just an afternoon in Toledo and return to Madrid?

The feasibility depends on how much of Toledo’s sites and monuments you plan to see. During my most recent 10-hour Toledo visit, there were still attractions remaining that we did not have time to visit.

During an afternoon, It’s certainly possible to walk through much of Toledo and visit the cathedral and one or two other sites. I would recommend that, rather than entirely skipping Toledo. You’ll save time by taxiing between the train station and the old city.
Note that many sites are closed on Mondays.

Thx for your input!

Toledo is probably the most popular day trip from Madrid. If one gets an early start and late return a lot can be seen. If you literally mean an afternoon consisting of 2-4 hours, I’m not sure I’d do it given the time it would take to get there and back, plus getting to/from the train station in Madrid. Only you know whether it’s a good use of your time; the time getting there and back versus the time spent there.

Thank you for your input. We are definitely considering a full day there now, thanks.

Note that the train station is a bit away from downtown Toledo, and a bit of a walk.
There are buses that take you from the station, up the hill, and into Plaza Zocodover.
Taxis too, obviously. I would plan on one of those two options to make the most of
your day.

To help make your adventure in Toledo a magical one, I recommend a local guide, Adolfo Ferrero (https://www.toledodelamano.com/en/about-adolfo-ferrero/). One thing Mr. Rick has taught me is the value of local guides, and Adolfo (who I met while on a RS tour) is nothing short of amazing.

Even though we spent a night in Toledo and enjoyed it very much, I am of the belief that seeing Toledo, or any other popular daytrip destination, for a day is better than not seeing it at all. Try to get an early train. Purchase your tickets in advance. The train ride is about 30 minutes. And definitely take the taxi from the train station to Plaza Zocodover so that you aren't wasting time. So this is a very doable daytrip.

The train station is a mile from the base of the hill up to the historic center. The walk from the train station to the historic center is uphill. With limited time, bus or taxi are the best options.

Thank you all so much! We have decided to dedicate a whole day in Toledo, I know it will be worth it!

Thank you for all the tips. My husband and I are also doing a day trip from Madrid. Good to know about the train then taxi.

Toledo is one of my favorite cities in Spain. It was the capital of Castile and Spain 500 years ago.
Try to go for several hours, it is wonderful, don't miss it. Take the train.
If you can visit Segovia on the north side of Madrid, it has an intact 1800 year old Roman aqueduct.

Also doing a day trip from Madrid. Currently unable to find tickets online. It’s exactly 3 months from now. I checked renfe and Trainline. Showed nothing. Advice?

Also doing a day trip from Madrid. Currently unable to find tickets online. It’s exactly 3 months from now. I checked renfe and Trainline. Showed nothing. Advice?

Wait until tickets are available.

If going to Toledo for a day trip, make sure you buy round trip tickets (or a return ticket) as these train tickets sell out.

You don’t need to buy these tickets months in advance but do buy at least a few days in advance. The ticket price does not change since this is a commuter train.

If time permits, consider staying in Toledo for at least an overnight so you can experience the magic of this beautiful ancient city without the crowds.

Wishing you a wonderful trip!

You'll have a great time! We spent a day in Toledo and really loved it there.