On Sunday 29 March, the Arganda Train’s whistle will once again echo along the rails of southeast Madrid. Following several months of intensive renewal work along part of the route, this historic train resumes service to the delight of those who cherish history, steam, and tranquil landscapes.
This is no ordinary train. It’s the very one that gave rise to the well-known saying, “the Arganda train… that toots more than it runs.” Each journey aboard feels like a small time capsule, reviving the spirit of the old Tajuña Railway, inaugurated back in 1886.
A route between the Jarama and the Piúl Cliffs
The ride begins at La Poveda station (Arganda del Rey) and follows around 3.5 kilometres of the original track. Only a few minutes after departure, the train crosses the impressive Jarama Iron Bridge — the longest surviving metal bridge in the Madrid region — its 175 metres of steel gleaming in the sun.
From there, the steam locomotive slowly makes its way alongside the Piúl Cliffs, striking rock formations that could easily feature in a Western film set.
The journey ends at the Laguna del Campillo halt, a natural spot where the murmur of water and the presence of migratory birds invite passengers to slow down and take in the scenery. The round trip lasts about 45 minutes — just enough time to unwind, breathe, and be lulled by the rhythm of the rails.
The train will run on the first Saturday of each month and every Sunday until 14 June, with four departures scheduled at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00.
The soul of steam lives on
The Centro de Iniciativas Ferroviarias Vapor Madrid (CIFVM), a non-profit association, is responsible for keeping this heritage train alive. Through volunteer work and a great deal of passion, its members have restored century-old locomotives and carriages — including the famous Arganda — and bring to life the traditional railway trades such as the driver, fireman, and stationmaster.
They even carried out the sleeper replacement and track improvement works themselves — all for the love of railways!
Travelling on the Arganda Train is far more than just a day trip: it’s a living tribute to the railways of the past and a chance to relive that childlike wonder that steam always evokes.
Heritage train and shuttle train
The Arganda Train offers two travel options, which can be combined for a full-on railway experience:
- Heritage Train: full steam locomotive route. Price: €10
- Shuttle Train: short trip with a visit to a large-scale model railway. Price: €3
Both depart from La Poveda station, where the railway ambience is everywhere — the whistle, the coal, the steam, and the smiles of the volunteers who make it all possible.
So, save the date: on 29 March, hop aboard, lean out the window, and let history roll on… by rail.