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The short answer: fastest, cheapest, easiest
Barcelona to Seville is quickest by plane, about 1 h 45 in the air, with many flights a day. The direct high-speed train takes 5.5 to 6 hours but goes from city centre to city centre.
- Fastest: a direct flight from Barcelona El Prat to Seville airport, about 1 h 45, often the cheapest option too when booked ahead
- Most comfortable: the direct Renfe high-speed train from Barcelona Sants to Sevilla Santa Justa, 5.5 to 6 hours, a few a day
- Car: about 10 hours for roughly 1,000 km. Only as part of a longer road trip.
- Bus: well over 12 hours. Not recommended.
Comparison table (train, bus, car, transfer, flight)
| Option | Time (approx.) | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | about 1 h 45 in the air; about 4 h 30 door to door | Varies; low-cost fares when booked early | Many a day | Airline websites |
| Direct high-speed train (Renfe) | 5 h 30–6 h | €40–120 | A few a day | Omio or Renfe |
| Train via Madrid (Renfe, Iryo, Ouigo) | 6 h+ with the change | Varies | Many combinations | Omio |
| Car | about 10 h | Fuel, plus a one-way fee on a hire car | Any time | DiscoverCars |
| Bus or private transfer | Well over 12 h | Not recommended |
Step by step
By plane
Flights leave from Barcelona El Prat airport and take about 1 h 45 to Seville airport (SVQ). Several airlines fly the route, with the most choice in the morning and evening.
- Get to El Prat by train, metro, the Aerobús or a taxi. Allow about 2 hours before departure.
- Check your baggage allowance: low-cost fares often include only a small cabin bag.
- From Seville airport, take the EA bus (about 35–40 minutes) or a fixed-fare taxi to the centre. See Seville airport to the city centre.
Door to door, count on about 4.5 hours. That is still at least an hour faster than the train.
By direct train
Renfe runs a few direct high-speed trains a day from Barcelona Sants to Sevilla Santa Justa. The trip takes 5.5 to 6 hours, with a few stops on the way.
- Book early: there are only a few direct trains, and the cheap fares go first. Compare them on Omio or on the Renfe website.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early: bags are scanned before boarding.
- Arrive at Santa Justa, 25–30 minutes’ walk from the cathedral, or a taxi for about €8–12.
Why take it? You avoid two airport transfers and the airport queues, can work or read the whole way, and usually have a more generous luggage allowance than on a low-cost flight.
By train via Madrid
If the direct trains don’t suit you, take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid, then another from Madrid to Seville. Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo all run both legs. Check that both trains use the same Madrid station (Puerta de Atocha or Chamartín), and leave at least an hour for the change. See Madrid to Seville. A night or two in Madrid on the way turns the trip into part of your holiday.
By car
The drive is about 1,000 km and takes about 10 hours without stops, either through Madrid or along the Mediterranean via Valencia. Most of the main motorways are now toll-free, but check your route.
Split the drive over two days, with a night in Madrid, Valencia or Granada. Hiring a car in Barcelona and returning it in Seville means a one-way fee, which on this distance can be high. Compare on DiscoverCars.
Most travellers are better off flying or taking the train, then hiring a car in Seville only for day trips or a road trip. See car hire in Seville and our Andalusia road trip.
In Seville: don’t drive into the historic centre, which has camera-controlled access and very little parking.
Both directions
Seville to Barcelona works the same way in reverse:
- Flight: from Seville airport to El Prat, about 1 h 45. The EA bus to the airport leaves from Plaza de Armas, Prado de San Sebastián and Santa Justa, among other stops.
- Direct train: from Santa Justa to Barcelona Sants, 5.5 to 6 hours.
- Train via Madrid: about 2.5 hours to Madrid, then a high-speed train on to Barcelona.
- Car: about 10 hours; best split over two days.
To reach Santa Justa from the centre, take a taxi or buses C1, C2, 21 or 32. See getting around Seville. For every other way into the city, see how to get to Seville, and for a base once you arrive, where to stay in Seville.
FAQ
How long is the train from Barcelona to Seville?
About 5.5 to 6 hours on the direct Renfe high-speed trains, from Barcelona Sants to Sevilla Santa Justa. There are only a few direct trains a day, so book early.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Barcelona to Seville?
Flying is faster, about 4.5 hours door to door against 6 by train. The train is more comfortable, usually allows more luggage than a low-cost flight and takes you to the city centre.
How long is the flight from Barcelona to Seville?
About 1 h 45. There are many direct flights a day between Barcelona El Prat and Seville airport.
Can you drive from Barcelona to Seville in one day?
Yes, it is about 10 hours without stops, but it is a long, tiring day. Splitting it with a night in Madrid, Valencia or Granada is better.
Is there a bus from Barcelona to Seville?
Yes, but it takes well over 12 hours. A flight or the train is almost always a better choice.