Aranjuez is 50 kilometres south of Madrid and is easily reached as a day trip. The most convenient option by public transport is the Cercanías suburban rail service (Line C-3) from Madrid's Atocha Station, which takes about 50 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. This is the standard way to arrive and works perfectly for a day trip.
By car from Madrid, the journey takes 40–50 minutes via the A-4 motorway (the road to Córdoba), with Aranjuez clearly signed at exit 37. Parking is available in the town centre and near the palace.
The vintage Strawberry Train (Tren de la Fresa) is a tourist service running on weekend mornings from May to June — a slower but more atmospheric option using a historic steam locomotive, with a strawberry tasting included. Book well in advance as it sells out.