By Train

Madrid is the geographical center of Spain, and all major train lines depart from one of its two main train stations (Chamartín and Atocha) or pass through Madrid (the third train station, Norte, is primarily for commuter trains). Though train travel is comfortable, for some destinations buses run more frequently and make fewer stops; this is true for Segovia and Toledo, unless you take the more expensive high-speed train.

Commuter trains to El Escorial, Aranjuez, and Alcalá de Henares run frequently. The best way to get a ticket for such trains is to use one of the automated reservation terminals at the station (they're in the cercanías area), but you can buy tickets online for the high-speed AVE regional lines. You can reach Segovia from the Atocha station in a half hour, the same time it takes you to get to Toledo. If you return the same day, the ticket may cost less than €18. The AVE stations in Toledo and Segovia are outside the city, meaning once there you'll have to take either a bus or a taxi to get to their old quarters.

The AVE line can get you to Barcelona in less than three hours. If you buy the ticket more than two weeks ahead and are lucky enough to find a Web fare (with discounts up to 60% off the official fare), you'll pay less than €50 each way. Otherwise expect to pay between €115 and €138 each way—the more expensive being the AVE +, which is nonstop.

Train Information

Estación de Atocha (Glorieta del Emperador Carlos V, Atocha, Madrid, 28045. 91/528-4630. Metro: Atocha.)

Estación Chamartín (Calle Agustín de Foxá s/n, Chamartín, Madrid, 28036. 91/315-9976. Metro: Chamartín.)

Estación de Príncipe Pío (Norte) (Paseo de la Florida s/n, Moncloa, Madrid, 28008. 902/240202 RENFE. Metro: Príncipe Pío.)