[ULTIMATE Guide] The 27 BEST Day Trips from Madrid

What are the Best Day Trips from Madrid? Quick Answer

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You’ll find below an image with all the best Madrid day trips, with how long it takes to reach the destination. Simply right click/press on the image to save it and use it to plan your trips around Madrid!

Now if you want more information about each of these places, keep reading below. 

For each of the great day trips from Madrid, you’ll find how long it takes to reach the day trip destination, what’s the best way to get there, and what to expect; all the information you need to start planning your next trip!

⏱The time given for each transportation method is an estimate for a one-way trip, and can vary depending on traffic/type of train.

The cost is also an estimate based on average price for a round-trip ticket, and can vary depending on dates.

Segovia Day Trip

We’ll start the list of day trips around Madrid with Segovia, located north west of Madrid.

Segovia is a fantastic town, where all of the main monuments are located in the same spot, making it very easy to see most of the city on a one day trip. Expect to find epic monuments, stunning churches, and lot of viewpoints over the city!

Here are the main things to visit in Segovia:

• Alcazar de Segovia
• Segovia Cathedral
• Roman Aqueduct
• Plaza Mayor

How to Get to Segovia from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h30
🚄 By train: 45mn – 27€
🚎 By bus: 1h30 – 10€

Toledo Day Trip

Toledo, once capital of Spain, is located south west of Madrid, in the Castilla-La Mancha region.

Toledo is my favorite day trip to destination from Madrid, because there is just so many incredible things to see in the city! Due to its rich history, the City of 3 Cultures has various influences: Christian, Jewish and Islamic. It’s very unique to find monuments from these 3 cultures in the same town, and it’s definitely a treat to discover them all.

Here are the main things to visit in Toledo:

• Catedral de Toledo
• Monastery de San Juan de los Reyes
• Puente de Alcántara
• Plaza Zocodover
• Mezquita del Cristo de la Luz

How to Get to Toledo from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h
🚄 By train: 33mn – 28€
🚎 By bus: 50mn – 12€

Avila Day Trip

Avila is located north west of the capital city, in the largest community in Spain, Castile and León.

Avila is known for its amazingly well preserved medieval city walls, going all around the city. One of the best things to do in the city is to go up on the walls, and walk on them around the city, seeing the many epic monuments such as the first gothic cathedral in Spain.

Here are the main things to visit in Avila:

• Catedral de Avila
• The Fortified Walls
• Iglesia Santa Teresa
• Basilica de San Vicente
• Mirador 4 Postes

How to Get to Avila from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h20
🚄 By train: 1h30 – 21€
🚎 By bus: 1h20 – 16€

Consuegra Day Trip

Consuegra is located south of Madrid, 45 minutes south from Toledo. Unfortunately there are no trains going to Consuegra, but you’ll still be able to go there with your own car or with a bus.

Consuegra is the setting of the classical novel Don Quixote, with the long line of 12 windmills leading up to the Consuegra castle. Although the main attraction is undoubtedly the windmills, there are other interesting things to see around to keep you busy for a day.

If you’re a fan of castle, make sure to visit Almeria and its beautiful moorish castle, too.

Here are the main things to visit in Consuegra:

• 12 Windmills
• Castle of Consuegra
• Longest Roman Damn in the World
• Santísimo Cristo de Veracruz Church

How to Get to Consuegra from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h35
🚎 By bus: 2h30 – 22€

Valladolid Day Trip

Located north west of Madrid, Valladolid is the capital of the Castile and León community, and the biggest city in northwestern Spain.

Before Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1561, Valladolid was the main place of residence for the Kings of Castile. You’ll love Valladolid if you’re a fan of architecture, with gorgeous buildings – both ancient and recent, and you’ll also love it if you’re a fan of history, with plenty of museums.

Here are the main things to visit in Valladolid:

• Catedral de Valladolid
• Plaza Mayor
• San Pablo Church
• Royal Palace of Valladolid
• National Sculpture Museum
• Christopher Columbus Museum

How to Get to Valladolid from Madrid

🚗 By car: 2h20
🚄 By train: 1h05 – 50€
🚎 By bus: 2h30 – 32€

Alcala de Henares Day Trip

Alcalá de Henares is very close to Madrid, as it’s part of the Community of Madrid. Located east of the capital, it takes around 30 minutes to reach, and it’s the perfect destination for a day trip when you don’t want to wake up too early, or go to bed really late.

