[Complete Guide] Day Trip From Madrid to Toledo by Train, Bus or Car

Why Is a Day Trip to Toledo from Madrid a Good Idea?

Toledo is a good choice for a day trip from Madrid for 2 reasons: the Madrid Toledo trip is a really short one, and 1 day is enough to explore Toledo.

Short distance Madrid to Toledo

Toledo is located in the south west of Madrid, in the Castilla-la-Mancha region. Toledo is the capital of the region.

How far is Toledo from Madrid? The Madrid to Toledo distance is only 72 km / 45 miles.

Getting to Toledo from Madrid will take you around 1 hour, making a Madrid to Toledo day trip really easy.

1 day is enough to explore Toledo

The second reason why Toledo is a good choice for a day trip is that you will be able to see most of the city in one day.

The city of Toledo is pretty spread out, but all of the iconic monuments are located in the same area, in the old town. You can walk from one side of the old town to the other in 30 minutes, which makes it easy to discover the city through a walking tour.

How to Get from Madrid to Toledo

The distance from Madrid to Toledo is pretty short (72 km/45 miles), which makes it an easy city to reach, whether it’s by car, bus or train.

You can see in the table below a quick comparison of the different ways to get from Madrid to Toledo based on time, cost, pros and cons.

Read below for more details on each means of transportation.

From Madrid to Toledo by Car

Renting a car is my favorite way to travel, because it gives me total flexibility. If you’re planning to visit other places after/before Toledo, I definitely recommend renting a car. If you’re only doing a day trip Madrid to Toledo, then it’s probably not the best option, since you won’t really need your car to explore Toledo.

Average Time

To get from Madrid to Toledo by car, it’s very easy; the A-42 goes straight to Toledo, and it doesn’t even have tolls.

If you use the freeway, it will take you around 1h to reach Toledo.

Cost

The cost to get from Madrid to Toledo by car includes car rental and gas.

Car Rental: 10€

Renting a car from the Madrid airport for 1 day is really cheap, and unless you want a really fancy car, you’ll find one for around 10€, including unlimited mileage and insurance.

Get the best prices for your car rental here: Car rental in Madrid

Gas: 15€

With only 2h of driving, you won’t need to add that much gas before returning the car.

Tolls: Free

There is no toll on that portion of the road.

Parking: Free

As in most places in Europe, parking in Toledo is actually pretty expensive. But don’t worry, there are a few free parking around the city, to avoid additional costs.

See here: Free Parking in Toledo

Total Cost: 25€

Obviously if you’re from Spain and already have a car, the cost to get from Madrid to Toledo by car will be reduced to 15€.

Madrid to Toledo by Car

⏱ Time: 1h
Cost: 25€
Pros: flexible
Cons: tiring, risk of traffic
Book here: Car Rental in Madrid – Best Prices

From Madrid to Toledo by Bus

If you want to avoid the hassle of driving (or if you don’t have a driving license), there is another option to reach Toledo: taking a bus from Madrid to Toledo.

The autobus Madrid Toledo takes a little longer than the other transportation options, but it’s the cheapest option. What I love about the bus is that it takes you right in the old center, ready to explore the city.

Average Time

The bus Madrid to Toledo takes around 50 minutes to do the trip, and leaves from the Plaza Eliptica station. The station is in the south of Madrid, and you’ll need to account for additional time to reach it.

Cost

The bus is the cheapest option to go from Madrid to Toledo, costing around 12€ for a return trip.

Get the best prices for your Bus Trip here: Bus Madrid Toledo

Madrid to Toledo Bus Timetable

The Bus Madrid Toledo runs every day, from 6:45am to 10pm, and there is on average 2 buses per hour.

To see all of the times, click here: Madrid Toledo bus timetable

Madrid to Toledo by Bus

⏱ Time: 50 minutes
Cost: 12€
Pros: cheapest option, drop off right in the old center
Cons: additional time to reach bus station in Madrid
Book here: Madrid Toledo Bus

From Madrid to Toledo by Train

The third option for the Madrid Toledo day trip is to take the high speed train (and it’s great if you’re on an interrail trip!)

