Córdoba to Valencia train with AVE

Traveling from Córdoba to Valencia by Train

Introduction

The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Córdoba to Valencia is by train. These two cities are connected by Spain’s high-speed rail network, making the journey smooth and reliable. I always prefer the train for long-distance travel in Spain. It’s relaxing, scenic, and usually just as fast as flying without the airport hassle. In this guide, I’ll explain your train options, what to expect on board, and a few tips to help make your trip easier.

Route Overview

If you want to travel from Córdoba to Valencia by train, you have three different options. The first is to take a premium AVE high-speed train operated by Spain’s national railway. This direct train takes just 3 hours and 49 minutes to cover the 672-kilometer route between Córdoba and Valencia.

There is also a direct Alvia train between Córdoba and Valencia, which runs on the older conventional railway line. Although the route is slightly shorter at 633 kilometers, the journey is significantly slower, taking about 6 hours and 38 minutes.

The third option for traveling to Valencia is to make a connection in Madrid. Although this is less convenient, this route offers more frequent departures throughout the day. By choosing a one-stop connection, you can take advantage of operators such as Iryo, which runs to and from Madrid, but not directly between Córdoba and Valencia.

Transportation Experience

Omio is a helpful platform for purchasing Spanish train tickets. You can compare departure times, filter for direct services, and sort by operator or price in one search. Omio also clearly shows what each fare includes, along with any change or refund conditions. I really appreciate this because you know exactly what you're booking before paying. I traveled on the direct Renfe AVE high-speed train from Córdoba at 5:41 PM, arriving in Valencia at 9:30 PM without needing to change trains in Madrid.

I always choose the train for this route, as it’s more comfortable and often faster than other options. However, there is also a bus from Córdoba to Valencia, which takes longer but can sometimes be cheaper. The nearest airport to Córdoba is in Seville, and there are direct flights from Seville to Valencia, though the overall journey time is usually slower than taking the AVE high-speed train.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains to Valencia depart from Córdoba Central, although most people simply refer to it as Córdoba station. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes by bus or on foot to get from the historic city center to the station. Córdoba station has several cafés and shops where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat before departure. There are also small kiosks and snack bars if you want something to take on board, along with toilets and ticket machines.

Like most major stations in Spain, there is a quick security check before accessing the platform. Your bags are scanned, and you walk through a metal detector. There are no liquid restrictions like at airports, and you don’t need to remove laptops from your bag. The process usually takes just a few minutes. I recommend arriving around 30 minutes before departure so you can pass security and board without rushing. After your ticket is scanned, you can walk to your assigned carriage and take your seat on the train.

The arrival station in Valencia depends on which train you take. If you travel on the direct AVE high-speed train or choose an itinerary with a connection in Madrid, you will arrive at Valencia-Joaquín Sorolla. The direct Alvia service uses Valencia Estació del Nord, the city's beautiful historic railway station. Both stations are centrally located and offer excellent onward transport connections by bus and metro, although Estació del Nord is closer to the city center.

Schedule & Frequency

Renfe runs two direct trains per day from Córdoba to Valencia. I took the late-afternoon AVE high-speed service, which departs Córdoba at 5:41 PM and arrives in Valencia at 9:30 PM. This is the fastest and most comfortable option on the route, taking about 3 hours and 49 minutes without requiring a change in Madrid. There is also a morning Alvia service that departs Córdoba at 10:16 AM and arrives in Valencia at 4:54 PM, but because this train uses the older conventional rail line, the travel time is considerably longer. If you would like more flexibility in departure times, you can also travel via Madrid, where connections run more frequently throughout the day.

Onboard Experience & Services

I had booked a seat on the direct Renfe AVE high-speed train from Córdoba to Valencia. The train offers Second Class with 2+2 seating and First Class in a more spacious, quieter carriage with 1+2 seating. There is also a café-bar on board where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and quick sandwiches or salads. The offerings are light rather than full hot meals, so it’s best for something simple if you get hungry during the journey.

On this route, I rode in First Class and appreciated the comfort of the reclining leather seat, which was ideal for a short nap. There was also plenty of space to work on my laptop using the large fold-down table. The AVE high-speed trains offer free Wi-Fi with decent speed and reliability, and there are power sockets at every seat in both First and Second Class. The setup makes it easy to get some work done during the trip.

Renfe’s luggage policy is generous: you can bring up to three items weighing a combined total of 25 kg, which is usually more than enough for suitcases and daypacks. Overhead racks and luggage shelves near the doors make it simple to manage your bags by yourself. Restrooms are located at the end of each carriage, and they were fairly clean and easy to access.

The views from the high-speed railway line over the empty Spanish interior were quite mesmerizing and pleasant. As you get closer to Valencia, the landscape becomes greener and more hilly, but I didn’t see much of it as it was already dark during my winter trip.

As I started feeling peckish during the journey, I visited the café-bar and bought a bocadillo with jamón ibérico (Spanish-style sandwich with dry-cured ham) and a beer, both of which hit the spot.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

For my Córdoba to Valencia train ticket, I booked about 6 weeks in advance. I paid €65 for a First Class seat, which I considered a fair price for a cross-country rail journey. Spanish high-speed trains have variable pricing, similar to airline tickets, with fares depending on supply and demand. Typically, this means that tickets are cheaper when booked as far in advance as possible. Because trains in Spain can sell out, buying your ticket in advance is highly recommended. Below, you can see my expenses for this train trip from Córdoba to Valencia.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

If you're planning to travel from Córdoba to Valencia by train, here are a few useful tips:

• Book early: Prices rise closer to departure, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Choose the AVE if possible: It’s significantly faster and more comfortable than the Alvia.
• Arrive 30 minutes before departure: Security checks are quick, but boarding is smoother when relaxed.
• Visit the café-bar: Even a simple coffee break makes the journey feel more enjoyable.
• The Omio app: Check out the Omio app for the very best deals.

Conclusion

Traveling with Renfe is a real pleasure, and this was certainly true when I took the AVE high-speed train from Córdoba to Valencia. It is faster than flying, and the onboard comfort is far superior to a cramped seat on an airplane or bus. Spanish high-speed train tickets can also be affordable, but it is wise to book your train tickets well in advance if you are traveling on peak days. Ready to travel? Compare schedules and book on Omio today.

About the Author: Koen Berghuis

• Job Title: Travel Creator and Rail Writer
• Bio: Koen Berghuis is a rail expert and passionate train traveler who logs about 20,000 kilometers by train each year, exploring routes across Europe and beyond. Koen writes about his travels on his website, Paliparan, where you can find dozens of train reviews and trip reports.