The city has been designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll be sure to take a trip back in time by strolling the streets and exploring the museums . It’s also the birthplace of Cervantes, author of Don Quixote (most translated book in the world after the Bible!)

Here are the main things to visit in Alcalá de Henares:

• Colegio Mayor San Ildefonso
• Cervantes House Museum
• Plaza de Cervantes
• Alcalá de Henares Cathedral
• Calle Mayor
• Universidad de Alcala

How to Get to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid

🚗 By car: 30mn
🚄 By train: 25mn – 9€
🚎 By bus: 40mn – 7€

Sierra de Guadarrama Day Trip

Located 1 hour north of Madrid, the Sierra de Guadarrama is a mountain range. It’s a tad hard to reach, and would highly recommend using a car to get there.

I love how easy it is to reach the mountains from Madrid; a one-hour drive and you’re in the mountains, hiking with an epic backdrop, and discovering waterfalls and stunning viewpoints. A perfect day trip to escape the city!

Here are the main things to visit in Sierra de Guadarrama:

• Mirador de Javier
• Laguna Grande
• Pico de los Claveles
• Camino del Agua

How to Get to Sierra de Guadarrama from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h10
🚄 By train: 2h – 40€

Cuenca Day Trip

Located east of the Spanish capital, in between Madrid and Valencia, Cuenca is one of the easiest day trips from Madrid. There’s a direct high-speed train line (AVE), making it easy to reach and thus perfect for a day trip from Madrid.

Cuenca is a Historic Walled Town, famous for its hanging houses, named casas colgadas.  The houses are built on cliffs above the Huécar Gorge, and it’s a surreal sight to behold. The city center is colorful, and the cathedral is definitely worth seeing.

Here are the main things to visit in Cuenca:

• Hanging Houses of Cuenca
• Cuenca Cathedral
• La Ciudad Encantada
• San Pablo bridge

How to Get to Cuenca from Madrid

🚗 By car: 2h
🚄 By train: 1h – 42€

Buitrago de Lozoya Day Trip

Buitrago de Lozoya is located north of Madrid, on the Lozoya river. There is no train station in the city, but you can reach it quite easily by bus, and driving there is very quick.

The city almost looks like an island, set on the river, surrounded by the Moorish Town Walls, almost as well preserved as the Londonderry walls. There is plenty to discover in the city, and you can end the day by going for a swim in the Riosequillo recreation area.

Here are the main things to visit in Buitrago de Lozoya:

• Castillo de Buitrago
• Riosequillo Reservoir
• Embalse del Villar
• Santa Maria del Castillo
• Ermita de Santiago
• Picasso Museum

How to Get to Buitrago de Lozoya from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h
🚎 By bus: 2h – 30€

Seville Day Trip

Seville is one of the most famous cities in Spain, located down south. It’s a long distance from Madrid, and I would never recommend day trips from Madrid to Seville by car or bus (way too long!). However, there’s a high-speed train connecting the two cities, making it possible to visit Seville on a day trip from Madrid. 

Capital of Andalusia, a region famous for its white villages, Seville is full of history and beautiful architecture, with the central square Plaza de España so rich in details and ceramic tiles. The city is also the birthplace of Flamenco, so you should definitely plan a little dance day trip to escape from Madrid for a day.

Here are the main things to visit in Seville:

• Plaza de España
• Catedral de Sevilla
• Royal Alcázar de Sevilla
• Torre del Oro
• Las Setas de Sevilla

How to Get to Seville from Madrid

🚄 By train: 2h32 – 100€

Salamanca Day Trip

Salamanca is located west of Madrid, past Avila. It’s part of the Castile and León region, and it’s the capital of the Salamanca province; it makes for one of the best road trips in Spain.

Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has beautiful architecture and a rich history that you can feel when walking in the streets. It’s mostly known for its prestigious university, the Salamanca University, founded in the 13th century, where brilliant people studied and taught: Miguel de Cervantes and Christopher Columbus to name a few.

