The Strawberry Train

In spring and autumn, the Strawberry Train does the same Madrid-Aranjuez route that it has been doing since 1984. In 2019, the train will run on Saturdays and Sundays, from 18 April to 26 September (except in July, August and the first two weeks of September). 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.

Three 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.  

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).

2019 dates (35 days in total): 

• April: 18, 19, 20, 27, 28
• May: 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
• June: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
• September: 14, 21, 22, 28, 29
• October: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26

*Special visit on 19 May to mark the Ancient Music Festival and on 14 September to Pinto for the 2nd Chocolate Fair (check activities and conditions).

Times

• Departure from Madrid Railway Museum: 9.50am / Arrival at Aranjuez Station: 10.44am
• Departure from Aranjuez Station: 6.35pm / Arrival at Madrid Railway Museum: 7.30pm

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.