Taking the train from Madrid to Toledo is the quickest way to reach Toledo, in around 30 minutes. At around 28€ for a return ticket, it’s a cost-effective way for a single traveller to reach Toledo, but I would recommend renting a car if you’re travelling as 2 or more.

Average Time

To train Madrid to Toledo takes exactly 33 minutes to reach its destination. The train will drop you in Toledo main station, which is only a short walk to the old center (15 minutes).

Cost

A ticket for a return trip in the Madrid to Toledo train costs around 27,8€.

Book the AVE Madrid Toledo train on the RENFE website here: Trains Madrid Toledo

Madrid to Toledo Train Schedule

Trains from Madrid to Toledo run every day, from 6:50am to 10:50pm, and there is on average 1 train per hour.

To see all of the times, click here: Madrid Toledo train schedule

Madrid to Toledo by Train

⏱ Time: 33 minutes
Cost: 28€
Pros: quickest option
Cons: last train before sunset in summer
Book here: Train Madrid to Toledo

Toledo Tours from Madrid

The last option to go from Madrid to Toledo is with a Toledo day tour from Madrid.

It’s the most expensive option, but it’s also the best way to discover Toledo, with a guide showing you around the city, with an added explanation of the city’s history, and included fast-track entry to 7 monuments.

Average Time

To tour will take you from Madrid to Toledo by bus, and it will take around 1h30. Once in the city, you will visit 3 monuments with the guide.

Cost

The day trip tour from Madrid to Toledo costs 42€.

Bonus: skip-the-line tickets included.

Book your tour to Toledo here: Tour from Madrid to Toledo

Madrid Toledo Tour

Cost: 42€
Pros: live explanation, additional sights
Cons: most expensive option
Book here: Best Day Trip Tour Madrid Toledo

So there you have them, the 4 ways to go from Madrid to Toledo. Whether you decide to drive to Toledo, take the AVE Madrid to Toledo, the Madrid Toledo autobus, or go on a guided tour, it all comes down to personal preference.

Now let’s go over what you should see in the city!

Exploring Toledo – What to Do During Your Toledo Day Trip

Now that you know how to get from Madrid to Toledo, let’s look at what you can do once you get there, with one day in Toledo! We’ll go over what are the absolute must-see in the city, and what to eat in Toledo.

What to See in Toledo Spain in One Day

When you approach Toledo, you’ll instantly see the main monuments in the city: the Alcazar de Toledo, and the Toledo Cathedral.

Alcazar de Toledo

The Alcazar de Toledo, or Toledo Castle, is the most recognizable building in the city, with its 4 towers overlooking the city.

It’s a very imposing monument, and it looks great from any angle. Inside, you’ll find a museum, the Museo del Ejercito, the army museum that will take you through the rich history of the city.

Catedral de Toledo

Probably the most famous monument in Toledo, the Catedral de Toledo is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in the world.

It’s absolutely huge, and filled with things to discover: more than 20 chapels, a cloister, the bell tower, and even a museum. Plan at least 2 hours if you want to see all the beauty of the place.

Mirador del Valle

The mirador del Valle is the best view over the city of Toledo, and the perfect postcard view you have probably already seen everywhere.

Definitely a must-see in Toledo, it will give you an incredible view over the city, and it’s the perfect place to catch the sunrise or the sunset.

So there you have it, your answer to what to see in Toledo Spain in one day. Of course there are more to see in Toledo than these 3 main places, but these should be on top of your list.

What to Eat in Toledo

Did you know that Toledo was Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy in 2016? More than just epic monuments, the city is famous for its gastronomical heritage. Here are 2 classic things to try while you’re in Toledo in a day.

Marzipan

The Marzipan, or Mazapán as locals call it, is probably one of the most famous food of Toledo. Made of almonds, sugar and egg yolks, it’s a sweet pastry that you need to try!

