Madrid side trips

Here are a few suggestions, some closer, some a little further from Madrid but all would be doable as a daytrip either by train, bus or by car. Look into Aranjuez, La Granja de San Ildefonso, or Alcala de Henares . Further out, look into Cuenca or the small town of Consuegra with its windmills on the hill. Both are about a two hour drive from Madrid. I really liked Consuegra but we did it as a daytrip from Toledo. If you have an interest in Spanish pottery and tiles, look into Talavera de la Reina.

Note that El Escorial and Segovia by train involves either going to one place then returning to Madrid to switch trains to head for the other place, or a possible stay outside of Madrid. Last November we took the train to El Escorial, then caught another train later in the day for Segovia (with another train trainsfer midway). We didn't make it to Segovia until that night, but we were planning on staying the night in Segovia.

Taking the bus is also good option for either place, aside from driving a rental car.

La Granja can be reached by bus from Segovia, a short distance away.

The walled city of Avila is another side trip option - 1.5 to 2.0 hours by train out of Chamartin train station in Madrid. And of cours, ther is alway the university city of Salamanca.

Check out Aranjuez as an alternative to El Escorial. It's a smaller, less touristed version with great gardens.

Also, think of buses as an option to train or car. A bus will get you everywhere comfortably and cheaply. Every bus station has an information booth where an English speaker can help you sort out your choices and book your tickets (no need to book early, I go the day before just so I can plan my day). There are lots of one day tours by bus that include a ride there, time to tour the destination(s), and a ride home at the end of the day.