Sevilla is the capital of Andalucia and one of Spain’s most visited cities. Crossed by the Guadalquivir River, Sevilla boasts an exceptional architectural heritage: Sevilla Cathedral and its Giralda, the Alcázar Palace and the Santa Cruz district. Here’s a complete guide to Sevilla, whatever your departure city.
Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, car or day trip from another Andalucia city, we’ll take a look at all the practical options for organizing your arrival with peace of mind.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Summary: How to get to Sevilla
If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s the gist:
- Sevilla is located in south-west Andalucia, about 550km south of Madrid.
- By plane: Sevilla San Pablo Airport (SVQ), served from many European cities, 20-30min drive from the city – Compare available flights
- Private transfer from the airport – see prices, timetables
- By train: 2h30 by AVE (high-speed train) from Madrid, 45min from Cordoba, 2h from Malaga
- By car: 2h15 from Malaga, 1h30 from Cordoba, 3h from Granada – rent a car here
- Optional excursions from Madrid or Malaga
WHERE TO STAY IN Seville
Option 1: In the historic center
Convenient for visiting everything on foot, we recommend:
Option 2: El Arenal
Between quiet streets and riverside ambience, we recommend it:
See our complete selection of the best hotels and neighborhoods in Sevilla
Where is Sevilla?
Sevilla is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, on the Guadalquivir plain. It lies around 550km south of Madrid, 200km north of Malaga and 145km south-west of Cordoba. Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring the whole of Andalucia. We particularly appreciate its easy access from major Spanish cities, thanks in particular to the high-speed rail network.
The city is well connected to the rest of Europe via its international airport, and the city center is easily reached from all points of entry. Each option is described below.
By plane: Sevilla San Pablo Airport (SVQ)
Airport presentation
Sevilla International Airport is named San Pablo, after the district in which it is located. It’s 10km from the city center, a journey of around 20 to 30 minutes depending on the means of transport chosen. It’s Spain’s fourth busiest airport, and we’ve seen a considerable increase in direct flights in recent years, particularly from France, Belgium and the UK.
The airport has a single, well-organized terminal that’s easy to get to grips with on arrival. We’ve always found car rental counters, cabs and shuttle buses clearly signposted.
Main flight connections to SVQ
- From France: Paris (Orly, CDG), Lyon, Bordeaux, Nantes (Volotea, easyJet, Transavia)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (Brussels Airlines)
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (easyJet, Swiss)
- From the UK: London (Gatwick, Stansted, Luton), Manchester, Bristol (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2)
- From Germany: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich (Ryanair, Eurowings, Lufthansa)
- From Spain: Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao (Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa) all year round
Domestic routes operate all year round, while European flights are concentrated from April to October. Outside this period, we advise you to check availability from Madrid if your direct flight is suspended.
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Transportation options from the airport to the city center
By rental car
A rental car is the most flexible solution if you plan to explore Andalucia beyond Sevilla. The counters of the major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise) are located in the arrivals hall. We recommend booking in advance, especially from June to September, as prices rise and stocks are rapidly depleted.
The journey to the city center takes about 25 minutes on the SE-30 freeway. We recommend checking traffic conditions in the evening, especially during rush hour.
View Sevilla car rental offers
By bus
The EA (Aerobús) line links the airport with the center of Sevilla, stopping at Puerta de Jerez and Santa Justa station. We find this a practical option if you’re traveling light and don’t have a rental car.
Duration: approx. 35min
Frequency: every 30 minutes during the day
Cost: about €4 per person
We advise you to check the airport website for low-season timetables, as frequencies may be reduced.
By cab
Cabs are available in front of the arrivals terminal. The fare is fixed for trips between the airport and the city center, making it easy to manage your budget. We recommend checking that the driver applies the official fare displayed inside the vehicle.
Duration: approx. 20-30min
Cost: fixed fee of around €25/30
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
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Private transfer
For a personalized welcome on leaving the terminal, a private transfer is a good option, especially for families or groups. A driver will be waiting for you with your name and will take you directly to your accommodation with no waiting. We like this option for late arrivals or trips with small children.
