Daytrips, Madrid

Madrid Cercanias stop at Nuevos Ministerios, Chamartin and other stations in Madrid, In the section of their route between Atocha and Chamatin they go underground but they are distinct from the Metro. They are mainly used for trips outside the city of Madrid but within the wider Comunidad de Madrid. There is just one line that runs nowhere near the city of Madrid.

This is a narrow gauge, mainly single track line from Cercedilla to Los Cotos through glorious mountain scenery in the Sierra de Guadarrama. I have wrtten an account with photos at http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/240e4/ba/

If you're planning to take the high speed train to Toledo - or any daytrip for that matter - I'd suggest you purchase your tickets in advance. Not knowing this, I showed up to the Atocha station to buy a ticket for Toledo on the AVE only to discover that they were sold out. I had to wait two hours for the next departure -- and this was during the off-season.

For daytrips. from atocha there is a train to Alcala de Henares and Guadalajara. Each half hour from Attocha there is a train to Aranjuez. From Attocha there is the C 8b to the winstersport resorts. The c 9 rides from Attocha to El Escorial. Segovia can be reached with the C 8b and the regional from Attocha. Each two hours there is a regional that goes from Atocha to Toledo

Well worth the visit is a day trip to Toledo. Approx. 70 kms from Madrid (44 miles) it is situated on a hill complete with cobbled streets and old world charm. The trip takes approx one hour depending on traffic. The main bus terminal (Estacion Sur de autobuses) is situated in the south of the city at the Mendez Alvara Metro station (line 6) Cost each way is 4.50 euros. Continental buses run approx. each half hour. Make sure you board the right bus, as seats are allocated. The number of the bus and seat are shown on the ticket (buses 1 and 2) If you miss the bus, return to the ticket office where your seat will be re assigned. Buses can be quite full even in the winter months with a lot of students making the journey.

The buses by La Sepulvedana leaves for Segovia every 30 minutes. A return ticket costs 8,52 euros and leaves from Estacion del Norte (Metro: Principe Pio). The bus ride takes 1.5 hours.

Information correct as of July 2003 :)

The buses by Continental Auto leaves for Toledo every 30 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 3,89 euros and leaves from Estacion Sur de Autobuses (Metro: Mendez Alvaro). The bus ride takes 1 hour.

Information correct as of July 2003 :)

The buses by Herranz leaves for El Escorial every 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 2,85 euros and leaves from Intercambio de Moncloa (Metro: Moncloa). The bus ride takes 1 hour.

Information correct as of July 2003 :)

On Atocha and Chamartin stations you will find these vending machines to buy "Cercanias" trains tickets.
Just choose the destination, the kind of ticket (one way, return, 10 rides...) and insert the coins (or notes).

Buses depart from "La Sepulvedana" at Paseo de la florida, 11

It takes around an 1h45min to get there.

You have daily buses:
from 06:30 to 21:30 each half an hour except at 17:30

Price:
5,30Euros one way
8,55Euros Return.

Notice that prices are 2002 and they might grow up in January next year.

You can reach the Bus station by Metro, Principe Pio station lines 6, 10 and Ramal Norte.

you can also reach Segovia by train but it takes more than 2 hours.

From "Estacion Sur de Autobuses" Southern Bus Station at c/Mendez Alvaro, S/n
You have daily buses:
Week Days: each 15 or 30 minutes
Weekend: each hour

There are 2 companies:
Aisa (tel:915271294) 2,90Euros 1way
Samar: (914684236) 2,41Euros 1way

notice that prices are 2002 and they might grow up in January next year.

You can reach the Bus station by Metro stop at Mendez Alvaro, line 6

you can also reach aranjuez by train.