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El Escorial Tickets and Tours
Want a solo, no-fuss El Escorial tour? Grab these skip-the-line tickets and roam free.
- Everything you'll get: Get fast-track entry to El Escorial, access the entire complex, and explore at your own pace! Walk through the lavish Royal Palace, step into history at the Basilica, see where monks lived, and visit the final resting place of Spanish kings and queens in the Pantheon.
- Why choose this: On busy days, El Escorial’s wait times can stretch past an hour. Save yourself the wait and step straight into Spain’s most regal monastery with fast-track access.
Want a solo, no-fuss El Escorial tour? Grab these skip-the-line tickets and roam free.
- Everything you'll get: Get fast-track entry to El Escorial, access the entire complex, and explore at your own pace! Walk through the lavish Royal Palace, step into history at the Basilica, see where monks lived, and visit the final resting place of Spanish kings and queens in the Pantheon.
- Why choose this: On busy days, El Escorial’s wait times can stretch past an hour. Save yourself the wait and step straight into Spain’s most regal monastery with fast-track access.
Inclusions
- Fast-track access to the El Escorial Monastery
- Tip: Download the ‘Monastery of El Escorial’ IOS or Andriod app before visiting the attraction for a more informative tour.
- On Wednesdays and Sundays, admission is free from 3pm to 6pm in the winter, and 3pm to 7pm in the summer. This is applicable for citizens of the European Union, residents and holders of work permits in that territory, and Latin American citizens, following accreditation of nationality (national identification card, passport, or driver’s license) or residency or work permit. The free offer is limited to the tour without a guide.
- Wheelchairs are available and the monastery is accessible by wheelchair.
- Tourist and cultural groups visiting the attraction with their own official guide will have to mandatorily use group guiding devices such as transmitter microphones and receiver headphones.
- Maximum capacity has been established to access each of the National Heritage monuments. Due to this some rooms may be excluded from the tour of the visit.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Uncover the royal and religious history on a guided tour of El Escorial monastery.
- Everything you’ll get: Entry tickets and a guided tour of the El Escorial Monastery led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, ready to spill all the tea on hidden gems and secrets. You get access to the basilica, Battle Hall, pantheon, palatial rooms, and royal library.
- Why choose this: From royal feuds to hidden symbols, find out all there is to know and see in the monastery!
Uncover the royal and religious history on a guided tour of El Escorial monastery.
- Everything you’ll get: Entry tickets and a guided tour of the El Escorial Monastery led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide, ready to spill all the tea on hidden gems and secrets. You get access to the basilica, Battle Hall, pantheon, palatial rooms, and royal library.
- Why choose this: From royal feuds to hidden symbols, find out all there is to know and see in the monastery!
Inclusions
- Guided tour of El Escorial Monastery with tickets
- Expert English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
Exclusions
- Transfers
- Lunch and beverages
- This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.
- The tour’s start point is in central Madrid, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION5 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Madrid
Starting point details will be shared along with your tickets
55 km
40 minutes
1
El Escorial Monastery
105 min
Tickets included
Once the heart of the Spanish Empire, this grand complex is a monastery, palace, and royal tomb all in one. Walking through its vast halls, you’ll feel the weight of history as you step into royal rooms, see the grand basilica, and explore sacred burial sites.
13.6 km
19 minutes
2
Valley of the Fallen
60 min
Tickets included
A colossal basilica carved into a mountain, this site is both an architectural feat and a place of deep historical significance from Spain’s Civil War. You’ll step inside a cavernous, solemn space and feel the sheer scale of this monument, then climb up to the base of the cross for a panoramic view over the surrounding mountains.
51.7 km
38 minutes
3
END POINT
Madrid
Skip the lines and explore two Spanish landmarks on a half-day guided tour with transfers.
- Day out: Explore the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen with a bilingual guide who brings history to life.
- You’ll get: Priority entry, grand basilicas, climate-controlled bus transfers, and a guide with all the inside scoop—this tour is planned to the tee, so you don’t have to stress over travel programs and itinerary.
