Seville to Córdoba Day Trip by Train: How I Did It
If you’re thinking about taking a day trip from Seville to Córdoba by train, do it. When I first thought about visiting Córdoba from Seville, I hesitated for a second: another city, another early start, maybe too much hassle?
But honestly, it turned out to be one of the easiest and most rewarding days of my whole Andalusia trip.
In less than 45 minutes, you’ll swap Seville’s orange-lined streets for Córdoba’s whitewashed courtyards and the mesmerizing Mezquita-Cathedral, one of Spain’s most breathtaking landmarks.
If you’re planning a longer route across southern Spain, check out my 7-Day Andalucía Itinerary Without a Car. It connects Seville, Córdoba, and Granada perfectly.
Quick Answer 🕒
The easiest way to travel from Seville to Córdoba is by high-speed train (AVE). It takes about 45 minutes, runs frequently throughout the day, and drops you close to Córdoba’s old town.
Tickets usually cost €15–€35, depending on the time and how early you book. I used Omio to check times and reserve my seat in advance. It was super quick and reliable.
👉 If you prefer a more relaxed experience, scroll down for guided tours that handle everything for you: transport, tickets, and a walking tour of Córdoba’s highlights.
📌 Pin for later
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you click and make a booking, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tours and hotels I’ve personally experienced. Your support keeps Map and Camera running. Thank you 💙. (Read my full disclosure)
Why I Decided to Visit Cordoba
The first time I saw photos of Córdoba, I couldn’t believe it was just an hour from Seville. The city looked magical: arches, courtyards, the kind of golden light that every photographer dreams of.
So one morning, I just went for it with a coffee in hand, ticket on my phone, no car, no plan beyond curiosity.
And that’s the beauty of it: you don’t need to overthink this trip. Córdoba is compact, walkable, and full of small surprises.
In just one day, I managed to:
- Walk under the red-and-white arches of the Mezquita-Cathedral
- Wander the Judería and get lost in flower-filled patios
- Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
- Cross the Roman Bridge at sunset
- Eat salmorejo, the creamiest tomato soup you’ll ever taste
How I Got from Seville to Córdoba by Train
The Seville–Córdoba train route is part of Spain’s high-speed AVE network, which means you can go from breakfast in Seville to lunch in Córdoba without breaking a sweat.
🚆 Departure station: Seville–Santa Justa
📍 Arrival station: Córdoba Central
⏱️ Duration: 45–55 minutes (AVE or AVANT)
💶 Price: €15–€35 depending on time and train type
🔁 Frequency: roughly every 30 minutes
I booked 10 days ahead on Omio. There were many departures to choose from, and I picked the 9 a.m. train. That way, I arrived around 9:45 and had a full day before the evening return.
Step-by-Step: How My Day Trip Went
1️⃣ Morning Coffee & Santa Justa Station
I left my hotel early and grabbed a quick café solo on the way.
Santa Justa station is modern and easy to navigate. I arrived about 30 minutes before departure, which was perfect. Security took a few minutes.
☕ Pro tip: Skip the overpriced cafés inside and use the vending machine. The €1.50 coffee is surprisingly good.
2️⃣ The Train Ride
I chose a seat on the left side, because the views are better: olive groves, golden hills, and if you’re lucky, flamingos feeding in the wetlands near Écija.
I splurged on a small Turista+ upgrade (€5) for extra legroom and a welcome drink. Worth it.
By 9:45 a.m., I was stepping off the train in Cordoba, feeling like I’d teleported into a calmer, older world.
3️⃣ Arriving in Cordoba
From Córdoba Central, it’s a 20-minute walk to the Mezquita-Cathedral, or a quick taxi if it’s hot.
I walked. Partly for photos, partly because I love the feeling of seeing a city wake up. The streets were quiet, patios full of morning light and orange blossom scent.
If you need to store luggage, there are lockers right inside the station (around €3 per 24 hours).
