Segovia to Madrid train with Renfe Avant

My Journey from Segovia to Madrid by Train

Introduction

When I was traveling around Spain, I took a day trip to Segovia from Madrid. To get there, I decided to take the train with Renfe AVE between the two cities. The return route is one of the quickest high-speed connections in Spain, making it easy to fit into a single day of sightseeing. There are several services throughout the day, so you can easily travel in either direction whenever it suits your plans. If you’re planning the same trip from Segovia to Madrid by train, here’s all you need to know.

Route Overview

Segovia’s a prime Madrid day trip destination, thanks to its proximity to the capital and its excellent rail links. Trains depart from its two stations, connecting to both regional towns and Madrid itself. Once I’d admired the aqueduct and explored Segovia’s historic center, I made my way to the high-speed Segovia-Guiomar Station to board my return journey. I took one of Renfe's fast high-speed trains and reached Madrid in just 25 minutes, gliding past open countryside and the striking Peñalara peak. For me, it’s surely the best way to travel between Segovia and Madrid.

Transportation Experience

For my trip from Segovia to Madrid by train with Renfe AVE, I booked my tickets on Omio. I searched for train departures, selected my preferred journey, and paid by card. The e-ticket with a QR code was sent to both the app and my email, which made boarding completely hassle-free.

You can’t fly from Segovia to Madrid, as the cities are so close. In fact, the nearest airport to Segovia is Madrid Barajas Airport, so flights aren’t practical. You can take the bus from Segovia to Madrid, but it takes around 1.5 hours and isn’t much cheaper. Since I always choose the fastest and most convenient option for day trips like this, the Renfe AVE train was the clear winner.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

High-speed trains to Madrid depart from Segovia Guiomar, about 5 km from the historic city center. It would take about an hour to walk, but taxis take around 8 minutes from the center. You can also take the number 11 or 12 bus. I took a taxi from central Segovia to the station, which cost €12.

Segovia Guiomar has a small restaurant called Más Cosas Food and Goods, where you can buy bocadillos (sandwiches), pastries, and coffee. I didn’t buy anything since I’d had a large lunch in the city. The station also has restrooms and a ticket office. If you’re looking for another option, there’s a second station closer to the city center, but it only serves regional trains. Some go to Madrid, but the trip takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes, so I recommend traveling from Guiomar to take the faster high-speed service.

Renfe AVE trains from Segovia arrive at Madrid Chamartín Station. It’s the second-largest station in the city and sits around 18 km from the city center. The station is busy, with a wide range of restaurants, including a Burger King just outside the entrance. It’s about a 20-minute drive from here, but the Renfe Cercanías trains reach the center in just 8 minutes. I was staying near Puerta del Sol*, and my ticket included free travel on the Cercanías trains, so I took that option.

Schedule & Frequency

There are around 22 trains per day between Segovia and Madrid. The first departs at 7:38 AM, arriving at 8:05 AM, and the last leaves at 9:44 PM, arriving at 10:13 PM. To reach Segovia, I took the first morning train since this was a day trip. For the return, I took the 6:35 PM service, which got into Madrid Chamartín at 7:00 PM. Trains run regularly, so it’s easy to find a time that suits your plans.

Onboard Experience & Services

For such a short journey from Segovia to Madrid, I wasn’t expecting a high-speed, modern train, but since this route connects with other major cities in Spain, it turned out to be one of Renfe’s newer models. I sat in Standard Class, even though I could have upgraded to First Class for just €5.

Standard Class was clean and roomy, but it was already quite busy when I boarded. I only had my day bag with me, and while large suitcases are allowed, I might not have found space in the luggage racks as they were nearly full. I didn’t get a chance to check out the bar car, but it was open on this route. The menu usually has standard train fare like sandwiches, salads, and coffee or soft drinks. After having a full meal in Segovia, even looking at a sandwich would’ve been too much.

Because it was such a short trip, I spent most of the time looking through photos from my Segovia day out. There was Wi-Fi, which I connected to but didn’t really use, and there were power sockets at each seat. Normally, on Renfe AVE trains, the signal is reliable unless you’re going through tunnels. I didn’t use the bathrooms, but they’re usually clean and easy to access on Renfe’s high-speed trains. As for scenery, it was classic Castile. Watching open fields, distant hills, and a few stone villages from the large windows inside the train is a great way to pass the time.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

This short train journey from Segovia to Madrid usually doesn’t get too expensive close to the time of travel. However, I’d recommend booking on Omio a day or two in advance to ensure you get your desired departure. Prices can vary slightly depending on the time of day, with morning and evening trains often being the most popular. The costs below reflect a one-way journey from Segovia to Madrid.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

Before heading out on your train trip from Segovia to Madrid with Renfe AVE, here are some helpful tips:

• Check your station: Make sure you board at Segovia Guiomar rather than Segovia, as trains from the station nearer the center take much longer.
• See if your ticket includes Cercanías: Many long-distance tickets arriving in Madrid include free travel on Cercanías (intercity) trains, so double-check ahead of time.
• Bring your passport: It’s always good to carry some form of ID when traveling in Spain.
• Pack light: You’ll be able to store suitcases, but they can be inconvenient. If you want to save the hassle, bring a smaller bag.
• Leave plenty of time: Remember that Guiomar is a few kilometers from the city center. Buses are usually on time, but delays or traffic can happen, and taxis might be harder to find during busy periods.

Conclusion

Segovia is one of the best day trips from Madrid, partly because the train connection makes the journey quick and effortless. In less than half an hour, you can travel between two of Spain’s most beautiful cities, swapping historic Roman ruins for the buzz of the capital. With Renfe AVE, you're ensured a smooth and scenic trip. If you’re planning to do the same route, book your train tickets on Omio today.

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist and Content Creator
• Bio: Claire Martin is a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.