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If you’re planning a trip to Andalusia, Spain, a day trip from Seville to Cordoba should definitely be on your list. Known for its rich history and stunning architecture, Cordoba is conveniently located for an easy day trip… and there’s definitely more than enough to fill a day!
In this blog post, based on my own personal experience, I’ll give you all the information you need to plan the perfect day trip to Cordoba from Seville, including transportation options, the best attractions to see, and tips for making the most of your time in this beautiful city.
So, whether you’re a history buff, an architecture lover, or just looking for a fun day out, read on to discover everything you need to know about a Seville to Cordoba day trip.
Where is Cordoba, Spain?
Located in the center of Spain’s Andalucian region, Cordoba is a mid-sized city that is the capital of the province of the same name. The city is situated along the Guadalquivir River and near the Sierra Morena mountains.
Cordoba is 140km east of Seville.
Why Visit Cordoba from Seville?
In my opinion, an Andalucian trip wouldn’t be complete without visiting Cordoba! Most travelers have Seville and Granada on their itinerary… and for good reason, those cities have a lot to offer and they’re home to some truly magnificent landmarks.
Yet Cordoba is often overlooked and forgotten.
Cordoba has great historical importance, particularly as it was once the capital of Al-Andalus. In fact, it’s believed that the city was once the largest in Europe, if not the world! A visit to Cordoba will give you a fuller picture of Andalucia’s Moorish heritage as you discover the stories and monuments of this city.
What’s more, Cordoba’s close proximity to Seville and the city’s compact historic quarter make it possible to experience Cordoba in a day with ease.
When I was planning my own Andalucian trip, I wondered if it was worth it to visit Cordoba from Seville on a day trip. I ended up doing it (because FOMO is real!) and I definitely didn’t regret it! And now I’m excited to share how you can plan your own perfect Cordoba day trip.
Seville to Cordoba Day Trip: How to Get There
It’s super easy to get to Cordoba from Seville as the two cities are located pretty close together which is ideal for a day trip.
Here are the different ways you can get to Cordoba, depending on your needs.
Seville to Cordoba by Train
In my opinion, the best way to travel from Seville to Cordoba is by train. The rail network in Spain is fantastic, the cost is affordable, and the journey is very comfortable. Trains are my favorite way to get around Spain.
The trains from Seville to Cordoba are especially convenient for several reasons:
- There are multiple train connections daily and frequently so you can easily find a combination of train timings to make the most of your day trip
- The AVE highspeed trains only take 45 to 60 minutes to travel between Seville and Cordoba
If your itinerary includes Madrid, you can easily do Cordoba as a stopover on your train journey to or from Seville. That’s because Cordoba is a stop on the AVE train route that runs between Madrid and Seville. Super convenient, right?
Train ticket prices can fluctuate and typically increase closer to the date of travel, especially for timings with high demand. I suggest buying your train tickets in advance to secure the best price.
Seville to Cordoba by Car
If you’re roadtripping around Spain, getting from Seville to Cordoba is easy. The drive takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and the main highways connecting the two cities are the A4 and the E-5.
If train tickets are too expensive and/or you’re traveling in a group, it might make sense cost-wise to rent a car in Seville and drive to Cordoba.
Doing your Seville to Cordoba day trip with a car gives you the ultimate flexibility as you won’t be constrained by train or bus schedules.
Seville to Cordoba by Bus
There are buses serving Seville and Cordoba, including ALSA and Socibus, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
I think the train is a much better option (in terms of convenience and time) but the bus can be much cheaper so it may be the choice for you if budget is a concern.
Cordoba Tour from Seville
For a hassle-free Seville to Cordoba day trip, you may want to consider a full-day guided day tour which includes transfers. This way, you won’t have to worry about transportation and simply sit back and enjoy the day.
If you prefer to take care of transportation on your own but still have a guided experience in Cordoba, check out this half-day guided tour of Cordoba’s key monuments.
When’s the Best Time to Do a Cordoba Day Trip from Seville?