- El Escorial Monastery: Walk in the footsteps of kings at El Escorial, a monastery with a basilica, royal rooms, cloisters, courtyards, and crypts!
- Valley of the Fallen: Hidden in the mountains, the Valley stuns with its underground basilica and sky-high cross, whispering tales of Spain’s Civil War.
Skip the lines and explore two Spanish landmarks on a half-day guided tour with transfers.
- Day out: Explore the Monastery of San Lorenzo del Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen with a bilingual guide who brings history to life.
- You’ll get: Priority entry, grand basilicas, climate-controlled bus transfers, and a guide with all the inside scoop—this tour is planned to the tee, so you don’t have to stress over travel programs and itinerary.
- El Escorial Monastery: Walk in the footsteps of kings at El Escorial, a monastery with a basilica, royal rooms, cloisters, courtyards, and crypts!
- Valley of the Fallen: Hidden in the mountains, the Valley stuns with its underground basilica and sky-high cross, whispering tales of Spain’s Civil War.
Inclusions
- Half-day tour of El Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen
- English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
- Roundtrip transfers in AC bus
- Pick-up from Madrid
- Skip-the-line entry to El Escorial Monastery and Valley of the Fallen
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Lunch and beverages
- This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.
- The tour’s start point is in central Madrid, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION11 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
Timeline
Map
START POINT
Madrid
55 km
40 minutes
1
El Escorial Monastery
105 min
Tickets included
Once the heart of the Spanish Empire, this grand complex is a monastery, palace, and royal tomb all in one. Walking through its vast halls, you’ll feel the weight of history as you step into royal rooms, see the grand basilica, and explore sacred burial sites.
13.6 km
19 minutes
2
Valley of the Fallen
60 min
Tickets included
A colossal basilica carved into a mountain, this site is both an architectural feat and a place of deep historical significance from Spain’s Civil War. You’ll step inside a cavernous, solemn space and feel the sheer scale of this monument, then climb up to the base of the cross for a panoramic view over the surrounding mountains.
51.7 km
38 minutes
3
Madrid
60 min
You'll be dropped near the tour office, right in the heart of the city, with plenty of great spots to grab a bite. Take your pick and refuel!
90.7 km
60 minutes
Passes by
Alcázar of Segovia
Cathedral of Segovia
4
Aqueduct of Segovia
Free Admission
Stand beneath the towering arches of this 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct. It’s a humbling experience to see a structure built without mortar, so well preserved. The aqueduct has been featured in video games like "Assassin’s Creed" for its historical significance.
0.6 km
9 minutes
7
END POINT
Madrid
Unravel Spain’s history in a day with stops at El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen, & Segovia.
- Day out: Go hopping from 1st-century Roman marvels and medieval charm to Renaissance grandeur and Spanish Civil War sites, all near Madrid.
- You’ll get: A full-day adventure with roundtrip AC bus transfers, a bilingual guide laying historical context, and skip-the-line entry to El Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen. Leave the planning and logistics to the experts.
- El Escorial & Valley: Marvel at the monastery’s golden altars, royal crypts, and vast library, then stand beneath the towering 500ft cross at Valley of the Fallen.
- Segovia: Zigzag through historic streets with a guide, walk beneath a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, and admire the fairytale appeal of Segovia’s Alcazar.
Unravel Spain’s history in a day with stops at El Escorial, Valley of the Fallen, & Segovia.
- Day out: Go hopping from 1st-century Roman marvels and medieval charm to Renaissance grandeur and Spanish Civil War sites, all near Madrid.
- You’ll get: A full-day adventure with roundtrip AC bus transfers, a bilingual guide laying historical context, and skip-the-line entry to El Escorial Monastery & Valley of the Fallen. Leave the planning and logistics to the experts.
- El Escorial & Valley: Marvel at the monastery’s golden altars, royal crypts, and vast library, then stand beneath the towering 500ft cross at Valley of the Fallen.
- Segovia: Zigzag through historic streets with a guide, walk beneath a 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct, and admire the fairytale appeal of Segovia’s Alcazar.
