How Much Time? Day Trip to Toledo

Is there really any price benefit buying a return ticket?
I spent two days there and didn't feel I saw it all, so it really depends on your interests. Some take a late evening return and have dinner in Toledo, however, if on your own, and it being off season, it is difficult to find a restaurant open before 8 p.m.....and it can be quite deserted in the narrow streets. As it looks like a number of things close around 6, I would book for shortly after that....if you are open to filling time until then. There is a Visagoth museum with tower ( and part of the multi site ticket - which I think was about 6E) and I was quite taken with the Museo de Santa Cruz - that had numerous exhibits in it as well as an interesting miniature building/sound/light display.
If I recall, you may be able to trade a later ticket for an earlier train - if seats available.

We spent all day even though weather was dreary and raining, had a wonderful lunch.
I would book return train around 4.

Any day you take from Madrid and spend in Toledo is a good day. Any night in Toledo will cost you less than Madrid and you'll have a better dinner for less than in Madrid. Madrid beats Toledo for night life and has El Prado other than those Toledo is much nicer.

I spent three nights, two full days, in Toledo and felt like I hadn't fully experienced it. We came away thinking Toledo was among our favorite "twisty road" medieval towns in Europe.

Maria - it's not the money, it's that return tickets can sell out.

Daveen - How long can you sightsee in a day? Some people find that by 3-4 pm, they are ready to collapse, others are frustrated when there's nothing else open to visit after an intensive 12 hour day. There's certainly enough to fill a full day. You should find out the closing times of the sights you want to see. There may not be much reason to stay after that, though if you are still up to it, you can just walk around and enjoy the city after dark. Take into account that Toledo is very hilly (San Francisco hilly - steep and lots of up and down). While you can get tapas and fast food early, dinner is typically after 9 pm, so you may want to return to Madrid for dinner.

I found lots of sights to visit in Toledo because I love Mudejar architecture. Then I spent the rest of my time wandering the extremely picturesque streets. I was in Toledo for 3 nights and would have been glad to have another just for more walking around. But it's true that the historic district is hilly as well as large, so energy level could be a factor. And the historic center does get quiet when the day-trippers leave. If you need lively streets to have a good time in the evening, you'll enjoy Madrid more.

I would LOVE to spend the night and stay longer, but I am currently committed to staying in Madrid. I wanted to schedule the round trip train, only because they do book up because of everyday commuters. It sounds like 4-5pm is a good departure time if I get there early in the morning. Thank you so much for all the advice!