7 Easy Day Trips from Seville Without a Car
Seville is an incredible city with its food scene, enthralling flamenco dances, UNESCO heritage sites, and rich history. But the Andalusian capital also makes the perfect home base to go on day-trips all around the region. There are so many beautiful towns in the area that a few days in Seville could easily turn into a week or two – trust me, I speak from experience.
If you were wondering if it’s possible to tour Andalusia without a car, wonder not because it is possible. Thankfully, the transportation system in the South of Spain makes it easy for those who prefer to explore it sans car. But if you love going on road trips and traveling at your own pace, I do recommend driving. The rolling hills plus the vast fields of sunflowers and olive trees make driving to the white towns a very scenic drive. But enough of that, this is a post about exploring Andalusia from Seville without a car.
Related Posts:
The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary in Seville
The Complete Foodie’s Guide to Seville
Things to know about Seville Public Transportation
As convenient as fast-speed train may sound, is not always the best option. Beside public transportation, you can also book day tours were you don’t have to worry about any of the logistic plus you get a guide. On each of the town, I will let you know what’s the best way to get there from Seville.
Tip:
Get your tickets in advance. Andalusia is a very popular region and tickets can sell out fast
When purchasing tickets from the website, you may find that Seville is spelled Sevilla
Seville has two train/bus stations so keep in mind when purchasing your tickets
Pack some snacks and water
Train Stations in Seville
There are two train stations in the center of Seville: Santa Justa and San Bernardo. Santa Justa is the new and main station in Seville, where most of the fast-train departs from. San Bernardo is the older train station but it’s well connected with the tram and metro.
Train Stations:
1. Santa Justa Train Station
41007, Calle Joaquin Morales y Torres, 41003 Seville | Site
Trains using this station:
AVE
RENFE
2. San Bernardo Train Station
41004 Seville
Bus Station in Seville
There are two bus stations in Seville, both conveniently located in the city center: Plaza de Armas and Prado de San Sebastian. Plaza de Armas is the newest and main bus station. It generally serves long-distance routes, including other regions in Spain, France, and Portugal. But some Andalusia routes as well. Prado de San Sebastian is the older train station. It serves some long-distances routes, but it mainly serves the Andalusia region. If you are taking the bus to explore Andalusia, you may depart from this bus station.
Tips:
Not all buses have bathroom so make sure to go before hopping in.
Make sure to pack some snacks as you may not find food at the bus station. Grab an empanada at the local bakery or Torta de Aceite and fresh squeeze orange juice at the grocery store, and some water too.
When buying bus ticket online, Prado de San Sebastian may be abbreviated to Prado de S.S.
Bus Stations:
1. Plaza de Armas
Puente del Cristo de la Expiración el Cachorro, s/n, 41001 Sevilla | Site
2. Prado de San Sebastián
Plaza Prado de San Sebastián s/n
41004 Sevilla
GRANADA
Granada is one of my favorite cities in the Andalusia region! The Moorish influences still very present in the streets and architecture, not to mention the majestic Alhambra. It’s not a place to tick off a list of sights but a place where you come and just get lost in its streets. Sit at a mirador and take in the view.
Things to do in Granada
Alhambra
The Palacio de Generalife
Enjoy the view from one of the Miradores
Mirador San Nicolas
Mirador San Miguel
Mirador San Cristobal
Get lost in the old Great Bazaar, Alcaiceria
Stroll Carrera del Darro
Hammam Al Ándalus
How to get from Seville to Granada:
By Bus: The best way to go from Seville to Granada is by bus. Surprisingly, the bus is faster and cheaper than the train. It also runs about 10 times a day, which means more convenient hours. The bus ride takes about 3 hours, and the price ranges from 5.50€ - 20€ depending on the season. Alsa buses depart from Plaza de Armas and run from 8:15 am to 11:00 pm. You can get your ticket here
By Train: The train ride from Granada to Seville uses the regional train, takes 4 hours, and only runs 4 times a day. The train departs from Santa Justa station. A one-way ticket cost around 30€.
Guided Tour From Seville to Granada
CORDOBA
Cordoba may be known for its world-famous Mosque-Cathedral, but the town is more than that. The rich history, unique architecture, and winding roads will transport you back to the time when the Moors ruled the South of Spain. Córdoba was, after all, the capital of Islamic Spain.
Things to do in Cordoba
Historic Center
Jewish Quarter
Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
Palacio de Viana
Roman bridge of Córdoba
Calleja de las Flores
Patio de los Naranjos
Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos
Medina Azahara
How to get from Seville to Cordoba
By Train: The fastest and most convenient way to go from Seville to Cordoba is by high-speed train. It’s about 45 minutes, and the estimated price is between 13€ – 40€ depending on the season. Get your train ticket here
By Bus: An alternative way to go from Seville to Cordoba is by bus. It takes about 2 hours, and ticket price ranges from 5.50€ - 20€ depending on the season. Alsa buses depart from Plaza de Armas and run from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm. Get your Alsa bus ticket here
Guided Tour From Seville to Cordoba
CARMONA
Carmona is a charming old town full of history - 5000 years of history to be precise. Located only 30 minutes away from Seville, Carmona offers spectacular viewpoints, beautiful courtyards, and charming narrow streets.
