Málaga is more than just a charming port city with a rich history and a beguiling old town. It is also an excellent base for day trips to other destinations in Southern Spain, including Seville, one of the jewels in Andalucía’s glittering crown.
But what is the best way of getting from Málaga to Seville? Remove the guesswork with my guide to travelling between Málaga and Seville.
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In a nutshell …
My recommendations
Seville is a long but rewarding day trip from Málaga. You are looking at a minimum four-hour return journey and you also need to factor in the walk from Seville’s Santa Justa Station. Set your alarm for silly o’clock.
But if this is your one chance to visit Seville, grab it with both hands.
The quickest way to get from Málaga and Seville is by train. Although the bus can be considerably cheaper, this will add at least 90 minutes to your return journey.
A car gives you more flexibility but is unlikely to be quicker than either train or bus when you factor in looking for parking.
Joining a group tour may be a good option if you are planning just a day trip from Málaga to Seville. Not only will this maximise the available time but it can also include tickets for Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcázar.
Taking the train from Málaga to Seville
There are several direct trains from Málaga to Seville, with the fastest services taking just under two hours. You will need to change train at Córdoba.
Although direct trains are available, these are slower.
Train services
Spanish trains are run by the national rail operator Renfe.
Renfe trains are amongst the cream of the crop in Europe. They are clean and comfortable and have storage space for luggage, usually on the racks above your head and at the end of each car. Air-conditioning, free wifi and power sockets usually come as standard.
Renfe offers two classes of travel: Standard or Turista (2nd class) and Comfort or Turista Plus (1st class). Within these travel classes, three fare types are available on the high-speed AVE trains:
Básico (Basic): The cheapest fare for travel in Standard class.
Elige (Choice): A semi-flexible fare. You can choose between Elige (2nd Class seat) or Elige Comfort (1st class seat).
Premium: The most flexible fare. For this, you get a Comfort (1st class seat) with the option to add an at-seat meal if available.
In my experience, Standard class on Spanish trains is more than adequate.
Buying train tickets
I recommend booking your train ticket from Málaga to Seville in advance. These are popular destinations and prices usually increase the closer you get to the time of departure.
Although booking your train ticket through Renfe, the national rail operator, gets you the best prices, the website can be glitchy. More than once it has refused to recognise major destinations for me and it can be a little picky about non-Spanish credit and debit cards.
For a stress-free experience, I use Omio for Spanish train travel. You will pay a small booking fee but it’s a clear booking engine and a lot less hassle.
>> CHECK TRAIN TIMES & PRICES HERE
Where is the train station in Málaga?
Trains for Seville leave Málaga’s Maria Zambrano station, located a mile southwest of the Old Town. There is also a second station – Málaga Centro Alameda – but this only serves the C1 line to Fuengirola and the C2 line to Álora.
Where is the train station in Seville?
Seville’s main Santa Justa station is located northeast of the city centre. It’s a 25-minute walk from Seville Cathedral in the heart of the city’s Old Town.
The bus from Málaga to Seville
Alsa operates bus services between Málaga and Seville around ten times a day. The fastest buses take 2 hours 45 minutes. Some of the services stop at Málaga Airport.
I have used these coaches and they are very comfortable. A one-way non-flexible fare can cost as little as €12. Expect to pay more for a fully flexible fare.
You can check bus times and book your ticket on Alsa’s website here. Alternatively, buy your ticket at the bus station.
Where is the bus station in Málaga?
Málaga bus station is located at P.º de los Tilos, s/n, 29006 Málaga. This is next to Málalga’s main María Zambrano railway station.
It’s an easy 20-minute walk from Málaga’s Historic Centre. If you are setting out from the Soho district it should only take ten minutes on foot.
Where is the bus station in Seville?
Buses arrive at Seville’s Plaza de Armas Bus Station, just under a mile northwest of the Old Town. It’s a 20-minute walk from Seville Cathedral.
Driving from Málaga to Seville
For the ultimate convenience and flexibility, drive from Málaga to Seville.
Following the main A92 road, this journey will take around 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Day tours from Málaga to Seville
For a stress-free day trip to Seville from Málaga, join a day tour.
Someone takes care of the arrangements, you will have a local guide and it is affordable. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the day.
There is a bonus. Feeling lonely as a solo traveller is a real thing and joining a day tour is one of the best opportunities to meet other travellers.
Here are a few day tours from Málaga to Seville that are worth considering:
Seville Day Trip from Málaga (with optional Real Alcázar tickets)
This full-day tour includes optional skip-the-line entry to Seville’s Real Alcázar and a guided tour. You get three hours on your own to explore lovely Seville.
Seville Day Trip with Cathedral Entrance from Málaga
If you are more interested in visiting Seville Cathedral, take a look at this day tour. Unlike many Seville excursions, this one goes direct from Málaga, not stopping at any of the Costa del Sol resorts along the way.
Find out more
If you want to learn more about Málaga, take a look at these articles I have written about this sunny city, from what to see to where to stay:
- A Perfect Weekend in Málaga, Spain: 2-Day Itinerary & Best Things to Do
- One Day in Málaga, Spain: A Free Self-Guided Walking Tour
- Where to Stay in Málaga, Spain: The 7 Best Areas for All Travellers
- 10 Málaga Cathedral Facts to Know Before You Visit
- Must-See Málaga Street Art: Spain’s Outdoor Art Gallery
To get the lowdown on Seville, here are a few articles from my most recent visit to this gem of a city:
- One Day in Seville, Spain: The Best Itinerary
- A Perfect 3 Days in Seville, Spain: Itinerary & Best Things to Do
- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting the Real Alcázar of Seville
- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting Seville Cathedral
Happy travels!
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.