Madrid is one of Spain’s most popular destinations and you’ll find no shortage of things to do in the city, from its Golden Triangle of Art to its gay neighbourhood. But after a few days in the big city, you might want to break it up with some day trips via train or with a hire car. From sweeping mountain ranges to beautiful small towns, these day trips from Madrid will add variety to your trip.
The perfect day trip to Seville from Madrid
Distance from Madrid: 2h 30min by train or 5 hours by car.
What to bring or wear: Walking shoes, comfortable clothes and a power bank to charge your mobile devices
Expert Tip: Take the first train of the day from Madrid to Seville and grab your breakfast and coffee on board at the buffet car.
Seville is home to some stunning architecture, including the breathtaking Plaza de España, the Alcazar of Seville Palace and Seville Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Spend some time exploring the Jewish Quarter and Barrio Santa Cruz. Enjoy lunch with some traditional Spanish food at La Sacristia Tapas near the cathedral, before heading up the Torre de Oro for stunning views of the city.
Finish the day with a flamenco show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco. The train is a convenient way to get to Seville, but it can be expensive and there’s plenty of free parking on the outskirts of the city. Use the local public transport to get around even if you drive there.
The best day trips from Madrid to cool down
If you’re visiting Madrid in the summer, you might find yourself looking for ways to escape the heat. There are numerous public swimming pools in the heart of Madrid. Tickets are cheap for either a morning or an afternoon session.
National Park of Cuenca
Distance from Madrid: 55 minutes by train or 2 hours by car.
What to wear or bring with you: Swimwear and towels.
Expert Tip: The El Chantre Recreational Area is one of the best (and most popular) bathing spots in the park.
Serrania de Cuenca Natural Park is filled with beautiful natural sights, including 90-million-year-old rock formations. There are also several natural pools where you can take a dip and cool off amidst the beautiful scenery.
Embalse de San Juan
Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by bus or car.
What to wear or bring with you: Swimwear and a picnic lunch.
Expert Tip: WakeA Experience offers fun activities on the water like kayaking, water skiing and flyboarding.
The lakeside beach at Embalse de San Juan Reservoir is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike when the temperature climbs in Madrid. It’s a scenic spot with plenty of space to settle in for the day. Playa Virgen de la Nueva is the main swimming beach in the area with beach bars nearby.
Five beautiful cities you can easily visit from Madrid
These cities are easily reachable with direct transportation from Madrid.
Segovia
Distance from Madrid: 30 minutes by AVE train or 1 hour by car or bus.
What to wear or bring with you: Walking shoes, a hat and comfortable clothes that cover your shoulders if you want to visit the beautiful cathedral.
Expert Tip: Have dinner at the cosy Asador David Guijarro before heading back to Madrid.
Easily accessible from Madrid by car or public transport, Segovia is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain. Famous for its aqueduct, the high arches are beautiful from the ground and provide a gorgeous view if you climb to the top and walk along them. You can also see the stunning gothic architecture of Segovia Cathedral and visit Alcazar of Segovia, a picture-perfect mediaeval castle.
Toledo
Distance from Madrid: 35 minutes by train or 55 minutes by car.
What to wear or bring with you: Walking shoes, comfortable clothes and a hat.
Expert Tip: From the library in the Alcazar of Toledo, you can go up to the top floor of the tower to enjoy lunch at the café and get a fantastic view of the city.
Just a short train journey from Madrid’s city centre, the best of Toledo can easily be seen on a day trip. You’ll enter the city’s old town through the imposing Puerta de Bisagra, and once inside, you’ll find plenty of fascinating history to discover. There are numerous churches worth visiting, including the Cathedral of Toledo, Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes and Synagogue of Saint Mary the White. The Alcazar of Toledo is a must-see spot, and if you head inside, you can explore the Army Museum and library.
Cuenca
Distance from Madrid: 1h 20min by train or 1h 40min by car.
What to wear or bring with you: You’ll likely be outdoors a lot, so sunscreen and a hat are essential.
Expert Tip: La Edad de Oro is an excellent bar where you can grab a light lunch or dinner while in Cuenca.
Even if you aren’t planning on heading to the nearby national park, you should still consider a trip to the town of Cuenca. It’s well known for its ‘casas colgadas’, hanging houses built on the edge of a gorge. One houses the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español. In fact, Cuenca is a great city for art lovers, with the Antonio Pérez Foundation Museum hosting contemporary art in a 16th-century convent. The Cuenca Cathedral and San Pablo Bridge are also must-see sites. The bridge offers great views of the hanging houses.
Salamanca
Distance from Madrid: 1h 40min by train or 2h 10min by car.
What to wear or bring with you: It gets very hot in summer so wear lightweight clothes, pack sunscreen and an extra water bottle.
Expert Tip: If you stay into the evening, head to the Roman Bridge at sunset for a gorgeous view.
The Old City of Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles represented. Plaza Mayor has an excellent tourist office where you can pick up maps and ask any questions. It’s also surrounded by lovely cafés and restaurants; consider grabbing something from the Panaderia y Reposteria Soportales bakery to eat on the go. There are two famous cathedrals in the city, aptly named the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. They are joined together, with the Old Cathedral reachable from inside the New Cathedral. The contrast in architecture and atmosphere makes them both well worth visiting.
El Escorial
Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by train or 50 minutes by car.
What to wear or bring with you: It’s best to dress as you would for churches, with knees and shoulders covered.
Expert Tip: Note that photography is not allowed in most of El Escorial; you can only take pictures in the Patio of Kings courtyard.
El Escorial isn’t a city exactly, it’s actually the largest Renaissance building in the world. It used to be the home of Spain’s kings, and you can visit the Royal Pantheon, where much of Spain’s royalty is buried. The rest of the complex includes a palace, a library and a basilica. This is one of the best day trips from Madrid by train, as you might have the opportunity to take the King Philip II vintage train that transports you back in time.
