Seville to Granada: Train, Bus, Car or Day Tour?

I’ve travelled from Seville to Granada twice — once by rental car as a day trip, more recently by train for a three-night stay. The train won, hands down.

But the best option for you depends on your budget, how much time you have and where you’re staying. Here’s what you need to know.

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Quick facts

Train vs bus: which should you choose?

The train is faster (2h 35m vs 3h), and the station in Granada is much more central — a 20-minute walk from the cathedral, right on the edge of the Albaicín.

The bus is cheaper, and there are more daily departures. However, Granada’s bus station is about two miles north of the centre, so factor in an extra bus journey at the other end.

My recommendation: if budget isn’t the deciding factor, take the train. If you’re watching every euro, the bus is perfectly comfortable.

1. By train

The high-speed Avant and AVE trains are the fastest and easiest way to get between Seville and Granada. Expect around six services a day, and a journey time as little as 2 hours 35 minutes.

Spanish trains are run by the national rail operator Renfe and are amongst the best in Europe. They are clean and comfortable, with luggage racks, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and power sockets as standard.

Buying tickets: Book in advance — prices rise as the travel date approaches. The Renfe website has the best prices, but it can be temperamental with non-Spanish cards. For a hassle-free experience, I use Omio. There’s a small booking fee, but it’s a much cleaner process.

Seville station: Trains depart from Santa Justa, northeast of the city centre, a 25-minute walk from Seville Cathedral.

Granada station: Granada’s station is in Avenida de Andaluces, a 20-minute walk from Granada Cathedral.

2. By bus

Buses are the most budget-friendly option. Alsa runs the route, and a one-way non-flexible fare starts from around €12, though expect to pay more for flexibility. The journey takes three hours.

I’ve used Alsa on other routes and found them very comfortable. I don’t recommend booking through Omio for the bus, as they only list the pricier flexible fares. Book directly on Alsa’s website instead.

Seville bus station: Plaza de Armas, just under a mile northwest of the Old Town, a 20-minute walk from Seville Cathedral.

Granada bus station: On the Carretera de Jaén, about two miles north of the city centre. Take the number 33 bus from outside the station; it runs every 15 minutes and takes 10–15 minutes. Buy your ticket from the driver.

3. By car

Driving gives you the most freedom, particularly if you want to stop along the way. The main route follows the A92 through Osuna and Mollina, and the drive takes under three hours. There are no tolls on this road.

That said, parking in Granada’s historic centre is tricky, and a car isn’t much use once you’re there. If you do drive, I’d suggest parking outside the centre and using public transport to get around.

4. Day tour from Seville

If you’re short on time or want to make sure you get into the Alhambra, a day tour from Seville is worth considering. Alhambra tickets sell out fast, and a tour includes pre-booked entry, which can be the difference between seeing the Nasrid Palaces and standing outside looking up at them.

Someone else takes care of all of the arrangements, you benefit from the knowledge of a local guide and it is affordable. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the day.

This highly-rated 13-hour excursion covers guided tours of the Alhambra Palace and the Albaicín, with tickets to the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife Gardens included.

One more thing: Granada deserves more than a day. If you can, plan at least two or three nights — there’s far more to the city than the Alhambra. My 2-day Granada itinerary will help you make the most of it.

Planning your time in Seville and Granada

Here are a few guides to help you plan both ends of the journey:

Seville

• One Day in Seville, Spain: The Best Itinerary
• A Perfect 3 Days in Seville, Spain: Itinerary & Best Things to Do
• 10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Real Alcázar of Seville
• 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Seville Cathedral

Granada

• The Best 2-Day Granada Itinerary: More Than The Alhambra
• 15 Essential Tips for Visiting the Alhambra, Spain

About Bridget

Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.

Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.

To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.

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