Inclusions
- Full-day tour around Segovia and El Escorial
- Expert English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
- Roundtrip transfers in AC bus
- Pick-up from Madrid
- Skip-the-line entry to El Escorial Monastery and Valley of the Fallen
Exclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Lunch and beverages
- Admission to Segovia’s Alcazar and Cathedral
- This experience is not accessible for wheelchair users, pregnant women, or people with back problems.
- The tour’s start point is in central Madrid, making it easily accessible by public transport.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change.
- Bring your car seats for the little ones. This is mandatory if you are traveling with tots.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
MadridMadrid to El Escorial tours
Top things to do in Madrid
Why do you need skip-the-line tickets?
El Escorial, a Renaissance masterpiece and a UNESCO icon, draws visitors all year—and for good reason. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Madrid. But with great popularity comes long lines. During peak season (April to September) expect wait times of 1-2 hours, especially between 10am to 2pm. Even in winter, when crowds thin out, a 30-minute wait isn’t uncommon.
Why waste precious time standing in line? Skip-the-line tickets let you breeze past the crowds and head straight into the palace’s stunning halls and gardens. After all, wouldn’t you rather be admiring royal tombs than staring at the back of someone’s head?
EU citizens, you’re in luck! Free entry is available on Wednesdays and Sundays during golden hours (3-6pm in summer, 3-5pm in winter). But if you’d rather skip the hassle, a fast-track ticket is still your best bet.
Compare the best Madrid to Avila day trips
El Escorial & Valley Day Trip
Segovia, El Escorial, & Valley Day Trip
Duration
5 hours
11 hours
AC transfers from Madrid
✅
✅
El Escorial Monastery
Guided tour with entry
Guided tour with entry
Valley of the Fallen
Guided tour with entry
Guided tour with entry
Aqueduct of Segovia
❌
✅
Segovia Alcazar
❌
Pass by
Free cancellation
✅
✅
Price
€66
€95
How to get to El Escorial from Madrid
Figuring out train schedules, bus stops, and driving routes can turn a fun day trip into a logistical headache. The easy solution? Book a curated day trip, sit back in a comfy AC coach, and let someone else handle the details. If you're up for the adventure, here’s how to reach El Escorial on your own:
By bus
By train
By car
A cheaper alternative to the train, with a direct route and a scenic ride through the mountains.
- Take bus Line 664 or 661 (operated by Autocares Herranz)
- Start Station: Moncloa Bus Station, Madrid
- Destination station: El Escorial Bus Station (10-minute walk to the monastery)
- Travel time: 50 minutes
- Bonus tip: Grab a window seat—the views of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains are worth it!
Faster than the bus, with a smooth ride and a bit more comfort.
- Take the Cercanías Train Line C3
- Start Station: Madrid Atocha or Madrid Chamartín
- Destination station: El Escorial Train Station (15-minute walk to the monastery)
- Travel time: 45-50 minutes
- Bonus tip: Try to grab a train with a "Media Distancia" car, these have more comfortable seats than standard Cercanías trains
Perfect if you want to explore nearby spots like the Valley of the Fallen at your own pace.
- Route: Take the A-6 highway, then the M-600 towards El Escorial
- Travel time: 45 minutes
- Bonus tip: Consider renting a GPS or using Google Maps offline—Spanish road signs aren’t always the most intuitive!
Why choose a planned El Escorial day trip
Navigating a historic site in a new country can feel like trying to solve a centuries-old puzzle without all the pieces. A planned day trip takes care of the logistics, so you can soak in the grandeur of El Escorial without a second thought. Here’s why it’s the easiest, most rewarding way to visit:
- No travel stress: No need to decipher train timetables or figure out the best way to reach the monastery. A comfy AC coach will pick you up in central Madrid and drop you right at the gates of this royal masterpiece.
- See it all effortlessly: From the grand halls of the monastery to the moving memorial at the Valley of the Fallen, your itinerary is designed to cover every must-see spot without the hassle of planning it yourself.
- Make history fun with a guide: Discover the fascinating stories of kings, monks, and master architects who shaped Spain’s most iconic monastery. Your guide will also explain Latin inscriptions and historic plaques along the way.
