Casa de Campo: cable car, lake and Madrid's largest park

Updated on October 1, 2026

The Casa de Campo is Madrid's largest public park: more than 1,500 hectares of pine woods, holm oaks and meadows west of the centre, across the Manzanares. A former royal hunting estate assembled under Philip II in the 16th century, it has been open to the public since 1 May 1931. People come for the lake and its rowing boats, long walks or bike rides, the zoo-aquarium and the amusement park, and the view of the Royal Palace skyline. The park is closed to private motor traffic.

Highlights

The lake and its boats

This artificial lake of more than 80,000 m², restored in 2018, is the busiest part of the park. A jetty rents out rowing boats for 45 minutes (four people maximum), and several restaurants and terraces line the shore, facing the towers of Plaza de España.

Pine woods and trails

Beyond the lake, stone pines, holm oaks and streams make up an almost rural landscape. The paths, largely accessible, suit running, cycling and long walks away from the city noise.

The fountain and the view of Madrid

The tall water jet in the middle of the lake can be seen from the west of the city. From the west shore, the view takes in the Almudena Cathedral, the Royal Palace and the skyscrapers of Plaza de España.

Cable car, zoo and amusement park

The cable car (Teleférico de Madrid), which links Paseo del Pintor Rosales to the heart of the park, is closed for a complete renovation; the City Council has announced its reopening for 2027, with new cabins. The Zoo Aquarium de Madrid and the Parque de Atracciones, both inside the park, have their own opening hours and tickets.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Boat hire costs €6 on weekdays and €8 at weekends and on public holidays, €1.80 for over-65s, from 10:30 until dusk (prices observed in October 2026). Bring water: away from the lake area, places to buy food and drink are scarce. The areas far from the lake are poorly lit and deserted at night: after dark, stay in busy areas (the lake, around the metro stations) and avoid isolated inner roads on foot.

How to get there

Main entrance: Paseo Puerta del Ángel, 1, 28011 Madrid. Metro: Lago (line 10) for the lake, Batán (line 10), close to the amusement park, and Casa de Campo (lines 5 and 10), in the south of the park; Puerta del Ángel (line 6) is also close to the lake. EMT buses 31, 33, 36, 39 and 65 stop near the lake. On foot, you can reach the park from Madrid Río via the Puente del Rey.