This September, in addition to some new trains, the tourist train season has also kicked off in Madrid. One of these routes takes passengers from the capital through the Sierra de Guadarrama to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks: the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, commissioned by Philip II to commemorate his victory at Saint-Quentin against the Kingdom of France.
This king of the Habsburg dynasty lends his name to the Philip II Train, which will resume its trips to El Escorial starting on September 19. During the trips, there will also be themed entertainment featuring characters in period costumes from the time of Philip II (back in the 16th century).
Its locomotive and passenger cars, however, date from the mid-20th century and have been restored to preserve their original design. The train is part of the Autonomous Community of Madrid’s World Heritage Train Network , which identifies tourist trains connecting the capital with sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Dates, schedules, and how to get there
The Philip II Train will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays starting September 19. Specifically, tickets will be available for the following days:
- September 19, 26, and 27.
- October 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31.
- November 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29.
- December 5, 6, 8, and 12.
On days when it is in operation, the train departs at 10:20 a.m. from Platform 7 at Príncipio Pío. The station’s main connections are:
- Commuter trains: C-7 and C-10.
- Metro: Lines 6, 10, and the Ópera Branch Line.
- A long list of urban and intercity bus routes is published on the Regional Transportation Consortium’s website.
The train arrives in El Escorial around 11:15 a.m. Afterward, depending on the package purchased, various itineraries are offered at the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Finally, it departs from the El Escorial station at 5:25 p.m. and arrives at Príncipe Pío at 6:15 p.m.
How to Get Tickets for the Philip II Train
Tickets for the Philip II Train can be booked on the Alsa Tourist Trains website, where three different packages are available at varying prices:
- The “Travesía” package includes round-trip travel on the historic train and admission to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (without a guide). Adult admission starts at €16.15, and the rate for children is €13.60.
- The “Legends” package includes round-trip transportation, a tour through the Bosque de la Herrería, and a costumed visit to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the Gardens of the Casita del Infante, and the Patio de Reyes. Adult tickets start at €23.80. Children’s tickets cost €19.90.
- The “Imperial” package includes round-trip transportation and a guided tour—led by guides accredited by the Community of Madrid — of the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and its monastery, including the Royal Pantheon, the Basilica, and the Library… Adult admission starts at€32, while children’s admission costs €26.90.