How to get from Madrid to Aranjuez by train
The train is the most comfortable and affordable way to reach Aranjuez from Madrid: no traffic, no hunting for parking, and just about 50 minutes door to door. The journey runs on the Cercanías C-3 commuter line, which crosses Madrid (you can board at Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Sol or Atocha) and ends in Aranjuez. Below you will find timetables, prices, which station to leave from, how to reach the palace and how to get back.
The Cercanías C-3 line at a glance
| Line | Cercanías Madrid C-3 (Renfe) |
|---|---|
| Stations in Madrid | Chamartín · Nuevos Ministerios · Sol · Atocha |
| Journey time | ~50 minutes from Atocha |
| Frequency | Every 10–20 min at peak times; more spaced out at weekends |
| Fare zone | Aranjuez is in zone C1 |
| Ticket | Single Cercanías fare by zone (inexpensive) · Transport Pass valid |
Timetables and frequency
The C-3 runs every day with very frequent trains: every 10–20 minutes during weekday rush hours and slightly more spaced out mid-morning, in the evening and at weekends. The first trains leave Madrid early in the morning and the last returns from Aranjuez are already after dark, so you have plenty of time to spend the whole day. Because timetables change with the season and there may be occasional engineering works, always check the day's schedule on the Renfe Cercanías website before you set off.
How much does the ticket cost?
Aranjuez belongs to fare zone C1 of Cercanías Madrid, so a single ticket is cheap; the exact price depends on the zone you board from. If you hold a Transport Pass (monthly or tourist Abono Transportes) covering the relevant zones, the journey is already included and you do not need a separate ticket. You can buy the ticket from the machines at the station or on the Renfe website/app. Check the current fare with Renfe, as it is updated every year.
Which Madrid station should I leave from?
Because the C-3 crosses central Madrid, you can catch it at whichever station is most convenient for you:
- Madrid-Atocha: the most common, with connections to the AVE high-speed trains, other Cercanías lines and metro line 1 (Estación del Arte).
- Sol: right in the centre, very handy if you are staying in the heart of the city.
- Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartín: practical if you are in the north of Madrid or arriving by AVE into Chamartín.
Make sure you board a C-3 train bound for Aranjuez (the line shares tracks with other Cercanías services in the city centre).
From Aranjuez station to the palace
Aranjuez station is 10–15 minutes on foot from the Royal Palace, a pleasant walk through the historic centre and its tree-lined avenues. If you would rather not walk, you can take the tourist train that tours the Royal Site, or a taxi. To get your bearings, the palace and gardens lie to the north-west of the station.
The return: from Aranjuez to Madrid
The way back is on the same C-3 line in the opposite direction, with frequent trains until late in the evening. Keep the time of the last train in mind if you plan to stay for dinner or watch the sunset in the gardens: check it with Renfe when planning your return so you are not caught out.
Alternative: by bus
If it suits you better, there is also an intercity bus to Aranjuez from Madrid (run by AISA), departing from the Estación Sur bus station (Méndez Álvaro). The train is usually faster and more frequent, but the bus may be worth considering depending on where you are staying.
The Strawberry Train (a special experience)
In spring and autumn the historic Strawberry Train runs: period carriages, a strawberry tasting on board and guided visits included. It is not an ordinary Cercanías service but a full-day tourist experience that operates only on certain seasonal weekends. If you are after something different, it is well worth it; for a quick, cheap day trip on any day, stick with the Cercanías C-3.
Tips
- Avoid Mondays: the palace is closed that day.
- Check the day's timetable on Renfe Cercanías before you set off (and the time of the last train back).
- Buy your palace ticket or guided tour in advance so you skip the queue on arrival and make the most of your day.
- Combine the palace with the gardens: beside the River Tagus, they are among the finest sights of the Royal Site.
Book your visit before you board the train
Secure your ticket or guided tour in advance and make the most of your day.
See tickets & tours →⏳ Time-slot places are limited. Lock in your time · cancellation terms on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Madrid to Aranjuez take?
About 50 minutes on the Cercanías C-3 from Madrid-Atocha. It also stops at Sol, Nuevos Ministerios and Chamartín.
Which Madrid station does it leave from?
The C-3 crosses Madrid: you can catch it at Chamartín, Nuevos Ministerios, Sol or Atocha. Atocha is the most used.
How much does the ticket cost?
Aranjuez is in zone C1: a single ticket is inexpensive and varies with your starting zone. With a Transport Pass (covering the relevant zones) it is included. Check the price with Renfe.
How do I get from the station to the palace?
On foot in 10–15 minutes through the centre, or by tourist train or taxi.
How do I get back from Aranjuez to Madrid?
On the same C-3 line in the opposite direction, with frequent trains until late evening. Check the last train time with Renfe.
