- By car: A-2 motorway, exit 28, about 35 km from central Madrid. Park around the historic centre and cover the last stretch on foot (the square itself is pedestrian-only).
- By Cercanías RENFE train: lines C-2 and C-7 to Alcalá de Henares station, then about a 10-minute walk.
- By bus: lines 223, 227 and 229 from the Avenida de América interchange (night line N202).
- From the airport: bus line 824, or about 25 minutes by car, taxi or ride-hailing service.
Where is Plaza de Cervantes
Plaza de Cervantes sits right in the historic centre of Alcalá de Henares, part of the urban ensemble that made the city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It has a privileged location in the middle of the city, and from it you can walk to the rest of the city’s main sights. But it’s not just a place to pass through, it’s a landmark stop in its own right, home to some of the most recognisable buildings and monuments in the city, and for centuries one of the great settings of everyday life in Alcalá.
How to get to Plaza de Cervantes from Madrid by car
The main route from the capital is the A-2 motorway (Autovía del Nordeste), heading towards Zaragoza/Barcelona, though you can also take the R-2 toll road. The distance from central Madrid is around 35 kilometres, and travel time depends mostly on traffic.
On the A-2, take exit 28. Keep in mind that much of the historic centre, and Plaza de Cervantes in particular, is pedestrian-only, with restrictions on traffic and parking. The most practical option is to leave the car in one of the car parks around the centre and walk the last stretch — a short, pleasant walk with plenty to see along the way.
Cómo llegar a la Plaza de Cervantes desde Madrid en transporte público
To skip the car and the parking altogether, public transport works very well for getting to Plaza de Cervantes from Madrid.
Getting to Alcalá de Henares by Cercanías RENFE train
Lines C-2 and C-7 of Cercanías Renfe stop at Alcalá de Henares station and connect with various points across Madrid.
From the station, Plaza de Cervantes is about a 10-minute walk — a route that also eases you gradually into the city centre.
The train has the advantage of leaving the car, the traffic and the parking behind, and runs from 5am to 11pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a full day in the city.
Getting to Alcalá de Henares by bus
You can also get there by intercity bus. Several lines leave from the Avenida de América interchange for Alcalá, including 223, 227 and 229, plus the night line N202.
From the bus stops in the centre, Plaza de Cervantes is a short walk away.
How to get to Plaza de Cervantes from Madrid airport
Alcalá de Henares is very well connected for anyone flying into Madrid: Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is 15 kilometres from the city centre.
By public transport, bus line 824 connects the airport directly with Alcalá de Henares.
By car, taxi or ride-hailing service, the drive takes around 25 minutes, and the fare can run to around €40 depending on demand — especially at peak times.
What to see near Plaza de Cervantes
The square itself is worth exploring slowly: it’s home to the statue of Miguel de Cervantes, the Corral de Comedias theatre, and the ruins and tower of the old church of Santa María. And just a few steps away, in Plaza de San Diego, you can enjoy wonderful views of the University facade.
And from here, many of Alcalá’s main attractions are just a few minutes’ walk away: the University of Alcalá and its historic façade, Calle Mayor, the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, or the Magistral Cathedral.
To find out more about what you’re looking at as you walk around, you can read our article on the history and curiosities of Plaza de Cervantes.
Best restaurants in Plaza de Cervantes
Alcalá de Henares is also a great food destination, and after exploring the historic centre, it’s well worth stopping at one of the restaurants in the area.
You won’t even need to leave the square to do it. At number 8, Plaza de Cervantes, you’ll find Restaurante 1888, housed in a historic building within the Manzana Cisneriana.
Its cooking is built around the produce: seasonal, local, quality ingredients, with a contemporary take on traditional dishes.
Besides its location, one of the restaurant’s biggest draws is the view over Plaza de Cervantes itself — a good spot to take a break without leaving the heart of Alcalá.
You can check the menu, see the daily set menu, or book a table before your visit.
Where to go for tapas or sharing plates in Plaza de Cervantes
For tapas or sharing plates before or after your visit, there are two spots around Plaza de Cervantes worth having on your map.
Mesa Alta
Mesa Alta is Restaurante 1888’s own evening concept, at the very same number 8, Plaza de Cervantes. From Monday to Saturday, once evening falls, the space transforms: high tables, a relaxed atmosphere, and a menu built for sharing, without the formality of a traditional dinner. It also has an excellent terrace with views over Plaza de Cervantes.
The menu includes options such as house croquettes, embered ratatouille, chorizo choripán cooked over the coals, chargrilled artichoke flower, or steak tartare, with prices ranging from €2.80 to €16 for the more elaborate dishes. You can check the Mesa Alta menu.
Bar Elena Vermutería
A short walk from the square, on Calle Ramón y Cajal, is Bar Elena Vermutería, one of those old-school spots for tapas in Alcalá. Its speciality is vermouth and classic small glasses (cañas) of Mahou beer, served with a tapa of pickled anchovies or stuffed eggs, plus sharing plates like croquettes, pork rinds (torreznos), Spanish potato salad (ensaladilla), or tripe stew (callos).
It’s a small, lively place, so on weekends it’s worth allowing extra time or booking ahead for larger groups.
Where to stay right on Plaza de Cervantes
For anyone wanting to spend more than a day in Alcalá de Henares, staying in the historic centre gives you a different way of experiencing the city, once much of the day-trip crowd has left.
Hostal Boutique Casa y Fonda 1888
In the same building as Restaurante 1888 you’ll find Casa y Fonda 1888, a charming stay right on Plaza de Cervantes with eight rooms, some with direct views over the square.
It occupies a 19th-century house within the Manzana Cisneriana, combining traditional features with a simple, thoughtful design. You can find out more about the property here.
Apartamentos Ejemplares de El Bedel
For anyone wanting more independence, the Apartamentos Ejemplares de El Bedel are located right on Plaza de Cervantes and come with a fully equipped kitchen, a good option for longer stays.
Frequently asked questions about how to get to Plaza de Cervantes
Is Plaza de Cervantes pedestrian-only?
Yes, the area around the square is pedestrian-only, with traffic and parking restrictions across much of the historic centre, so the last stretch is always covered on foot.
How long does it take to get to Plaza de Cervantes from the train station?
About 10 minutes on foot from Alcalá de Henares Cercanías station (lines C-2 and C-7).
How long does it take to get there from Madrid-Barajas Airport?
About 25 minutes by car, taxi or ride-hailing service, or around 40 minutes directly on bus line 824.
Where can you park near Plaza de Cervantes?
In the various car parks around the historic centre, since direct access to the square itself is restricted to traffic.
Where can you eat in Plaza de Cervantes?
At Restaurante 1888, at number 8 on the square, with direct views over it.
Plaza de Cervantes, the best meeting point to start discovering Alcalá
Knowing how to get to Plaza de Cervantes is, in practice, knowing how to reach the heart of Alcalá de Henares.
You can get there easily from Madrid by car, Cercanías train or bus, and also directly from Madrid-Barajas Airport. Once there, much of Alcalá’s historic heritage can be explored on foot.
La Plaza de Cervantes, el mejor punto de encuentro para empezar a descubrir Alcalá
Algunas de las fotografías pertenecen al archivo del Ayuntamiento de Alcalá de Henares.
