Day Tours from Madrid Spain
I lived full-time in Madrid for seven years, and for the past two, I’ve been coming back every summer.
So, as you can imagine, I’ve explored the city inside out—but not just that…
One of the best things about living in the Spanish capital is how easy it is to visit the surrounding towns and villages.
They all share a rich history and heritage, along with breathtaking landscapes—especially if you venture beyond the city centers.
That’s why I always recommend that tourists spend several days in Madrid, not just to explore, but to truly experience it. Between mouthwatering local dishes, world-class museums, vibrant cultural events, and parties for every musical taste, there’s so much to enjoy.
And, of course, to get a taste of a different way of life—the one found in the bustling cities nearby and the peaceful villages that dot the region.
But enough talking! Let me introduce you to this 10 day tours from Madrid Spain. In just one day, you can dive into an authentic and stunning side of Spain.
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10 Day Tours Madrid Spain
How to get to the places I'm about to introduce?
Clearly, the choice of transport and travel time are key factors in deciding which day trip from Madrid is right for you.
Luckily, the Spanish capital is extremely well connected to the rest of the country. Plus, the roads are in excellent condition, ensuring a smooth and safe journey.
🚆 By Train
The train is my favorite option: it’s fast, eco-friendly, and more comfortable than a bus—no risk of motion sickness, and no need to worry about driving!
Destinations like Segovia, Toledo, Guadalajara, and Alcalá de Henares are less than an hour away by train.
In Spain, there are different types of trains, each varying in speed, comfort, and price.
- Cercanías: These commuter trains are the cheapest option for reaching nearby towns.
- AVE and long-distance trains: The high-speed AVE trains (Spain’s version of the TGV) and other long-distance services connect major cities quickly and comfortably.
You can check schedules on the Renfe Cercanías Madrid and Renfe websites. If you don’t speak Spanish, the best option is to use Omio for bookings.
🚌 By Bus
For other destinations, the bus is your best bet.
Several companies offer affordable routes, especially to smaller villages. The buses are generally comfortable, with onboard restrooms for added convenience.
Since the distances are short, most buses run direct routes with no stops. The quality of the roads ensures a smooth ride.
As many people commute to Madrid from surrounding areas, I recommend avoiding rush hours to minimize the risk of traffic delays.
🚗 By Car
If you’re traveling with your own vehicle or renting one, you’ll have complete freedom to explore at your own pace.
You won’t need to worry about train or bus schedules and can even choose to stay overnight to make the most of your destination.
However, driving in an unfamiliar region—and the fatigue that comes with it—can be a major drawback for some travelers.
🎟️ Organized Tours
For those who prefer a hassle-free experience, joining a guided tour is a great option.
Most tours include transportation, entry to key attractions, and sometimes even meals. This is an excellent choice for solo travelers or anyone who doesn’t want to worry about organizing the trip themselves.
These are the general travel options, but don’t worry—I’ll provide detailed transportation tips for each destination, whether you’re traveling by bus, train, or joining a tour, so you won’t miss a thing! 🚀
Planning a trip to Madrid? Then you’ll love my articles on What to Do in Madrid?, Madrid in 3 Days, and 60 Things to Do in Madrid!
10 Day Tours from Madrid Spain
1. Toledo
This is clearly the number one destination for tourists visiting Madrid. And honestly, I totally get why!
Toledo, the former capital of Spain until 1561, enchants visitors with its absolutely stunning historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nicknamed the City of Three Cultures, it’s a unique example of coexistence between Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions.
📍 Location: Toledo is about 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Madrid.
How to Get to Toledo from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the Autovía de Toledo (A-42) or the AP-41 (a toll highway). The drive takes approximately 1 hour.
🚌 By Bus: Buy a ticket with Alsa, departing from Plaza Elíptica bus station. Buses leave every 30 minutes, and the journey takes 50 minutes.
🚆 By Train: The AVE high-speed train from Atocha Station takes only 30 minutes. There’s one train per hour, so book your ticket in advance!
Top Things to Do in Toledo
- Wander through the medieval streets
- Visit the Alcázar of Toledo
Admire the stunning - Gothic Cathedral
- Discover Santa María la Blanca Synagogue
🎫 1 Recommended Tour to visit Toledo:
2. Segovia
Segovia is clearly one of the must-see day tours from Madrid Spain, and honestly, I totally get why!
Famous for its impressive Roman aqueduct, which is perfectly preserved, and its UNESCO-listed historic center, it’s filled with beautiful monuments.
