (1 hour and 55 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Train via Madrid-Chamartin-Clara Campoamor at €15 to €57 (2 hours and 45 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Bus: €23 to €40 (4 hours and 20 minutes)
Rideshare: €16 to €20 (4 hours and 14 minutes)
Drive: €60 to €90 fuel cost (3 hours and 25 minutes)
Plane: €31 to €148 (2 hours and 45 minutes)
8.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Valencia
This day trip is perfect if you want to take day trips from Madrid to go to the beach as Valencia is on the East coast of Spain. You can reach Malvarrosa Beach in just 15 minutes from the city center with public transportation. If you are not much of a beach bum, you can also explore other beautiful and interesting sites, such as the cathedral and the City of Arts and Sciences. You can also take a stroll in one of its squares and gardens.
9. Ribera del Duero
This is a Spanish Denominacion de Origen Protegida (DOP) and is one of the 11 best wine regions in the autonomous community of Castile and Leon. Winemaking in Ribera del Duero goes back more than 2,000 years. Modern viticulture is said to have been brought to the region by the Benedictine monks from Cluny, France, in the 12th century. In 2012, the Wine Enthusiast Magazine crowned this lace as the Wine Region of the Year.
9.1. How to Get to Ribera del Duero From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Ribera del Duero:
BEST: Bus at €16 to €46 (2 hours and 21 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Drive at €27 to €40 fuel cost (1 hour and 45 minutes)
9.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is a one of the closest day trips from Madrid. This region is the perfect destination if you are a wine lover. Indeed, Ribera del Duero is a famous wine-producing region along the Duero River. While you are there, you can enjoy traditional and local food, as it is as important as the wine in this area. You will be able to visit wine caves and vineyards. There are also a few castles worth visiting, such as the castle of Gormaz. This gastronomic day trip will be a great way to relax during your vacations.
10. Ávila
Avila lies on the right bank of the Adaja River and is the highest provincial capital in Spain at 1,130 meters above sea level. This city is also called the “Town of Stones and Saints” because it claims to have one of the highest numbers of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in the country. In 1985, UNESCO declared this city as a World Heritage Site for its walled city and churches.
10.1. How to Get to Ávila From Madrid
Here are the best transportation options that will take you from Madrid to Avila:
BEST: Bus at €10 (1 hour and 15 minutes)
CHEAPEST: Rideshare at €6 (1 hour and 33 minutes)
FASTEST:
Taxi: €140 to €170 (1 hour and 13 minutes)
Drive: €18 to €28 fuel cost (1 hour and 13 minutes)
OTHER OPTIONS:
Train at €11 to €17 (1 hour and 28 minutes)
10.2. Day Trips from Madrid to Ávila
This city with an extensive history has a lot of monuments to see as well as museums and sights. First of all, you will be able to see the Walls of Ávila, the medieval walls that surround the city. You can also visit its 12th-century cathedral and admire its Gothic architecture. Another impressive site is the Basilica and the Convent of Saint Joseph. Even if you can choose Ávila just as an option for day trips from Madrid, you might be tempted to go back because of the sheer number of things to see and visit
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the best day trips from Madrid?
If you’re interested in seeing Gothic churches and museums, Toledo may be the best day trip from Madrid for you. Those who prefer an enchanted castle trip should go to Segovia. For those who want to experience vibrant fiestas, Chinchón is the best destination for you.
2. What are the easiest day trips from Madrid?
The easiest day trips from Madrid are Toledo, Segovia, Cuenca, and Avila. These places feature very convenient and affordable public transportation from Madrid. They also offer a wide range of cultural attractions, such as museums and historic destinations.
3. What is better—Toledo or Segovia?
Travelers who want to see Roman ruins that are excellently preserved should go to Segovia. It has impressive landmarks that include its ancient cathedral, aqueduct, and castle. Toledo, on the other hand, is perfect for those who want a more striking city-skyline viewpoint or who want to travel for less than an hour. This city features a magnificent cathedral and the famous Alcazar fortress.
4. Can Seville be one of the day trips from Madrid?
Yes, you can take a day trip from Madrid to Seville, which is 329 miles away. The fastest way to get there is by plane, which takes about an hour. Driving by car takes five hours, while riding a bus will set you back more than six hours. If you ride the train, you can get there in less than three hours.
5. What is the closest wine region to Madrid?
Madrid itself is located in a wine region with three production areas: Arganda del Rey, located east of Madrid, Navalcarnero in the southwest, and San Martin de Valdeiglesias in the west. The best wineries to visit in the city include Bodega Licina Wines in Morata de Tajuña and Bodega Ecológica Luis Saavedra in Cenicientos. In Toledo, you can find the Bodegas Bogarve 1915 in Madridejos and the Bodega Canopy in Castilla la Mancha.
6. Can you take day trips from Madrid to Barcelona?
Yes, you can take a day trip to Barcelona from Madrid in just under three hours via the AVE high-speed train from the Puerta de Atocha station. Take a Hop on Hop off bus tour to see top tourist destinations like Placa Catalunya, Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou Stadium, Parc Guell, and Casa Batllo. If you find yourself craving more adventures in this historic city, read about the best day trips from Barcelona here.
7. What are the closest countries to Madrid?
The countries closest to Madrid are Portugal, west of Spain, and France and Andorra in the northeast. From Madrid, you can travel eight hours by train and four hours by plane to Portugal. You can also travel to Paris, France, by train for 10 hours and by plane for four to five hours.
8. Is there more tourism in Madrid or Barcelona?
Compared to Barcelona, Madrid attracts more tourists despite its quirky nature. This city draws a lot of art and history enthusiasts because of its top-notch museums and galleries. Barcelona, on the other hand, is ideal for tourists who want a taste of Spanish city life and beach vacation. It is home to Gaudi’s unique architectural creations and pristine beaches.
You can take a look at Madrid’s official Tourism website for more information on Madrid and visit the EMT Madrid website to learn about public transportation in this city. If you are planning a trip here soon, read about the best places for breakfast and brunch in Madrid. For art enthusiasts, find out why you should see the Steve McCurry exhibition in Madrid.
