An hour of travel, vintage carriages, and a finale that tastes of strawberries. Strawberry Train returns to the rails again in autumn 2026, linking Madrid to Aranjuez along one of the most famous historic railway itineraries in Spain. It starts from the Railway Museum, in the former Madrid-Delicias station, for a journey that recalls the line opened in 1851 between the capital and the Royal Site.
The tourist train has been running since 1984 and continues to be one of the weekend highlights, especially in spring and autumn. The charm also lies in the vintage carriages, some of them still wooden. Not a perfect reconstruction of the past, but enough to change the atmosphere the moment you step aboard. The destination makes everything even more special: Aranjuez, with the Royal Palace, the gardens, the Tagus, and the UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape, is close enough to Madrid to allow a day trip, yet far enough to slow the pace.
Itinerary of the Strawberry Train
The departure is scheduled at 10:00 from the Railway Museum in Madrid. About an hour later the train arrives in Aranjuez. From that moment the day changes according to the ticket chosen: some prefer to move freely, while others follow guided tours, garden routes, navigation on the Tagus, or entry to the Royal Palace.
The simplest option is “Fresas al Natural,” with a round trip and free time in Aranjuez. “Fresas con Nata” adds the city’s tourist tram and visits to the historic gardens. “Fresas del Tajo” takes you to the river, while “Fresas Reales” focuses on the Royal Palace and the Museum of the Royal Barges. There are also combined packages that bring together the railcar, boat ride, gardens, and palace.
There are also more distinctive variants. On some dates the program includes cycling routes, kayaking, visits to historic allotments, or events tied to the Aranjuez Early Music Festival. There is even an itinerary conducted entirely in English. In short, the same train yields quite different days.
The Experience Not to Miss
The most recognizable moment remains the journey itself, a historic train that is unmissable in Spain. Not so much for speed, of course, but for the idea of crossing the Madrid–Aranjuez stretch aboard a historic convoy, leaving behind the rhythms of contemporary trains for a few hours. During the experience, costumed actors appear, tied to the tale of the railway and the history of the Real Site.
Once in Aranjuez there is plenty to do. The Royal Palace is the most evident lure, but a significant part of the day unfolds outdoors: the Prince’s Garden, the Parterre, the Isla Garden, and the tree-lined avenues along the river. In autumn the atmosphere changes again, especially on cooler and less crowded days.
The tradition has it that the journey ends with Aranjuez strawberries offered on the return to Madrid. It is the detail that gave the train its name and, more than many special effects, continues to be its signature.
Useful information: dates and prices
The dates for the Strawberry Train in autumn 2026 are:
- 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 October;
- 1, 7 and 8 November.
It leaves at 10:00 from the Railway Museum. Checks will start at 9:15 and end at 9:50, punctuality is strongly advised. The return from Aranjuez is scheduled for 18:54, with arrival in Madrid around 20:08.
Prices vary considerably depending on the itinerary. “Fresas al Natural” costs 32 euros for adults and 24 for children; “Fresas con Nata” 43 and 32 euros. “Fresas del Tajo” and “Fresas Reales” cost 49 euros for adults and 38 for children. The combined packages start at 56 euros and go up to 60; the English Tour costs 53 euros for adults and 42 for children.
The child rate indicated by the organizers applies to the 1 to 1.40-meter height range; under one meter, children travel free if they do not occupy a seat. Tickets can be purchased online on the official initiative site, or at the Railway Museum ticket office, but dates tend to sell out quickly, so planning ahead is a smart move.