Here are the main things to visit in Salamanca:

• Salamanca Cathedral
• Plaza Mayor
• University of Salamanca
• Try the Hornazo (meat pie)
• Cielo de Salamanca

How to Get to Salamanca from Madrid

🚗 By car: 2h20
🚄 By train: 1h36 – 32€
🚎 By bus: 2h25 – 33€

Zaragoza Day Trip

Zaragoza is located north east from Madrid, on the way to the border with France. It’s the capital of the Aragon region, and the 5th biggest city in Spain. Although it’s pretty far from Madrid by car, making a day trip hard to do, it’s very quick to get there by train.

The city has both Gothic and Islamic influences, which results in a great diversity in the monuments that you can see in Zaragoza. The main monument is the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Basilica, a massive basilica with domes & towers, over the Ebro river.

Here are the main things to visit in Zaragoza:

• Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
• Puente de Piedra
• Zaragoza Museum
• Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza
• Leaning Tower of Zaragoza

How to Get to Zaragoza from Madrid

🚗 By car: 3h10
🚄 By train: 1h15 – 82€
🚎 By bus: 3h30 – 31€

Burgos Day Trip

Burgos is straight north of Madrid, in the Castile and León community. It’s definitely one of the best excursions you could choose.

Occupied even 800,000 years ago, Burgos has a remarkable architecture, with the Burgos Cathedral as the masterpiece of the city. Oh and the city was also Spanish Gastronomy Capital in 2013, so you’ll be sure to find nice Spanish food to indulge in after exploring the city.

Here are the main things to visit in Burgos:

• Burgos Cathedral
• Arco de Santa Maria
• Castillo de Burgos
• Iglesia de San Esteban
• Military Museum
• Museum of Human Evolution

How to Get to Burgos from Madrid

🚗 By car: 2h30
🚄 By train: 2h26 – 50€
🚎 By bus: 2h30 – 39€

Cordoba Day Trip

A 4 hours drive away from Madrid down south, Cordoba is pretty hard to reach for a day trip. However the AVE (high-speed train) gets you there in under 2 hours, effectively making Córdoba a good day trip destination from Spain capital city.

Córdoba was a big Roman city, and you can thus expect to find a lot of Roman ruins in the city, such as the Roman Temple. It was also one of the main Islamic center in Spain in medieval times, and you’ll see plenty of Islamic monuments, including one of the most famous Spain landmarks, the Mosque of Cordoba.

Discover here the perfect Cordoba day trip itinerary.

Here are the main things to visit in Cordoba:

• Mosque of Cordoba
• Roman Temple
• Calleja de las Flores
• Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
• Roman Bridge

How to Get to Cordoba from Madrid

🚄 By train: 1h40 – 90€

Madrid Wine Country Day Trip

The Madrid Wine Country is made of 3 different areas near Madrid: Arganda del Rey in the east, Navalcarnero in the south west, and San Martin de Valdeiglesias in the west. Pick any of the 3 and go for a day trip!

It all started when the Romans brought with them vines in the region; now, the Madrid Wine Region is now a DO (Designation of Origin), and the perfect place to go for a day trip outside the city while tasting the finest wines in the region.

How to Get to Madrid Wine Country from Madrid

🚗 By car: 30mn
🚄 By train: 1h20 – 15€

San Lorenzo de El Escorial Day Trip

El Escorial, also known as San Lorenzo de El Escorial or El Escorial de Arriba, is a city north west of Madrid, that you can explore before heading to Segovia.

El Escorial is mostly known for the Monastery of El Escorial, a massive Renaissance buildings complex, with several parts, courtyards, rooms, fountains and gardens. You don’t have to step inside to be blown away by the place, but if you do, you’re in for a treat. Don’t miss the Felipe II Train for the ultimate experience!

Here are the main things to visit in San Lorenzo de El Escorial:

• Monasterio de El Escorial
• Valley of the Fallen (need to drive/take a bus to reach)
• Frailes Garden
• Mirador Abantos
• Iglesia de San Bernabé

How to Get to San Lorenzo de El Escorial from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h
🚎 By bus: 55mn – 3€

Aranjuez Day Trip

Next to the Tagus river, Aranjuez is in the Community of Madrid, down south next to the border with the Castile-La Mancha region.

