Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the heart of Spain with the Madrid to Seville high-speed train! Offering a seamless and swift journey, this iconic rail route promises not only convenience and comfort but also breathtaking vistas of the Spanish countryside. Whether you’re a traveler seeking efficiency or a scenic enthusiast yearning to soak in the picturesque landscapes, this high-speed train delivers on all fronts. Join us as we delve into the unparalleled experience of traversing from the vibrant capital of Madrid to the enchanting city of Seville, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of Spanish culture along the way. Discover the perfect blend of modernity and tradition as you glide effortlessly between these two captivating destinations.

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Getting to the Train Station in Madrid

Most trains going from Madrid to Seville depart from Madrid’s Puerta de Atocha train station. This is one of the city’s main train stations located near the city center.

To get to Atocha station, you can take the Madrid metro system. The closest metro stops are Atocha, Atocha Renfe, and Mendez Alvaro. If coming from the airport, you can take line 8 directly to Atocha station. It’s about a 30 minute metro ride from the airport.

Taxis are also readily available, especially outside the airport and major landmarks. The taxi ride from the airport to Atocha station takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.

Once at Atocha station, follow the signs to get to the right platforms for trains going to Seville. There will be departure boards listing the next trains.

It’s advisable to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your train departure time. This gives you time to navigate the station, find the right platform, and buy tickets if you haven’t already.

There are ticket windows and kiosks in the main station area for purchasing tickets. Queues can get long during peak times so keep that in mind. You can also use the ticket machines located throughout the station which generally have shorter lines. Have your destination, desired train time, and passport ready when purchasing tickets.

Allow enough time to go through security screening at the platform entrances as well before boarding your train to Seville.

Choosing Your Train

The train trip from Madrid to Seville can be done on either high-speed or conventional rail lines. The key considerations are train speed, class options, and cost.

The high-speed train is operated by Renfe under the AVE service. AVE trains complete the journey in about 2.5 hours, with several daily frequencies. They only have first and second class seating. The trains are modern, comfortable, and reliable. However, the high-speed trains are more expensive than the conventional options.

The conventional intercity trains are also run by Renfe. These trains take around 5.5 hours to travel between the cities, with a few departures per day. They offer first and second class seating plus the lower cost “turista” class. The main tradeoff is a longer travel time for a cheaper fare.

Regional and local trains operated by Cercanías and Regional also run between Madrid and Seville. However, the journey on these trains can take over 7 hours given the frequent stops. These very low cost trains are only recommended for travelers on a tight budget with ample time.

When choosing your train, weigh up your budget against the total trip time and the class of service. For most travelers, an AVE high-speed train provides the best mix of speed, amenities and reasonable cost. The intercity trains are good for budget travelers who can sacrifice time. Regional trains are only for those with minimal budgets and flexible schedules.

Onboard Facilities

The high-speed trains between Madrid and Seville offer a variety of onboard facilities to make your journey comfortable and convenient.

Food and Drink Options

Most trains have a cafe or bar car where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and light meals. Coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine, sandwiches, salads, and snacks are typically available. Some trains may have an attendant who will bring food and drinks to your seat from the cafe car.

If you are traveling in business or first class, complimentary snacks and beverages may be offered at your seat. You’ll want to confirm the onboard dining options when booking your ticket.

It’s a good idea to bring your own water bottle to fill up for free on the train. Outside food and beverages are also allowed to be brought onboard.

WiFi and Power Outlets

Complimentary WiFi is available in all classes of trains between Madrid and Seville. You’ll be able to access the onboard WiFi network to surf the web, check email, stream media, and more.

Power outlets are also available at most seats so you can charge your devices. Be sure to have the correct plug adapters if your devices have a plug other than the Europlug.

Luggage Storage

Larger bags and suitcases can be stored in overhead compartments or special luggage areas depending on the train. There should be ample space to store any size carry-on bag or personal item at your seat.

On busy trains, the luggage areas can fill up quickly. Arrive early to secure space. Unclaimed bags may be removed at the end of the journey. Looking for luggage storage in Madrid? Check out this post: Got Baggage?  Your Guide to Affordable Madrid Luggage Storage.

The Route

The high-speed train route from Madrid to Seville takes you through the heart of Spain, offering glimpses of varied landscapes and sights along the way.

After departing Madrid, the train quickly leaves the city behind and enters the sprawling countryside of the Castilla-La Mancha region. Keep an eye out the window to spot fields, olive groves, and sleepy villages dotted across the landscape.

Your next major stop is the city of Ciudad Real, known for its beautiful central plaza and Gothic cathedral. The train then continues south, crossing over from Castilla-La Mancha into the region of Andalusia.

