Toledo Day Trip From Madrid: Everything You Need To Know

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The Toledo day trip from Madrid is the most popular day trip from the capital of Spain. It takes less than an hour to get to this charming medieval town and there are plenty of things to discover there.

I took this day trip in October 2023 and I had a great time. Even though Toledo is quite a small town, the historic centre has a lot to offer, from the stunning cathedral to the Alcazar on top of a hill to the charming small alleys.

In this post, I want to give you a concise version of everything you need to know if you want to do a day trip from Madrid to Toledo.

🤩 Learn about Toledo on a guided walking tour

Table of Contents

How to get to Toledo from Madrid

It’s very easy to get from Madrid to Toledo, there are multiple options to choose from. The fastest way to reach Toledo from Madrid is by taking a train. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the Spanish countryside.

You can also opt for a guided tour or hire a car if you prefer more flexibility.

Whatever option you choose, doing a day trip to Toledo is a great option if you spend more days in Madrid.

From Madrid to Toledo by train

The train station in Toledo from the inside with an intricate wooden ceiling; the train is the best way how to get from Madrid to Toledo — Make sure to have a look at the inside of the train station

One of the most hassle-free ways to do a Toledo day trip from Madrid is by train. The high-speed AVANT trains operated by Renfe depart from Madrid’s Atocha station and the journey time is just half an hour.

The service is frequent, with trains leaving approximately every hour, providing flexibility to fit your schedule.

An additional bonus of taking the train is that you arrive at the beautiful train station in Toledo which is truly stunning. The Toledo train station is in a Moorish style with many Arabic elements.

It’s about a 20-minute walk from the train station to the city centre but the views along the way make the walk worthwhile.

I recommend booking the train tickets online at the official RENFE webpage as the train tickets can sell out. Make sure you arrive at the train station early enough as there is a security check for the high-speed trains.

A historic bridge over a river, on the other side of the river is the city of Toledo on top of a hill — The Puente de Alcántara is a short walk from the train station and the gateway to the historic city

From Madrid to Toledo by bus

If you’re on a budget, the bus from Madrid to Toledo is a great option. The journey takes about an hour, which is slightly longer than the train, but it’s the cheapest way.

Most buses depart from Madrid, Estación de Plaza Elíptica and arrive at Toledo’s main bus station.

From the bus station, you can make your way to the old city gate, Puerta de Bisagra, and start exploring the winding streets of Toledo. It’s also about a 20-minute walk to the historic old town.

From Madrid to Toledo by car

For those who prefer the freedom of self-drive, driving might just be the solution. The journey from Madrid to Toledo is around 70 kilometers via the A-42 highway, and it takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

Once in Toledo, there are some big car parks outside of the old town of Toledo. I do not recommend driving in Toledo itself since some streets are extremely narrow and steep.

From Madrid to Toledo by tour

Lastly, if you’re someone who appreciates the convenience and insight provided by guided tours, there are numerous day tours available from Madrid to Toledo.

These tours generally include transportation and a knowledgeable tour guide. They’re a great way to ensure you hit all the must-see spots without the stress of planning the details yourself.

Another great reason to choose a tour is that you can combine a day trip to Toledo with a day trip to Segovia, which is very difficult to do in one day by public transport.

🤩 I love this private tour for the excellent reviews!

Best things to do in Toledo

Toledo is a beautiful Spanish city that invites exploration through its narrow streets, so don’t be afraid to wander around and discover hidden gems along the way.

The whole historic center of Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage site and worth adding to your Spain itinerary. So, just keep your eyes open while you wander around and take in the scenery.

While you wander around make sure you visit these main attractions during your one day in Toledo.

Visit the Cathedral of Toledo

The cathedral of Toledo reflecting in a small pond; one of the great things to see on a Toledo day trip from Madrid — Toledo cathedral with its impressive bell tower

One of the main attractions in Toledo is the Cathedral of Toledo, or Catedral Primada Santa María de Toledo as the official Spanish name is. It’s one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Spain.

A church altar with a lot of gold and paintings — It’s worth paying to see the cathedral from the inside

As beautiful as the cathedral is from the outside, it’s also worth buying the entrance ticket so you can marvel at the inside. You can buy the entrance ticket opposite the cathedral entrance.

Inside, you’ll be amazed by the beautifully stained-glass windows, intricate wooden carvings, and numerous works of art, including El Greco’s famous painting “The Disrobing of Christ.”

🤩 I love this walking tour for the included skip-the-line entrance ticket to Toledo Cathedral!

Explore the Alcázar of Toledo

View from a pedestrian bridge to a fortification on top of a hill — Toledo Alcázar overlooking the beautiful city of Toledo

Perched on the highest part of the city is the Alcázar of Toledo. This former palace was rebuilt after severe damage during the Spanish Civil War, which ended in 1939.

Today the Alcázar houses a library and a military museum. Even if you’re not interested in entering the Alcázar it’s worth walking up to it.

