A Short Guide to Train Travel in Andalusia
Taking the train is a good way to get around Andalusia, as most major cities and tourist destinations in this Spanish region are connected by the national railway network.
Trains in Andalusia
Andalusia is one of Spain’s most appealing destinations, known for its warm climate, beach resorts, and magnificent historic cities such as Granada and Seville.
If you want to plan a multi-stop tour of Andalusia, travelling by train is a good option, as Spanish train tickets are affordable and connections are usually good.
In my article on Spanish train tickets, I share several tips on how to book tickets and secure the best deals for your travels, so make sure you read that first.
One of the best sites to book Spanish train tickets is Omio, as this reliable booking platform allows you to compare departure times and fares from all rail operators in a single search.
Getting to Andalusia by train
Although many people fly to Andalusia, it is also perfectly possible to travel to this Spanish region by train, whether you are coming from elsewhere in Spain or from further afield in Europe.
A high-speed railway line links the Spanish capital Madrid with Andalusia, with Córdoba, Seville, and Málaga particularly well served by multiple daily departures operated by Spain’s national railway company Renfe, the low-cost high-speed operators Ouigo España and Avlo, and the private high-speed operator Iryo.
There are also direct services to Andalusia from cities in eastern Spain, such as Barcelona and Valencia, although these are less frequent.
From northern Spain, it is often best to split the journey by booking a train to Madrid first, followed by a connecting train to Andalusia.
This may involve a station change in Madrid, as trains from northern Spain typically use Madrid Chamartín station, while services to Andalusia depart from Atocha railway station in the Spanish capital.
Renfe trains at the railway station of Malaga. ©AndyBTravels
A look at the railway network in Andalusia
Before planning your train tour of Andalusia, it is highly advisable to consult a railway map (I highly recommend the Rail Map of Europe!).
This will help you understand the layout of Andalusia’s railway network, which is essential for planning your trip, especially when deciding the most efficient order to visit different destinations.
A quick look at the map will show that the main railway line across Andalusia forms a sort of half-loop, running north from Málaga to Córdoba, and then south-west towards Seville, Jerez de la Frontera, and Cádiz.
If you plan to visit all the major cities by train, a logical itinerary would be to start in Seville, then travel to Córdoba, continue on to Granada, and finally reach Málaga, or follow the route in reverse.
Many coastal resorts in Andalusia are not connected to the railway network, with the exception of some west of Málaga, such as Torremolinos and Fuengirola, which are linked to Málaga by frequent commuter trains.
If you want to reach resort towns such as Marbella and Estepona by public transport, you will have to take the bus.
The train from Cádiz has just arrived at the station of Sevilla Santa Justa. ©AndyBTravels
Trains in Andalusia
Spain’s national rail operator Renfe is the company you will rely on most for journeys within Andalusia, as it operates all regional services.
Only when travelling along the main high-speed railway lines in Andalusia (Córdoba-Seville and Córdoba-Málaga) are trains from private operators Iryo and Ouigo available alongside those of Renfe.
Most regional trains in Andalusia are Renfe’s Avant services, a category that denotes regional high-speed trains.
In addition to Avant trains, there are also slower Media Distancia services, which run on conventional railway lines rather than high-speed lines.
While standard high-speed services in Spain, such as Renfe’s premium AVE trains, have demand-based pricing, Avant and Media Distancia services have fixed fares based on distance.
That said, Avant trains also require a compulsory seat reservation, which is included with the ticket.
This means that even such regional train services can sell out and it is therefore best not to leave booking until the last minute, especially during summer or around national or regional holidays and major events.
A Media Distancia train in Andalusia. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
The train is a great way to travel around Andalusia, though some careful planning is needed in order to create the perfect trip.
Be sure to consult a railway map to determine the ideal order for visiting destinations in Andalusia, compare fares between different operators, and avoid leaving ticket bookings until the last minute during peak season, as trains do sell out.
