Day Trip: Madrid to Segovia, Spain

I actually can’t believe I hadn’t written this post yet! The first time I visited Madrid — back in 2016 — Segovia was my first day trip I took out of the capital. I’d learned about this impressive city during one of my college Spanish classes, and I knew I had to see it for myself. Once I moved here in the fall, it was again the first day trip I took. I couldn’t wait to see it again. When Matt came to visit, I took him. And I’m planning to bring some of my future visitors there as well!

Along with Toledo, Segovia is actually one of the fastest and easiest day trips from Madrid. So if you want to plan your own trip from Madrid to Segovia, here’s everything you need to know!

Segovia, Spain

Distance from Madrid: 90 km/56 miles

Segovia is located in the Spanish autonomous region of Castilla y León, located in northwestern Spain. Though Castilla y León is the largest of Spain’s regions, Segovia is not a particularly large city. In fact, its population is less than 57,000. But Segovia is a charming mixture of buildings from the late Middle Ages – 11th and 12th centuries – to the more modern Renaissance period. Three main landmarks that make it unmissable for many visitors to Spain and Madrid.

The first thing that greets you as you make your way into the city center is the Roman aqueduct. This is THE symbol of Segovia. It’s one of the best-preserved Roman aqueducts in the world, and the best-preserved Roman ruin on the Iberian peninsula. It towers above you like the town gate. Literally, you have to walk under it! The aqueducto de Segovia is estimated to have been built in the year 112 A.D. In total, it runs 15 km (9 miles) from its origin to the city.

It’s one of the most amazing things I’ve seen in Spain. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the city of Segovia has been designated by UNESCO as well. You’ll get great views and photos of Segovia’s crowning jewel from the Plaza del Azoguejo when you first enter the old town.

The next top attraction is the Segovia Cathedral, located in the city’s Plaza Mayor and near the Jewish Quarter. It’s one of the last Gothic cathedrals to have been built in Europe, constructed during the 16th century. It looks different from every angle – a series of sharp pinnacles and the dome from up close, and a view of the tall bell tower from farther away. You can pay a few euros to go inside the cathedral, and for a few more you can rent an audio guide. You can even visit the tower on a guided tour! And if you’re nearby, also check out the Casa de los Picos – a 15th-century building featuring 617 granite points on its façade.

Last of the major points of interest – but not least – is the Alcázar. Many cities in Spain have alcázares, but Segovia’s is one of the best. This castle was used as partial inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle. Originally it was a fortress, but in the years since it was built in 1120 A.D., it’s been used as a palace, a prison, and a military academy. The building was badly damaged in a fire in 1862, but these days, the alcázar is a museum. You can go on a tour through the whole thing, or pay €2 to climb to the top of the Tower of Juan II de Castilla for a great view of the city.

Update 2024: Apparently, now one of the most popular things to do in Segovia is to see Segovia by hot air balloon..? It’s been a little while since I was there, but I love a good hot air balloon ride, so it’s something I would definitely check out next time! What a fun way to see one of my favorite cities. Also, it looks like they even pick you up from Madrid, so no need to worry about getting to Segovia in that case.

Besides all these sites above, Segovia is a great place to just wander for the day. Try the Segovian specialty of cochinillo, which is roasted suckling pig, or go to the sweet shop Pastelería Limón y Menta to try the ponche segoviano dessert. You’ll find plenty of shopping on the city’s narrow cobblestone streets, great views of the surrounding hills and mountains, and lots of English speakers and other foreign tourists spending the day in this beautiful, historic city.

How To Get to Segovia From Madrid:

Bus: The cheapest option to get to Segovia is by Avanza bus, which you can catch at Moncloa station in the west of Madrid. If you’re arriving by metro, take Line 3 (Yellow) or Line 6 (Circular). The trip will take you about 1:20-1:45 each way depending on which bus you choose, and should cost about €4-5 each way. Once you arrive at the bus station, you’re already in the city center. And it’s only a 6-minute walk to the aqueduct!

Train (AVE): The fastest way to get to Segovia is via Chamartín Station in the north of Madrid. You can get to Chamartín on the metro via the Line 1 (Light Blue) or Line 10 (Dark Blue) lines. The best part is that, from here, you can get to Segovia in only 30 minutes, for about €11 each way. You can buy your tickets in advance, or just show up at the station and buy a ticket from the kiosk for the next available train. Just be aware that if you arrive by train, the train station is a bit outside the city. You’ll need to catch the shuttle bus to/from the center for about €2 each way.

Private Pickup: If you do that Segovia hot air balloon ride I mentioned above, transportation to and from Madrid seems to already be included! However, you could also hire a private driver if you don’t want to deal with the bus or train.

 

What else do you want to know about Segovia, or have you ever been? What’s your favorite thing to see there?

-Cathy

This site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

Originally Published on June 24, 2019.