Understanding the Ticket Options
Here’s what I learned after trying both train types:
- AVANT Promo+ – Cheapest, non-refundable; perfect for day-trippers.
- AVE Básico – Slightly pricier, refundable with a fee; more space and Wi-Fi.
- Andalucía Rail Pass – Four train trips (~€120) between Seville, Córdoba, Granada, and Málaga. Great if you’re exploring the region.
Book 30–60 days in advance for the best prices. Those €15 promo fares go fast.
| Train | Duration | Comfort | Best For |
| AVANT | 45 min | Basic (Turista) | Budget travelers, frequent departures |
| AVE | 42 min | Turista+ or Preferente | More comfort, faster, has Wi-Fi |
A Scenic Moment I’ll Never Forget
I caught the 09:00 AVANT and sat by the window. Between kilometers 62–70, the sunlight hit the rice paddies, and I spotted flamingos standing in shallow water!
It lasted maybe two minutes, but that scene became one of my favorite travel memories.
Guided Day Trips from Seville to Cordoba
I’ve also tried a guided tour version later, mostly out of curiosity, and it’s actually great if you want context and convenience.
They usually include transport, Mezquita entry, and a walking tour through the old town.
I took this one: Seville to Córdoba Full-Day Guided Tour and loved it.
If it’s your first visit, go guided. If you like wandering and taking photos at your own pace, go solo. I’ve loved both.
How I Spent My Day in Córdoba
Here’s how my one-day itinerary looked. Efficient but not rushed:
Morning
- Mezquita-Cathedral (book online to skip the queue)
- Walk across the Roman Bridge to the Calahorra Tower
Lunch
- Tapas around Plaza del Potro — I had salmorejo and berenjenas con miel (fried eggplant with honey). Pure heaven!
Afternoon
- Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos
- Wander through the Judería, peek into patios, and stop for ice cream near Calleja de las Flores
Evening
- A glass of Montilla wine by the river before my 7 p.m. return train
Simple, easy, and beautiful.
Money & Time Savers 💡
- Book early: prices may double if you wait.
- Bring water: Cordoba gets hot, especially from May to September.
- Combo idea: visit Cordoba by day, then continue to Granada, perfect if you’re following my 7-Day Andalucía Itinerary
- Upgrade smart: that €5 Turista+ seat really pays off in summer.
My Top Picks: Book Now, Stress Less 🎟️
- 🎫 Book train tickets via Omio – Lock in low fares & skip the machine queues.
- 🕌 Join a Mezquita Guided Tour – Times match train arrivals; super efficient.
- 🚆 Seville to Córdoba Day Tour (Transport + Entry) – All done-for-you.
Before You Go
If Seville is your base, these guides will help you plan the rest of your trip:
FAQ: Seville to Córdoba Day Trip
Absolutely. It’s close, compact, and packed with history.
Around 45 minutes on AVE or AVANT, or 1h30 on the slower Media Distancia.
Yes, trains run back to Seville until about 9 p.m.
Both work. Go solo for flexibility, guided for stories and convenience.
Final Thoughts: Seville to Córdoba Day Trip by Train
When I took the Seville to Córdoba day trip by train, I was surprised by how easy it was to see something extraordinary without rushing or renting a car.
The Seville to Córdoba day trip by train makes it possible to start your day with churros in Seville and end it watching the sunset from the Roman Bridge.
If you’re short on time but want that extra layer of Andalucía’s history, art, and rhythm, this is it.
Thanks for reading 💙
If this guide helped, please consider booking your trains or tours through the links here — it supports Map and Camera at no extra cost to you.
👉 If this guide helped, please:
• Book your tours, hotels, or gear through the affiliate links here — it supports my blog at no extra cost to you 💙
• Save this guide on Pinterest
• Share it with friends planning a trip to Andalusia and Seville, or Cordoba
• Follow me on Facebook for more travel tips
