Day Trip: Madrid to Toledo, Spain

While Madrid has plenty to keep you busy, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city. By taking a short train or bus ride, you can be transported to a different town that will allow you to experience Spanish life in another way. And the best part: You can leave Madrid in the morning or early afternoon and still make it back to your hostel/hotel/home in Madrid by the end of the day.

Toledo is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid, due to its proximity and ease of access. Learn everything you need to know to plan your own trip!

Toledo, Spain

Distance from Madrid: 73 km/46 miles

Toledo is the capital of Castilla-La Mancha, one of Spain’s 17 autonomous communities, which are a bit like states in the U.S. But speaking of states, we need to discuss something very important. It’s not pronounced “Toll-ee-doe” like the city in Ohio… in Spain, it’s “Toe-lay-doe,” and the “d” makes a soft “th” sound.

The medieval charm of this city can’t be ignored. As you enter into the town, you’ll pass through one of the puertas, or gates to the old city. Perched on top of the highest hill is the Alcázar. This is an impressive old fortress that now holds the military museum – and it’s quite popular, as there was a line wrapping around the building when I was last there. In every shop along the cobbled streets, you’ll find replica suits of armor and giant silver swords. Apparently these are popular souvenirs, but I can’t imagine they travel well on an airplane.

Toledo’s nickname is the “City of Three Cultures” or the “City of Three Religions.” This is because Judaism, Christianity, and Islam coexisted peacefully for many years, and you can see it in many ways. One interesting cultural site proving this is the Synagogue of St. Mary the White: it was constructed under the direction of the Christian kingdom, by Islamic architects, for Jewish use.

If you’re interested in other religious sites, check out the Toledo Cathedral. It was built in the 13th century, and it’s one of the most beautiful examples of the Gothic style in all of Spain. You could easily spend hours inside, admiring all the gold ornamentation and side chapels, and visiting the sepulchres. You’ll also find the famous Monstrance of Arte, which once belonged to Queen Isabella. Every year on Corpus Christi, citizens parade this 10-foot-tall monstrance through the city.

Other notable sites: El Greco Museum, Museum of Santa Cruz, Puente de Alcántara

Get from Madrid to Toledo by…

Bus: Leave from Plaza Elíptica, in the south of Madrid. Plaza Elíptica is on the 6 (Gray) metro line, or the 11 (Green) line if you’re already in the south of the city center. For about €6 each way, bus #402 will get you to Toledo in 50 minutes. There’s usually a long line waiting at the bus dock, but don’t worry – there’s enough space for everyone, and if not, there’s usually another bus right behind. Just make sure you get the #402 “Directo” or else you’ll stop a little more frequently along the way.

Even if you buy your tickets for a certain time, you can get on any bus #402 to/from Toledo as long as it’s the same day. Also, if you have an “abono” transportation card for the community of Madrid, it works for Toledo too!

Train: Leave from Atocha train station, so if you’re arriving by metro, get off at the Atocha Renfe stop along the 1 (Light Blue) line. Buy your ticket in the station from one of the kiosks, or online from a site like Loco2.com. On the AVE high-speed train, your tickets will cost you about €13 each way, but you’ll make it to Toledo in only 30 minutes.

 

What else do you want to know about visiting Toledo? Let me know in the comments!

-Cathy

Originally Published on November 16, 2018.