Toledo was the former capital of medieval Spain until 1560 and to this day remains one of the country’s greatest cities where the Jewish, Moorish and Christian cultures once lived together in relative harmony. The city lies just 70km south-west of the capital and a Madrid to Toledo day trip can easily be arranged by high-speed train, frequent bus services or on organised tours.
Nowadays, Toledo is a living museum of synagogues, mosques and churches which provide outstanding architectural diversity throughout the city. Among the most famous sights of this UNESCO World Heritage City is the quite spectacular Gothic cathedral which, having taken over 250 years to complete, displays magnificent architecture from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The imposing Alcazár (fortress) has played an active part in the city’s history and has been destroyed on a number of occasions, the most recent being in 1936 during the Republican siege of Franco’s forces. Artistically, Toledo is famous for the paintings of El Greco who settled there in 1577 and whose works are scattered around the city. His masterpiece El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz (The Burial of Count Orgaz) can be seen in the Iglesia de Santo Tomé.
Madrid to Toledo Day Trip: Transport
Madrid to Toledo by Car
It’s a very straightforward drive to get there, just head out of Madrid to the southwest on the A-42 and you should be approaching Toledo within 50 minutes provided you aren’t held up in the city traffic. Having said that we wouldn’t recommend hiring a car solely to do this journey as you’re unlikely to use it at all in the city and parking can be extortionately priced. It’s far more practical to take public transport or a tour bus as explained below.
Madrid to Toledo by Train
The best way to get there is on the excellent high-speed AVE train service which connects Madrid’s Atocha station with Toledo in just 30 minutes. There are several departures per day. Regular train services also serve Toledo from Atocha and are a cheaper option but they take 1½ hours each way. On arrival you’ll come into one of the prettiest train stations you’re ever likely to see on Paseo de la Rosa. Buses wait outside Toledo station to transport arrivals up to Plaza de Zocodover in the heart of the old town near the Alcazar and the Cathedral. You can check timetables and fares on the RENFE in English website.
Madrid to Toledo by Bus
If you prefer to travel by bus there are frequent services departing from Plaza Elíptica which is a major transport hub in the south of the city. You can get to the bus station by taking Metro line number 6 or 11 to the Plaza Elíptica stop. As you’re walking out of the metro look out for signs that point you to the bus station.
Frequent services are available throughout the day operated by Alsa which is a nationwide operator. The journey takes 1½ hours on their regular service and just an hour on the express. On arrival in Toledo you’re about 1km from the tourist centre up a steep hill so be prepared or take a bus or taxi up to La Plaza de Zocodover.
Organised Tours from Madrid to Toledo
Organized day trips from Madrid to Toledo offer a convenient way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city. These tours typically include round-trip transportation by air-conditioned bus, which take approximately one hour each way. Most excursions include the services of official tour guides and skip-the-line access to the city’s main tourist attractions. Advance booking is recommended particularly during the summer months.
Things to See on a Day Trip to Toledo
A day trip from Madrid to Toledo offers limited time to explore the city’s many landmarks, so we’ve compiled a list of key sights to help you make the most of your visit:
Alcázar of Toledo: This fortress stands at the highest point in the city and has served different purposes over the centuries, including as a military stronghold and a royal residence. It now houses the Army Museum, which explores Spain’s military history.
Toledo Cathedral: One of Spain’s most important Gothic cathedrals, it was built on the site of a former mosque. Inside, it contains an extensive collection of religious artwork, including paintings by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes: Built by the Catholic Monarchs in the late 15th century, this monastery was originally intended as their burial site. Its cloisters and Mudejar-style ceilings highlight the architectural blend common in Toledo.
El Greco Museum: Dedicated to the painter who spent much of his life in Toledo, the museum displays several of his works alongside pieces by other Spanish artists. The building itself is designed to resemble a 16th-century Toledan home.
Jewish Quarter: A historically significant part of the city where Toledo’s Jewish community lived during the Middle Ages. It includes two well-preserved synagogues, Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito, the latter of which houses the Sephardic Museum.
Puente de Alcántara and Puente de San Martín: These medieval bridges cross the Tagus River and were essential for defending the city. Both offer views of Toledo’s skyline and the surrounding landscape.
