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Book El Escorial Palace Ticket
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
- Enjoy a visit to one of Spain’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Your waiting time at the monument is drastically cut short with fast-track entry.
- Escape to the pastoral paradise located less than 50 kilometers away from Madrid.
- Explore the lavish interiors of the Royal Site of San Lorenzo of El Escorial.
- Witness a range of fascinating exhibits in the armory, art gallery, museum, and royal burial vaults.
- Enjoy a visit to one of Spain’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Your waiting time at the monument is drastically cut short with fast-track entry.
- Escape to the pastoral paradise located less than 50 kilometers away from Madrid.
- Explore the lavish interiors of the Royal Site of San Lorenzo of El Escorial.
- Witness a range of fascinating exhibits in the armory, art gallery, museum, and royal burial vaults.
Inclusions
- Fast-track access to the San Lorenzo of El Escorial
Free Admission
- Admission is free for children aged 4 and under, large families with accreditation by the Official Family Book, Members of the ICOM (International Museum Council), professors with teaching staff cards, official tourist guides with Official Tourist Guide card, as well as differently-abled people with an accompanying person.
- 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.
Reduced Ticket Pricing
- Children aged 5-16, seniors aged 65 and above, as well as accredited students up to 25 years of age with updated national or international student’s cards.
- 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 Visit El Escorial Madrid?
- Largest Renaissance Building: El Escorial is the largest renaissance building in the world. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site.
- Unique Architecture: The building embodies Herrerian architecture that was at its prime in the 16th century under the reign of Philip II.
- Elaborate Design: Inside the buildings of the Escorial, you’d find magnificent walls decorated intricately by artists over time.
- Highlight Areas: The enormous monument houses a royal palace, a monastery, a tomb, 4000 chambers, 15 cloisters and a large renaissance library.
- Sculptures: The Basilica of San Lorenzo El Real in the Escorial complex has sculptures by Leone and Pompeo Leoni.
- Marble Tombs: The Pantheon of kings and the pantheon of Infantes has 26 marble tombs containing bones of monarchs and the queens from the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties.
All Your San Lorenzo de El Escorial Ticket Options Explained
San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Fast Track Ticket
- Explore Spain’s most famous monument San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- With your San Lorenzo de El Escorial Fast Track tickets, you can jazz past the long, tiresome lines waiting to buy tickets, as you get early access to the attraction.
- Walk around the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, considered by some the eighth wonders of the world.
- Marvel at the luxurious interiors of the monastery, as you admire the fascinating exhibits in the armoury, art gallery, museums and royal vaults.
Guided Visit to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen
- Visit Madrid’s most popular attractions through one ticket, San Lorenzo de El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen.
- With your Combo Tickets, you can get your hands on a pocket-friendly ticket combo that takes you on a guided tour of the historical complex of San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen, a monument dedicated to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Spanish Civil War.
- Explore the beautiful library which houses a collection of more than 40,000 books on the tour.
El Escorial Madrid Highlights
San Lorenzo el Real
The San Lorenzo el Real is the basilica- the central structure in the escorial complex. Originally designed like most Gothic cathedrals, the plan was heavily modified by Herrera. The ground plan is that of a Greek cross. The dome of the Basilica of El Escorial is similar to the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The area surrounding the high altar is richly decorated.
Pantheon Of Kings And The Pantheon Of Infantes
The pantheon of Kings and infants is part of the Escorial monastery. The place has 26 marble tombs of past monarchs and their queens. The monarchs belong to the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties. All kings from Charles I, except 3 were buried here. The pantheon is a collection of 9 burial chapels, of princes, princesses and consorts.
Library And Museum
There are 3 libraries in the Escorial complex. The royal library- which is open to the public, a library behind the Basilica’s chorus and a library connected to various monk’s chambers. The royal library is home to magnificent walls covered by intricate Frescoes. There are frescoes by Tibaldi depicting many allegorical themes. There are also many portraits of saints, pontiffs, sages and artists.
The Hall Of Battle
Apart from the military victories of King Philip II, the hall of battle also depicts many past military victories. The frescoes here are elegant and stretch the length of the hall walls. In the past, the hall of battle was known as the King’s Gallery/ Galleria del rey. The walls cover Philip’s campaigns against the French and many medieval victories over the Moors.
