The Strawberry Train

Due to the Covid-19 health crisis, the Strawberry Train service for April, May and June has been suspended. The service will resume once Covid-19 restrictions are no longer necessary. Until then, tickets will not be on sale.

Read more

Enjoy a unique experience that combines culture, leisure and rail travel in spring and autumn (in 2020, Saturdays and Sundays from 19 September to 25 October, except July and August and the first two weeks of September). The Strawberry Train does the same Madrid-Aranjuez route that it has been doing since 1984. Departing from Madrid's Railway Museum, the train goes to Aranjuez, a UNESCO heritage site located a short train ride from the Spanish capital, that is famous for its mouth-watering strawberries.

In 1851, Isabella II opened Madrid’s first railway line, the second one on the Peninsula, to connect the Royal Palace in Aranjuez with the capital. This line, which was originally meant to join Madrid with the Mediterranean coast, ended at Aranjuez station but was eventually extended to reach the Palace, to serve the Royal Family. Since 1984, the Strawberry Train (so called because during the trip hostesses wearing period dresses conduct a strawberry tasting session) has paid tribute to this revolutionary invention, which symbolises the arrival of industrialisation in our country.

Types of itineraries

Once in Aranjuez, depending on the chosen route, a guided tour (45 minutes) enables passengers to explore the Royal Palace, located between the Tajo River and one of its tributaries, the Jarama, surrounded by beautiful gardens (Parterre, Prince’s Garden and the Island Garden), whilst the Falúas Museum, where the royal pleasure boats and those that made up the Tajo Fleet in the 17^th century can be visited. Other options: a trip along the Tajo aboard the Aranjuez Tourist Boat (45 minutes, drink included) or a ride on the Chiquitrén tourist train for children.  

In 2020, there will be four itineraries:

ROUTE 1 – Strawberries and Cream: Strawberry Train + Chiquitrén + Guided walking tour of the Parterre Garden and Island Garden (Prices: Adults €30 / Children €20)

ROUTE 2 – Strawberries from the Tajo: Strawberry Train + Return journey from the station to the sites + Guided tour of the outside of the Royal Palace and the Prince’s Garden, Parterre Garden and King’s Garden + boat trip on tourist boat (Prices: Adults €35 / Children €23)

ROUTE 3 – Royal Strawberries: Strawberry Train + Return journey from the station to the sites + Guided tour of the Royal Palace + Visit to the museum and the Prince’s Garden (Prices: Adults €35 / Children €23).

ROUTE 4 – Strawberries to the Stage: Adults €40  / Children (from 1m to 1.40m tall) €25  - (New route - pending confirmation). Includes Return trip on the Strawberry Train + Tourist train through the old quarter and the Prince’s Garden in Aranjuez + Stroll around the old quarter of Aranjuez + Visit to the Carlos III Royal Theatre and performance of the Aranjuez Revolt + Guided walking tour of the Parterre Garden and the Island Garden.

2020 Dates: 

• April: 18, 19, 20, 27, 28 - cancelled -
• May: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 - cancelled -
• June: 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28  - cancelled -
• September: 19, 20, 26, 27
• October: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25

*Special visit on 17 May to mark the Ancient Music Festival (check activities and conditions).

2020 Times

• Departure from Madrid Railway Museum: 10am / Arrival at Aranjuez Station: 10.44am
• Departure from Aranjuez Station: 6.36pm / Arrival at Madrid Railway Museum: 7.26pm

2020 Rates

• Adults: From €30 to €35 (depending on the itinerary)  
• Children (with a height of between 1m and 1.4m): 20 to 23 € (depending on the itinerary)

 More information and ticket sales:

• More information on the Strawberry Train (in Spanish)
• Tickets can be purchased at train stations that offer advance booking services, by phone (912 320 320 ), at travel agents and online.