Visiting Cadiz, Spain: Travel Tips

Here’s what you need to know to plan your trip to Cadiz.

How to Get to Cadiz

As one of the major cities in Andalucia, there are various options available on how to get to Cadiz. The best way to get there depends on various factors such as your starting destination, budget, travel style, and how much time you have. So after reading through the options below, I suggest doing some of your own research to find what works best for you. 

By Plane

Cadiz doesn’t have its own airport but you can fly into either Seville airport or the airport at Jerez de la Frontera. 

Seville airport (SVQ) serves both international and domestic flights and it’s a major hub in Andalucia so it’ll likely be the better option if you’re arriving from outside of Spain. From there, you get a rental car and drive to Cadiz or take the bus or train. From Seville to Cadiz, the journey is up to 2 hours. 

Jerez Airport is nearer to Cadiz, only about 45 minutes away from the city center. But it’s more of a regional airport and serves fewer international flights.  It mainly offers flights to select European destinations, particularly during the peak tourist season. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Cadiz. The bus ride takes about an hour and costs around €5.

By Train

If you’re already in Spain, the train could be a quick and comfortable way to get to Cadiz. The train station in Cadiz is located in the city center, making it easy to get to your final destination. 

Here are some approximate travel times for reference:

• The train ride from Madrid takes about 4 to 5 hours and you’ll typically need to switch trains in Seville
• From Seville to Cadiz, a train journey usually takes about 1.5 hours
• There are direct train services from Cadiz to Malaga which take approximately 3 to 4 hours

Tip: Travel times may vary depending on the specific train service, departure time, and any connections involved. It’s always best to check schedules and book your tickets in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient journey to Seville. Typically, tickets are available up to 4 months before your travel date. Head to the Renfe website (be sure to toggle to the English language for easy navigation) to search for your routes.

By Bus

Getting to Cadiz by bus is also a viable option. There are several public bus lines that connect the city with other major cities in Andalucia, such as Seville, Malaga, and Algeciras. The bus station for coaches to other cities in Andalucia and other towns in the area of the Bay of Cadiz is located near the entrance to the old-walled city to the east overlooking Cadiz Bay.

You can search for and buy bus tickets online and the bus company will depend on your departing destination. ALSA, which runs services across Spain, is a good place to check first. 

Here are some estimated travel times for bus journeys to Cadiz, for reference (actual travel times can vary based on bus company, routes etc):

• Bus from Madrid to Cadiz: The travel time from Madrid to Cadiz by bus is approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes. The journey covers a distance of 487 km (302 miles).
• Bus from Seville to Cadiz: The travel time from Seville to Cadiz by bus is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The journey covers a distance of 113 km (70 miles).
• Bus from Malaga to Cadiz: The travel time from Malaga to Cadiz by bus is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The journey covers a distance of 269 km (167 miles).
• Bus from Barcelona to Cadiz: The travel time from Barcelona to Cadiz by bus is approximately 16 hours and 30 minutes. The journey covers a distance of 1278 km (794 miles).

Always compare the price of a bus ticket with the price of a train ticket. The bus is typically cheaper but the trade-off is that the journey may be longer.

By Car

If you prefer the flexibility of having your own wheels, you can rent a car at the airport or in the city center. The drive from Jerez Airport to Cadiz takes about 45 minutes, while the drive from Seville takes about 1.5 hours. 

I’ve done the drive from Seville to Cadiz and found it very pleasant. The highways are well-marked and well-maintained, making it an easy journey. 

Do note that parking in the city center can be difficult, so I suggest parking outside the city as it’s cheaper and easier. You can then take public transportation or walk to your destination.

Tip: A good parking spot is the ferry terminal/port where the cruise ships dock. There’s ample parking here, it’s reasonably priced, and it’s not too far a walk to the Old Town. We used this parking lot during our stay in Cadiz and found that it was a good deal! Here’s the approximate GoogleMaps location. 

