Fast Track Access to Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Why visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez

A World Heritage Site: The palace and its gardens are a part of the Aranjuez Cultural Landscape, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001.
An Italian-inspired marvel: Philip II's goal was to make the Royal Palace of Aranjuez an Italian-inspired villa. The entire structure, as a result, is an intricate mix of Italian and Spanish architecture.
Spectacular sights at every turn: The sprawling gardens surrounding the palace mix with stunning plazas and a 3-kilometer-long path once famous for horse races. Paintings depicting Greek gods, rich mahogany furniture, and ornate marble surfaces dot the interiors.
Suitable for all ages: The Royal Palace of Aranjuez has something to offer for every member of your family and its architecture and decor make for a visually stunning experience.

Plan your visit to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Royal Palace of Aranjuez facade with gardens, Madrid, Spain.

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is open six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays).

The palace is open between 10am and 6pm and the ticket office closes at 5pm.

Royal Palace of Aranjuez exterior with manicured gardens in Aranjuez, Spain.

Guests can get free access to the palace on Wednesday and Sunday between 3pm and 6pm. This applies to European Union citizens, those who hold work permits in the territory, and Latin American citizens. This free offer is limited to a tour without a guide.

The best times to visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November).

Address: Pl. de Parejas, s/n, 28300 Aranjuez, Madrid, Spain

Find on Map

You can get to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez by car or train, giving you plenty of options.

By car: The palace is located in Aranjuez, roughly a 50-minute drive from Madrid via the A-4.
By train: You can board a train from the Madrid Atocha Cercanias to Aranjuez. This is roughly a 35-minute journey.
Parking: You can find free parking on the street close to the palace, no more than a five-minute walk from the palace entrance.

Restroom sign with directional arrow in a public area.

Parking: You can find plenty of free parking on the street in the palace’s vicinity.
Restrooms: You can find restrooms inside the palace courtyard with vending machines near the entrances.
Restaurants: You’ll find a few restaurants, steakhouses, and cafes around the palace.
Accessibility: There are certain access points for those with reduced mobility and manual wheelchairs at the palace and in the Museum of Royal Barges.

Within the palace, the Arabian Study stands out for its almost psychedelic colors, and we’d recommend you spend some time taking in every little detail within this space. The Gabinete de Porcelana is another highlight you shouldn’t miss.
While photography isn’t allowed inside the palace, don’t forget to carry your camera to capture some memories of the grounds or the palace’s gardens. However, in places where photography is allowed, you can take pictures without flash and only for personal use.
The La Casa del Labrador is temporarily closed, but you can still access the palace and its grounds.
We’d recommend you get to the palace as early as possible as the queues can get rather long early on, and access can also be fairly slow.

Buttered steak with herbs and potatoes on a plate.

Aranjuez has several cafes, restaurants, and steakhouses, giving you plenty of choices based on what your taste buds are craving.

Restaurante El Corral de la Abuela: This relaxed steakhouse offers a mix of grills, seafood, and delicious drinks. Their meats are a must-try, as are their desserts.
Casa José: This family-run restaurant prides itself on curating signature dishes from produce grown within the region. It’s the perfect place for an intimate, fine-dine experience. Their six-course tasting menus and wine pairings should be on your list.
Restaurante El Parterre: If Mediterranean and Spanish cuisines are what you’re after, the Restaurante El Parterre should be on your list. It’s also wheelchair-accessible.

Beyond the Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Royal Palace of Madrid

The official residence of the Spanish royal family, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest residence in Western Europe. With 3,418 rooms, it attracts more than 2 million visitors each year and offers a stunning visual representation of Spanish royal history.

Distance: 48.1km

By car: 47 minutes

Explore Royal Palace of Madrid

Parque Warner

Located roughly 28km southeast of Madrid, this theme park is partly owned by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences. Some of the key attractions include the Batman Gotham City Escape, Superman Atracción de Acero, and the Tom & Jerry Picnic en el Parque.

Distance: 28.7km

By car: 29 minutes

Explore Parque Warner

Prado Museum entrance in Madrid with visitors

Museo del Prado

If European art is your cup of tea, you’ll love the Museo del Prado. Home to works dating between the 12th and 20th centuries, this museum is located in central Madrid, making it easily accessible. Francisco Goya’s works dominate the museum, besides those of El Greco and Peter Paul Rubens.

Distance: 47.5km

By car: 47 minutes.

Explore Museo del Prado

Frequently asked questions about Royal Palace of Aranjuez tickets

What is the best time to visit the Royal Palace of Aranjuez?

The best time to visit the Royal Palace is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant, and the palace gardens bloom beautifully during these seasons. Plan your trip on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.

Is the Royal Palace of Aranjuez wheelchair accessible?

Yes, certain areas in the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and the Museum of Royal Barges offer access to those with reduced mobility and manual wheelchairs.

Is the Royal Palace suitable for children?

Absolutely! Children will love exploring the palace's grand halls and gardens. Look out for family-friendly guided tours that keep younger visitors entertained with fun historical stories. The ducks, swans, and peacocks are bound to be a highlight too.

Is the Royal Palace of Aranjuez pet-friendly?

Pets are not allowed within the palace’s premises. You should plan accordingly if you’re traveling with a pet.

Is there a gift shop within the palace?

There is a gift shop on the palace’s premises where you can purchase souvenirs, informational pamphlets, or books. The guidebook in particular can be helpful, especially if you’re interested in the palace’s history.

Are food and drinks allowed inside the Royal Palace of Aranjuez?

You cannot carry any food and drinks inside the palace. You can get a few basic drinks from the vending machines near the restrooms, but if you want a full meal, you can explore some of the cafes and restaurants nearby.

Can I take photographs inside the Royal Palace of Aranjuez?

Photography is allowed in most areas of the palace for personal use, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited. However, keep an eye out for any signage that prohibits it in certain parts of the palace.

What should I wear when visiting the Royal Palace of Aranjuez?

Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended, especially if you intend to explore the extensive gardens. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen during the summer months.

Can I take a day-long trip to visit the palace from Madrid?

You can easily take a day-long trip from Madrid to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez. The palace is just about 48km or a 45-minute drive from the capital via the A-4.

Is the Royal Palace of Aranjuez suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely, you can certainly enjoy a tour of the palace as a solo traveler. Exploring its ornate interiors and vast gardens can be a brilliant experience to add to your bucket list.