As October arrives, a special autumn route returns to the suburbs of Madrid—a tourist train that has long become a symbol of the season. This year, organizers have decided to add something new to the traditional journey: now passengers can not only enjoy the history of railways, but also head out to a real pumpkin field.
Vintage carriages, wooden benches, and the atmosphere of the early twentieth century await visitors every Saturday and Sunday until early November. The train departs in the morning from the Railway Museum and, after just an hour, arrives in Aranjuez, where a busy program begins. Along the way, attendants dressed in period costumes offer strawberries grown on local plantations—this gesture has become a hallmark of the route.
This season, travelers are invited to choose from several themed excursions. You can visit the royal palace, take a boat ride on the river, or explore the city center by mini-train. For music lovers, a separate program features concerts in unique locations, including an old theater and a wine cellar.
The main attraction is a trip to a farm where everyone can pick out and harvest their own pumpkin. Guests can also enjoy tractor rides, vegetable decorating workshops, outdoor games, and even a straw maze. For little ones, there’s a corn pool and a spacious maze right in the field. On one of the October days, the farm will host a themed festival with music, sweets, and a Halloween atmosphere—a great way for the whole family to spend the weekend together.
The ticket price includes not only the trip and excursions but also a treat—roasted corn with a drink—as well as city transfers and walks through the famous gardens. On the return journey, passengers receive strawberries again—the ‘fragania’ variety, which grows along the banks of the Tagus River. This sweet ending makes the trip especially memorable.
The train departs at 10 a.m. and returns to Madrid in the evening. Tickets are 58 euros for adults, 46 euros for children, and babies under one meter in height can travel free of charge, provided they do not occupy a separate seat. Seats are limited—only 385 per trip. Tickets are available online as well as at the museum ticket office.
The autumn route operates on selected dates in October and November. The program varies depending on the chosen excursion, with prices ranging from 30 to 58 euros. The trip is not only a chance to discover the culture and nature of Aranjuez but also an opportunity to experience an old tradition filled with the tastes and aromas of autumn.
