Málaga to Cádiz train with Renfe (13)

My Journey from Málaga to Cádiz by Train with Renfe AVE

Introduction

During a recent trip through Andalucía, I traveled from Málaga to Cádiz by train with Renfe AVE. Although there isn’t a direct service, it’s an easy trip that typically involves a change in Córdoba. The route passes through some of southern Spain’s most historic cities, making the journey itself part of the experience. In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to take the train from Málaga to Cádiz and what to expect along the way.

Route Overview

My journey began at Málaga María Zambrano Train Station, the city’s main hub. I traveled for about 50 minutes, with views of the stunning Sierra Nevada along the way, before reaching Córdoba Train Station. At Córdoba, I waited about 40 minutes for my next train. The connection from Córdoba to Cádiz took 2 hours and 38 minutes. This journey fringed the Sierra Morena and bypassed Seville before heading back south toward the coast. My total journey time was 4 hours and 15 minutes. I think the train is the best way to travel from Málaga to Cádiz, as it’s both comfortable and scenic.

Transportation Experience

I booked my Málaga–Cádiz train journey on Omio about four weeks in advance. It was a simple process after comparing fares and timetables. After making a secure payment online, I received my e-tickets with QR codes for quick scanning at boarding. I love having all my tickets in one place when traveling in Spain, which is why I decided to book with Omio. You can also take the bus from Málaga to Cádiz, but the bus would have taken at least 6 hours and been less spacious. There aren’t any direct flights between the two cities, so Renfe AVE was definitely the best option!

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Málaga María Zambrano is one of Spain’s main travel hubs. The station itself is clean and well-organized, with ticket offices, ATMs, and several cafés inside. It’s also one of the most convenient departure points in southern Spain for Renfe AVE travelers. The station is about 1.1 km or a 15-minute walk from the city center (the N1 bus also connects the station and downtown). I stayed at the Barceló Málaga, which is right next to the station, so there were no extra metro or taxi costs for this journey. The terminal adjoins a modern shopping center with food outlets like Taco Bell and 100 Montaditos. For cheaper options, you can visit the station’s supermarket to stock up on snacks and drinks for the trip.

Renfe AVE trains from Málaga arrive at Cádiz Station. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the city center. There are fewer amenities here than in Málaga, but you’ll find a few car rental offices and basic services like ticket machines and restrooms. The station is small and easy to navigate, and taxis are usually waiting outside for quick trips into town. For food, I’d recommend heading into the city center, where there are plenty of tapas bars and cafés near Plaza de San Juan de Dios.

Schedule & Frequency

There are no direct train services from Málaga to Cádiz, so you’ll need to change trains, usually in Córdoba or Seville. I took the connection via Córdoba, which is the most common route. There are plenty of trains from Málaga to Córdoba each day, with the first departing around 5:48 AM. From Córdoba, there are usually three direct trains to Cádiz daily. The first leaves at 6:40 AM, but that connection isn’t possible when coming from Málaga. I took the 7:41 AM train from Málaga, arriving in Córdoba at 8:31 AM. From there, I took the 9:07 AM service to Cádiz and arrived right on time at 11:45 AM.

Onboard Experience & Services

For my train trip from Málaga to Cádiz, I sat in Standard Class for both legs of the journey. It didn’t have all the First Class amenities like at-seat meals, power sockets, or seats with a generous recline, but the leather seats were still very comfortable and spacious. Technically, there was Wi-Fi on the train, but I couldn’t connect to it (we were traveling through semi-mountainous areas). However, I didn’t really need it. The gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges kept me entertained for much of the ride.

The train also had a restroom, which was stocked and kept clean throughout the journey. Like on other Renfe AVE trains, the baggage rules were flexible. I had a large suitcase and found storage for it at the end of the carriage. My smaller daypack stayed with me, but there were also overhead racks available. Although there wasn’t any luxurious at-seat dining, catering was offered in the restaurant bar car. I went there to stretch my legs and bought pan con tomate (a typical Spanish breakfast) and a coffee. The prices were affordable, and the service was friendly. After a nice meal, my train arrived at Cádiz train station. Overall, I would gladly take this route again with Renfe AVE.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Renfe AVE tickets for this route tend to increase in price closer to the travel date, though not as steeply as with some other operators. I booked my Málaga–Cádiz train ticket as soon as I confirmed my plans to secure a better fare. Occasionally, First Class seats are only slightly more expensive, but when I booked, they were double the price. I opted for Standard Class instead, leaving me with more money to spend once I arrived in Cádiz.

Budget breakdown

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

Here are a few top tips to make your Málaga–Cádiz train journey smoother and more enjoyable:

• Stop off if you can: Córdoba is a beautiful city that’s worth spending some time in. I didn’t on this trip as I’ve been there before.
• Download entertainment before departure: Wi-Fi and signal can be patchy along the route, so have TV shows or films downloaded in advance.
• Book a window seat on the left: This side offers the best views of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges and southern countryside.
• Allow time at the station: You may need to pass through light airport-style security before boarding.
• Bring identification: Keep your passport or ID card handy, as staff may very occasionally carry out checks.
• Check First Class prices: Sometimes they’re close in price to Standard Class, so it’s worth comparing both before booking.

Conclusion

Now you know why I love taking the train on routes like Málaga to Cádiz, especially aboard Renfe’s modern AVE services. It’s one of southern Spain’s most scenic rail journeys, winding past mountain ranges, olive groves, and historic cities before reaching the Atlantic coast. Even with a stopover in Córdoba, the trip feels effortless and enjoyable. Just remember to book in advance with Omio, pack some snacks, and grab a window seat. Ready to explore Cádiz? Plan your journey and book your tickets on Omio today!

About the Author: Claire Martin

• Job Title: Travel Journalist and Content Creator
• Bio: Claire Martin is a full-time travel journalist, blogger, and videomaker who specializes in train and ferry travel around Europe.