Anytime is the best time to do a Seville to Cordoba day trip!
Like the rest of Andalucia, the Mediterranean climate means that Cordoba has mild winters so the weather is still pleasant and not too cold. On my second visit to Cordoba, it was early March and the afternoons were warm enough for me to be without a jacket!
If you’re traveling in early May, you’re in luck as that’s when the city’s annual Festival of Patios takes place. It’s the best time to see Cordoba’s patios which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How to Get Around Cordoba
Cordoba’s historic center is compact and the best way to see it is on foot. So get your comfy walking shoes ready!
If you’re arriving by car, I recommend finding a parking lot outside of the historic center and then walking to the city’s attractions.
Coming by train or bus from Seville? Cordoba’s bus and train stations are opposite each other. To get to the historic center, it’s a pleasant, downhill walk that takes about 20 to 30 minutes. You can also hail a cab; it’s only a 5-minute drive but you’ll be charged a surcharge for trips departing from the train/bus stations. It should cost less than €10.
The local bus is also an option as Bus #3 will get you to-and-from the train/bus station to Cordoba’s historic quarter. Because of the bus route, it’s more convenient to take the bus from the historic center to the train/bus station than vice versa:
- From the train/bus station: Take Bus #3, direction “Sta. Emilia De Rodat (Gago Jiménez)” and get off at stop 262 (San Fernando). Then it’s a short walk to the Mezquita. This will take about 20 to 30 minutes (similar to walking!).
- To the train/bus station: Find the bus stop “Puerta del Puente” located between the Mezquita and the Roman Bridge. Take Bus #3 (bus direction José Aguilar De Dios). It takes about 10 minutes.
My suggestion: when you arrive in Cordoba, enjoy a leisurely walk from the train/bus station to the historic quarter. End your day and give your tired feet a rest by taking the bus from behind the Mezquita back to the train/bus station to catch your connection back to Seville.
What To Do On a Seville to Cordoba Day Trip
Now that we’ve got the logistics out of the way, let’s get to the fun stuff!
If you’re a planner (like me; guilty as charged) and want to have a clear plan for your day trip to Cordoba, then check out my perfect itinerary for one day in Cordoba which lays out an efficient way to see all of the city’s main attractions.
If you prefer a more laid-back approach, then here are the top 3 things to do on your Seville to Cordoba day trip.
1. Start your day with a visit to the Mezquita
Let’s get straight to business and tick off the top attraction in the city, the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a truly unique monument that perfectly embodies Cordoba’s Muslim and Christian roots.
The Mezquita began as a mosque that was built when Cordoba was the capital city of Al-Andalus. As the Moorish empire grew, so did the mosque. At its zenith, it’s said that the Mezquita coud host 40,000! The Reconquista saw the conversion of the building into a cathedral but it was only in the 16th century that there was a new addition: a Renaissance cathedral was introduced in the middle of the monument.
Today, the Mezquita still functions as a cathedral but its one-of-a-kind architecture is living proof of Cordoba’s intriguing history.
A visit to the Mezquita is surely the highlight of any Cordoba day trip. You’ll need at least an hour for your visit, but if you’re a history or architecture buff, you may want to build in more time here for it really is an interesting monument. Don’t miss the stunning horseshoe arches, intricate mosaics, and beautiful courtyard garden.
I recommend doing a guided tour of the Mezquita versus just walking around. I’ve done both and I got so much more from a guided tour in terms of understanding the history of the building, identifying the different elements, and learning interesting facts and stories. A guided tour also typically runs for an hour so it’s efficient on a day trip as well!
2. Admire the Roman Bridge
Just a short 5-minute stroll the Mezquita, you’ll find another iconic monument, the Roman Bridge.
This arched bridge dates back to Cordoba’s beginnings as a Roman city that connected Rome to Cadiz. Today, strolling along this well-preserved monument is a great way to take in the city’s history and capture a few Instagram-worthy shots of Cordoba.
