Cervantes Train

cartel_tren_de_cervantes.jpg
tren_cervantes_1.jpg
tren_cervantes_2.jpg
tren_cervantes_3.jpg
alcala_de_henares.jpg
cervantesmadridtren_1426695114.253.jpg

Spring 2026: Saturdays, from 11 April to 27 June / Autumn 2026: Saturdays from 19 September to 5 December. Get your tickets

Miguel de Cervantes, the most famous writer in the Spanish language, was born in 1547 in Alcalá de Henares. In his memory, the Cervantes Train—which turned 25 in 2022—travels from Madrid’s Atocha train station to his hometown performing fragments from his most famous works and remembering his chef d'oeuvre, "Don Quixote".

A visit to Cervantes's Birthplace Museum and the University, both in Alcalá de Henares, is a wonderful way of learning more about the work of the prestigious author. The train departs from Madrid Atocha station. During the thirty-minute journey, entertainers dressed in traditional attire from the Spanish Golden Age perform excerpts from the writer’s work.

Once the train arrives in Alcalá de Henares, visitors are taken on a tour of the old centre. The visit includes the city's most renowned landmarks and a free break for lunch.

2026 Dates

Spring Season:

April: 11, 18 and 25
May: 2, 9*, 16, 23 and 30
June: 6, 13, 20 and 27

* Due to planned engineering work, on April 25, May 2, and May 9, departures will take place from Chamartín station at 11am.

Autumn Season:

September: 19 and 26
October: 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
November: 7, 14, 21 and 28
December: 5

2026 Times

Departure from Madrid-Atocha: 10:36am / Arrival at Alcalá de Henares: 11:15am.
Departure from Alcalá de Henares: 6:35pm / Arrival at Madrid-Atocha: 7:14pm.

Please note: passengers on the Cervantes Train are welcomed at 10:15am next to the Customer Service Office (Oficina de Atención al Cliente) at Madrid Atocha Cercanías station. * At 10:00am on April 25, May 2, and May 9, in order to transfer to Chamartín, accompanied by Cercanías staff.

2026 Tickets

Adults: €22
Children aged 7-11: €16
Children under 6 free (when accompanied by an adult)
Check visiting conditions

Tickets can be purchased at train stations, from Cercanías ticket machines and online (up to 48 hours before). If you purchase your tickets online you must print them out at one of the machines located in the train station. Please remember to keep your ticket for the entire duration of the trip.

More information: Renfe