Getting Around Cadiz

Once you’re in Cadiz, getting around the city is easy. The historical sights are concentrated within the historic center so it’s best to simply walk around on foot. Walking around the city will allow you to fully appreciate its stunning architecture and charming streets. If you have more than a day here, you can also plan your daily itinerary to focus on specific areas so that you’re not exhausted from all the walking. 

During my stay in Cadiz, we simply walked everywhere! It’s a great way to get to know a place as well as discover little hidden gems or small restaurants and cafes that I wouldn’t have found otherwise. 

Another option for getting around Cadiz is by bike. The city has a bike-sharing program that allows you to rent a bike for a small fee. There are also several bike rental shops throughout the city. Biking is a great way to explore the city at your own pace and get some exercise at the same time.

Buses in Cadiz

Cadiz has a reliable bus system with 5 lines that connects all the major neighborhoods and attractions, including the nearby beaches! Most of the routes begin in the city center in Plaza España. 

Bus tickets can be purchased directly from the driver upon boarding and the fare is based on the distance travelled, with different zones and pricing categories. You can also buy a ‘Bonobus’ from newsagent kiosks for 7€ for ten journeys.

Cádiz also operates a night bus service, known as “Buho” buses, which run during the late evening and early morning hours. These buses provide transportation options for those travelling at night or attending events and festivities.

You can get more information on buses in Cadiz at the bus stops or download the map of bus routes here.

Taxis in Cadiz

It’s unlikely you will need one but if you do, taxis are readily available in Cadiz especially in busy areas such as the city center, transportation hubs, and popular tourist spots

Taxis in Cádiz charge fares based on a combination of distance travelled and time spent in the taxi. The fare consists of a starting fee (banderilla) and an additional fee per kilometer or minute. There may also be extra charges for luggage or travelling during nighttime hours.

There are taxi stands located throughout the city and you can also flag down a taxi on the street. Taxis in Cadiz are generally safe and reliable, but it’s a good idea to only use licensed taxis, check the meter is running, and keep your belongings with you at all times. I also recommend having the address or destination written down to ensure clear communication.

Driving in Cadiz 

While it’s not necessary to have a car to get around Cadiz, it can be a good option if you’re travelling in a group or simply want more freedom and flexibility. Driving will also allow you to travel to the small towns and beaches outside of the Cadiz city center. 

That said, driving within the city center can be challenging due to narrow streets and limited parking so I would not recommend doing so. As mentioned above, it’s best to park your car outside the city center and take public transportation or walk to your destination. 

Best Time to Go to Cadiz

If you’re visiting Cadiz for its beautiful beaches, then summer is the best time to go to Cadiz. July and August are the hottest months in Cadiz, with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) in August. So if hanging out at the beach and doing outdoor activities are your thing, summer is for you!

Want to avoid the huge crowds and enjoy a more peaceful trip? Then you might want to consider going o Cadiz in winter. Due to its location, the winters in Cadiz are mild and pleasant so you can still have a great time enjoying the city during this time. I’ve been to Cadiz in winter and had a wonderful time! You can learn more about what to expect on a winter trip to Cadiz here. 

For the best of both worlds, great weather and a lively atmosphere, you can’t beat the shoulder seasons in Cadiz (March to May and September to November). In my opinion, the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offer a good balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and vibrant local events.

Learn more about the best time to visit Cadiz in this article. 

How Many Days to Spend in Cadiz?

The number of days to spend in Cádiz depends on various factors, including your interests, available time, and the pace at which you prefer to explore. Based on my personal experience, I recommend spending at least two to three days in Cádiz to fully experience its highlights and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. 

If you’re planning a beach holiday, you may want to allocate more time to explore the beautiful beaches near Cadiz which are certainly worth discovering. 

What if you’re short on time? You can still see the city’s main highlights in 1 to 2 days but it will be a tight squeeze and you should focus on the must-see attractions in Cadiz. Check out our Cadiz day trip guide here.