Arganda Train

  • El Tren de Arganda
    el_tren_de_arganda.jpg
  • El Tren de Arganda
    el_tren_de_arganda.jpg
  • El Tren de Arganda
    el_tren_de_arganda.jpg

In 1990, a group of train lovers bought an old steam locomotive that was about to be scrapped. A few years later, they established a non-profit organisation, rehabilitated the train and revived part of the Tajuña railway line, from La Poveda (Arganda del Rey) to Laguna del Campillo (Rivas-Vaciamadrid). In 2003, they had brought the old train back to life, once again giving meaning to the old popular saying: ‘El tren de Arganda, que pita más que anda’ (The train from Arganda, it whistles more than it trundles).

The ride, covering 4km, takes 40 to 45 minutes. Since it's a vintage train, it can only be used in certain weather conditions. In extreme conditions, the steam locomotive is replaced by its diesel counterpart. The train departs from La Poveda Station, in Arganda del Rey (where the office and museum are), and stops in Laguna del Campillo, in the area of Rivas-Vaciamadrid. Passengers can get off here to watch the 10-minute operation required to change direction and head back for Arganda del Rey. Back in La Poveda, there is a small railway museum to visit, which has all sorts of train-related curiosities and recreates the atmosphere of an old train station.

Both on its way to Laguna del Campillo and on its way back to La Poveda, the train rides along a spectacular 175m wrought-iron bridge across the River Jarama—the epic setting of the Battle of Jarama during the Spanish Civil War.

The Arganda Train runs every Sunday, from March to May and from October to December.

2023 Dates

  • 5, 12, 19 and 26 March
  • 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 April
  • 7, 14, 21 and 28 May
  • Autumn season: Sundays from 1 Oct to 17 Dec and Saturday 21 Oct and 23 and 30 Dec.

 2023 Times

  • Departures: 10am, 11am, 12 noon and 1pm   

Reservations

  • By phone: (+34) 630 336 840 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm and 5-7pm)
  • By email: reservas@vapormadrid.com
  • Make your reservation by Saturday at 4pm, indicating number and age of passengers.

Prices

  • Train ride (round trip) + Railway museum ticket: €7
  • Visit to the Modular Model (Shuttle Train included): €3
  • Children under the age of 3 (without a seat if the train is full): Free

More information: www.vapormadrid.org

DON’T MISS

A unique way of travelling to and discovering Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes. Autumn 2023 schedule: 16, 23 & 30 Sept; 7, 14, 21 & 28 Oct; 4, 11, 18 & 25 Nov; & 2 Dec.

A period train running between the capital and Aranjuez recreates the Madrid area’s first rail line. Autumn 2023 schedule: 16, 17, 23, 24 & 30 Sept; 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29 Oct; & 11 & 12 Nov.

With entertainment and treats along the way, this is a really unique and wonderful way of visiting a town steeped in history. Autumn 2023 schedule: 9 & 28 Sept and 4 & 11 Nov 2023.

Spend the day at a UNESCO World Heritage site, hire a guide to teach you interesting historical and cultural facts about Madrid, or follow one of our themed itineraries to discover the city from a different angle. 

Travel from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial on a vintage train and unveil the secrets of King Philip II’s empire. Autumn 2023 schedule: Sat-Sun from 23 Sept to 9 Dec.

Hop onto a train or bus and leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind.

YOU MIGHT ENJOY

  • Pick one of our themed itineraries and discover the city through the eyes of some our Madrid's most renowned artists.

    Themed Itineraries
  • Turistas Madrid
Advertisement
  • Find out why Spaniards tend to eat later than the rest of the continent, when it's traditional to munch on a "saint's bones" and where you take in a flamenco show with a drink or a meal

    Eating in Madrid (PDF)
  • Guide Eating in Madrid
Advertisement
  • Take a peek at our selection of the most important events taking place in Madrid and start planning your next visit!

    Madrid Events Calendar: 2023
  • Reforma Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Advertisement

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.