It’s also a gastronomic destination of the highest order, with the famous cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig) as the star dish.
📍 Location: Segovia is about 90 km (56 miles) northwest of Madrid.
How to Get to Segovia from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the A-6 and then the AP-61 (toll highway). The drive takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
🚌 By Bus: The Avanza company offers regular departures every 15-30 minutes from the Moncloa bus station. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
🚆 By Train: The high-speed AVANT train from Chamartín Station takes only 30 minutes! Trains run every half hour, but I still recommend booking your ticket in advance.
Top Things to Do in Segovia
- Admire the Roman aqueduct
- Visit the Alcázar of Segovia
- Explore the Cathedral
- Taste the famous cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig)
🎫 2 Recommended Tours for Visiting Segovia:
3. Alcala de Henares
Alcalá de Henares is a lesser-known destination, yet it’s truly a gem of heritage and history!
Birthplace of Cervantes, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed university town enchants with its Renaissance architecture and lively student atmosphere.
Wandering through its cobbled streets is like stepping back in time, with palaces, convents, and the oldest university in Spain still in operation.
📍 Location: Alcalá de Henares is just 35 km (22 miles) east of Madrid.
How to Get to Alcalá de Henares from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Simply drive for about 30 to 40 minutes on the A-2 highway.
🚌 By Bus: The intercity bus will take you from Avenida de América bus station. Take the 223 or 229 lines.
🚆 By Train: The Cercanías C2 or C7 suburban trains run regularly from Atocha or Chamartín. The journey takes 40 minutes. Tickets are available at the machines in the stations—no need to book in advance!
Top Things to Do in Alcalá
- Visit the Cervantes House
- Explore the University
- Stroll along Calle Mayor
🎫 1 Recommended Tour for Visiting Alcalá:
4. Salamanca
Salamanca, the Golden City, shines brightly thanks to the golden stone of its monuments.
It’s famous for its university, one of the oldest in Europe, and its lively student atmosphere.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Plaza Mayor being one of the most beautiful in Spain.
📍 Location: Salamanca is about 215 km (134 miles) northwest of Madrid.
How to Get to Salamanca from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Via the A-6 and A-50 highways, it will take about 2.5 hours to reach your destination.
🚌 By Bus: Avanza buses depart regularly from the Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Alvaro bus station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.
🚆 By Train: The high-speed ALVIA train from Chamartín Station takes 1.5 hours to reach Salamanca. I recommend booking your seat in advance. Other, more economical trains are available, but they take about 3 hours, which isn’t ideal for a one-day trip.
Top Things to Do in Salamanca
- Admire Plaza Mayor
- Visit the university and look for the frog
- Explore the old and new cathedrals
- Observe the facade of the Casa de las Conchas
🎫 2 Recommended Tours for Visiting Salamanca:
5. Ávila
Ávila is famous for its impressive medieval walls that completely surround the old town.
It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of the best examples of a fortified city in Spain.
But Ávila is also the city of Saint Teresa, whose mystical legacy still permeates its churches and monasteries.
📍 Location: Ávila is about 110 km (68 miles) northwest of Madrid.
How to Get to Ávila from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: The drive takes about 1.5 hours via the A-6 and then the AP-51 highways.
🚌 By Bus: Jimenez Dorado buses depart from Estación Sur de Autobuses Méndez Alvaro. Buses leave every 2 hours, and the journey takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
🚆 By Train: There are 4 daily trains from Chamartín Station. The journey takes around 2 hours. A faster option is to take a train from Príncipe Pío Station, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Top Things to Do in Ávila
- Walk along the medieval walls
- Visit the Cathedral
- Explore the Basilica of San Vicente
- Discover the life of Saint Teresa of Ávila
🎫 3 Recommended Tours for Visiting Ávila:
6. Aranjuez
I bet you’ve never heard of this city, but once in Madrid, you’ll realize how popular it is, especially among tourists.
This former royal residence is surrounded by several absolutely stunning gardens.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscapes, it offers a peaceful escape just outside Madrid that will transport you to an enchanting world.
📍 Location: Aranjuez is located about 50 km (31 miles) south of Madrid.
How to Get to Aranjuez from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the A-4 highway, and you’ll reach Aranjuez in about 45 minutes.
🚌 By Bus: SAMAR buses depart every 30 minutes from Estación Sur bus station and take around 35 minutes. Alternatively, you can take intercity bus 423 from the same station, though the journey takes longer due to more stops.