The terrain gradually changes, with hills and low mountains coming into view. Just before Puertollano, you’ll notice the Sierra Morena mountains rising up along the horizon.

Nearing the halfway point, the train pulls into the city of Cordoba. Take a moment to appreciate the magnificent Mezquita-Catedral, a medieval mosque converted into a cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After Cordoba, the landscape becomes decidedly hilly as you enter the Sierra Morena mountains. This scenic range offers pockets of dense forest and rocky outcrops. Keep an eye out for castles and fortresses perched atop the hills.

As the train nears Seville, the terrain levels out again into the wide valley of the Guadalquivir River. Lush farmland lines the tracks leading into Seville’s Santa Justa Station, the final stop on this magnificent rail journey through Spain.

Arriving in Seville

Once your train pulls into Seville’s Santa Justa train station, you’ll want to orient yourself and figure out how to get to your final destination in the city center. The train platforms are located on the upper level of the station, while the main concourse with ticket counters, shops, and cafes is on the lower level.

To exit the station, follow signs pointing to the Puerta de Jerez, which is one of the main station exits. This will take you out to the Plaza de Jerez, where you can catch a taxi or local bus into the city center fairly easily. If you’re taking a taxi, expect to pay around €8-10 for the 10 minute ride into the central sights like the cathedral and Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood.

If you want to take the bus, look for the EA line which stops right outside the Puerta de Jerez exit. This bus costs around €1.40 and takes you directly to the Prado de San Sebastián bus station, very close to the cathedral area.

Before leaving the train station, you may want to stop by one of the ticket offices near the main exit to purchase your return tickets to Madrid if you haven’t already done so. You can also use this app book your trip. There are automated machines, but the staffed counters provide service in English and can advise you on the best return times. You’ll probably want an open return ticket without a specific date, which provides more flexibility for your return trip.

Getting your return train tickets ahead of time ensures you won’t have to worry about it later during your time in Seville. With tickets in hand, you’ll be ready to fully explore magnificent Seville!

Scheduling Considerations

When planning your train journey from Madrid to Seville, there are a few key scheduling factors to consider:

• Frequency of trains – There are over 20 daily trains running between Madrid and Seville. Trains depart Madrid bound for Seville roughly every hour starting early morning until late evening. This makes the train a very convenient and flexible option for getting between the two cities.
• Journey duration – The fastest direct high-speed AVE trains complete the journey in about 2 hours 30 minutes. Other slightly slower trains take around 3 hours. There are also night trains that run overnight between Madrid and Seville, taking about 5-6 hours.
• Booking in advance – It’s highly recommended to purchase your train tickets in advance, especially if traveling during peak seasons or holidays. Tickets can sell out quickly. Booking 1-2 months in advance ensures you get the departure time you want at the best available price. Tickets booked last minute or just before traveling will be much more expensive. Advance purchase discounts are also offered by Renfe, Spain’s national rail company, making it cheaper to book ahead.

So in summary, frequent daily train departures make getting between Madrid and Seville simple and convenient. With journey times around 2.5-3 hours on faster trains, booking tickets at least a few weeks in advance will guarantee your preferred travel time at the lowest fare. The train offers a comfortable and scenic ride between these two amazing Spanish cities.

Train Classes

There are a few different classes available on trains between Madrid and Seville, offering different levels of comfort, amenities and prices.

Coach Class

This is the standard seating class on all trains. Coach seats feature comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom. The seats are arranged in rows of 4 with aisles on either side.

Coach class is the most budget-friendly option, with one-way tickets starting around €25-€40 depending on demand.

Preferred Class

Preferred class offers roomier, more private seats in a 2×2 configuration. This class provides large tables, reading lights, electrical outlets and slightly more space.

Preferred seating costs approximately €10-15 more than coach class for a one-way ticket. Upgrades are available on board for an additional fee.

Business Class

Business class offers the most amenities and services. Seats are configured 2×1 with numerous extra comforts like footrests, meal service, priority boarding, and access to lounges.

Business class tickets cost €60-100 more than coach for a one-way trip. Upgrades from lower classes are available for a fee when booking or onboard.

Accessibility

All trains feature wheelchair accessible spaces and bathrooms. Those needing assistance should request this when booking tickets. Guide dogs are also permitted onboard. Some stations also provide golf carts for transport between platforms.

Booking Tickets

There are two main ways to book your train ticket from Madrid to Seville: online or in-person.

Online booking through websites like Trainline.com is convenient, letting you securely purchase tickets and select your train car and seat. All you need is an internet connection and a credit card.

In-person booking can be done at stations in Madrid and Seville. If you plan to purchase tickets at the station, be sure to arrive with plenty of time before your train, as queues can get long. Bring cash or a credit card to pay at the ticket counter.

