have you ever heard of the train that beeps more than it walks? It’s the Arganda Train (Tren de Arganda)! True to its motto and as every year, on the first Sunday of March the only historic railway in the Community of Madrid will once again offer you the most immersive of experiences in terms of historical travel.
It will be on March 3rd when one of its old steam locomotives will tow the centenary wooden cars along the only surviving section of the old Tajuña railway. For about 45 minutes you will go back many decades in time to experience what train travel used to be like.
On board, you will enjoy the iconic scenery of the area as the train passes through to the sound of its whistle and the pistoning of the locomotive. The journey starts at the old La Poveda station, very close to the current metro station, and ends at Laguna del Campillo.
It is a 3.3-kilometre journey over the Piul metal bridge over the Jarama River and through the Southeast Regional Park to the smell of charcoal.
In addition, in La Poveda, you will be able to see the railway museum and its model, which is the responsibility of the Centro de Iniciativas Ferroviarias Vapor Madrid (CIFVM).
El Tren de Arganda, a railway run by volunteers
This entity, the CIFVM, is a non-profit cultural association formed by volunteers who work as railwaymen out of passion and love for the art. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Tren de Arganda, including the restoration of locomotives and passenger carriages.
So by travelling on this old train you will not only have the experience to boast about. You will also contribute to the work of these people and to the maintenance of the facilities.
Running dates for spring 2024
If you can’t make it this Sunday, don’t worry. They will run every weekend until June. As you can see in our guide, it is scheduled to run on these days:
- March: 3, 10, 16, 17, 24 and 31.
- April: 6, 7, 14, 21, and 28.
- May: 4, 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Don’t think twice, get on the train!