Sierra de Guadarrama: the best day trip from Madrid for hiking
Distance from Madrid: 1 hour by train or car.
What to wear: Comfortable clothes and hiking shoes.
Expert Tip: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy during or after your hike.
Sierra de Guadarrama National Park is just an hour away from Madrid and it’s one of the best places to go hiking in Spain. You may need to drive here, but some towns have train stations. The Seven Peaks hike is an easy loop trail that starts and ends at the Puerto de Navacerrada ski station. It takes around 4 hours to complete. The Mirador de las Canchas loop trail is perfect for hikers who want a challenge, taking you up steep slopes resulting in stunning views. The comfortable Camino de los Campamentos trail begins near the Cercedilla train station and is perfect for families coming by train.
De Pino a Pino: the Madrid day trip to trigger your adrenaline
Distance from Madrid: 50 minutes by car.
What to wear: Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Expert Tip: Start your day here and wind down in the afternoon with a hike through the mountains.
De Pino a Pino Adventure Park in the Sierra de Guadarrama offers thrilling zip-lining tours with excellent views of the mountain. There are seven circuits, and the easiest is suitable for children aged six or older. The Extreme Circuit is perfect for anyone looking to get an adrenaline rush.
Three lovely villages to visit as day trips from Madrid
If you’re looking for a small-town feel, these villages won’t disappoint.
Chinchon
Distance from Madrid: 45 minutes by bus or 50 minutes by car.
Expert Tip: Take the 331 bus from Conde de Casal for the shortest trip.
With a massive main square, Plaza Mayor, Chinchon often hosts excellent markets and festivals. The Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion and the clock tower of the old church are two of the main attractions here. There are also several other interesting historic buildings, including the 15th-century Casasola Castle and the 17th-century Casa de la Cadena. Chinchon has many excellent restaurants, but the Restaurante La Casa del Pregonero at Plaza Mayor is one of the best.
Alcala de Henares
Distance from Madrid: 30 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car.
Expert Tip: Try the tasting menu at Mesa 12 for a unique and tasty meal in Alcala de Henares.
Alcala de Henares was the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, and you can visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum to learn about what his daily life was like growing up. Other interesting historic sites include the University of Alcala De Henares, founded at the end of the 13th century, and the 19th-century Laredo Palace, which houses a museum about the university’s founder, Cardinal Cisneros.
Avila
Distance from Madrid: 1h 40min by train or 1h 15min by car.
Expert Tip: Avila pairs perfectly with a day trip to Segovia, you can travel between the two cities in just under an hour by bus.
The Basílica de San Vicente is the first stop for most people visiting Avila. You can admire its Romanesque Architecture from the outside or head inside for a modest fee. The Avila Cathedral is another beautiful church that you can tour for cheap. Spend half an hour or so walking along Avila’s famous city walls. The main entrance is near the cathedral. Head to Plaza Mercado de Chico for lunch or dinner. We recommend Atipico followed by Pastelerias Munoz Iselma for dessert.
Warner Bros Park: the most kid-friendly day trip from Madrid
Distance from Madrid: 50 minutes by train or 30 minutes by car.
Price: Online tickets are around €29.90 (£25.6) (kids under 100 cm enter for free).
What to bring and wear: Comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and water bottles.
Expert Tip: Consider getting a fast pass to save time on queuing for the best rides.
Parque Warner Madrid is just outside the city, and it’s one of the best Madrid day trips for travellers with kids of all ages. You can have fun on thrilling rides like the Shadows of Arkham rollercoaster or explore the La Aventura de Scooby Doo Cartoon Village. There are plenty of spots to grab food throughout the park and different thematic areas for fans of action heroes, cartoons and Westerns.
The perfect day trip from Madrid, by Katherine
1. Take the train from Madrid at 8:30 am
2. Arrive at Alcala de Henares
3. Visit the Cervantes Birthplace Museum
4. Visit the university
5. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Mesa 12
6. Visit the Laredo Palace
7. Have dinner at Paella de Mou close by
- Take the train back to Madrid
8. Arrive at 8 pm in Madrid
Conclusion
Still looking for inspiration for your trip to Spain? These day trips are just a taste of the amazing places you can explore in Spain by train. We can help you plan your trip whether you’re visiting in summer or winter. If you’re heading to Barcelona, our guide will tell you everything you need to know.
Frequent questions about day trips from Madrid
What three cities can you see in one day from Madrid?
You can visit Segovia, Avila and Toledo in just one day from Madrid. It can be difficult to plan the connections but there are guided tours that can organize everything for you. If you’re strapped for time, this is a great option.
Can you do Seville as a day trip from Madrid?
You can easily visit Seville on a day trip from Madrid. You can get there faster on the high-speed train and you’ll have plenty of time to see the Alcazar, the Cathedral and the Old Town. If you drive it’ll be a little slower, but still doable.
Is Toledo or Segovia better?
The best way to decide whether Toledo or Segovia is better is to visit both. Both have stunning architecture and fascinating histories. Segovia does have more attractions, but some travellers prefer Toledo’s. You really can’t go wrong.
Where can I catch a train to from Madrid?
You can take the train from Madrid all over Spain. From big cities like Barcelona to small towns like Alcala de Henares, Spain’s train network keeps you connected. And when trains aren’t available, there’s usually a bus you can take instead.
Is Barcelona a good day trip from Madrid?
You could just fit Barcelona in as a day trip from Madrid. With a high-speed train, it takes around 2h 45min each way. Tickets can be fairly expensive though, so unless you have a rail pass you might prefer to stay a few days in Barcelona.
