If you’ve already seen all the Madrid essentials during your trip, like El Retiro Park and the Palacio Real, it’s time for a day trip! Madrid’s location and status as the national capital ensures that there are numerous options for breaking out of the city limits and seeing something new. Here you have 5 great days trips from Madrid that can all be easily accessed by public transportation!

Toledo

Toledo is usually one of the top day trips from Madrid!
Photo on VisualHunt

Toledo is one of the most popular choices when it comes to taking a day trip from the Spanish capital. Its close proximity makes it easily accessible by train, bus or car in an hour or less. Once there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to Medieval Spain as you marvel at churches, synagogues, and castles from the city’s past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is packed to the gills with architecture, and is also the birthplace of painting legend El Greco. Also, be sure to try some marzipan, the city’s most famous treat!

Distance from Madrid: 72 kilometers.
Ride time in bus: 50-60 minutes
Ride time on train: 40-55 minutes

Segovia

Segovia, another World Heritage City, is also an excellent choice to visit for a day. You can get there by high-speed train or bus in an hour and a half or less, giving you plenty of time to explore the city. Some of Segovia’s main attractions are the Roman Aqueduct, the Jewish Quarter, Alcázar, and Cathedral. Simply enjoy walking the city’s streets to soak up the architecture and historical feel it retains to this day. Make sure to stroll through the Caballeros and Canonjías neighborhoods to see prime examples of what makes Segovia so special.

Distance from Madrid: 97 kilometers.
Ride time in bus: 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Ride time on train: 30 minutes.

El Escorial

El Escorial, located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, is one of the historical Spanish royal sites. You can take the bus there in about an hour and 15 minutes. The train is about 45 minutes. Here you’ll find the monastery of El Escorial and La Granjilla de la Fresneda, a building that was a royal hunting lodge in the past. El Escorial was a royal palace in the past, a place for the royal family to retreat to outside of the city. Besides being a beautiful work of architecture to see and explore, it is also the final resting place for many members of the Spanish monarchy. Visit the tombs in the Pantheon of Kings and the Pantheon of Princes, and then enjoy the paintings in the Hall of Battles and the art gallery. If you love art and history, El Escorial is the day trip for you!

Distance from Madrid: 51 kilometers.
Ride time in bus: 60-75 minutes.
Ride time on train: 45 minutes. 

Salamanca

Without a doubt, Salamanca is one of the most popular day trips from Madrid, especially for the younger crowd. It’s a bit farther away, 3 hours by bus or between 1.5-3 hours on the train. This city is famous for its university, and due to the large number of students there are a plethora of bars, restaurants, and night clubs to enjoy. On the flip side, Salamanca offers beautiful monuments and architecture (are you sensing a theme with these day trips?), as it, too, is a World Heritage Site. Be sure to sample the local fare as the gastronomy is known to be quite good, and some of the bars offer a free tapa when you order a drink!

Distance from Madrid: 220 kilometers.
Ride time in bus: 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Ride time on train: 1.5-3 hours, depending on the train type.

Ávila

Another great option is Ávila. You’ll be there in 2-3 hours by bus, or 1.5-2 hours by train. Ancient walls make a ring around the city, a glimpse into its medieval past. Once inside, feast your eyes upon the medieval architecture, the San Vicente Basilica, and various other religious buildings. Walk around the old city center and you’ll feel as if you’re back in Medieval Spain. Also, Ávila has great cuisine so be sure to try some of the most typical dishes. Roasted veal and other meats are of the highest quality, as is trout, prepared several ways. Be sure to come to Ávila hungry!

Distance from Madrid: 114 kilometers.
Ride time in bus: 2-3 hours, depending on service.
Ride time on train: 1.5-2 hours, depending on the train type.

See more: How to Experience the Best of Madrid on a Budget

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If you’re ready to explore Madrid and the surrounding areas, come and stay with Olala Homes! Stylish, chic, and comfortable, our apartments are everything that you’re looking for in holiday accommodation!