Tren de la Sierra de Guadarrama

The C-9 line of Cercanías Madrid (Madrid Commuter Rail) takes us close to the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, offering a unique journey through dense forests and across the highest points of the mountain range.

The idea of building a railway that would climb up to Navacerrada Pass (Puerto de Navacerrada) emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, with the aim of facilitating access to the peaks of the Sierra de Guadarrama. The railway line was laid out by José de Aguinaga y Keller and completed between 1919 and 1923.

The line covers 19 kilometres along the slopes of the central area of the Sierra de Guadarrama, in a 41-minute journey. It begins at Cercedilla station and, after climbing the southern slope of the Siete Picos (Seven Peaks), reaches Puerto de Navacerrada station in less than half an hour, an important intermediate stop situated at an altitude of 1,765 metres.

After passing the station, the train enters a tunnel that crosses the pass and runs through the Valsaín valley, populated by a thick Scots pine forest. The last station is Cotos, located at an altitude of 1,819 metres, on the mountain pass of the same name. A few minutes' walk from the station is the Peñalara visitor centre, which provides information and recommendations for visiting the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park.

It is essential to book tickets in advance, as these trains operate with limited seating. Transporting dogs and bicycles is also permitted, with some specifications.