Because we had one more day, we wanted to make a daytrip outside of Madrid. Of course there are a lot of Madrid excursions: Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, Avilia,… We doubted between Toledo and Segovia. But we decided to see Segovia. It’s a small city located 87 km (54 miles) from Madrid and it’s on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
There is a high speed train that only takes 30 minutes to get you there and it leaves at the train station of Chamartín. The easiest way to get there is by metro. For us (located at Gran Via) it was a 25 minutes ride on the metro (1 euro*).
When you arrive at Chamartín, you go to the desk at the train station to buy the tickets for the fast train, you get reserved seats. Check for the special ‘turista’ tariff of 15 euros* (round-trip). But look for the hours of these trains, it’s only offered certain hours, otherwise you have to pay 22 euros* one-way! More on the hours and tariffs on the Renfe website. (You can also take a bus ‘La Sepulvidana’ to Segovia, but that takes about 75 minutes, that’s why we choose the train instead.)
When we arrived in Segovia station, we were located 7 km (11 miles) from the old city centre of Segovia. There is a bus (line 11) that takes you to the historic centre in 15 minutes for less than one euro (0.86 euro*). (If you want, you can already ask for a map at the tourist information desk located in the station). The bus ticket can be bought on the bus.
As soon as we arrived at the Aqueduct (this is where the bus drops you), you can easily walk around to see the old buildings.
If you want to visit the Gothic cathedral, the entrance ticket is 3 euros*. For Alcázar (the castle), we paid an entrance ticket of 4 euros*, and an extra 2 euros* if you want to climb the tower (but be prepared to climb 152 steps ;o). Fun fact: I read somewhere that Walt Disney used this castle as an inspiration! Join me on my walk through the castle.
We walked around in the city and passed by restaurants and shops. This city has a Plaza Mayor as well, same as in Madrid, located in the center of this historic city.
When we wanted to go back to the train station, we took line 11 again at the same place as the bus dropped us off. (There is a timetable with the hours at the bus stop, so make sure to check those.) Because the train tickets work with reserved seats, we knew the hour to get back.
After the 30 minutes train ride, we took the metro back to our hotel, to pick up our luggage and head back to the airport. Because our 3 day trip to Madrid finished. But we had a great time visiting this city! And next time I’ll definitely do some more Madrid excursions, maybe then I can visit Toledo 🙂
Find hotels in Segovia.
*: Based on a visit in June 2009. Prices may change.
Read more on this Madrid City Break in my Travel Journal or another daytrip from Madrid to El Escorial Monastery.
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