FAQs

Question

How to get from Madrid airport to Madrid city center?

Answer

Taxi: 30 euros flat rate from T4 terminal: http://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/transportation/madrid-airport-bytaxi.htm (20') Train: take Renfe Cercanias line C-1 Aeropuerto T4 to Atocha station (30', 3 euros) Underground: take Metro Madrid line 8 (pink) Aeropuerto T1 T2 T3 to Nuevos Ministerios (15', 4 euros)

Question

How to explore Madrid?

Answer

The city center is the area inside the triangle formed by Nuevos Ministerios train station at north, Atocha station at south, and the Palacio Real at west; everything happens in this area, and Sol square is the very heart of the city. All important museums are close to Atocha, and the most important places to go out and drink and eat are around Sol. The city center is small and safe so we just recommend discover places walking!

Question

How to get from Madrid to El Escorial?

Answer

Taxi: public transport is so efficient, convenient and cheap that we wouldn't recommend a cab; in any case, the cost of that 30-mile ride would be around 100 euros Train: recommended! direct line from Sol station to El Escorial station, line C3 (60', 4 euros); then take a 1 mile-ride uphill just outside the train station to reach San Lorenzo de El Escorial (3', 1.50 euros) Bus: direct line from Moncloa station to El Escorial and San Lorenzo de El Escorial, line 661 (60', 4 euros)

Question

How to explore El Escorial?

Answer

Actually, there are two towns together: El Escorial, downhill, Ivan's hometown and where the train station is; and San Lorenzo de El Escorial, uphill, where the Monastery and the hotels are. San Lorenzo is very beautiful to be visited by foot, although be aware of the steep hills! When moving from El Escorial and San Lorenzo de El Escorial to the wedding place, use Taxi (+34 91 890 0015, I hope they can talk English!)

Question

Should I stay in Madrid or in El Escorial?

Answer

Both! We recommend that you spend a few nights in Madrid before the wedding activities begin because the city is beautiful with a lot of great bars, restuarants, neighborhoods, and parks to explore. It's definitely worth a 2-3 night stay, minimum. Later, we recommend that you arrive to El Escorial on Thursday for our Welcome Cocktail Party in the evening. Of course you will want to stay Friday night too, because you'll be tired after the wedding (probably ending around 4:00 AM!). Of course, if you choose to stay in Madrid the whole time, you can always take a taxi back to your hotel (maybe around 80 euros).

Question

I want to travel other places. Should I go before or after the wedding?

Answer

Traveling could be done either before or after, depending on your schedule and flight route. It will be cheapest to fly in and out of the same city, so keep that in mind. Multi-city flights are always more expensive. Just remember that you should at least be in El Escorial for Thursday and Friday. Before or after that, you are free to roam about the continent!

Question

What is the schedule once I am in El Escorial?

Answer

Thursday: Arrive by train/bus from Madrid to check into your hotel or AirBnB. Enjoy lunch in town. Then, in the evening, join us for a Welcome Cocktail Party. You will be free to have dinner on your own after that if you're still hungry (we'll have appetizers at the party). Friday: SLEEP IN! Remember, the wedding is going to be a LONG night. Make sure you get plenty of rest and have a good lunch. Come hungry to the wedding though, the food is going to be amazing! Saturday: stay tuned - we are still planning Sunday: You are all free to move around the continent!