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How to visit Toledo from Madrid | Complete Guide
Madrid To Toledo ToursPlan Your Visit
Contents
Best way to get from Madrid to Toledo
By bus
By train
By car
By taxi
Time taken: 1 hour
Bus departs from: Plaza Elíptica station
Bus arrives at: Toledo bus station
- Buses depart Plaza Elíptica station in Madrid roughly every hour.
- If you're on a budget, the bus offers a more affordable option.
- ALSA, a reputable bus company in Spain, operates the Madrid-Toledo route.
- Note that the Toledo bus station is a 20 minute walk away from the center of Toledo.
Time taken: 25 minutes
Train departs from: Madrid Atocha station
Train arrives at: Toledo train station
- The train departs from Madrid Atocha station and is the fastest way to get to Toledo.
- Renfe Madrid trains depart for Toledo hourly.
- These trains have amenities like cafeterias, reclining seats, air conditioning, and luggage space.
- From the train station you will have to walk for 20-25 minutes on steep roads to reach the center of Toledo.
Time taken: 1 hour or more (depending on traffic)
- From Madrid take the M-30 to connect with the A-42 motorway, which leads directly to Toledo. This route is toll-free.
- Numerous car rental companies operate in Madrid, including at Barajas Airport, Atocha Station, Europcar Plaza España, and Hertz Princesa.You can download an app to book them such as the Europcar, Hertz or Avis app.
- Once in Toledo, keep in mind that cars are not allowed within the historic center and finding parking may be challenging.
Time taken: 1 hour or more (depending on traffic)
- Expect to pay around €100 (one way) for a regular taxi that seats up to 4 passengers. Larger taxis for 8 people cost slightly more, around €130.
- Taxis are significantly more expensive than car rentals, especially for multiple passengers.
- Look for the official white taxis with a red stripe and a visible license number displayed inside and outside the vehicle.
- By taking a taxi you don’t need to worry about navigation, traffic or parking!
The best time to visit Toledo from Madrid
Peak season vs Low Season
Peak season
- Peak season in Toledo is from April to May & September to October.
- The season offers warm weather with comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring the city on foot.
- Expect crowds! Popular attractions such as the Toledo Cathedral and the Mirador del Valle viewpoint can get packed.
Low season
- Low season in Toledo is from June to August & November to March.
- There are fewer crowds and there won’t be long queues at popular tourist attractions.
- Summer (June to August) can be quite hot, potentially making sightseeing and walking around less enjoyable. November to March brings cooler weather with the possibility of rain!
Weekends vs Weekdays
Weekends
- There's a lively atmosphere with fairs, local markets, and street performers!
- Many shops and businesses might have extended hours compared to weekdays.
- Popular tourist attractions will be more crowded and getting a table at restaurants might require making advance reservations, especially for groups.
Weekdays
- You'll encounter a more relaxed atmosphere with shorter queues at attractions and more space to explore the city's streets.
- The city might feel less lively compared to weekends, with some shops or cafes closing earlier.
Plan your visit to Toledo from Madrid
Festivals
Stay
Eat
Attractions
- Corpus Christi (May/June): Witness the grandest celebration in Toledo's religious calendar. The city transforms with vibrant decorations, and a procession of giant puppets accompanies religious figures. Festivities begin weeks in advance!
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) (March/April): Candlelit processions wind through the city at night, with colorful costumes and religious imagery.
- Virgen del Sagrario (August 15): Join the celebration of Toledo's patron saint, the Virgin of the Sacristy. Witness offerings made to her statue and partake in the tradition of sipping holy water, believed to be blessed.
- Budget: Oasis Hostel Toledo, Hotel Los Cigarrales, YIT Conquista de Toledo
- Mid-Range: Hotel San Juan de los Reyes, Sercotel Alfonso VI, Abad Toledo
- Luxury: Parador de Toledo, Hotel Boutique Adolfo, Eugenia de Montijo, Autograph Collection
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Here are some Toledo treats you should try! Enjoy these dishes at Restaurante Adolfo or Restaurante El Greco, though most restaurants in Toledo will have these dishes available!
- Sopa de Ajo (Garlic Soup): Sopa de Ajo, meaning "garlic soup," is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring garlic, bread, and egg.
- Carcamusas (Spicy Chickpeas): This traditional dish features chickpeas simmered in a spicy tomato sauce.
- Queso Manchego (Manchego Cheese): This world-renowned cheese, aged to perfection, offers a range of flavors depending on its maturity. Enjoy it on its own, paired with a glass of red wine, or used in a delicious sandwich.
- Marzipan: Did you know artisans craft marzipan into various shapes and figures? End your meal on a sweet note with Toledo's famous marzipan. Made exclusively with almonds and sugar, sometimes with a touch of honey, this treat is a local specialty.
- St. Tomé Church: Known for housing El Greco's famous painting, "The Burial of Count Orgaz." This beautiful painting, depicting the Count's ascent to heaven, draws art enthusiasts from around the globe!
- Toledo Cathedral: Toledo Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has soaring towers, intricate stained-glass windows and priceless artworks, including El Greco's "Transfiguration".
- Santa María la Blanca Synagogue: Santa María la Blanca Synagogue stands as one of Europe's oldest surviving synagogues!
- Cristo de la Luz Mosque: Originally a 10th-century mosque, this hidden gem now serves as a museum!
Book your Madrid to Toledo Day Trip!
Frequently asked questions about visiting Toledo from Madrid
How long does it take to see Toledo?
That depends on your schedule and preferences! A half-day tour which is 5 hours long offers a good overview, while a full-day tour, 11- 12 hours long allows for a deeper exploration. We would recommend spending 12 hours to see Toledo.
What are the must-see sights?
The Toledo Cathedral, St. Tomé Church, Santa María la Blanca Synagogue, Cristo de la Luz Mosque, San Juan de los Reyes Monastery and the Mirador del Valle viewpoint!
How do I get around Toledo?
The historic center is best explored on foot. Taxis are available for longer distances or accessibility needs. A fun option is the little tourist train! You don’t need to worry about transport on a guided tour!
What should I wear when visiting Toledo?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as Toledo’s streets are steep and have cobblestones. Dress in layers to accommodate varying weather conditions throughout the day.
Is Toledo suitable for children?
Yes! Toledo is family-friendly, children will love taking photos at the Mirador del Valle viewpoint! However, its cobbled streets and focus on religious sites might be less engaging for younger children. Consider their interests when making your decision.
What can I eat in Toledo if I'm a vegetarian?
There are several vegetarian-friendly options in Toledo, including dishes like pisto (vegetable stew), various tapas, and salads. Many restaurants can also accommodate vegetarian requests.
Are credit cards accepted in Toledo?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Toledo, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases or at places that might not accept cards.
Is Toledo accessible for people with mobility impairments?
That depends, while Toledo is generally accessible, the narrow and cobblestone streets can be challenging and some attractions may have limited accessibility due to their historic nature.