Planning a trip to Toledo

High-speed Avant trains from Madrid run frequently to Toledo, leaving Atocha station from 6:45am to 9:30pm every day. The round-trip costs around 23€ and takes about 30 minutes.

A regular bus service from Madrid, provided by Alsa (tel. 90-242-22-42), leaves Madrid’s Plaza Elíptica bus station every half hour from 6am to midnight. The round-trip costs around 10€ and takes about 90 minutes.

 The train and bus stations in Toledo are not far from the historic center, but it is a steep climb up the hill. Take bus lines 5, 6, or 12 to Plaza de Zocodover. The trip costs 1.40€; pay the driver with change. A taxi from the station costs about 8€. Or walk and take the Remonte de Safont escalator.  They are at Paseo Recaredo, close to Puerta de Bisagra, and Remonte de Safont, identifiable by the modern, concrete mirador at the top. The entrances are not obvious, so look for the stream of Toledans striding toward the tunnels. Or ask: Dónde está la escalera mecánica? These lengthy, free-to-use escalators to take you up the hill, with great views along the way.

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 free public car park at the foot of the hill and continue on foot.

The city’s main tourist office, Plaza del Ayuntamiento s/n (tel. 92-525-40-30; Sun–Fri 10am–3:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm), is located within the arches of the city hall opposite the cathedral. Pick up a free city map with useful details of all the main sites and museums.