Madrid To Segovia Day Trip: How To Visit By Train (Complete Guide)
Read on to learn how to take a day trip from Madrid to Segovia!
Visiting the beautiful city of Segovia via train is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take from Madrid.
Situated less than 100 kilometres from the Spanish capital, Segovia is full of stunning historic architecture, from the huge Roman Aqueduct to the Alcázar of Segovia, which resembles something out of a fairy-tale movie.
Having visited Segovia on a day trip from Madrid by train, I’m the perfect blogger to provide a comprehensive guide on what to expect when visiting, what not to miss, how to get there and more.
Plan Your Trip With My Recommended Resources:
🚆Bus or Train: Bookaway is a great resource for tickets
🏨 Accommodation: I always use Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Discover Cars has the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Kiwi.com has the best prices on flights
📱eSIM: Airalo has a fantastic range of eSIMs
Is A Day Trip From Madrid To Segovia Worth It?
The answer is an obvious yes, a day trip from Madrid to Segovia is most definitely worth it. It is a completely different city from Madrid, much quieter, smaller and with more fascinating, dramatic architecture wherever you look.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I went on a day trip to Segovia from Madrid, but the city exceeded my expectations and then some.
I was blown away by the sheer size and majesty of the city’s main tourist attractions, and its calm, relaxed vibe was a much-needed change of pace from the hectic lifestyle of Madrid.
It is an ideal day trip for solo-travellers, couples or anyone with a passing interest in historical cities in Spain, or if you’re just curious to discover an alternative to Madrid.
However, I would only suggest taking a train from Madrid to Segovia if you have fully explored Madrid to its fullest, let’s say over 3 days or more.
If you’re only in the capital for 2 or 3 days, then it’s best to stay and discover everything the capital has to offer.
How to Get From Madrid To Segovia By Train
Getting to Segovia from Madrid by train is relatively straightforward, cheap and fast. Here is exactly how to reach the city from the capital via train:
Head to Madrid Chamartín train station, which is located in the north of Madrid. Trains run from here to Segovia hourly every day, with the fastest train taking just 26 minutes, and the cheapest tickets costing £10-£13.
As there are regular trains to Segovia from Madrid, you can buy your train ticket directly from the ticket office at Chamartín. But if you want to save time, then I recommend booking in advance.
👉 Pro Tip: The quickest way to reach Madrid Chamartín station from central Madrid is to catch a train from Atocha station, which takes just 8 minutes, or catch a metro train on Line 1, which will take 19 minutes.
You can also reach Segovia from Madrid by bus, which is cheaper than the train. Check out Bookaway for more details.
However, catching a bus takes much longer, roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic. You can, of course, travel to Segovia by car from Madrid, which will take a little less time, but expect traffic as well.
In my experience, Spanish trains are very reliable, cheap and fast. I had no issues whatsoever catching my train from Madrid to Segovia, and the journey was pleasant.
Here’s a table to help break down the different travel options available from Madrid to Segovia:
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train | 26 min | €12–€15 | Most visitors |
| Bus | 1h 20min | €6–€8 | Budget |
| Car | 1h 15min | Fuel + parking | Flexibility |
👉 Read my Ultimate Guide to Spain here:
30 Bucket List Destinations In Spain That You Simply Must Visit
Arriving in Segovia – What to Expect
What’s important to know when arriving in Segovia is that the city actually has two train stations, not one:
Segovia-Guiomar station, which is 6km from the old town and is used by high-speed trains connecting to other cities in Spain, and Segovia station, which is used for regional connections, mostly Madrid.
Taking a high-speed train from Madrid, your train will arrive at Segovia-Guiomar station. Although Segovia station is based in the city centre, trains from here to Madrid are much slower, taking 90 minutes to reach the capital.
From Segovia-Guiomar station, you can take a Line 11 bus into the old town, or a taxi which will save time but will cost in the region of 10 Euros. Or you could walk from the station into the old town, but this will take 30 to 40 minutes.
Must-See Places In Segovia On A Day Trip
There are several must-see places in Segovia that you shouldn’t miss when taking a day trip from Madrid:
Roman Aqueduct
Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct is quite simply one of the most remarkable sights you’ll ever see.
Having visited most of Spain’s famous historical buildings and monuments, the Roman Aqueduct is up there with the best of them, in my opinion.
It’s also one of the first sights you’ll see as you enter the city centre, as it’s just a 7-minute walk from Segovia train station (or a 5-minute taxi ride). It is a part of the old town of Segovia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Built around the first century AD to channel water from nearby mountain springs, it is one of the most breathtaking examples of ancient engineering and was still being used up until 1973.
