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A historic train crosses the mountains to El Escorial: autumn dates and prices
The Felipe II Train starts running again this September to connect Madrid with San Lorenzo de El Escorial aboard historic railway carriages. The autumn season begins on Saturday 19 September and will continue on selected dates until 12 December, departing from Príncipe Pío and offering a full day around the Royal Site.
The experience begins even before leaving Madrid. The train uses historic series 5000 and 6000 carriages designed in the 1940s and is headed by a series 321 diesel-electric locomotive. During the journey, lasting around 50 minutes, costumed staff introduce passengers to the history of Felipe II and San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
There is an important detail for anyone thinking of booking: it does not run every weekend in September. This month, there are only three dates open to the public: the 19th, 26th and 27th. Afterwards, services will run during much of October and November and on 5, 6, 8 and 12 December.
Departure from Príncipe Pío is scheduled for 10:20 and the return journey leaves El Escorial station at 17:25. Entry closes five minutes beforehand, and seats are numbered, so each traveller keeps their allocated place throughout the experience.
There are also three different ways to organise the day. The Pack Imperial combines the return journey with a guided tour of San Lorenzo and the interior of the Monasterio. The Pack Leyendas offers a costumed visit through San Lorenzo, the gardens of Casita del Infante and those of the Monasterio. The Travesía option includes the train and entry to the Monasterio to explore it without a guide.
The prices currently shown by the official Trenes Turísticos platform start at 32 euros for the Pack Imperial, 23.80 euros for Leyendas and 16.15 euros for Travesía for adults. Fares may vary according to availability, so it is advisable to check the final price before completing the booking.
Once at the destination, the journey allows practically the whole day to be devoted to the Real Sitio. The Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial, part of a complex declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the main attraction, but the packs add different ways of exploring the historic centre, the gardens and the La Herrería surroundings.
The first train of the autumn season will therefore leave on 19 September. For those wishing to make the trip before winter arrives, tickets are already on sale and the last service announced for 2026 will be that of 12 December.