Seville Day Trips by Train and Bus
The AVE high-speed train covers the 140 km from Seville to Córdoba in about 40 to 45 minutes, which makes it easier than many cross-city commutes. Six other destinations work as well, each with its own transport quirks.
Córdoba, the easy one
Trains leave Santa Justa station dozens of times a day. Fares start around €10 and often reach €20 to €26 on the day, so reserve ahead on renfe.com . The Mezquita-Catedral costs €15 for adults. It is free Monday to Saturday from 08:30 to 09:30, but access closes at 09:20 and groups are not admitted. Official details are on mezquita-catedraldecordoba.es . Add the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the Judería and the Roman Bridge.
Cádiz and Jerez, to the south
Direct Media Distancia trains reach Cádiz in about 1h35 to 1h45, with fares from about €16.65, and drop you beside the old town. There you can swim at La Caleta, climb Torre Tavira and eat fried fish at the Mercado Central. Jerez is about an hour by train. It has sherry bodegas such as González Byass, Lustau and Tradición, and horse shows at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, traditionally on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Itálica and Carmona, close to home
Itálica, nine kilometres northwest at Santiponce, is reached by M-170A or M-170B buses from Plaza de Armas in 20 to 25 minutes. It has a Roman amphitheatre used as a Game of Thrones location, and it closes on Mondays. Entry is free for EU citizens and about €1.50 for others.
Carmona lies 35 km east, and the only way there is the M-124 bus, about 50 minutes for about €2.80. Check stops and times on ctas.es . Sights include the Roman Necropolis and the Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla.
Ronda and Granada, the long days
Ronda has no sensible rail link. Damas buses take about 2 to 2h25 with six or seven departures daily, and the Puente Nuevo over the 120 m gorge is the reason to go. A driven trip takes about 1h45. If you prefer a guide handling the transport, compare Ronda tours from Seville.
Granada is feasible in a day by Avant train in about 2h30 or ALSA bus in about 3 hours. The Alhambra needs a timed ticket booked weeks or months ahead through the official Alhambra ticket office , so book that first and fit the train around it.
Planning
Pick one destination per day and avoid Mondays for Itálica. For overnight stays, see the multi-day trip ideas and the three-day itinerary . Tip: take the earliest train out and the evening train back, and the summer heat will barely trouble you.