- Easy, all-in-one booking: No need to book separate entry tickets, transportation, or guided tours. Pick your day trip, reserve in seconds, and everything’s sorted—just show up and enjoy.
- Design your day: Whether you prefer a deep dive with a full-day tour or a quick yet immersive half-day visit, there’s an option to match your schedule.
Things to know before you go
Timings
Facilities
Dine
Opening time: 10am
Closing time: 6pm (October to March) and 7pm (April to September)
Last admission: 1 hour before closing time
Closed on: The monastery remains closed every Monday and on holidays like January 1, January 6, May 1, September 14, December 24, December 25, and December 31
- Lockers: Store your bags and explore hands-free.
- Restrooms: In plenty, so you won’t have to hold it in trying to sprint across the massive monastery.
- Stay connected: Free Wi-Fi is available in designated areas.
- Audio guide for free: Download the official app for a guided experience at no extra cost.
- Baby-changing facilities: Parents, you’re covered.
- Café de la Reina Escorial (1-minute walk away): Start your day like a local at this cozy café, known for its friendly and attentive service. It's a favorite spot among students and workers for a homely and affordable breakfast.
- Restaurante Subiendo Al Cielo (7-minute walk away): For an intimate dining experience, this hidden gem offers a warm and familiar atmosphere. With no set menu, the chef prepares fresh daily dishes, making each visit a delightful surprise.
- Parrilla Príncipe (8-minute walk away): Meat lovers will appreciate this restaurant's generous portions and excellent value for money. The menu includes coffee and offers a variety of authentic Spanish dishes, all served in a cozy rooftop set-up.
- Charolés Restaurante (5-minute walk away): Renowned for its traditional, seasonal cuisine, Charolés boasts an attractive decor with stone walls. It's especially famous for its hearty "cocido" stew, served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Things to do near El Escorial
Valley of the Fallen
Civil War Memorial | Mountain views | Franco-era monument
↔ 13.4km from El Escorial
⏳19 minutes from El Escorial
This colossal basilica carved into a mountainside is as striking as it is controversial. Its sheer scale and eerie silence make for a thought-provoking visit.
Toledo
City of Three Cultures | UNESCO World Heritage | Medieval architecture
↔ 132km from El Escorial
⏳1 hour 23 minutes from El Escorial
A city where Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences collide in breathtaking architecture. Wander the labyrinthine streets, visit El Greco’s masterpieces, and maybe pick up a legendary Toledo sword.
Madrid to Toledo day tripsSegovia
Fairytale castle | UNESCO World Heritage | Roman Engineering
↔ 53km from El Escorial
⏳43 minutes from El Escorial
From its gravity-defying aqueduct to a castle that inspired Disney, Segovia is a living postcard. Don’t leave without trying the famous cochinillo (roast suckling pig).
Madrid to Segovia day tripsÁvila
Medieval city | UNESCO World Heritage | Best preserved city walls
↔ 70km from El Escorial
⏳50 minutes from El Escorial
Walk atop the best-preserved medieval walls in Spain and soak in the city’s old-world charm. Ávila’s history whispers from every cobblestone and cathedral.
Madrid to Avila day tripsFrequently asked questions and answers about El Escorial day trip
How long does it take to tour the full palace?
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the palace, basilica, royal tombs, library, and gardens. If you're a history enthusiast, you might want to allocate extra time to fully appreciate the exhibits.
Can I take photos inside?
Photography is allowed in certain areas of the palace, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. Some sections, such as the basilica and royal tombs, may have stricter rules.
Is it accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
The palace has ramps and elevators in some areas, but parts of the complex (especially older sections) may not be fully wheelchair-accessible.
How do you get to El Escorial from Madrid?
El Escorial is approximately 45 kilometers from Madrid and can be reached by train, bus, or car. The Cercanías train from Madrid’s Atocha Station is a popular option, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.
What happens if I miss my timeslot for entry?
If you miss your timeslot, entry is not guaranteed. It’s advisable to arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid any issues.
Is there a dress code for entering the basilica?
Yes, visitors should dress modestly when entering the basilica. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothing as a sign of respect.