The main attraction to visit during your day trip from Madrid is the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, a massive Renaissance palace inspired by the French palaces, and secondary residence of the Spanish Kings. Come visit this magnificent palace, and stroll in the delicate gardens before heading out in the city to chill on a local café’s terrace.

Here are the main things to visit in Aranjuez:

• Palacio Real de Aranjuez
• Church of San Antonio
• Gran Casino
• Plaza de Parejas
• Casa del Labrador

How to Get to Aranjuez from Madrid

🚗 By car: 45mn
🚄 By train: 34mn – 13€
🚎 By bus: 35mn – 7€

Pedraza Day Trip

The walled city of Pedraza is located north of Madrid, not far from Segovia. There is no train station nor bus station in the city, so your only option is to drive to get there.

Pedraza is a small town, the kind of town you go to when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The perfect destination for day trips out of Madrid, to relax and enjoy the calm. You can also visit medieval buildings, such as the Pedraza Castle.

Here are the main things to visit in Pedraza:

• Castillo de Pedraza
• Iglesia de San Juan
• Mirador de las Tongueras
• Aqueduct next to the Casa del Aguila Imperial

How to Get to Pedraza from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h35
 

Valencia Day Trip

Valencia is the 3rd biggest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, and definitely a must-visit in Spain. It’s located on the East Coast, and it’s the only day trip destination with a beach!

More than 3h30 of driving from Madrid, it takes only 1h40 to reach with the high-speed train, making Valencia a good day trip destination if you want to chill on the beach and swim in the sea for the day (or the weekend). There are also plenty of epic things to visit, with several futurist buildings that contrast with the rest of Spain.

Make sure to get the Valencia tourist card to save up on public transportation, entries to museums and more.

Here are the main things to visit in Valencia:

• Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
• Oceanografic
• Catedral de Valencia
• Torres de Serranos
• Playa de la Malvarrosa

Ready to go to Valencia? Here’s the best Valencia 1-day itinerary, free map included.

How to Get to Valencia from Madrid

🚄 By train: 1h40 – 90€

Chinchon Day Trip

Chinchon is part of the community of Madrid, and it’s located south east of the capital city. There is no train station, but you can take a bus or drive there. It is one of the quickest and cheapest day trips from Madrid you can find.

Chinchon is built around the main square, an old historic square with 234 green wood balconies, dating from medieval times. The Plaza Mayor is truly the heart of the city, where all kind of events have taken and take place: corridas, theater plays, livestock fairs, and even executions back in the days.

Here are the main things to visit in Chinchon:

• Plaza Mayor
• Castillo de los Condes
• Castle of Chinchon
• Iglesia de Notra Senora de la Asuncion
• Torre de Reloj

How to Get to Chinchon from Madrid

🚗 By car: 50mn
🚎 By bus: 1h20 – 3€

La Granja de San Ildefonso Day Trip

La Granja de San Ildefonso, also known as San Ildefonso or La Granja, is a city north of Madrid; it’s right next to Segovia, and can be visited as part of a trip to Segovia.

La Granja is mainly a Royal Site, with the Royal Palace, a monumental historical site. The palace was the summer residence of King Philip V, and looks a lot like the Versailles Palace in France. On your getaway from Madrid, explore the palace, get lost in the sumptuous gardens, and visit the Royal Glass Factory!

Here are the top-rated tourist attractions in La Granja de San Ildefonso:

• Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso
• The Palace Gardens
• Neptune Fountain
• Embalse del Ponton Alto
• Glass Factory

How to Get to La Granja de San Ildefonso from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h25
 

Hoces del Rio Duraton Day Trip

The Hoces del Rio Duraton is a national park north of Madrid, next to Segovia. It’s tough to get there with public transportation (can make it from Segovia), but if you have a car or rent one you’ll be in a totally different place from Madrid in under 2 hours.

The National Park features an impressive bend in the river, with the river running deep into a canyon more than 100 meters below. It’s the perfect place for a hike, or any outdoor activities: mountain biking, canoeing. Don’t miss the hermitage built on the edge of the cliffs!