Next to the Alcázar is the popular Plaza Zocodover. This square is great for some people watching or to have a drink in one of the cafés surrounding the square.

🤩 I love this private tour for the group price!

Discover Toledo’s Jewish Quarter

The facade of a historic synagogue in Toledo — Unfortunately, the Synagogue El Transito was closed when I visited Toledo

Step back in time in Toledo’s Jewish Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets revealing hidden courtyards, synagogues, and historical buildings. Among its gems are two noteworthy synagogues – the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the Synagogue El Tránsito.

The Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca is one of the oldest still-standing synagogues in Europe. In the 15th century, the synagogue was transformed into a catholic church and today it’s a museum.

The Synagogue El Tránsito also was transformed into a church in the 15th century. Today it’s the Sephardic Museum, offering insights into the life and customs of the Jewish community in Spain during the Middle Ages.

🤩 Walk through the old Jewish quarter with a local guide!

Stroll Across the San Martin Bridge

Some bushes in the front and behind you can see a historic bridge and some hills behind it — View of San Martin’s Bridge from Mirador de Santa Ana

One of Toledo’s iconic landmarks that you shouldn’t miss on your Toledo day trip itinerary is the San Martin Bridge. This medieval stone bridge stretches across the River Tagus.

There’s something magical about walking across this 14th-century bridge – it’s as if you’re stepping back in time. It’s especially scenic during sunset when the golden hues of the setting sun cast a warm glow on the ancient stone structure.

If you’re more adventurous you can even zip-line across the river to get a unique view of the bridge.

Visit the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes

A cloister around a courtyard — Does the cloister not look magical?

Another must-see spot is the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Built in the 15th century by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, it stands as a symbol of the Catholic Monarchs’ victory in the Battle of Toro.

This Franciscan monastery, with its stunning cloisters adorned with intricate carvings and the peaceful ambience of its gardens, is an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Toledo.

My favourite part of visiting the monastery was the courtyard. When I walked through the cloister I felt like in a Harry Potter movie.

Don’t forget to look up and see the chains hanging on the exterior walls – they were shackles worn by Christian prisoners during the Reconquista, a poignant reminder of Spain’s historical past.

Enjoy the Viewpoint Del Valle

View of Toledo at sunset, a river goes past the town, on the other side of the river is nature — The best view of Toledo, especially at sunset

After a day of exploring, head over to the Viewpoint, Mirador Del Valle. Situated on the opposite side of the Tagus River, this spot offers a breathtaking view of the city, especially at sunset.

The easiest way to get there is by taking the tourist train which sets off next to the Alcázar. It’s a round-trip journey with a stop at the viewpoint. During the ride, you can listen to an audio guide about the history of Toledo in multiple languages.

It’s also possible to walk to the viewpoint, it takes about a half hour to get there from Toledo depending on where you set off. Since we already did a lot of walking in the city itself, we opted for the tourist train.

A tourist train next to a fortress in the evening — We took the tourist train for 8€ to get to the Mirador de Valle

Tips for a Toledo day trip from Madrid

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Toledo’s charm lies in its cobbled streets and steep hills, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes for your day trip.
Bring a reusable water bottle: Walking so much uphill makes you very thirsty, so make sure to bring some water, especially in summer.
Start Early: Toledo might seem quite small but it’s rich in history and culture, and there’s a lot to see. It’s a good idea to start your day trip early to make the most of your visit.
Try the Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying local treats such as ‘Mazapan’ (marzipan). Note that traditional marzipan is not always vegan since it has an egg coating, but you can find vegan-labeled options.
Visit on a Weekday: If possible, plan your Toledo day trip from Madrid during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.
Buy a Tourist Bracelet: If you plan to visit a number of museums and monuments, consider buying a ‘Pulsera Turística‘ (tourist bracelet) for unlimited access to seven sites.

FAQ about Madrid to Toledo day trip

Is Toledo a good day trip from Madrid?

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid. It only takes half an hour to get there by train and there’s a lot to see in Toledo.

Is Toledo Spain worth a day trip?

Yes, Toledo is worth visiting for a day. In one day you can see all the best sights in Toledo.

Is Toledo a walkable city?

Yes, Toledo is a very walkable city. However, it’s located on a hill, so there’s a lot of uphill and downhill walking involved.

Can I tour Toledo on my own?

Yes, you can easily tour Toledo on your own. You don’t need to take a tour. It’s easy to get to Toledo by public transportation.

Final thoughts: Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid

In conclusion, a day trip to Toledo from Madrid is a must for anyone looking to experience the rich history and culture of Spain. I really think a day trip to Toledo is worth it even though I don’t necessarily think Madrid is worth visiting.

From exploring the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Toledo Cathedral and San Martin Bridge, to taking in the breathtaking views at Viewpoint Del Valle and enjoying traditional treats like marzipan, there is something for everyone in this charming city.

Toledo Day Trip From Madrid: Everything You Need To Know