Only one free day? · Day trip from Madrid
Toledo or Segovia?
| Field | Toledo | Segovia |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 34 min | 27 min + local bus 11 to the aqueduct |
| Transport | Avant high-speed train | High-speed train + bus |
| Self-guided | € 39.80 | € 37.80–67.40 |
| Tour | € 56.05 | € 45.90 |
| Time needed | 6–8 h | 6–8 h |
| Closed | None. Sundays open from 14:00 only; shut 1 Jan and 25 Dec | None. Shut 25 Dec; short hours 24 and 31 Dec |
| Best time | Monday to Saturday; spring and autumn for the heat | Apr-Oct, when the Alcázar stays open until 19:30 |
| Verdict | Worth a full day | Worth a full day |
Our verdict
Toledo first, unless it is Sunday.
Both are about half an hour from Madrid and cost almost the same: € 39.80 for Toledo with the cathedral, € 37.80 for Segovia with the full Alcázar ticket. Toledo wins on a first visit because there is more to see in one walkable old town. Pick Segovia on a Sunday, when Toledo cathedral only opens at 14:00, or when Toledo trains are sold out: Segovia has about 25 fast trains on a weekday against 15. Segovia also suits you better if a castle and a Roman aqueduct matter more than churches and paintings.
Last checked: · Train times and fares from Renfe's timetable pages; opening days and ticket prices from each attraction's official site.