Depending on your walking pace and how many photos you take, this activity can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Wander around Cordoba’s Historic Quarter
Cordoba’s Old Town is not only one of the oldest in Europe, it’s also another one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Once you exit the Mezquita, you’re already in the historic quarter so exploring this area is a natural extension. You don’t really need a map or a plan; the best way to see it is rally just to wander around and stop and see whatever catches your fancy.
Cordoba’s historic quarter is full of cobblestoned streets that intertwine into a labyrinth. Admire the splashes of color on the old white-washed buildings, gaze upwards to see the beautiful flowers overflowing from the balconies, and don’t be shy about peeking around open doors to spot the secret patios.
For a picture-perfect sight, don’t miss the charming Calleja de las Flores, a narrow street that features gorgeous flowers on the balconies, with the bell tower in the background.
Tips for Your Seville to Cordoba Day Trip
1.It’s best to arrive in Córdoba early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of your day trip. Many of the attractions open at 10.00am, so plan accordingly. A train departing from Seville at 8.00am or 9.00am will help you get the most out of your day.
2. The weather in Córdoba can be very hot in the summer, with temperatures often reaching 40°C (104°F). Make sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water.
3. To save time and ensure guaranteed entry during peak periods, I recommend buying your ticket to the Mezquita online in advance.
4. Food is a big deal in Cordoba so even if you have a packed itinerary, take a moment to stop and savor the cuisine here. Local favorites include salmonejo and flamenquillo and there are good restaurants within the historic center so you don’t have to venture far.
5. If your schedule permits, a walking tour of Cordoba is a great way to see the historic center and learn more about the city’s fascinating history.
Seville to Cordoba Day Trip: Frequently Asked Questions
Got more questions? Here’s what else you might want to know about making a day trip to Cordoba from Seville.
Is a day trip to Cordoba enough?
Yes, you can see Cordoba’s main attractions in one day! The city’s historic quarter is fairly compact and the attractions are within walking distance so a day trip to Cordoba is enough.
That said, if you have enough wiggle room in your itinerary, I recommend staying at least one night in Cordoba. You’ll be able to travel at a more relaxed pace, see more of the city’s sites (including some hidden gems), and see how beautiful the historic center is at night!
What’s more, accommodation in Cordoba is more affordable than other bigger Spanish cities so you’ll be able to find a good deal for your stay.
How many hours do you need in Cordoba?
If you’re really really short on time, I suggest putting aside at least 3 to 4 hours to see Cordoba’s top 3 sights: the Mezquita (1 hour), the Roman Bridge (30 minutes), and the Jewish Quarter (1 to 1.5 hours), plus a lunch break. It’ll be fast-paced but still doable!
How long is the train journey from Seville to Cordoba?
Seville and Cordoba have a highspeed AVE connection and it can take as little as 45 minutes to get from one city to another. There are other slower trains that take up to 90 minutes so when you’re booking your train tickets, keep a lookout for the travel time indicated.
There are 20+ train connections daily between the two cities so you can easily travel between them. If you book tickets far enough in advance, you may be able to find good deals on the prices.
Which train station in Seville goes to Cordoba?
Trains from Seville to Cordoba typically depart from Seville’s Santa Justa train station.
Final Thoughts: Seville to Cordoba Day Trip
I hope this post has answered all your questions about planning a day trip to Cordoba. It’s easy to do and Cordoba’s best attractions are a must-see.
A day trip from Seville to Cordoba is a great way to experience the rich history, architecture, and culture of Andalusia and, in my opinion, it’s completely worthwhile to make the effort to do it. Who knows, maybe you’ll love Cordoba as much as I do and decide to visit again!
For more on Cordoba and Seville
- Cordoba Travel Guide
- One Day in Cordoba: The Perfect Cordoba Itinerary for a Day Trip
- Is Cordoba Worth Visiting?
- The Ultimate Seville Travel Guide
Liza’s love affair with Spain began when she started taking Spanish language classes. Since then, she regularly travels to Spain to explore new places and discover new things to love about this gorgeous country. This travel blog is her way of sharing her love of Spain and helping you plan your dream Spanish holiday!