It has been 173 years since the first railway line in Madrid was inaugurated and since the (now called) historic Strawberry Train was put into operation for the first time: a convoy that travels the Madrid-Aranjuez route and that in 1984 was recovered by the Spanish Railway Foundation, Renfe, the Community of Madrid, the City Council of Aranjuez and National Heritage to return to run on the tracks 133 years after its inauguration.
Every year since then, on weekends from Spring to Autumn, the train has been running again and this 2024 it will run from March 30 to November 10. The train departs from the Railway Museum of Madrid (Paseo de las Delicias, 61) at 10 am, to which it will return around 7:30 pm.
On the other hand, this year it celebrates its 40th anniversary and for this reason a new route has been added to its repertoire in Primavera: ‘Fresas de la Huerta’ (Strawberries from the Orchard). Whatever the itinerary, it includes dramatization on board and, at the end, travelers are given a taste of Aranjuez strawberry.
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport of the Community of Madrid, Mariano de Paco Serrano, presented this new route yesterday and indicated that: “This original means of transport, which has been used by 325,000 passengers, offers a journey through space and time that invites you to get to know Aranjuez, an enclave declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, in a different way”.
what routes does the Strawberry Train offer?
- ‘Strawberries with cream’. Round trip, tour by urban tourist train (Chiquitrén) from Aranjuez station and guided tour of the historic gardens of the Parterre and the Island.
- ‘Fresas del Tajo’. Round trip, tour of the Tagus River in the tourist boat and guided tour of the historic gardens of the Parterre, the Island and the Prince.
- ‘Strawberries au naturel’. Round trip (admits pets up to 40kg) and self-guided visit to Aranjuez.
- ‘Royal Strawberries’. Includes a guided tour of the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the Prince’s historic garden and a visit to the Royal Falúas Museum.
- ‘Cycling strawberries’. Guided cycling route on electric bikes through the orchards and groves of Aranjuez and guided walking tours through the historic gardens of Parterre and La Isla. Three Sundays will be offered: april 21 and May 12 and 26.
- ‘Strawberries with music’. Combines the architectural and natural heritage of Aranjuez with special performances of the XXX Festival de Música Antigua de Aranjuez (dates to be defined).
- ‘Fresas de la Huerta’. This new route is offered on April 27, May 11 and 25 and includes a guided tour of the historic orchards and the Centro de Interpretación de la Huerta de Aranjuez, as well as a guided walking tour of the historic gardens of the Parterre and the Island.
In addition, three other combined routes have been established:
- ‘Nata del Tajo’. Round trip, the center of Aranjuez in the Chiquitrén and the boat trip on the Tagus.
- royal Cream. Round trip, Chiquitrén and a detailed visit to the Royal Palace.
- ‘Tajo Real’. Round trip, river trip along the Tagus and guided visit to the Royal Palace.
Departures and prices
- March: 30 y 31
- April: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 y 28
- May: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 y 26
- June: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23. 29 y 30
- October: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 y 27
- November: 2, 3,9 y 10
As for prices, tickets range from €21 to €53 depending on the chosen itinerary and fare. All the information about the Strawberry Train and the purchase of the tickets can be consulted at this website.