How to Travel From Seville to Granada by Train, Bus, and Car

Seville and Granada, both located in the Andalusia region of Southern Spain, are considered some of the best two-city breaks in Spain. Travelers can get from Seville, the region's capital, to Granada 155 miles away (249 kilometers) by various forms of transport. While taking a bus, train, or using a ride-sharing service can save you some money, for the most scenic journey, you may want to drive and see some famous and beautiful sights along the way.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Seville to Granada? 

The least expensive way to Granada is the bus that leaves from the Plaza de las Armas Bus Station in Seville. ALSA, FlixBus, and Transportes Comes drive this route; prices and times may vary. FlixBus is usually the cheapest, with prices starting at $15; the bus leaves twice a day and will take three hours, 10 minutes. The quickest operator is ALSA—the ride lasts three hours and leaves roughly every four hours, with prices from $22. Transportes Comes offers a bus once a day which costs $24 and up and takes three hours, 15 minutes. You can book most bus tickets online for a small administration fee.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Seville to Granada? 

The Renfe Viajeros train, a comfortable and direct ride that takes around two and a half hours, is typically the quickest method for heading between Seville and Granada. Travelers can purchase tickets starting at $26 either looking online or by calling Renfe, from travel agencies, or at the train station. Check in advance for the best deals. You will board at the Sevilla-Santa station and arrive at the Granada Train Station.

How Long Does It Take to Drive? 

For a different type of experience carpooling with locals (if you don't mind that your driver may not speak English), you can travel the route with the popular BlaBlaCar ride-share service. Prices start at $18; reserve and pay online. Cars usually leave hourly and the route takes about three hours, 10 minutes. One perk to this transportation option—besides not having to drive—is that the ride includes insurance coverage at no extra cost.

If you would rather drive yourself, the trip from Seville to Granada can be covered in about three hours, depending on traffic and how many stops you make. The route is basically directly east on the A-92 highway. Fuel costs will begin at $29 and you can reserve a rental car online in advance for approximately $32 a day from major car rental companies. Once you arrive in Granada, it can be hard to find free parking in the city center, but several public and private car parks (lots) around the city are available which have hourly rates. Normally public lots are cheaper.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Granada?

May and June are nice times to visit Granada, with warm temperatures and exciting events such as the large annual Feria del Corpus Christi in June, featuring puppet shows, processions, concerts, and more. Also, the Festival Internacional de Música y Danza takes place from late June through mid-July with dance and music performances at various historic sites. It's also good to travel to Granada in September and October. The weather is warm and sunny through late September before it starts to cool down some, and there aren't so many tourists. In September, enjoy the Festivity of the Patroness of Granada honoring the Virgen de las Angustias.

What’s the Most Scenic Route to Granada? 

When driving from Seville to Granada in your own car (or rental car) there are some lovely stops—mostly along the way—which make it a scenic and popular journey. Antequera, a worthwhile destination, offers the historic Moorish fortress Alcazaba of Antequera and fantastic dolmen stone monuments like Peña de los Enamorados (The Lovers' Rock). Another great city to check out is Ronda, where you can see the Islamic old town and cross the El Tajo gorge by bridge. Cordoba is a beautiful city with Roman ruins and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Mezquita Mosque-Cathedral.

What Is There to Do in Granada?

 Visiting the Alhambra Palace and its Moorish fortress and lovely gardens is a must when in Granada. Travelers can also have fun walking the curving and steep streets of the city's Moorish district, Albayzín (or Albaicín). Sacromonte is the city's traditional gypsy area overlooking the Alhambra, with flamenco venues to check out. One of the world's biggest cathedrals, the Roman Catholic Granada Cathedral is a gorgeous example of the Spanish Renaissance style. And tourists can also enjoy tapas in Granada; the appetizers are typically free with each drink you purchase.