Discounts are available on certain Renfe trains and tickets. Be sure to check:

• Youth discounts if you’re under 26
• Senior discounts if you’re 60+
• Special web-only fares that are cheaper when booked online
• Group and family discounts if traveling with others

You’ll need to present valid ID and your ticket before boarding the train. For discounted fares, be prepared to show proof of age or status. Tickets can be printed or downloaded to your phone for scanning.

Baggage Policies

When taking the Madrid to Seville high-speed train, it’s important to understand the baggage policies. This will ensure you avoid any issues when boarding the train.

The baggage policies for trains between Madrid and Seville allow passengers to bring both carry-on bags and checked luggage. For carry-on bags, there is generally a limit of 2 bags per person, with each bag weighing up to 10 kg. The dimensions for carry-on luggage are typically 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. Make sure your carry-on bags fit within these size and weight restrictions to avoid problems.

For checked luggage, each passenger can usually check 1 or 2 bags, with a weight limit around 20 kg per bag. Some train lines may allow up to 30 kg per checked bag. There is no charge for checking bags on trains between Madrid and Seville. Just be sure to arrive early enough to tag your checked bags before departure.

There are also certain prohibited items that cannot be brought either as carry-on or checked luggage on trains. These include firearms, sharp objects, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials. Food items like produce, meat, and dairy may also be prohibited. Familiarize yourself with the full list of prohibited items before packing.

By understanding the baggage allowances and restrictions, you can pack efficiently for your train trip between Madrid and Seville. Just remember to avoid oversize/overweight bags, watch out for prohibited items, and make sure your bags are properly tagged if checking them. This will lead to a smooth boarding process so you can sit back and enjoy the train ride.

Alternative Transport Options

Taking the train is not the only way to travel between Madrid and Seville. Here’s an overview of some of the alternatives and how they compare:

Flying

Pros: Flying is the fastest way to travel between the two cities. There are regular flights taking around 1 hour. This compares to a 2.5-3 hour train journey.

Cons: The airports are some distance outside the city centers, so you need to factor in transit time to/from airports. Flights are also more susceptible to delays and cancellations than train travel.

Cost: Flights start from around €50 one-way if booked in advance. This is similar or slightly more than train fares.

Iberia is a great airline to take in Spain.

Driving

Pros: Driving gives you maximum flexibility to set your own schedule. You also don’t have to get to/from train stations.

Cons: It’s a 5-6 hour drive which can be tiring. You need to pay for fuel and road tolls. Driving in city centers can also be stressful.

Cost: Fuel and tolls will cost around €100 roundtrip. There’s also vehicle rental/depreciation and parking fees to consider. Overall, driving is likely to be the most expensive option.

If you want to rent a car in Spain you can do so here.

In summary, while flying or driving are faster options, the train offers a good balance of cost, duration, and convenience for traveling between Madrid and Seville. The train stations are centrally located in both cities making transit easy. For flexibility, flying could make sense, but the total journey time is similar once you factor in airport transit. Driving is best suited for those who require a car at their destination or want to stop along the way. For most travelers, the train will be the easiest and most affordable option.

FAQ’s

How long is the high-speed train from Madrid to Seville?

The high-speed train journey from Madrid to Seville typically takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the specific service and route.

Is it better to fly or take a train from Madrid to Seville?

Whether it’s better to fly or take a train from Madrid to Seville depends on various factors such as personal preferences, budget, and schedule. While flying may offer a faster travel time, taking the train provides a convenient and scenic option, allowing travelers to avoid airport hassles and enjoy the picturesque Spanish countryside along the way.

What is the best way to get from Madrid to Seville?

The best way to travel from Madrid to Seville depends on individual preferences and circumstances. For those seeking convenience, comfort, and a scenic journey, the Madrid to Seville high-speed train is an excellent option. Alternatively, flying may be preferable for travelers prioritizing speed or those with limited time.

How much is the train ticket from Madrid to Seville?

The cost of a train ticket from Madrid to Seville varies depending on factors such as the type of train service, time of booking, and class of travel. On average, prices can range from approximately €30 to €100 or more for a one-way ticket. It’s advisable to check with the train operator or booking platform for current pricing and availability.

Further Reading

If you are interested in more travel information, make sure to check out these posts: 

• The Best Tapas in Madrid
• Book With Ease: Madrid’s Top 3 Airport Hotels Made Simple
• The Ultimate Andalusian Road Trip: Malaga to Seville
• Seville with Kids: How to Beat the Heat and Have a Blast
• Got Baggage?  Your Guide to Affordable Madrid Luggage Storage.
• Madrid in a Weekend: Must-See Attractions, Tapas, and Tips