Seville-Santa Justa to Córdoba station train with AVE

Seville to Córdoba by Train

Introduction

Whenever I travel around Spain, I always choose the train. Spain’s high-speed rail network is among the best in Europe and has an excellent punctuality record. For my recent journey from Sevilla Santa Justa to Córdoba Central, I hopped aboard Renfe's high-speed train. The comfort and the views of the Spanish countryside are added bonuses of rail travel. With low prices and a fast travel time, the train is by far the best way to travel from Seville to Córdoba. In this guide, I’ll tell you what it’s like to travel on a Spanish train and a few tips to prepare for your journey across Andalusia.

Route Overview

The high-speed train, operated by Renfe, is the fastest way to travel between the two cities. The quickest journeys take just 41 to 45 minutes to cover this 127-kilometer route. All trains on this line are direct, so there’s no need to change, making it one of the most convenient connections in Spain.

Trains from Seville to Córdoba come in several categories — from Renfe’s premium AVE high-speed trains to the slightly slower Alvia or Avant services. There are also Media Distancia regional trains, which take roughly twice as long because they run along the older, scenic railway line instead of the modern high-speed corridor.

Transportation Experience

Booking your Seville to Córdoba train on Omio has many advantages. The app shows all train operators and fare types in one place, so I was able to quickly compare prices, travel times, and refund options without checking multiple sites. Although I always prefer the train for comfort, you can also take the bus from Seville to Córdoba. For my trip, I booked the 10:11 Renfe Ave service, reaching Córdoba in just 44 minutes. My ticket cost €22, and the experience was smooth, efficient, and easy from start to finish.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Sevilla Santa Justa is the main railway station in Seville from which trains to Córdoba depart. About 50 minutes before my Renfe train from Seville to Córdoba, I arrived at Santa Justa with time to grab a morning coffee from one of the small cafés inside the station. Before boarding, I went through a quick airport-style security check located near the platform. The process was much faster than at an airport, and there were no liquid restrictions. I just checked the departure board for my platform, headed down once it opened, and found my assigned carriage and seat for boarding.

The central station in Córdoba is officially called Córdoba-Julio Anguita, but most people simply refer to it as Córdoba station. Renfe’s AVE and Avant trains from Sevilla Santa Justa arrive at Córdoba Central, the city’s main railway station. Located just north of the historic center, it opened in 1994 and serves as a key hub for Spain’s high-speed and regional rail network. While the station area has a mix of eateries, including a pizza joint and a sushi bar, the city center is just a short walk away with excellent Cordoban and Spanish cuisine.

Schedule & Frequency

There are multiple direct train departures from Seville to Córdoba each day. Renfe, Spain's national railway company, operates around 30 AVE and Avant trains daily on this route, while private operators such as Iryo and low-cost Ouigo also run several services each day. The first train departs Sevilla Santa Justa at around 6:00 AM, while the last leaves at about 9:30 PM. For my trip from Seville to Córdoba by train, I booked a seat on the 10:11 Renfe Ave service, which took me to my destination in just 44 minutes.

Onboard Experience and Services

Once on board my Renfe AVE train to Córdoba, I quickly found my window seat and placed my small backpack in front of me. Larger bags and suitcases can be stored in the dedicated luggage racks at the ends of each carriage or in the overhead racks above your seat. Renfe’s AVE luggage policy allows up to 3 pieces of luggage with a combined weight of 25 kg. Restrooms are located at the end of each carriage and were clean and stocked during the trip.

My train from Seville to Córdoba showed some signs of wear on the upholstery, but the train itself was clean. The seat had a power socket and was comfortable enough for the relatively short journey from Seville to Córdoba. Renfe AVE trains do offer Wi-Fi, but for the short trip, I didn’t get a chance to log in.

Ave trains usually have a café-bar selling snacks such as sandwiches and hot or cold drinks, including coffee and soft drinks. However, it isn’t always open on the Seville–Córdoba route, so it’s best not to rely on it. I brought the coffee I’d bought at the station instead.

The ride between Seville and Córdoba isn’t especially scenic, as it passes through mostly flat countryside, but you do get occasional views of the Guadalquivir River, which the railway crosses about halfway between the two cities. If you're seated on the left-hand side, you can also catch sight of Almodóvar del Río and one of the picturesque whitewashed towns that Andalusia is famous for. We arrived on time in Córdoba after a smooth and comfortable journey.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Most trains from Seville to Córdoba use dynamic pricing similar to airlines, with fares generally (though not always) cheaper when booked in advance. This applies to Renfe's AVE and Alvia high-speed trains, as well as the high-speed services operated by Iryo and Ouigo. In contrast, Renfe's Avant and Media Distancia trains have fixed fares, so the price remains the same whether you buy your ticket two months or two days before departure.

Keep in mind that Spanish trains can sell out, so it's always wise to book your ticket in advance rather than rely on last-minute availability. This is especially important during holidays, popular festivals or events such as local ferias (fairs), and national holidays like Easter.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book early: Advance booking usually secures the best fares, especially during national holidays or peak tourist months. Low-season promotions sometimes make high-speed tickets cheaper, even just a week before travel.
• Bring valid ID: Carry your passport or national ID when travelling by train in Spain. While it’s not always checked at boarding, staff may request it for ticket verification or security purposes.
• Consider Avant if on a budget: If AVE fares are high, the Renfe Avant train offers a comfortable second-class alternative for this short route.
• Choose the left-hand side: Sit on the left for views of Almodóvar del Río, with its whitewashed houses and castle on the hill.

Conclusion

Taking the train is one of the most efficient ways to travel from Seville Santa Justa to Córdoba Central, with the fastest services completing the journey in just over 40 minutes. Trains run frequently, with Spain’s national railway company Renfe operating more than 30 daily departures, including both AVE and Avant trains. Competition between operators keeps fares affordable and onboard quality high. If you’re planning a trip from Seville to Córdoba, you can compare fares, schedules, and operators on Omio. Book your train tickets easily on the Omio app.

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 find dozens of train reviews and trip reports.