Seville to Granada train with Renfe Avant

Taking the Train from Seville to Granada: My Personal Journey Through Southern Spain

Introduction

I’ve always had a soft spot for train travel, especially in Spain, where the landscapes seem to shift every few kilometers. When I was planning my journey through Andalusia, taking the train from Seville to Granada felt like the most relaxed and scenic way to travel. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what it’s really like—from booking the ticket to the views out the window—and offer my best tips if you’re planning to do the same.

Route Overview

The train from Seville to Granada connects two iconic Andalusian cities in about 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the service you book. Operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail provider, this route is a great way to travel from Seville to Granada if you’re looking for a scenic and stress-free experience.

Trains run several times daily, and while there are also bus options between these cities, the train wins for comfort and speed. If you're curious, you can compare Seville to Granada buses on Omio, but I’ll always vouch for the train.

Transportation Experience

I booked my Renfe Seville to Granada train directly through Omio, which made the process incredibly simple. The mobile ticket arrived straight to my inbox (and was able to be accessed via app), and I was able to pay securely with my card and track departure times in-app.

I considered taking a bus for budget reasons, but for me, train travel feels more peaceful—and in summer, avoiding traffic and motion sickness is priceless. The journey itself was part of the adventure, and that’s what sealed the deal.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

I boarded at Seville Santa Justa, the city’s main train station. It's a quick 10-minute taxi ride from the center, or you can walk if you’re staying nearby. The station has everything you need: cafés, restrooms, and a few shops in case you forget snacks or want to pick up a book for the ride.

The train arrives at Granada Railway Station, just a 15–20 minute walk from the historic Albaicín district and the main city center. It’s not a massive station, so navigating it was easy.

Schedule & Frequency

Trains from Seville to Granada depart 4–5 times per day, with more frequency during peak travel months. I traveled midweek in June and chose a late morning train, which gave me time for breakfast and a relaxed check-out. My Seville to Granada train time was just under three hours, with a few short stops along the way, including Córdoba.

Onboard Experience and Services

I booked a Standard (Second Class) seat, and it was genuinely comfortable. Plenty of legroom, clean cabins, and working A/C—crucial during Andalusian summers. There were power outlets at the seats and free Wi-Fi, though it cut in and out, especially through the countryside (which I expected).

Renfe also offers Comfort (First Class) and Premium options on some routes, which include wider seats, extra legroom, and sometimes complimentary snacks or quieter coaches. I considered upgrading, but for a journey under three hours, Standard Class felt like the best value. Unless you're traveling during peak hours or want a more spacious, quiet experience, Standard Class is more than enough for a comfortable ride.

There’s a cafeteria car onboard where you can grab coffee, sandwiches, or small snacks, but I personally brought my own picnic from a café near the station. The views on this ride were beautiful—rolling olive groves, sunbaked hills, and whitewashed villages in the distance.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

I booked my ticket about two weeks in advance for €27, which is fairly standard if you plan ahead. Prices can rise closer to the travel date, especially in the high season, so I recommend booking early. Omio also gives the option to compare seat classes and times, which helped me choose the best value option.

If you’re traveling in a group or multiple cities in Spain, consider checking Renfe’s discount passes or Spain’s rail passes. Here’s a rough breakdown of my expenses for this trip:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Arrive 30–45 minutes early at Seville Santa Justa to get oriented, especially if it's your first time navigating Spanish train stations.

• Sit on the right side of the train for better views of the countryside.

• Bring your own food—station cafés in Seville have better options than the train cafeteria.

• If you’re visiting in summer, the air-conditioned train ride is a welcome break from the heat.

• Traveling with luggage? There’s ample space near the entrance of each car, as well as overhead racks for small bags.

Conclusion

If you’re exploring Andalusia, taking the train from Seville to Granada is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel. The ride is scenic, stress-free, and efficient—and booking with Omio made it all the smoother. Whether you're chasing Moorish architecture or just want to soak in Spain's countryside, this route is worth every minute.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel and Lifestyle Content Creator
• Bio: Nancy Sevilla is a travel and lifestyle content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in solo travel, digital nomad life, and creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.