Getting There

High-speed trains run frequently to Toledo, leaving Madrid’s Atocha station between 6:50am and 9:50pm every day. The one-way fare is 13.90€. For train information, visit www.renfe.com or call 91-232-03-20. To reach the old city from Toledo’s railway station, take bus 5 to Plaza de Zocodover (1.40€); a taxi from the station costs about 8€. There’s also regular bus service from Madrid, provided by ALSA (tel. 90-242-22-42). Buses leave daily from Madrid’s Estación de Plaza Elíptica (Vía Lusitana), at 15- to 30-minute intervals between 6am and 11pm. Travel time is between an hour and 1.5 hours, a one-way ticket costs 5.50€. Once you reach Toledo, you’ll be dropped at the Estación de Autobuses, which is next to the river about 1.2km (3/4 mile) from the historic center. Buses 5 and 6 run from the station uphill to Plaza de Zocodover. Pay the driver directly. By car, take the A-42 south from Madrid. The drive takes about an hour. Driving and parking in Toledo’s old town isn’t fun. It’s best to leave your car in a public car park and continue on foot.

The climb to the old town is not far, but it is steep. Happily, there are now a couple of lengthy escalators to take you to the top of the hill, offering great views along the way. They are at Paseo Recaredo, close to the Puerta de Bisagra, and Ronda Granadal, identifiable by the modern, concrete mirador at the top. The entrances are not obvious, so look out for the stream of Toledans striding towards the tunnels. Or ask: Dónde está la escalera mecánica?

Visitor Information

There are several tourist offices in town; the one at Plaza Zocodover, 6 (www.toledo-turismo.com), is the one you’re likely to encounter first, and there’s another at the top of the Paseo Recaredo escalator at Plaza de la Merced (tel. 92-525-93-00). They are open daily 10am to 6pm. Pick up a free city map with details of all the main sites and museums, and some suggested Walking routes

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.