How to Get from Córdoba to Seville

The distance between two major cities in southern Spain’s Andalusian region, Córdoba and Seville, is 75 miles (120 km). The easiest and fastest way to make the trip is by the direct high-speed train, which takes about 45 minutes.

Driving yourself in a rental car is also possible, but takes a bit longer (1 hour and 30 minutes). The most luxurious option is to hire a private car service. Buses are the most economical choice but take slightly longer at 1 hour and 45 minutes.

To get the most of your time in Andalusia, consider this 10-day itinerary: Magic of Southern Spain: History, Beaches, and Culture.

By Train

Duration: 45 minutes

Renfe runs multiple lines from Córdoba to Seville. The quickest option is to take the AVANT/AVE train from Córdoba Central, only 20 minutes walking to Córdoba’s main attraction—the Mezquita, a massive mosque dating from 784 CE and one of the world’s greatest examples of Moorish architecture. This brings you directly to Sevilla Santa Justa, Seville's main train station located 1.5 miles from the city’s main square, Plaza España.

AVANT/AVE trains run nearly hourly, with the earliest leaving Córdoba at 6:50 a.m. and the latest departing at 11:24 p.m. Take note that trains marked MD are regional and will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

AVE trains are comfortable and offer air conditioning, a bar-buffet car, and power outlets. Three tiers of tickets are available including turista (standard), turista plus (comfort), and preferente (premier). Turista plus customers enjoy a spacious reclining seat, while the preferente selection offers food service at your seat and access to business lounges at select stations. Not all tiers are available on every train, so if you want a particular class you should book ahead of time through Renfe’s website to make sure it is available. Trains do sell out occasionally, so booking in advance is advised.

By Rental Car

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, more with stops

Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the route between Còrdoba and Seville, and perhaps take a few side trips along the way. The fastest route brings you southwest on the A-4 highway. For a logical, quick stop along this route Écija is a quaint town with cobble-stoned streets and dozens of beautiful churches and Roman ruins.

For a more complete understanding of all the places you will want to see in the region, check out the Best of Andalusia: Culture, Nature, and Food 13-day itinerary.

Rental car companies abound in Córdoba. Remember that non-EU driver’s license holders must obtain an International Driver’s Permit in order to drive in Spain.

By Private Transfer

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, more with stops

Alternately, for a more luxurious transport, hire a private transfer. With a variety of car services available online from mini-buses to luxury cars, prices are variable. You can request off-the-beaten site visits along the way like Almodovar del Rio Castle, the hilltop fortress made famous for being the real-life location of "Highgarden" in Game of Thrones.

By Bus

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

ALSA runs buses from Córdoba’s main bus station, Estación de Autobuses de Córdoba to Seville (Plaza de Armas) seven times daily. The earliest bus leaves Córdoba at 5:30 am, and the latest at 8 pm.

The bus costs slightly less than the train, but can a bit longer and is subject to traffic (make sure to choose the faster route option with fewer stops). However, the buses do also offer air conditioning, wifi, and individual entertainment screens with a USB portal for charging.