Getting to Toledo from Madrid
 

What is the best way to get to Toledo from Madrid. Car? Bus? Train? Tour? any input woluld help. <BR> <BR>Thanks

We went by bus and found it pretty convenient. Take the circular metro to Mendez Alvaro and Estacion Sur de Autobuses. Service is provided by Autobuses Galiano Continental every 30 minutes, on :00 and :30. The trip in August took 1:20 hours because the bus stops in a few towns. The bus driver told me that outside August there's a direct service every hour on the hour, taking about 1 hour. We payed 590ptas each. The bus arrives outside Toledo's walls. A local bus (110ptas) takes you to Plaza de Zocodover (once there was a major work going on, the bus actually left us in front of the Alcazar instead). <BR> <BR>Paulo

We went via the train. It was a very pleasant ride. Leave from the main train station in Madrid and get off in Toledo. Very simple. Don't remember how much it cost but wasn't much.

Here's a question: I'll be travelling with a disabled person -- does the bus take you all the way up the hill to the town? If we're trying to avoid physical toil, would the bus then be preferable to taking the train? Thanks!

Buses do go up the hill, but can also grab a quick taxi from the train station that will take you up the hill as well. Toledo is charming, but will be a difficult town to get around. We are very fit and it was a work out for us due to cobblestone streets and hills.

We looked at both the train and bus and the bus was cheaper and more frequent. I believe it took about an hour from Madrid. The main bus line drops you outside of the city, from there its a bit of a walk uphill to get to Toledo. It sounds like the local bus Paulo is referring to takes you up the hill.

Just like to echo's Tom's remarks. <BR>On a recent visit with a friend, a first time visitor to Toledo, it really struck me how challenging sightseeing would be there for someone handicapped. With its steep, narrow, winding, maze-like cobblestone streets (plus high temps and large crowds in summer) and the monuments' strict closing hrs during siesta, touring on foot can really exhaust someone with even a minor physical handicap. I'd allow plenty of time for a visit so that you and your friend can keep a very slow place and take rest stops along the tourist route. <BR>For your friend, a taxi to the Plaza <BR>would, I think, be the best bet. I can't remember whether there is still a little tourist train that will take you around. <BR>Paulo, did you see one?

No, Maribel, I didn't see one. Which doesn't mean that there isn't one ... the driver may have gone on vacations on he beach in august :-) <BR>Paulo