Travel tips for day trips from Madrid! Toledo and Segovia

We stuck mainly to the bus system for our day trips from Madrid in order to save a few euros ;)

Toledo: A definite MUST!

Traveling to Toledo is pretty accessible as buses run all throughout the day, leaving the bus terminal every 20-30 minutes or so. The ride is about 1 hour on the direct bus from Madrid.

Directions:

Take the metro to Intercambiador de Plaza Elíptica and take the Alsa bus line. (Metro lines 6 and 11 will take you there). Alsa provides comfortable charter buses with AC/heat. Round trip to Toledo costs around 14 euros. You can buy an open-ended return ticket at a discounted price. Check the time of the last bus before you leave for Toledo to be sure you have given yourself enough time to explore the town.

- Once you get off the metro, follow the green signs to the bus terminal.

- You can purchase your tickets from a ticket machine or from an Ansa employee.

- Look for your bus’ platform #

- Once in Toledo, the bus drops you off at the bus station at the bottom of the hill of the old medieval town.

- A taxi to the top will be around 4 to 5 euro. Pinching pennies? We met a nice couple on the bus that we split a cab with to the top. Ask to be dropped off by the cathedral for an instant impression!

- The walk downhill back to the bus station is pretty easy and you get a great view of the city below.

Segovia: Don't miss this adorable mountain town!

The Sepulveda bus line travels to Segovia about every 30-45 minutes throughout the day. The ride is about 1 hour and 15-30 minutes.

Directions:

Take the metro to PRINCIPE PÍO and take the Sepulveda bus line. Purchase an open-ended return ticket in order to have a relaxing visit in Segovia. Round trip costs around 14 euro. NOTE: You will only be issued one receipt. You can exchange this receipt/ticket in Segovia for your return ticket once you select your time of departure. 

- Once you exit the metro in Madrid, follow the green signs to the bus terminal. Go up one level and walk towards and past bus platform 7 to purchase your tickets from the ticket machine.

- Wait at your assigned bus platform (this is often a different platform than the one listed on your ticket)

- Enjoy the views along the ride or take advantage of the free WiFi offered by Sepulveda bus line.

- Wait until the bus arrives at the bus station in Segovia to exit. 

- Grab a free map and bus schedule at the information booth near the exit of the bus station. Great service, and most of the employees speak English :)

- It is a pleasant and short walk (under 10 mins) to arrive in the city center. Be sure not the miss the Aqueduct, Cathedral, and Alcazar!

Bonus:

- There is a vegetarian-friendly restaurant in town on Calle Marques de Arco 3, called La Almuzara, near the cathedral.

- The cafeteria near the Alcazar is a great place to grab a cafe (around 1,50 euro) and use a clean restroom before purchasing your tickets to visit the Alcazar.

- Once back at the bus station, Cafe del Mercado, has great espresso and service with a smile if you find yourself with some extra time waiting for your return bus to Madrid.