I was completely in awe of the sheer size and scale of the aqueduct, and you can easily spend an hour or more admiring the construct. It is exactly 813 metres long, 28 and a half metres high and features a total of 128 pillars.
It’s completely free to see, and there are excellent viewing points from either side of the construct. I was honestly surprised by its ingenuity and how intact it still appears.
It’s possible to learn more about the aqueduct by taking a walking tour of the city, which is worth doing if time allows.
➡️ Go on a 3-Hour Walking Tour of Segovia
Book your ticket in advance here
Alcázar of Segovia
Equally impressive as the Roman Aqueduct is the Alcázar of Segovia, a magnificent castle located on the western side of the city.
Known to be one of the most renowned medieval castles in the world, dating back to at least the 12th Century.
It was once a fortress and a royal palace and is now another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most visited sites in Spain and a must when visiting Segovia.
Once again, I was left speechless by the sheer majesty and beauty of this castle; it resembles something from a Disney movie, and the panoramic views from its cliff-edge position are also astonishing.
I took my time walking around the castle grounds and the nearby observation deck to fully appreciate the castle’s architecture and surrounding views. I also advise booking your entry ticket online in advance.
➡️ Visit the Incredible Alcazar of Segovia
Book your Entry Ticket by clicking here
Segovia Cathedral
Another wonderful piece of architecture in Segovia, which I’m so glad I saw on my day trip from Madrid, is the magnificent Segovia Cathedral.
Unmissable and dominating Segovia’s cityscape, this cathedral is based in the centre of the old town of the city. It was built in the 16th century, and its Gothic architecture and baroque design are quite something to admire.
Although I didn’t, you can enter the cathedral and admire its interior beauty as well. The cathedral is open to visitors daily throughout the year, with a small entry fee.
I felt due to time constraints it was better to skip visiting the interior of the cathedral, and head straight to the Alcázar instead. I didn’t feel like I missed out to be honest, so that’s worth keeping in mind during your day trip.
Segovia Old Town
Segovia’s Old Town is itself recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spending time wandering around this historic area is a part of the pleasure of visiting the city on a day trip from Madrid.
It is quite a small and compact Old Town, which means it’s fairly easy to walk around despite being a bit hilly in places.
However, I found it very easy to walk from one tourist attraction to another, and I visited the Roman Aqueduct, Segovia Cathedral and the Alcazar without any difficulty despite not knowing my way around the city.
Where & What To Eat In Segovia?
Knowing ahead of time where and what to eat in Segovia will save you time trying to find somewhere convenient during your day trip.
Fortunately, Segovia has many excellent restaurants, mostly serving traditional local food as well as more modern dishes.
In case you’re wondering, the most famous dishes in Segovia include suckling pig, a traditional layer cake called ‘Ponche Segoviano‘ and ‘Sopa Castellana‘, a garlic soup with paprika which includes an egg on top.
On the main high street, you can find several restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating available, with views of the Roman Aqueduct nearby. I had my lunch at one such restaurant, which was certainly memorable.
If you only eat at one place in Segovia, then go here:
- Meson de Candido – Situated directly in front of the Roman Aqueduct, this restaurant is based in an old Spanish Inn, which dates back to 1786. It serves traditional Spanish food with amazing views of the city’s iconic Aqueduct.
Here are a couple more restaurant suggestions to keep in mind, which are also strong options to consider:
- Restaurante Taberna Lopez – Serving traditional cuisine from Segovia, this restaurant features a classy, elegant décor, exceptional service and a reasonably priced menu, plus it has vegetarian options.
- Bar Los Tarines – Focusing on Mediterranean dishes, this restaurant is in the city centre and serves traditional local food, with a lovely atmosphere and friendly staff.
Map Of Segovia
Check out this interactive map of Segovia, featuring pins of all the locations mentioned in this blog post:
👉 Read my Travel Itinerary for Southern Spain here:
The Best Andalusia Itinerary: A 12-Day Guide To Southern Spain
Tips For Your Segovia Day Trip From Madrid
Here are some general common sense tips to consider when planning your trip from Madrid to Segovia:
- Wear good shoes – Expect a full day of walking in Segovia, so you want to wear a comfortable pair of shoes suitable for the day.
- Book Alcázar tickets ahead – This will save a lot of time and avoid long queues on the day, which will eat into your itinerary.