Things to do in Carmona
Explore the Old Jewish Quarter
Alcázar de la Puerta de Sevilla
Peruse through the Farmer's Market
Necrópolis Romana
Alcazar del Rey Don Pedro
Molino de la Romera - get lunch
Parador de Carmona - for the views
By bus: The best way to go from Seville to Carmona is by bus. There are two options to do so: by Alsa coach bus, or public transportation via bus line M-124.
By M-124 bus: You can go from Seville to Carmona by taking the M-124 bus line. It's a 40 minutes bus ride, and a one-way ticket only cost 2.21€. The line has three stops in Seville, but most likely the San Bernando stop is the most convenient one for you as it’s located in the city center. Get off at Plaza del Estatuto in Carmona, which is right next to the Old Town's entrance. Click here to get additional bus information.
By Alsa bus: It takes about 35 minutes and a one-way ticket cost between 2.59€ - 4€. The downside is the limited availability with only one bus per day at 3:30 pm.
PUEBLOS BLANCOS
The White Towns of Andalusia - or Pueblos Blancos de Andalucia - is a series of charming small towns and villages renowned for their whitewashed houses and located on hilltops. The Pueblo Blancos makes the perfect place for those looking to slow travel and escape the crowd of Seville, Cordoba, and Granada.
Public transportation to most of the White Towns is limited and infrequent, but you can still explore them without a car.
RONDA
Ronda is the biggest village of the White Towns - and the most visited and accessible too. The beautiful town is set on a mountaintop divided by a deep gorge, El Tajo. The two parts of the city are connected by a jaw-dropping stone bridge, Puente Nuevo.
Things to do in Ronda
Check out The New Bridge
Strolling along the Paseo de E. Hemingway
La Casa del Rey Moro (Moorish Palace)
Walking El Tajo
Enjoy the view from a Coño Balcony
Explore the town
How to get from Seville to Ronda
By bus: The best way to go from Seville to Ronda is by bus. The bus is operated by Damas and departs from Prado S.S. It takes about 2 hours, and a one-way ticket cost 20€. The earliest bus leaves at 7 am, and the latest return is at 6:30 pm. Get your bus ticket here:
By train: Another way to go from Seville to Ronda by train - but I don't recommend it. It takes about 4-5 hours to arrive, and the tickets cost about $56 one way.
Guided tour from Seville to Ronda
SETENIL DE LAS BODEGAS
Setenil de las Bodegas is one of the charming White Towns famed by its' houses built into the surrounding cliffs. It is a very unique place, and you should definitely visit it when in Andalusia. There isn't a big list of things to do in this small town, but it's lovely to stroll around.
How to get from Seville to Setenil de las Bodegas
If you are not driving, there's isn't a convenient way to make your way from Seville to Setenil de las Bodegas. The bus and train take hours and requires switching at a different station. My recommendation is to book a tour that will take you from Seville to different White Towns.
Guided tours from Seville to White Towns
CADIZ
The city was once one of Europe's most important ports, and as you walk around, you can feel the rich history. The colorful town also offers tons of things to do - no matter what you are into.
Things to do in Cadiz
Get lost in Barrio del Populo
Visit the Castle of San Sebastian
Sunbathe at one of their beaches: Playa La Caleta, Playa de la Vicotria, Las Playas de Caños de Meca
Get a panoramic view of the city at Torre Tavira
Visit the Cadiz Cathedral
Eat all the fresh seafood
How to get from Seville to Cadiz
By train: The most convenient way to go from Seville to Cadiz is by Train. The train ride is about 1hr and 45 minutes, and a one-way ticket ranges from 13.30€ - 19.30€ prices my vary. The train departs approximately every hour from Santa Justa, but you can also board it at San Bernardo. The earliest train departs at 6:40 am from Santa Justa, and the latest return train departs at 8:40 pm. Get your train ticket here.
Guided tour from Seville to Cadiz
TANGIER, MOROCCO
Yes, you can actually go to Africa on a day trip from Seville! Explore the buzzing and colorful town of Tangier and experience their unique culture - a melting pot from the nearby regions. Picture yourself browsing the vibrant markets, getting lost in the narrow passages, and beach camel rides!
How to get from Seville to Tangier Morocco
Ok, so here’s the tricky part. Getting to Tangier from Seville may not be as straightforward as some of the places on this list. But it’s not too complicated.
Make your way to Tarifa. You can either take the bus, which takes about 2h 55m, and the earliest departure is at 9:30 am - get the bus ticket here. Or by hiring a private driver.
Take the ferry from Tarifa Port to Tangier. It takes 1h to arrive. Get the ferry ticket here
Tip: Make sure to bring your passport and check for the visa requirements. For U.S. Citizens, no visa required.
Guided Tour From Seville to Tangier