Practical guide 2026
Day trip Seville–Córdoba
The AVE takes 45 minutes and runs 43 times a day. You can be in front of the Mezquita before 9am. Here's how to use the day well.
Written by
María Fernanda González Ten years covering Córdoba's UNESCO heritage sites, sourcing from Junta de Andalucía documentation.
Published
Updated
In this guide
45 min
AVE train
€7–25
One-way fare
141 km
Distance
43
Trains/day
Transport options
Train AVE
RecommendedRenfe - High speed
Duration 41–45 min
Price €7–25
Frequency 43 trains/day
Stations Santa Justa Central
The high-speed train is the fastest and most comfortable option. Air conditioning, free WiFi, power sockets and a buffet car. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for the best fares.
Book on Renfe.comBus ALSA
Budget alternative
Duration 1h45–2h10
Price €9–21
Frequency 7 buses/day
Departure Plaza de Armas
Slower but cheaper. First bus at 8:30am, last at 10pm. Bus station in central Seville.
Car
Maximum flexibility
Duration 1h45–2h
Distance 141 km
Route A-4
Parking Paid in centre
Ideal for a stop in Carmona en route. Paid car parks near the Mezquita (La Ribera, La Mezquita) or free at Parque Cruz Conde (further away).
The Mezquita, an architectural masterpiece not to miss from Seville
Optimal 1-day itinerary
Leave early. The train at 7am gets you there before the tour groups hit the Mezquita. The full day runs like this:
7am–8:30am
Departure from Seville
AVE train from Santa Justa. Arrive at Córdoba Central around 8–8:30am. Journey to the centre (15–20 min by bus or taxi).
8:30am–11:30am
Mosque-Cathedral + Roman Bridge
Visit the Mezquita in the morning (fewer crowds, cooler). Continue to the Roman Bridge for photos.
11:30am–2pm
Jewish Quarter + Lunch
Stroll through the Judería, discover the Calleja de las Flores. Lunch at a local restaurant (salmorejo, berenjenas con miel).
2pm–5pm
Alcázar + Free time
Visit the Alcázar and its gardens. Stop for a coffee on a terrace or browse souvenir shops.
5pm+
Return to Seville
Train around 5–6pm. Arrive in Seville around 6–7pm in time for your evening.
Recommended stop: Carmona
By car only
30 min from Seville
A well-preserved Roman and medieval town on the road to Córdoba, Carmona deserves a 1–2 hour stop.
What to see
- Puerta de Cordoba: 1st-century Roman gate
- Roman Necropolis: famous monumental tombs
- Historic centre: picturesque medieval lanes
- Parador de Carmona: hotel inside an Arab alcazar
Practical information
- Distance from Seville
- 33 km (30 min)
- Distance from Córdoba
- 108 km (1h15)
- Visit time
- 1–2 hours
- Parking
- Free on the outskirts
Tip: Stop on the way back so as not to lose time in Córdoba.
Day budget
Budget per person
Return transport (AVE) €14–50
Mezquita entry €13
Alcázar entry €5
Lunch €15–25
Coffee + miscellaneous €10–20
Estimated total €60–115
Money-saving tips
- Book the train 1-2 weeks ahead (up to 70% cheaper)
- Mezquita free 8:30-9:30am (limited access area)
- Alcazar free on Tuesdays
- Menu del dia at lunch (~€12-15 for starter + main + dessert)
- ALSA bus if on a tight budget (€9 vs €25 train)
- Free walking tour: 2h covering all the main sites, tip-based (~€10 suggested)
Prefer a guided tour?
Skip the planning and join a full-day guided tour from Seville to Córdoba. Guide, transport and skip-the-line access to the Mezquita included. 781 reviews on GetYourGuide.
From the station to the city centre
On foot
16–23 minutes (2.1 km)
Pleasant in fine weather, following Avenida de América towards the historic centre.
Bus
6–10 minutes (lines 3, 4, 5)
Economical and convenient. Stop in front of the station, alight near the Mezquita.
Taxi
6 minutes (~€8–10)
The fastest and most comfortable. Taxi rank in front of the station.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Seville to Córdoba?
The best option is the AVE high-speed train: 41–45 minutes, €7–25 depending on how far in advance you book, 43 trains per day. Budget alternative: ALSA bus (1h45–2h, €9–21). By car: 1h45 via the A-4 (141 km), with the option of a stop in Carmona.
Can you visit Córdoba in a day from Seville?
Yes, one day is enough to see the highlights: Mezquita-Cathedral (2–3h), Jewish Quarter and Calleja de las Flores (1–2h), Alcázar (1–2h). Leave early (7–8am) to have 8–9 hours on the ground.
How much does the Seville–Córdoba train cost?
The AVE train costs between €7 and €25 one way depending on when you book. Book 1–2 weeks in advance on Renfe.com for the best fares. Regional trains (Media Distancia) are cheaper (€14) but slower (60–90 min).
Is Carmona worth a stop?
Yes, Carmona is a hidden gem 30 minutes from Seville on the road to Córdoba. Must-see: 1st-century Roman gate, Roman necropolis, medieval historic centre. An ideal 1–2 hour stop by car.
Ready to discover Córdoba?
Explore our guides to the must-see monuments and book your Mezquita tickets.