Where to eat Marzipan: you’ll find Marzipan in a lot of pastry shops in the city; one of the best is the Confitería Santo Tomé on Plaza Zocodover.

Carcamusas

Another specialty of Toledo is the carcamusa: made of pork, tomatoes, peas and white wine, it’s served as a bar snack, and perfect to warm up in winter.

Where to eat Carcamusa: basically any bar in the city! Best served at the Bar Ludeña.

Recommended Toledo Day Trip Itinerary

To make it easy for you to explore Toledo on your day trip from Madrid, I’ve created a custom map, specially for you.

And yes, it’s free.

Here’s your Toledo day trip itinerary map:

Note: you can start the itinerary at any point; if you’re coming by bus or train, you’ll start it from the end (point J).

This itinerary will allow you to explore Toledo in the best way possible, to make the most out of your day trip from Madrid to Toledo. If you want more information about this itinerary, including photos and details about each place you’ll visit, click on the guide below.

What to Know Before Going to Toledo

If you’re planning to discover Toledo by walking around in the city, then I have a few tips for you.

These will help you make the most out of your visit in Toledo:

• as for any walking tour, make sure to wear proper footwear! You’ll walk in the city for most of the time, so sneakers are ok
• wear sunscreen and a hat if it’s sunny; the sun is no joke
• remember to be respectful when you enter places of worship: take off your hats, and be quiet
• bring a thermos with you on your walk, you’ll be happy to have cold water/hot coffee with you when you sit down for a break

Best Activities & Tours in Toledo

If you want to make the most out of your trip to Toledo, you’ll find below a few selected activities that will take your visit to the next level:

Tour from Madrid to Toledo

We saw this one above, it’s the full package for your day trip to Toledo. It includes the round trip transportation to/from Toledo, the guided visit of the city, and skip-the-line tickets

See more here: Best Tour Madrid Toledo

Private Tour with a Local

One of the best ways to discover Toledo: discover the monuments, but also get a feel for the locals and how it is to live in the city. The local guide will help you discover the city, and tailor the tour based on your preferences.

See more here: Toledo Private Tour

Toledo Cathedral Tour 

Want to take your visit of Toledo main sight to the next level? Book a local guide to discover the Toledo Cathedral, who will tell you absolutely everything about this incredible place.

See more here: Toledo Cathedral Tour

Where to Stay in Toledo, Spain

If you decide to stay longer in Toledo to fully discover the city, you’ll find below the best hotels depending on your travel style:

Budget: Albergue Juvenil Los Pascuales

Cheapest accommodation in Toledo, for around 14€ per night.

This youth hostel is only 2 minutes away from the Toledo Cathedral and the Toledo Castle. It also comes with included breakfast!

Comfy: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes

The Hotel San Juan de los Reyes is my favorite accommodation for a comfy stay in Avila, for around 75€ per night.

It’s ideally located in Toledo, a short walk from all the main sights. The beds are pretty comfy, and the included breakfast makes it a perfect choice for your stay in Avila. You’ll also enjoy free parking (which is nice in Toledo), and spacious bathroom with a hydro-massage bathtubs, perfect to relax after a long day of exploration in the city.

Luxury: Almunia de San Miguel

The best hotel in Toledo, hands down.

The Almunia de San Miguel has everything you’ll need, and even more: free parking, breakfast included, incredible rooms, and the location… The hotel is right next to the castle and the cathedral, you can’t be closer! There’s even a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city.

Visit Spain

Planning a day trip to Toledo from Madrid? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the world to help you plan your trip:

Toledo Guides:

Discover the Puente de San Martin and its Legend

A Stunning Church + An Epic View? Yes Please!

Visit the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes

Spain Guides:

Best Sunrise Spot in Mallorca

Free Walking Tour of Avila

How to get from Madrid to Segovia

I hope you enjoy your trip to Toledo and to Spain!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.

If you post your photos of Toledo on Instagram, tag them with #kevmrc so that we can see them!

Photo credits: 11 | 12