Royal Palace of Aranjuez: frequently asked questions
Everything you need to visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez: prices, hours, free-entry days, how to get there, parking, visiting with kids or pets, accessibility and much more.
How much is a ticket?
Box office around €9 (reduced ~€4). Online, the skip-the-line ticket is ~€12.50 and a palace guided tour from €12 (admission apart: €9 box office / €12.50 via Civitatis).
Are there free-entry days?
Yes, free access for EU and Latin-American citizens on Wednesdays and Sundays, 15:00–19:00 (Apr–Sep)/15:00–18:00 (Oct–Mar). It's also free for everyone on 18 May and 12 October. Limited places, no guide; arrive early.
What are the opening hours?
Open Tue–Sun: winter (Oct–Mar) 10:00–18:00, summer (Apr–Sep) 10:00–19:00. Closed Mondays and some holidays.
Is it open on Mondays?
No, the palace closes on Mondays (and some holidays). The gardens usually open daily.
How long does it take?
The interior takes 1–1.5 hours. With the gardens, plan half a day or a full day. See what to see in one day.
How do I get there from Madrid?
By Cercanías C-3 from Atocha (~45 min), car on the A-4 or bus. Details in how to get to Aranjuez.
Is there parking?
Yes, near the palace and gardens, but it fills up quickly on weekends. Arrive early or take the train.
Can I visit with children?
Yes, very family-friendly. The gardens, the tourist train and the boat ride are great for kids.
Are pets allowed?
Not inside the palace (except assistance dogs). In the gardens, usually on a leash; check current rules.
Is it accessible (wheelchair / reduced mobility)?
Yes, with adapted routes and assistance. Mention it when booking a guided tour to confirm conditions.
Can I take photos inside?
Rules may vary and some rooms don't allow flash or tripods. Follow the signage and staff.
Is the gardens entry free?
Yes, the gardens (Parterre, Island and Prince's) are free. The Labourer's Cottage and Royal Barges Museum have separate tickets. See the gardens guide.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (gardens in bloom) and autumn. In summer, go early to avoid the heat.
Are there guided tours in English?
Yes, activities in several languages depending on the date. Filter by language when booking online.
Where to eat? What's typical?
Aranjuez is famous for its strawberries and asparagus. The old town has restaurants with traditional dishes like pheasant.
When does the Strawberry Train run?
Weekends in spring and autumn. Period carriages and a strawberry tasting; book ahead as it sells out.
Ticket vs guided tour?
A ticket is self-guided access. A guided tour includes admission + guide and skips the line: recommended.
Can I cancel my booking?
Most bookings via Civitatis offer the guided tour cancels free up to 48 hours before (the ticket with the Falúas museum is non-refundable) until shortly before. Check the conditions when booking.
Which days is the Palace of Aranjuez free for everyone?
Admission is free for the whole public on 18 May (International Museum Day) and 12 October (Spain's National Day). The rest of the year it's free for EU and Latin-American citizens on Wednesdays and Sundays in the afternoon, 15:00 to 19:00 (18:00 in winter).
Who enters the Palace of Aranjuez for free?
Free entry applies to children under 5, unemployed people, people with a disability (≥33%) and their companion, large families, teachers and official tourist guides, on presenting proof at the box office.
Does the palace ticket include the gardens?
You don't need it: walking through the gardens of Aranjuez (Parterre, Island and Prince's) is always free and accessed separately. The palace ticket (€9) covers only the interior. The Labourer's House and the Royal Barges Museum are paid separately.
Does the Palace of Aranjuez close in August?
No. The palace is open all summer, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:00. It only closes on Mondays and some specific public holidays (1 and 6 January, 1 May and 24, 25 and 31 December). The gardens open every day.
Ready to visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez?
Book your ticket or guided tour with the guided tour cancels free up to 48 hours before (the ticket with the Falúas museum is non-refundable) and skip the line.
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