By train: Santa Justa station
The train is undoubtedly the most comfortable way to reach Sevilla from Madrid or Cordoba. The Santa Justa train station, well served by metro and city buses, is a 15-minute walk from the historic center. We regularly use this option from Madrid: the journey by AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) takes 2h30, in very pleasant conditions.
Main rail links:
- Madrid: approx. 2.5 hours by AVE, several departures per day
- Cordoba: 45min by AVE, very frequent connections
- Malaga: 2h by AVE via Cordoba
- Barcelona: approx. 5.5 hours by AVE
- Cadiz: 1h40 by regional train
- Granada: 3h by regional train (or 2h by AVE via Cordoba, depending on timetable)
We advise you to book your tickets in advance on the website of Renfe, the Spanish rail operator, as AVE fares increase rapidly as the departure date approaches. From France, you can also combine a TGV ticket to Madrid, then an AVE to Sevilla.
Find and book your train tickets.
By car
Sevilla is well connected to the Spanish motorway network. The roads are in good condition and the signs are clear. We particularly enjoy the drive from Cordoba, which takes in beautiful olive groves on the A4 freeway. However, if you’re arriving by car, we advise you to plan accommodation outside the historic center: parking is difficult and there are many pedestrian zones.
Indicative journey times:
- From Madrid: approx. 5h30 on the A4
- From Malaga: approx. 2h15 on the A92 motorway
- From Cordoba: approx. 1h30 on the A4
- From Granada: approx. 3 hours on the A92
- From Cadiz: approx. 1h30 on the A4
- From Lisbon (Portugal): approx. 4.5 hours via A6
In summer, allow a little more time, especially on the A49 on the outskirts of Sevilla. We also recommend that you check traffic conditions before setting off, as tolls on certain stretches may lead to unexpected bypasses.
Good to know: if you don’t have your own car, renting is a very practical option for combining Sevilla with other Andalucia destinations.
See car rental offers in Andalucia
By bus from Andalucia’s cities
The Alsa intercity bus network serves Sevilla from most of Andalucia’s major cities. Departures are from the Prado Bus Station in San Sebastián or from the Estación de Autobuses Plaza de Armas, depending on destination. We consider this an attractive option for those on a budget, although journeys are generally longer than by train.
Main bus links:
- From Malaga: approx. 2h30 to 3h
- From Granada: about 3 hours
- From Cordoba: about 2 hours
- From Cadiz: approx. 1h45
- From Huelva: about 1h30
We advise you to check the timetable on the Alsa website before you leave. In high season, buses are often fully booked at weekends, so it’s best to book a few days in advance.
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Day trips from other cities
Sevilla can be visited in a day from Cordoba or Málaga, provided you plan ahead. We still recommend staying overnight to enjoy the evening ambience of the Santa Cruz district and the terraces along the river.
From Madrid
Madrid is 2h45min from Sevilla by AVE. Guided excursions from Spain’s capital to Sevilla are available if you prefer not to manage transportation.
From Malaga
From Malaga, Sevilla is about 2h15 by car or 2h by AVE via Cordoba. The day is feasible, but requires an early start. We think this option is best suited to travelers staying several days on the Costa del Sol and wishing to discover Andalucia’s capital without changing hotels. Organized excursions from Malaga allow you to enjoy the trip without driving constraints.
And once in Sevilla…
Once you’ve settled in, Sevilla offers a dense and varied program. We recommend starting with the Alcázar Palace in the morning, before the crowds arrive, then strolling through the Santa Cruz district at the end of the day. In the evening, the banks of the Guadalquivir are a pleasant place for a stroll.
- Sevilla Cathedral and the Giralda
- Alcázar Palace (Unesco World Heritage Site)
- The Santa Cruz district and its narrow streets
- Plaza de España and María Luisa Park
- Sevilla Museum of Fine Arts
- The Triana district and its ceramics
See our complete guide to Sevilla’s top attractions.
See our tips on where to stay in Sevilla: best neighborhoods and hotels.
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