Here are the main things to visit in Hoces del Rio Duraton:

• Hermitage of San Frutos
• Monastery de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles de la Hoz
• Cave of the Seven Altars

How to Get to Hoces del Rio Duraton from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h50

Siguenza Day Trip

Located north east of Madrid, past Guadalajara, Siguenza is a small city with less than 5,000 inhabitants.

Siguenza is a gorgeous medieval city, and you can expect to find stunning medieval architecture in the city, such as the Castillo de Siguenza. In addition to the medieval vibe, you can also visit the nearby Barranco del Rio Dulce Natural Park, where you’ll find plenty of waterfalls!

Here are the main things to visit in Siguenza:

• Castillo de Siguenza
• Catedral de Siguenza
• Barranco del Rio Dulce Natural Park
• Castle of Pelegrina
• Iglesia de El Salvador

How to Get to Siguenza from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h40
🚄 By train: 1h30 – 28€
🚎 By bus: 1h40 – 26€

Ribera del Duero Day Trip

The Ribera del Duero area is where you’ll find some of the best wines in Spain; located north of Madrid, the area can only be reached by car – don’t drink & drive! 

Visit the wineries of the Ribera del Duero, walk along the vast fields in between the vines, and soak up all of the sun on your day trip. If you also want to try the local wine, the best option is to join a tour, so you can focus on the drinking and not on the driving!

Here are the top tourist attractions in Ribera del Duero:

• Bodegas Finca Villacreces
• Zarceras
• Castle of Penafiel
• Ermita de la Virgen del Rio

 
How to Get to Ribera del Duero from Madrid

🚗 By car: 2h30

Warner Bros Park Day Trip

The Warner Bros Park is a massive theme park, 30km south of the capital city. It’s a different day trip from the others on this list, but you’re still in for a ton of fun!

It’s the 2nd biggest theme park in Spain, and one of the biggest in Europe; it also has the 2nd highest freefall in the world! In the park, you’ll find a lot of themed zones, such as the DC Superheroes World, or the Cartoon Village.

How to Get to Warner Bros Park from Madrid

🚗 By car: 35mn
🚄 By train: 30mn – 9€
🚎 By bus: 40mn – 7€
 

Embalse de San Juan Day Trip

The Embalse de San Juan, or San Juan reservoir, is a big artificial lake created with a dam, in the west of Madrid.

The San Juan Reservoir is your go-to day trip destination if you want to escape the heat; go swim in the lake, and have fun with kayaks on the water! Not far from Madrid, it’s a good option if you don’t want to go all the way to Valencia for the beach.

Here are the main things to visit in Embalse de San Juan:

• Hike around the lake
• Lancha del Yelmo
• Mirador del Conde de Miranda
• NASA Space Station Madrid

How to Get to Embalse de San Juan from Madrid

🚗 By car: 1h20
🚎 By bus: 1h30 – 11€

Manzanares El Real Day Trip

Our last destination on this list of the best day trips from Madrid is Manzanares el Real, a nice town north west of Madrid often skipped by tourists going straight to Segovia. But trust me, it’s worth a stop.

In Manzanares el Real, you’ll find both epic monuments and stunning landscapes. You can start the day by visiting the castle and heart of the city, then spend the rest of the day chilling next to the water at the Embalse de Santillano or hiking in the mountains nearby.

Here are the main things to visit in Manzanares el Real:

• Castle Manzanares El Real
• El Elefantito
• Fuente de las Ermitas
• Cueva del Ave Maria
• La Gran Canada hike
• Embalse de Manzanares el Real

Day Trips from Madrid : How to Get to Manzanares el Real

🚗 By car: 1h
🚎 By bus: 45mn – 11€

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So there you have it, your list of the 27 best day trips from Madrid! Some of these destinations need a little bit more than a single day to be fully enjoyed, but you will definitely have a good time there for a day.

Is there a day trip destination you love that I forgot in this list? Let me know in the comments!

Visit Spain

Planning a trip to Spain? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Spain Guides:

• Best Sunrise Spot in Mallorca
• Free Walking Tour of Avila
• How to get from Madrid to Segovia

I hope you enjoy your trip to Spain! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

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