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The short answer: fastest, cheapest, easiest
Madrid to Seville takes about 2.5 hours by high-speed train, from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Sevilla Santa Justa. It is the best option by far: city centre to city centre, with many trains a day.
- Fastest and easiest: the high-speed train, about 2 h 30, run by Renfe (AVE), Iryo and Ouigo. Fares from about €15–20 booked early, up to €70–80 at the last minute.
- Cheapest: usually an early-booked Ouigo or Iryo train. The bus (about 6 hours) is rarely cheaper by much.
- Flying: about 1 hour in the air, but slower overall once you add the airports. Only worth it if you are connecting from a long-haul flight.
- Car: about 5.5 hours on the A-4. Only if you are starting a road trip.
Comparison table (train, bus, car, transfer, flight)
| Option | Time (approx.) | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed train (Renfe, Iryo, Ouigo) | 2 h 30–3 h | €15–80 | Many a day | Omio or the operators |
| Flight | about 1 h in the air; 3 h 30+ door to door | Varies | A few a day | Airline websites |
| Bus | about 6 h | Often €20–35 | A few a day, including overnight | Omio |
| Car | about 5 h 30 | Fuel, plus a one-way fee on a hire car | Any time | DiscoverCars |
| Private transfer | about 5 h 30 | Very expensive | Pre-booked | Not worth it on this route |
Step by step
By high-speed train
- Choose an operator. Three companies run high-speed trains between Madrid and Seville: Renfe (AVE), Iryo and Ouigo. The trains are similar in speed. Renfe has the most departures; Iryo and Ouigo are often cheaper when booked early. Compare them on Omio or on each operator’s website.
- Check the station. Most trains to Seville leave from Madrid Puerta de Atocha. Some services may use Chamartín, in the north of the city, so check your ticket.
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Bags go through a security scanner before boarding.
- Luggage: the cheapest fares on the low-cost operators may only include a small bag. Check what your fare includes before you pack.
- Direct or with stops: the fastest trains take about 2 h 30. Trains stopping at Ciudad Real, Puertollano and Córdoba take a little longer.
- Arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa. It is 25–30 minutes’ walk to the cathedral, or a taxi for about €8–12.
Book early. Fares rise as trains fill, especially on Friday and Sunday afternoons, at Easter and during the Feria.
From Madrid airport
Don’t book a connecting flight unless it is on the same ticket as your long-haul flight. The train is usually quicker overall.
- From Terminal 4, the Cercanías C1 train reaches Atocha in under half an hour.
- From the other terminals, take the metro or a taxi to Atocha.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours between landing and your train.
By plane
There are direct flights between Madrid and Seville, about 1 hour in the air. With travel to both airports and security, the total trip is at least 3.5 hours, longer than the train. Flying makes sense when you are connecting from an international flight at Madrid on one ticket, because your luggage is checked through. From Seville airport, see Seville airport to the city centre.
By bus
Buses leave from Madrid’s Estación Sur bus station (Méndez Álvaro) and take about 6 hours, with a stop on the way. There are a few departures a day, including overnight buses. In Seville they usually arrive at the Plaza de Armas bus station, 15 minutes’ walk from the cathedral. Compare times and fares on Omio.
The bus only makes sense if the trains are sold out or you want to save a night’s hotel with an overnight service.
By car
The drive is about 530 km, almost all on the toll-free A-4 motorway via Córdoba. Allow about 5.5 hours without stops, and more with a break. The route crosses the Despeñaperros pass into Andalusia.
- Hire car: a car hired in Madrid and returned in Seville usually costs a one-way fee. Compare on DiscoverCars.
- In Seville: don’t drive into the historic centre, which has camera-controlled access and very little parking. See car hire in Seville.
A car is worth it if you plan to stop in Córdoba and continue around Andalusia: see our Andalusia road trip. Otherwise, take the train and hire a car in Seville only for the days you need it.
Both directions
Seville to Madrid works exactly the same way in reverse:
- Train: from Santa Justa to Madrid Puerta de Atocha (or Chamartín on some services), about 2 h 30. Getting to Santa Justa from the centre: taxi, or buses C1, C2, 21 and 32. See getting around Seville.
- Train to Madrid airport: take the high-speed train to Atocha, then the Cercanías C1 to Terminal 4. Allow plenty of time.
- Bus: from Plaza de Armas to Estación Sur, about 6 hours.
- Car: the A-4 north, about 5.5 hours.
Combining Madrid, Córdoba and Seville? The train stops in Córdoba on the way, about 45 minutes before Seville. See Seville to Córdoba. For all other routes into the city, see how to get to Seville.
FAQ
How long is the train from Madrid to Seville?
About 2.5 hours on the fastest high-speed trains, and up to about 3 hours on trains with more stops.
How much is the train from Madrid to Seville?
From about €15–20 when booked early with Ouigo or Iryo, to €70–80 or more for last-minute Renfe tickets at busy times. Booking a few weeks ahead makes the biggest difference.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Madrid to Seville?
The train. It goes from city centre to city centre in about 2.5 hours, with no airport transfers. Fly only if the flight connects with your long-haul flight on one ticket.
Which station does the train from Madrid to Seville leave from?
Most trains leave from Madrid Puerta de Atocha, and some may use Chamartín. Your ticket shows the station. All of them arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa.
How long is the drive from Madrid to Seville?
About 5.5 hours for roughly 530 km, on the A-4 motorway, which has no tolls.