Segovia, with its splendid historic center and iconic Roman aqueduct, is a city that encourages exploration. Whether you’re here to study or visiting for leisure, understanding the best ways to get around can make your experience much more enjoyable. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about moving through Segovia efficiently and comfortably.
Walking: The Best Way to Explore the Historic Center
Segovia’s compact and charming historic center is best explored on foot. The major attractions—the Aqueduct, Alcázar, Cathedral, and Mirador—are all within a short walking distance from each other, making it easy to navigate the city. Walking allows you to experience the city’s unique atmosphere, explore its cobblestone streets, and take in the beautiful architecture that earned Segovia its World Heritage status.
For students at IE University, walking is also an ideal way to commute, as many housing options are located within or near the historic center. Living close by means you can easily reach campus while enjoying a leisurely walk through Segovia’s beautiful streets.
Public Buses: Efficient and Affordable
For longer trips or to reach areas beyond the center, Segovia has a reliable and well-organized public bus system, managed by Avanza Grupo. The buses connect key areas, including the city center, suburbs, and important points of interest like the high-speed railway station (AVE), Nueva Segovia, and Zamarramala.
• Bus Lines and Schedule: Segovia’s public transport system features 12 daytime bus lines that operate every day, including Sundays and holidays. On weekdays, buses generally run from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM with a frequency of about every 15 minutes. On weekends, services start at 8:00 AM and run until 10:45 PM, with a slightly reduced frequency of every 30 minutes.
• Night Service: On Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays, there is also a night bus service (Line B) from 11:00 PM to 6:50 AM, with departures every hour. This service is great for students or visitors looking to enjoy Segovia’s nightlife and still make their way home safely.
• Bus Fares: A single journey ticket costs €1.00, and it is valid for one hour after validation. To reach the high-speed railway station, a specific ticket called Billete AVE is required, which costs €2.00. If you plan to travel frequently, consider purchasing the Tarjeta Abono Transportes, a rechargeable card that allows you to travel at discounted rates. This card costs €2 and can be topped up in increments of €5, offering savings like the AVE bono, which is €0.70 instead of the standard €2.00.
Public buses are a convenient way for students to get around Segovia without worrying about the costs of maintaining a car, especially for trips outside the immediate city center.
Driving in Segovia: Not Always Recommended
Driving in Segovia’s historic center can be challenging due to narrow streets, limited parking, and pedestrian-friendly zones. For visitors or students arriving by car, it is best to park in the suburbs or at your accommodation, especially since much of the city center is easier to explore on foot.
That said, if you need a car for longer trips outside Segovia, consider using it for weekend adventures to nearby attractions like the beautiful cities of Avila, El Escorial, or Madrid, all of which are easily accessible by car.
Biking in Segovia
Segovia is gradually becoming more bike-friendly, and cycling can be an enjoyable way to explore the outskirts of the city. Though the hilly landscape may present a bit of a challenge, it’s a great way to get some exercise and cover longer distances that aren’t as walkable. Keep an eye out for dedicated bike paths, especially in less busy areas.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Taxis are readily available in Segovia, and you can find them at various taxi stands throughout the city or call to arrange a pick-up. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option for those times when you need a quick lift, particularly if you are heading to places not well connected by public transport.
The High-Speed Railway Station
For students and travelers looking to venture outside Segovia, the Segovia-Guiomar high-speed railway station provides an excellent connection to other major Spanish cities. You can reach Madrid in just 30 minutes via the AVE train, making it ideal for weekend getaways or for those who want to explore beyond Segovia. The public bus connects the city to this station, making it easy to get there without a car.
Tips for Getting Around Segovia Efficiently
• Plan Ahead: Especially when using public buses, check the schedule ahead of time, as the frequency can vary based on the day of the week.
• Buy a Transport Card: If you’re staying in Segovia for a longer period, investing in the Tarjeta Abono Transportes will save you money on frequent bus rides.
• Walk Whenever Possible: Segovia is beautiful, and walking will allow you to see more of its historic charm. The distances are short, and you’ll get to experience more of the local culture.
• Avoid Driving in the Center: Stick to walking, buses, or taxis when moving around the historic areas of Segovia to avoid parking hassles and traffic restrictions.
Getting around Segovia is straightforward, thanks to its walkable historic center and efficient public transportation system. Whether you prefer exploring on foot, hopping on a bus, or even cycling, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. For our students renting apartments, you’ll find that Segovia’s layout makes it easy to live comfortably without needing a car—enjoying the culture, history, and charm of this wonderful city while also being conveniently connected to your university and beyond.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, our centrally located student apartments provide easy access to all the public transport options and are within walking distance to many of Segovia’s main attractions, making your stay as convenient as possible. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help make your time in Segovia both comfortable and memorable.
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