Hello,
I'm currently in the planning stages of a trip to Madrid/ Barcelona. I'll be staying in Madrid for 5 days/ 4 nights before heading to Barcelona for a few days. I've already dedicated 2 days of sightseeing in Madrid and the other days I would like to visit Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, and Avila. I'm torn between using a big bus tour company like "Grayline" or just renting a car and driving to these places. I'm skeptical of the bus tours due to the reviews I have been reading/ the gimmicky/ obligatory factory tour stop that most bus tours force you to do or if I rent a car my major concern is parking. Also I will be traveling on this trip solo.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4605 posts
Why do either one when you can take trains to these places?
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Trains are quicker than driving, and will mostly get you direct to the city centre. Forget parking, security and navigating issues, and take the train. Book your accommodation near Madrid's Atocha station.
Posted by
OP
cleveland
7 posts
I am considering going to Toledo by train, but I'm not too certain about the other places mentioned. If I'm able to do both Avila and Segovia by train as a day trip on the same day then I'll do that vs bus tour/ rent a car. My current guide books don't give too much information on Avila.
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Avila and El Escorial are an easy day together. Segovia is less so. In fact, better as a day by itself.
TRN18061
Dep 09:00 MADRID-CHAMARTIN (Spain)
Arr 09:47 EL ESCORIAL (Spain)
3hr 13min in El Escorial
TRN18063
Dep 13:00 EL ESCORIAL (Spain)
Arr 14:04 AVILA (Spain)
3hr 06min in Avila
TRN18012
Dep 17:10 AVILA (Spain)
Arr 19:00 MADRID-CHAMARTIN (Spain)
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4605 posts
The Rick Steves Snapshot Madrid guidebook would have specific information about getting to all these sites, including Avila, by public transportation. It also has a lot of information/guided tours of the places you're going.
Posted by
Boston
380 posts
You can also go to the Madrid Forum on TripAdvisor.com. On the right-hand side, there is a list of the day trips out of Madrid. Click on a site. It will give you all the needed information on how to get there via bus/train and what to see and do.
As you are traveling solo, just have your usual safety senses on alert.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7162 posts
If returning to Madrid each night, then take public transportation. If spending the night in a couple of those places, then rent a car. Parking in the historic center of Toledo and Segovia is limited. Avila and El Escorial shouldn't be an issue.
Posted by
OP
cleveland
7 posts
Thanks to everyone for the helpful tips. I think I will research more about taking the train to these places. I've even picked up a couple more RS books on Madrid and Spain from the library to help.
Posted by
Ozarks of Arkansas
286 posts
We visited Segovia two years ago. We took the train and spent two nights. The train station is outside of town. We took a taxi into town. Segovia itself is very walkable. We hired a local guide who walked us through town and talked about the history of the city. It was one of our high points of our trip to Spain. Plenty of places to sit down, order "tinto vino y cerveza" and watch people. Segovia is famous for roast sucking pig, which is very enteresting.