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The short answer: fastest, cheapest, easiest
Málaga to Seville takes about 2 hours by direct train, from Málaga María Zambrano station to Sevilla Santa Justa. We think that is the best option for most travellers.
- Fastest: the direct train (Renfe), about 2 hours, about six a day
- Cheapest: the bus (Alsa), 2.5–3 hours, more than 15 a day
- Easiest with a group or luggage: a car (about 2 h 15 via the A-92) or a private transfer
- From Málaga airport: there is no direct train. Take the local train to Málaga María Zambrano (about 10 minutes) and change there.
Comparison table (train, bus, car, transfer, flight)
| Option | Time (approx.) | Price (approx.) | Frequency | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct train (Renfe) | about 2 h–2 h 15 | Check Renfe | About 6 a day | Omio or Renfe |
| Bus (Alsa) | 2 h 30–3 h | Check Alsa | More than 15 a day | Omio or the operator |
| Car | about 2 h 15 | Fuel, plus a one-way fee on a hire car | Any time | DiscoverCars |
| Private transfer | about 2 h 15 | Priced per car | Any time, pre-booked | Private transfer |
| Flight | None | There are no flights between Málaga and Seville |
Step by step
By train from Málaga
- Go to Málaga María Zambrano station, about 15–20 minutes’ walk from the old town, or a short taxi ride.
- Take a direct Renfe train to Sevilla Santa Justa. The journey takes about 2 hours. Check the timetable: slower regional trains, and connections with a change, take longer.
- Bags are scanned before boarding. Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure.
- In Seville, Santa Justa is 25–30 minutes’ walk from the cathedral, or a short taxi ride.
We recommend booking early for weekends, Easter and the Feria, when the direct trains fill up. Compare times on Omio or book on the Renfe website.
From Málaga airport
There is no direct train from Málaga airport to Seville.
- From the airport, take the Cercanías C1 local train towards Málaga Centro. The station is a short walk from the arrivals hall, and the fare is €1.80.
- Get off at Málaga María Zambrano (about 10 minutes) and change to the train to Seville.
- We’d allow at least 45 minutes for the change, more if your flight could be late.
In total, count on 3 to 3.5 hours from landing to Santa Justa. Alsa buses to Seville also call at Málaga airport; check the current timetable.
By bus
Buses leave from Málaga bus station, next to María Zambrano train station. Alsa runs the route, with more than 15 buses a day. The trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours and usually ends at Seville’s Plaza de Armas bus station, 15 minutes’ walk from the cathedral. Check your ticket, as the Seville station can vary by operator.
Buses are cheaper than the train and run at times the train doesn’t. Compare them on Omio.
By car
The drive is about 210 km on toll-free motorways: the A-45 north from Málaga to Antequera, then the A-92 west to Seville. Allow about 2 h 15 without stops. Antequera, with its dolmens and old town, is in our view a good place to break the journey.
- Hire car: picking up at Málaga airport and dropping off in Seville usually costs a one-way fee. See car hire at Málaga airport and compare prices on DiscoverCars.
- In Seville: don’t drive into the historic centre, which has camera-controlled access and very little parking. Drop the car off first, or park at your hotel. See car hire in Seville.
We think a car makes most sense as part of a longer trip, such as our Andalusia road trip.
By private transfer
A driver collects you at Málaga airport or your hotel on the Costa del Sol and drops you at your Seville hotel. It is the most expensive option, but we think it is worth considering for families and groups of 3–4 with luggage. Book a Málaga to Seville transfer.
Both directions
Seville to Málaga works the same way in reverse:
- Train: direct Renfe trains from Santa Justa to Málaga María Zambrano, about 2 hours.
- To Málaga airport: take the train to María Zambrano, then the Cercanías C1 to the airport (about 10 minutes). Leave plenty of time for your flight.
- Bus: from Plaza de Armas to Málaga bus station, 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Car: A-92 and A-45, about 2 h 15.
From Seville’s hotels to Santa Justa, take a taxi or a city bus. See getting around Seville.
Is Seville or Málaga the better base? Seville suits culture and day trips to Córdoba and Cádiz; Málaga suits beaches and flights. See where to base yourself in Andalusia, where to stay in Seville and our Málaga guide.
FAQ
How long is the train from Málaga to Seville?
About 2 hours on the direct Renfe trains. Slower regional trains and connections with a change take longer, so check the timetable when you book.
Is it better to take the train or the bus from Málaga to Seville?
We prefer the train: it is faster and more comfortable. The bus is cheaper and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. If the direct trains are full or expensive, the bus is in our view a good alternative.
Is there a train from Málaga airport to Seville?
Not directly. Take the Cercanías C1 from the airport to Málaga María Zambrano (about 10 minutes), then the direct train to Seville.
How long is the drive from Málaga to Seville?
About 2 h 15 for roughly 210 km, on the A-45 and A-92 motorways, with no tolls.
Can you do a day trip from Málaga to Seville?
Yes, with the early direct train, but it is a long day and you will only see the main sights. We think Seville deserves at least two nights. See where to stay in Seville.