Plan Your Visit To El Escorial Madrid
Timings
Getting There
Rules
Nearby
Visitor Tips
- Opening Hours:
October to March: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
April to September: Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM to 7 PM - Last Admission: 1 hour before closing.
- Closed on:
All Mondays
1 May, 11 September, 24, 25, 31 December. - Best time to visit:
Early mornings on Weekdays- to avoid large crowds.
October to April- best weather.
Address: Madrid, Plaza de España, 1, 28200 El Escorial, Spain
- By Metro/ Train: Commuter line C8.
Nearest station: El Escorial station (10 minutes away). - By Bus: Bus route no. 664 or 661 from Moncloa.
Nearest stop: Av.Constitución-Fco.Valiño (5 minutes away). - By Car: Distance From Airport: 62 km from Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport.
Nearest Parking: Free parking at the venue.
- Photography and filming is not permitted inside the monastery and the exhibitions.
- Flash photography is prohibited in all areas.
- While there is no prescribed dress code for the Escorial complex, keep in mind that the escorial complex also houses religious institutions active even today.
- Large bags are not allowed inside the Escorial complex.
- Madrid Prado Museum: AKA Museo del Prado, the Spanish art museum hosts the world’s largest collection of Spanish paintings and masterpieces from Flemish and Italian art.
- Royal Palace Of Madrid: This palace is designed in the Baroque style and is located in Western Madrid. The palace is significant because it also has neoclassical characteristics.
- Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: It has a large collection of Italian renaissance paintings and ancient sculptures.
- Liria Palace: The building was designed by architect Ventura Rodriguez for the third Duke of Berwick and Liria in the 18th century.
- El Escorial is usually crowded on weekends. Try visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds.
- The Escorial is a large place. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear to accommodate long walks.
- Try visiting the monument early in the mornings to avoid the crowds.
- The Escorial is situated between the mountains, keeping the weather cool all year round. Make sure to carry warm winter clothes if you’re visiting during the winter months.
- Download the ‘Monastery of El Escorial’ app on your IOS or Android phones to make the trip more enriching.
- Try not to carry large bags during your trip to the monument.
All Your Questions About El Escorial Tickets Answered
Q. Where can I buy El Escorial tickets?
A. It is best to buy El Escorial tickets online.
Q. Can I buy El Escorial tickets online?
A. Yes, you can buy El Escorial tickets online. It is best to pre-book them to get a preferred date and time of visit.
Q. What is the cost of El Escorial tickets?
A. El Escorial tickets start from €12.
Q. Can I get a discount on El Escorial tickets?
A. Children aged 0-5 enjoy free entry, while children aged 6-15 and seniors above the age of 65 enjoy reduced pricing on their El Escorial tickets.
Q. What is El Escorial Madrid?
A. El Escorial Madrid is a UNESCO world heritage complex containing a Basilica, monastery, tombs, royal palace and libraries.
Q. How can I get access to El Escorial Madrid?
A. El Escorial tickets are available online. The monument is accessible by road and rail.
Q. Where is El Escorial located?
A. El Escorial is located in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, 45 km northwest from Madrid.
Q. What are some of the highlights of El Escorial?
A. El Escorial is the largest renaissance building in the world. It houses a Basilica, several tombs, a Royal Palace, Monastery and Libraries. The interior walls of all the buildings here are intricately decorated with frescoes and sculptures.
Q. How to reach El Escorial in Madrid?
A. You can take the commuter line C-8 at the Atocha Station or bus line 664 or 661 from the Moncloa interchange to get to El Escorial. Both the train station and the bus stop are within a 5-10 minute walk from the monument.
Q. What are the timings of El Escorial?
A. From October to March, El Escorial is open between Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. From April to September, it is open between Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Q. What facilities are available in El Escorial Madrid?
A. Wheelchairs are available at the entrance. There is also a locker facility to store your luggage.
Q. Is El Escorial wheelchair accessible?
A. Yes, El Escorial is wheelchair accessible. However the uneven cobblestones and pavements can make the ride bumpy.
Q. Is photography allowed in El Escorial?
A. No, photography and filming are not permitted inside the monastery and the exhibitions. Flash photography is not permitted anywhere.
Q. Is it worth visiting El Escorial?
A. Yes, El Escorial is the largest renaissance building in the world and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The magnificent buildings and the intricate frescoes, coupled with the rich legacy of the complex makes the place a worthy visit.