🚆 By Train: The Cercanías line C3 departs from Atocha, Sol, and Nuevos Ministerios every 15 minutes and takes 50 minutes to reach Aranjuez station.
Top Things to Do in Aranjuez
- Visit the Royal Palace
- Stroll through the gardens (Jardín del Príncipe, del Parterre, etc.)
- Discover Aranjuez strawberries in spring
🎫 2 Recommended Tours for Visiting Aranjuez:
7. Buitrago de Lozoya
If you’re looking for a destination that will immerse you in tranquility and nature, I have the perfect spot for you!
This small fortified village is a real gem nestled in the Sierra Norte of Madrid. Its medieval walls, one of the best-preserved in the region, surround a charming historic center.
📍 Location: Buitrago de Lozoya is about 80 km (50 miles) north of Madrid.
How to Get to Buitrago de Lozoya from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the A-1 highway, and you’ll reach Buitrago de Lozoya in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
🚌 By Bus: The intercity bus 191 departs from Plaza Castilla and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Buitrago de Lozoya.
Top Things to Do in Buitrago de Lozoya
- Walk along the medieval walls
- Visit the Picasso Museum (yes, really!)
- Stroll by the Lozoya River
- Enjoy the view of the Sierra
8. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
If you love beautiful heritage and Spanish history, the Monastery of El Escorial is a must-visit legendary site.
A combination of palace, monastery, and royal pantheon, El Escorial is a vast complex that will require several hours to explore.
The charming village invites you to take a stroll to digest all that grandeur and information.
📍 Location: El Escorial is located about 50 km (31 miles) northwest of Madrid, nestled in a natural setting.
How to Get to El Escorial from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the M-505, and you’ll reach El Escorial in approximately 1 hour.
🚌 By Bus: The buses 661 or 664 from Autocares Herranz depart from Moncloa bus station and take around 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes.
🚆 By Train: The Cercanías C3 or C8 lines depart from Atocha, Sol, and Chamartín every hour, and it takes about 50 minutes to reach the destination.
Top Things to Do in El Escorial
- Visit the Monastery
- Explore the Gardens
- Discover the Royal Library
- Stroll through the village streets
🎫 1 Recommended Tour to visit El Escorial:
Monastery of El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Tour from Madrid
9. Chinchón
If you want to discover a destination that few tourists know, Chinchón is perfect!
It’s one of the most picturesque villages in the region.
Its circular Plaza Mayor and wooden-balconied houses give it a unique charm.
But Chinchón is also a land of traditions, famous for its anise and its popular festivals that animate the square all year long.
📍 Location: Chinchón is located 45 km (28 miles) southeast of Madrid.
How to Get to Chinchón from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the A-3 and then the M-311. The journey takes about 45 minutes.
🚌 By Bus: Every hour, the bus 337 Madrid-Chinchón-Valdelaguna operated by La Veloz passes through Plaza Conde de Casal, heading towards Madrid-Valencia. The trip takes approximately 1 hour.
Top Things to Do in Chinchón
- Have a coffee at Plaza Mayor
- Visit the Clock Tower
- Try the local anise
🎫 1 Recommended Tour to Visit Chinchon:
10. Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a discreet village but full of charm. It blends historical heritage, lush parks, and a lively local atmosphere.
Its architectural gem, the Palacio del Infantado, with its unique Gothic-Mudejar façade, is a testament to its rich past.
Few tourists visit it during their stay in the Spanish capital, so you won’t have to worry about large crowds.
📍 Location: Guadalajara is located 60 km (37 miles) northeast of Madrid.
How to Get to Guadalajara from Madrid?
🚗 By Car: Take the A-2, and you’ll reach Guadalajara in about 50 minutes.
🚌 By Bus: ALSA operates a regular service from Madrid to Guadalajara. Urban buses 221 depart from the Intercambiador de Avenida de América. The journey takes about 1 hour.
🚆 By Train: The Cercanías C2 train departs every half hour from Atocha Station. The trip takes approximately 1 hour.
Top Things to Do in Guadalajara
- Visit the Palacio del Infantado
- Stroll through the Parque de la Concordia
- Discover the San Ginés Church
Here you go, now you know all about these 10 day tours from Madrid Spain that will allow you to disconnect from the capital for a day.
Personally, I recommend exploring Segovia, Toledo, Aranjuez, and Chinchón, but all the other destinations are also worth a visit.
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