I'm trying to figure out the best way to get from Granada to Toledo in mid April. I understand it's unlikely that the high speed train from Granada will be up and running by then. Is there an option that is faster or involves fewer transfers than taking the bus from Granada to Antequera, switching to a train to Madrid and then switching to another train to Toledo?

How long is the drive from Granada to Toledo? Is it scenic? Is there an interesting halfway point to stop for lunch?

Scenic would depend on your route, but if you drive, you will be able to stop and see the windmills in Consuegra.

If a Friday there is a direct bus taking five and a half hours - www.alsa.es

We'll be traveling on a Wednesday so it looks like driving is the best option.

Is the E-902 to the E-5 the most scenic route? I love the idea of stopping to see the windmills in Consuegra. Is Jaen worth a stop as well?

Google maps suggests the drive is almost 4 hours. Does that sound right?

Jaen is not worth a stop but Baeza and Ubeda are. Almagro is supposed to be interesting, but we haven't visited yet.

Thanks Bedar. I'll look into those. I think what I'm looking for is a picturesque town to break up the drive.

Almagro has the historic open-air theater, Corral de Comedias, which is its main attraction (www.ciudad-almagro.com). It's an interesting village for walking around and taking a break.

You can also stop in Manzanares El Real and visit the 15th century Renaissance fortress/castle (www.manzanareselreal.org/tourism/).