The Philip II Train

A 50 minute journey takes you to one of the most exciting moments and places in Spanish history: a new way of seeing the architectural complex of The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Spanish: Monasterio y Sitio de El Escorial en Madrid), commonly known as Monasterio del Escorial, declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

About 60km from downtown Madrid there stands one of the most dazzling sites in the area: the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial – the realisation of King Philip II’s imperial dreams. Located in a wonderful natural setting, the Monastery and its surroundings are places where history and culture come alive.

One of the funniest, most imaginative ways of getting to the Royal Site and Monastery is by the Philip II Train – a vintage train whose carriages and locomotive date back to the 1940s and 1960s, respectively. When you get on board, you are welcomed by characters wearing period costumes, who will introduce you to the atmosphere of ‘the empire on which the sun never sets’.

At your destination, you can visit the Monastery, of course – a masterpiece of Herrerian architecture –, and other landmarks in the Royal Site and the adjoining Village of El Escorial: the Casas de Oficios (Trade Houses), the Casita del Príncipe (Residence of the Prince), the Casa de Infantes (Infants’ House) and the Coliseo de Carlos III Royal Theatre. A walk in the village will give you a clear idea of the architectural splendour of the period.

2019 Schedule:

Departures from Príncipe Pío Station: 9:10 AM and 10:20 AM.

Return from El Escorial Train Station: 1:30 PM, 4:52 PM and 6:24 PM, depending on the season.

Check historical train schedule

2019 Prices:

Imperial Pack: Adults: €32 / Children (aged 4-12): From €19

Includes:

• Reception at the Príncipe Pío Train Station in Madrid
• Return 50-minute trip aboard the historical train from Príncipe Pío and El Escorial
• Bus transfer from Train Station to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
• Free refreshments
• 45-minute guided vist of the San Lorenzo de El Escorial historical complex
• 90-minute guided visit of the El Escorial Royal Monastery
• Bus transfer from San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the Train Station

Legends Pack: Adults: €28 / Children (aged 4-12): From €19

Includes:

• Reception at the Príncipe Pío Train Station in Madrid
• Return 50-minute trip aboard the historical train from Príncipe Pío and El Escorial
• Welcome and panoramic bus tour of the Felipe II Forest (La Herrería)
• We will see the Casita del Infante Gardens, Monastery panoramic view, Royal Site Gardens and Lonja, and the San Lorenzo de El Escorial historical complex.
• Free refreshments
• Bus transfer from San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the Train Station

Royal Legends Pack: Adults: €35 / Children (aged 4-12): €23

Includes:

• Reception at the Príncipe Pío Train Station in Madrid
• Return 50-minute trip aboard the historical train from Príncipe Pío and El Escorial
• Welcome and panoramic bus tour of the Felipe II Forest (La Herrería)
• We will see the Casita del Infante Gardens, Monastery panoramic view, Royal Site Gardens and Lonja, and the San Lorenzo de El Escorial historical complex.
• Ticket to El Escorial Monastery (without guide)
• Free refreshments
• Bus transfer from San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the Train Station

Journey Pack: Adults: €20 / Children (aged 4-12): From €13

Includes:

• Reception at the Príncipe Pío Train Station in Madrid
• Return 50-minute trip aboard the historical train from Príncipe Pío and El Escorial
• Bus transfer from Train Station to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
• Free refreshments
• Bus transfer from San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the Train Station

Royal Journey Pack: Adults: €24 / Children (aged 4-12): From €15

Includes:

• Reception at the Príncipe Pío Train Station in Madrid
• Return 50-minute trip aboard the historical train from Príncipe Pío and El Escorial
• Bus transfer from Train Station to San Lorenzo de El Escorial
• Free refreshments
• Ticket to El Escorial Monastery (without guide)
• Bus transfer from San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the Train Station