In 1990, a group of train lovers bought an old steam locomotive that was about to be scrapped. A few years later, they established a non-profit organisation, rehabilitated the train and revived part of the Tajuña railway line, from La Poveda (Arganda del Rey) to Laguna del Campillo (Rivas-Vaciamadrid). In 2003, they had brought the old train back to life, once again giving meaning to the old popular saying: ‘El tren de Arganda, que pita más que anda’ (The train from Arganda, it whistles more than trundles).

The ride, covering 4km, takes 40 to 45 minutes. Since it is a vintage train, it can only be used in certain weather conditions. In extreme conditions, the steam locomotive is replaced by its diesel counterpart. The train departs from La Poveda Station, in Arganda del Rey (where the office and museum are), and has its terminus at the halt in Laguna del Campillo, in the town of Rivas-Vaciamadrid. Passengers get off here to watch the 10-minute operation required to change direction and head back for Arganda del Rey. Back in La Poveda, there is a small railway museum to visit, gathering all kinds of train-related curiosities and recreating the atmosphere of an old train station.

Both on its way to Laguna del Campillo and back to La Poveda, the train rides along a spectacular 175m wrought-iron bridge across the river Jarama – the epic setting of the Battle of Jarama during the Spanish Civil War.

The Arganda Train runs every Sunday, from March to May and from October to December.

2023 Dates

• 5, 12, 19 and 26 March
• 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 April
• 7, 14, 21 and 28 May
• Autumn season: on Sundays in October, November and December

 2023 Times

• Departures: 10am, 11am, 12 noon and 1pm   

Reservations

• By phone: (+34) 630 336 840 (Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm and 5-7pm)
• By email: reservas@vapormadrid.com
• Make your reservation by Saturday at 4pm, indicating number and age of passengers.

Prices

• Train ride (round trip) + Railway museum ticket: €7
• Visit to the Modular Model (Shuttle Train included): €3
• Children under the age of 3 (without a seat if the train is full): Free

More information: www.vapormadrid.org