Segovia is one of the most spectacular day-trip destinations from Madrid, and yet one that surprises most people who arrive without knowing quite what to expect. The image of the Roman Aqueduct in the city centre, built 2,000 years ago without a drop of mortar, is the kind that stays with you. The Alcázar that inspired Disney's castle and an imposing Gothic cathedral complete the picture.
Segovia is about 90 km from Madrid and there are several transport options. In this article we explain them all, with the timings, prices and tips that only those who make the journey every week know. At the end you'll also find an itinerary to make the most of a day in the city.
Getting from Madrid to Segovia by train
The Renfe AVE/AVANT train is the fastest option for getting from Madrid to Segovia: the journey takes between 27 and 30 minutes from Chamartín station. Prices range from €14 to €22 per journey depending on how far in advance you book and the ticket type. Trains run several times a day in both directions.
Pay attention to an important detail that confuses many travellers: Segovia's train station (Segovia-Guiomar) is about 5 km from the historic centre, not in the centre. You'll need to take a taxi (about 10 minutes, around €8-10) or the urban bus line 11 to reach the Aqueduct. This is different from Toledo, where the station is closer. Bear this in mind when calculating timings.
The train is ideal if you're travelling alone or as a couple, if you want timetable flexibility and if you've already planned what to see. In high season (spring-summer) book in advance: seats sell out.
Getting from Madrid to Segovia by bus
La Sepulvedana company operates direct buses from Madrid to Segovia. Departure is from the Moncloa Interchange (not from Estación Sur as with Toledo) and the journey takes between 1 hour 15 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes. Prices are around €7-9 per journey.
The advantage of the bus over the train is that it drops you at Segovia's bus station, which is much closer to the historic centre than the AVE station. From there you can reach the Aqueduct in about 10 minutes on foot.
It's the most affordable option and runs frequently. The downside is that it can be affected by traffic leaving Madrid, especially on Fridays and the days before long weekends.
Getting from Madrid to Segovia by car
By car, the most direct route is the A-6 to Las Rozas then the AP-61 (toll road) to Segovia, or the toll-free alternative via the N-603. The motorway journey takes about 60-70 minutes depending on traffic.
Parking in Segovia is easier than in Toledo. There are free parking areas around Avenida del Padre Claret, about 10 minutes' walk from the Aqueduct. There's also paid parking near the Alcázar. At weekends the centre fills up with cars, so arrive before 10am if you want to park nearby.
The car is especially worth it if you're travelling in a group or if you want to combine Segovia with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains or with La Granja de San Ildefonso (the Spanish Versailles, 11 km from Segovia) on the same day.
Guided day trip to Segovia from Madrid
An organised tour from Madrid solves all the logistical problems in one go: you don't need to worry about trains, buses, the distance from the AVE station to the centre or queues at monuments. The coach departs from the Neptune Fountain in Madrid at 9:30am and arrives directly in the centre of Segovia.
Our full-day Segovia tour includes round-trip air-conditioned coach transport, a professional bilingual guide throughout, entry to the Alcázar and Gothic Cathedral (no queues), a guided walking tour of the historic centre (Aqueduct, Plaza Mayor, Jewish quarter) and free time to eat and explore. Total duration: 10 hours.
You can also combine Segovia with Ávila on the same day if you want to make the most of your visit to Castile: early departure from Madrid, a stop in Ávila to see the medieval walls and then Segovia with a guide. All in one day, without unnecessary exhaustion.
What to see in Segovia in one day: the essential route
The Roman Aqueduct is the first unmissable stop. Built between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD under Emperor Trajan, it has 166 arches and stands 28 metres at its highest point. The most remarkable thing is that it uses no mortar whatsoever: it's 20,000 granite blocks held together by their own weight. Allow at least 20-30 minutes to see it from different angles.
From the Aqueduct, walk up Calle Real towards Plaza Mayor and the Cathedral. Segovia Cathedral is the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain (16th century) and one of the most elegant in the country. If you have a ticket included, the interior visit is well worth it, especially for the cloister and the collection of Flemish tapestries.
The Alcázar of Segovia deserves at least an hour. This fairytale castle — with its pointed towers that directly inspired Disney's Cinderella castle — was the residence of the Kings of Castile for centuries. From the Tower of Juan II there are 360-degree views over the city and the mountains.
If you have time in the afternoon, don't miss Segovia's Jewish quarter, one of the best preserved in Castile, and the Church of Vera Cruz, one of the few Templar churches still standing in Europe, about 15 minutes' walk from the Alcázar.
And to end the day properly: Segovian roast suckling pig. This isn't a suggestion, it's almost an obligation. Segovian suckling pig has a protected designation of origin and centuries of tradition. The best restaurants are around Plaza Mayor and the Aqueduct area. Book a table if you're going at the weekend.