How to Travel From Madrid to Córdoba & Seville by Train
By far the best way to travel from Madrid to both Córdoba and Seville is by high-speed train, which is not only fast but also surprisingly affordable.
In this short guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this train journey, where to book tickets, and share some extra train travel tips.
From Madrid to Cordoba and Seville by train
The high-speed railway line from Madrid to Córdoba and Seville was the first ever built in Spain, and it is still one of the busiest lines in the country.
The fastest trains complete the journey from Madrid Atocha station to Córdoba in around 1 hour and 45 minutes, while Madrid to Seville takes just 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Iryo high-speed train just outside Madrid Atocha station. ©AndyBTravels
Different operators
There are three different operators that run trains from Madrid to Córdoba and Seville.
Spanish national railway company Renfe operates its flagship AVE high-speed trains on this railway line, as well as its low-cost Avlo high-speed trains.
Competing with Renfe’s Avlo trains is Ouigo España, an open-access low-cost operator.
Iryo is another open-access operator that runs trains from Madrid to Córdoba and Seville, and its services are on par with Renfe’s AVE in terms of quality.
Competition between these operators means that ticket prices can be surprisingly affordable, even in first class!
Booking tickets
An easy way to compare fares from all three operators on the Madrid–Córdoba–Seville route is to use reliable booking website Omio.
A single search shows all departures from all three companies.
This makes it easy to compare the different trains and see which one works best for you in terms of departure time and price.
Use the search tool below to find the best connection for the day you want to travel.
Train travel tips
The following Spanish train travel tips will help you get the most out of your train journey from Madrid to Córdoba or Seville:
- Spanish high-speed trains require passengers to go through a security check, so make sure you arrive at the departure station in good time.
- Renfe Avlo services don’t have first class or a café-bar coach, so if you value either of these, opt for a Renfe AVE, Iryo, or Ouigo España service.
- Spanish high-speed train tickets use dynamic pricing, much like airline tickets, and are generally cheaper when booked in advance, especially during the high season or for peak departures.
- Remember that Spanish high-speed train tickets include a compulsory seat reservation, which is automatically included with your ticket. This means that trains can sell out, so don’t leave it too late to book!
- When travelling in the low season and at off-peak hours, it is not uncommon to still find cheap fares even when booking at a relatively short notice.
- Córdoba is an intermediate stop on the Madrid–Seville high-speed railway line and well worth a stopover, even if it’s just for half a day!
Read also my dedicated page for more information on train travel in Andalusia.
Renfe high-speed trains at Madrid Atocha railway station. ©AndyBTravels
Conclusion
With a travel time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes from Madrid to Córdoba, and 2 hours and 40 minutes from Madrid to Seville, the high-speed train is clearly the best way to travel on these routes.
Spanish high-speed trains don’t just offer great speed and convenience, but also good onboard comfort, whether you travel in first or second class.
With three railway companies running high-speed trains between Madrid, Córdoba and Seville in fierce competition, fares are also surprisingly affordable.