- Bring water in summer – If visiting in summer then it can get quite hot in Segovia with plus 30 degrees Celsius temperatures, so make sure to bring a bottle of water.
- Start early to avoid crowds – Depending on the time of year, it’s best to visit Segovia early (the earlier the better) to avoid the city during the busiest hours.
Useful Links For Your Trip
Here are some helpful links to help plan your trip to Segovia:
🚄 Book trains, buses, ferries in Spain – find trains from Madrid to Segovia, ferries to the Canary Islands and more.
🏨 Find hotels in Spain – from budget stays in Segovia to luxury five-star hotels in Madrid and more.
🍜 Join a food tour in Spain – try tapas in Seville, taste wine in Madrid and more.
🌅 Book a day trip in Spain – take a trip from Barcelona to Montserrat, go on a bike ride in Valencia and more.
Madrid To Segovia Day Trip FAQs
Still not sure about visiting Segovia on a day trip from Madrid? Allow me to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about this delightful city:
How much time do you need in Segovia?
It’s worth spending a full day in Segovia to fully appreciate its main tourist attractions and to explore the Old Town.
I spent an hour at the Roman Aqueduct and a couple of hours at the Alcazar of Segovia. If I were to spend a day in Segovia again, here is a good itinerary that I would follow:
- Morning: Arrive and check out the Roman Aqueduct for 1 hour.
- Mid-morning: Visit the Segovia Cathedral.
- Lunch: Go to a traditional local restaurant in the city centre.
- Afternoon: Explore the old town for a while.
- Mid-afternoon: Spend 1-2 hours exploring the Alcázar of Segovia.
This route makes the most sense to me and is the most convenient, as the Aqueduct is just a ten minute walk from the Cathedral, so they are both do-able before lunch.
Which is better, Toledo or Segovia?
This is a great question, as both Toledo and Segovia are lovely historic cities that are easily reachable from Madrid on a day trip.
Having visited both Toledo and Segovia on day trips from Madrid, I preferred Segovia as I found it to have more spectacular sites, but that’s my personal preference.
So yes, if you have time for just one day trip during your visit to Madrid, then visit Segovia. Although if you have enough time, then try to visit both – Toledo is a fascinating city in its own right.
Is it worth taking a guided tour in Segovia?
A guided walking tour of Segovia is a good idea, as you’ll learn more about the city’s history and get more out of your visit.
I didn’t do this, however and still had an excellent experience. It’s definitely not necessary to do, but it would enhance your time in Segovia, especially if you have a keen interest in history.
Is Segovia a walkable city?
Yes, Segovia is very much a walkable city. All of the city’s main attractions are in easy walking distance from each other.
The only long walk you may have is from the train station to the old town, but I suggest taking a taxi or bus instead.
Can you do Segovia and Toledo in one day?
No, definitely not! Both cities are based in opposing sides of Madrid – Segovia is to the north and Toledo is to the south of the capital, making a day trip to both cities a very bad idea.
Conclusion: Madrid To Segovia Day Trip
That concludes everything you need to know about taking a day trip from Madrid to Segovia by train.
Segovia is a truly picturesque city, full of history with some absolutely spectacular sites that makes a day trip a must if you have enough time in Madrid, a capital city that I fully recommend visiting.
I was completely bowled over by the sheer majesty of the Roman Aqueduct, the Alcazar of Segovia and the city’s Cathedral, and I’m sure you will be too.
I hope you’ve found this guide to visiting Segovia on a day trip from Madrid useful and are now clued up on what to expect when visiting one of the most special places in all of Spain.
You may also enjoy reading these blog posts about Spain:
➡️15 Incredible Day Trips From Seville (By Train, Car & Tour Options)
➡️ Seville or Madrid? Which City Is Better To Visit In 2026
➡️ How To Spend 72 Hours In Seville: A Complete Itinerary For 2026
➡️ Is Alicante Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why You Should Go
➡️ Best Time To Walk Camino de Santiago (& The Worst!)
➡️ What I Learned From Walking The Camino de Santiago Alone
➡️ One Day In Cordoba: The Best Itinerary For Spain’s Historical City
➡️ Hidden Gems In Northern Spain That You Simply Must Visit In 2026
➡️ Planning your trip? Here are my favourite resources:
🏨 Accommodation: I recommend using Booking.com
🚙 Rental Car: Use Discover Cars for the best car rental prices
❤️ Travel Insurance: I recommend using Visitors Coverage
✈️ Flights: Use Kiwi.com for the best prices on flights
