My family and I will be in Madrid next month. One of the day trips we're considering is to Segovia. Needless to say we want to get there as quickly as possible. I've seen recommendations to take the fast AVE train. But I can see no evidence that those trains run from Madrid to Segovia. Any time I'm directed to any site I usually wind up at Rail Europe. And that has a standard train that takes almost two hours. But I also noticed there is a bus. And that takes only 1 hr, 10 mins. So three questions: Is there a fast train from Madrid-to Segovia? And if so, how can I find the web site? And how can a bus possibly be faster than a train?
Posted by
Bainbridge Island
3287 posts
The website you want is Renfe.com. No reason you should end up at Rail Europe. Renfe shows it takes 28 to 31 minutes by train. http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html https://venta.renfe.com/vol/buscarTren.do
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
6790 posts
Yes, there should be a fast train. This is a commuter train milk run. Should be quick and easy. Can't help you with the website - we just bought tickets there.
Posted by
OP
Burlington, MA, USA
8 posts
Great, thanks. I believe I had been to this site previously but had overlooked the 'Segovia AV' destination. From what I'm reading elsewhere, each method of transport to Segovia has advantages and disadvantages. So the station for the fast train appears to be further outside the city but indeed gets there faster. And the bus is faster than the slow train but deposits you closer to the center. Anyway, all good to know.
Posted by
Port St Joe Florida
513 posts
The AVE from Madrid to Segovia departs from Chamartin station and takes about 30 minutes to get to the new station in Segovia. This station is outside of town and you need to catch a city bus (#11 I believe) into the city proper. It will take you dirctly to the Roman Aquaduct entrance to the Old Town. There is also a taxi stand outside the station if you prefer. There is a TI right after you go under the aquaduct. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from here to the Plaza Mayor.
Posted by
OP
Burlington, MA, USA
8 posts
Thanks for replies. What was confusing me is that it turns out there are three methods to get from Madrid to Segovia: bus, slow train (1:45 hours), fast train/AVE (1/2 hour). Bus is only one hour or so, appears to drop you off centrally. Both trains are farther out, anywhere from 4 to 7km away. But both have taxis and/or buses that take you centrally for about a Euro. So all in all, as someone I think said, since both trains drop you farther away, may as well take the fast one. Note below is from an email I got from the Segovia tourism bureau: "To get to the Aqueduct you should take another bus that takes 10-15 min (line number 8). From the high speed train (30 min Madrid-Segovia) station the bus (line number 11) takes 15-20 min. You have also taxi in both stations (11€ from the high speed and 5€ from the low one)."
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
The city bus that takes you into town from the train station is timed with the trains. It will be waiting there for you (and the others on the train) outside the station. I found it all quick and easy. Just make sure you catch a return bus in a timely manner to get back to the station in time.