El Puerto de Santa María Station (Train Station): Departures and guide

Travel from El Puerto de Santa María city center to train station Puerto Santa María

Located just north of Cadiz, on the coast of Andalucia, El Puerto de Santa Maria was once one of the most important ports in the world, acting as the departure point for Christopher Columbus when he set out in 1492. Nowadays, it's a charming coastal destination, mixing beach vacation activities with historical sights, while hosting numerous carnivals and festivals throughout the year. The main entry and departure point to the city is the train station Puerto Santa María, which has connections to Cadiz, Seville, and beyond. When visitors head to El Puerto de Santa Maria, it's always handy to know how to reach the station, and there are plenty of ways to do so.

What is the best way to train station Puerto Santa María from El Puerto de Santa Maria city center?

The main train station in Puerto de Santa Maria is a short distance north of the historic core, which is home to the bull ring, the plaza mayor, the Castillo de San Marcos, and most dining districts. The most useful bus for traveling from the old town to the station is probably the M060, which serves the northern half of the city center. Taxis are a better bet when transferring from locations closer to the river, as they will probably be 10 minutes' walk from the nearest bus stops. Taxis will also make sense for those coming from coastal locations like Puerto Sherry or Playa las Dunas, as well as the popular Aqualand water park. If travelers need to reach the train station Puerto Santa María from Cadiz, direct trains will work best, although TBC buses are also available. Trains also run direct from Jerez Airport - the closest major aviation hub.

How far is it to the train station Puerto Santa Maria from El Puerto de Santa Maria city center?

All of the city center attractions in El Puerto de Santa Maria are very close to the RENFE station. In fact, the cathedral and the Castillo are approximately 800 meters (0.8 kilometers) from the station entrance. This translates to a 10-15 minute walk, while buses will take 6-8 minutes, and taxis even less. The marina and hotels at Puerto Sherry are three miles (4.8 kilometers) to the south, and taxis from there will take 10-15 minutes. The popular Aqualand Bahia de Cadiz is a five-minute taxi ride from the station, which could be handy for families. The city of Cadiz is about 18 miles (28 kilometers) around the bay, and trains from there will reach El Puerto de Santa Maria in 22 minutes. Finally, Jerez Airport is 20 miles (30 kilometers) away from the station. Transfers will take 16 minutes by train, which is generally a faster option than taxi transportation.

How accessible is the train station Puero Santa Maria from El Puerto de Santa Maria city center?

Travelers with mobility issues who need to reach a train from El Puerto de Santa Maria city center should experience few problems. Local buses and intercity services from Cadiz are provided by Transportes Bahia de Cadiz (TBC), which has a commitment to extending access to all passengers. However, the network in central Puerto de Santa Maria isn't that extensive, and some locations may be far away from a suitable stop. In most cases, taxis can take up the slack - and may actually be preferable due to the ability to book specialist vehicles for disabled travelers. If trains are available, they will tend to be comfortable and well-adapted for disabled users. The same applies to the train station Puerto Santa Maria, which features step-free access and in-person help from RENFE staff.

Local tips: the train station Puerto Santa Maria points of interest

Sometimes, it's hard to avoid having a few hours to kill before trains depart. If that happens in El Puerto de Santa Maria, worrying about what to do near the station shouldn't be an issue. The city center can be reached in minutes by TBC buses, and doesn't lack for attractions. There's the 12th century Castillo de San Marcos, which played a key role in the "Reconquista" of Andalucia from Moorish rulers. It actually contains an old mosque, which provides a fascinating perspective on how the city's identity changed. The cathedral is nearby, and well worth visiting. On the way back to the station, it might be enjoyable to follow the banks of the River Guadalete. Heading to the Calle Ribera del Marisco offers river views, and the option of ducking into numerous excellent restaurants before making for the station.