We are finalizing our trip to Europe and are trying to figure out how to allocate our time around Madrid. Presently we have 2-3 days in Madrid... we then wanted to go to Toledo for a day and Segovia for a day. Now I'm thinking it might be too much to actually move our luggage, check into another hotel, when we are only there for a day. So is it possible to do day trips? I know there are buses - but how late do they run? And is it safe to be traveling later at night. We'd like to experience Toledo and Segovia at night as well as during the day but I don't want to be unsafe. I think I read somewhere that buses took around 1-2 hours - anyone know specifics? Can we just show up or do we have to buy tickets ahead of time?
Thanks.

We took a day trip to Toledo, left i the morning and returned late afternoon. It was a very quick and easy bus ride, about 50 minutes. We had an express going there and local returning (only made 2 stops so still quick). We went on a Tuesday. Toledo is very touristy, I would imagine there would be lots of day-trippers from Madrid there during the day and evenings as well.

we went last year but drove. afun experience to say the least! Toledo could be one day,sorry I dont know anything about the busses though. We did prefer Salamanca to Segovia though. The gardens outside Segovia however were the best ,by the Palace. If there is a tour that goes to that ,that would be worth it. The fountains were incredible.

..lots of one day all inclusive bus tours from madrid to toledo if you choose to go that route.

We took a day-trip to Toledo and it was fabulous. Most or all tour agencies organize it, no matter what hotel you stay in Madrid- so ask at reception. Had an experienced tour guide and saw the entire town in one day- the Alcazar, the Cathedral, the Santa Cruz Museum, the Jewish quarter and Sinagogue, the silver inlay factory and a renaissance villa whose name I forget. Plus we had lunch...

I am sure a day-trip to Segovia is possible, although I have not been on one. Think that a day trip combining both might not be possible, as each is worth at least a day visit- not to mention all the travel time.

I did a day trip to Segovia from Madrid by public bus -- it was easy. The trip takes about 1:45 hrs one-way. The bus is real cheap, about five euro one-way. I think they run every half hour or so until around 9-10 pm.

I didn't buy a ticket ahead of time, just showed up. They have so many buses, that wasn't a problem but I wasn't going peak tourist season. Even then, the bus was almost full coming back around 5-6 pm, so it would have been good to buy that ticket ahead except I wasn't sure when I would feel like going back. I figured the worst would be I'd have to wait another 45-60 min for the next bus.

I don't see any reason why the bus itself wouldn't be safe at night.