Every summer the scene repeats itself: the heat presses and, in the absence of the sea, Madrid looks outside more than at any other time of the year looking for a place to cool off. A quest that does not necessarily have to end in coastal destinations within the Community of Madrid itself or even in other nearby inland there are options for a summer dip and can be reached by public transport: specifically on the 551 bus line.
This interurban line runs along what is known as the Road of the Marshes -the M-501- and, as of July 1, the Community of Madrid has announced that it will reinforce the service in view of the increase in trips expected “to guarantee public transport travel for the residents of the area.”
On weekdays the number of trips will increase from 78 to 110 and on weekends it will be 80 instead of the current 50. However, the largest increase will be on Sundays and holidays: there will be 78 circulations instead of 46, an increase of 69%.
Where does bus line 551 run?
This intercity bus line connects the capital with different localities. Namely: Alcorcón, Móstoles, Villaviciosa de Odón, Brunete, Chapinería, Navas del Rey, Pelayos de la Presa, San Martín de Valdeiglesias -where the San Juan reservoir is located-, El Tiemblo and Cebreros -the latter two within the province of Ávila -.
In this article you can consult other “inland beaches” beyond the two in the San Juan reservoir (Virgen de la Nueva, the best known, and El Muro).
Times and rates
Year-round round-trip schedules and fares for line 551 can be found at this link of the Regional Transport Consortium of the Community of Madrid.
