Andalusia, one of the most beautiful regions in Spain, and perhaps even in Europe, is well worth a visit. Another reason to visit is that Andalusia has excellent rail links, so it's easy to get around without a car. And to top it all off, it's even possible to get there by train, for a 100% slow tourism and low carbon trip.
We'll tell you everything you need to know about this train tour of Andalusia. We've designed it for 9 days, but you can reduce it by removing destinations, or lengthen it by adding or staying longer at certain destinations that deserve more in-depth study!
Getting to Andalusia by train
Thanks to a good TGV network in both France and Spain, it's fairly easy to get to Andalusia by train. We've outlined the route below. As well as being good for the environment, choosing to travel to Andalusia by train is also a very comfortable way to travel. Unlike flying, you avoid long waits at airports and baggage restrictions. Before making your reservations, read our article on how to pay less for your train tickets.
First step: take a train to Barcelona
Barcelona is an easy destination to reach by air from France, Switzerland or Belgium. For a more detailed account of this part of the itinerary, you can also read our full article on how to get to Barcelona without flying, or simply check out the summary itinerary below. To book your tickets, you'll need to visit either the SNCF website or that of Renfe, Spain's main rail company. Here's how to get there from various destinations:
- From Paris: 6 h 45 min by TGV Inoui.
- From Montpellier: 3 h 15 by TGV.
- From Lyon: 5 hours on a Renfe train.
- From Marseille: 5 hours with a Renfe train.
Second stage: taking a train from Barcelona to Seville
Once you've reached Barcelona, you can embark on the second stage of your journey to Andalusia by train, which is to Seville. It couldn't be simpler, as Spanish company Renfe offers a direct train for the journey. The fast train takes just 5 hours 30 minutes to get from Barcelona to Seville. There are usually three departures a day, but there are many more options if you choose a journey with a stopover, which sometimes only takes half an hour longer.
The article to read: organise your other journeys on rails with our selection of the most beautiful night trains in Europe.
Summary of the train journey to Andalusia
To sum up, here are the various stages and the time you should allow, not including the stopover, to get to Seville by train from Paris:
- Train from Paris to Barcelona: 6 h 45.
- Train from Barcelona to Seville: 5 h 30.
- For a total journey time of 12 h 15.
Carbon footprint for travelling to Andalusia by train
As we explained in our article on how to calculate your carbon footprint, we use the ADEME online tool to estimate theCO2 emissions and other pollutants associated with a journey. To make the journey mentioned above, here is the carbon footprint to be expected:
- For the train from Paris to Barcelona: 3.2 kg ofCO2.
- For the train from Barcelona to Seville: 3.2 kg ofCO2.
- For a total of: 6.4 kg ofCO2.
By way of comparison, and again according to the ADEME online tool, making the same journey from Paris to Seville by plane would represent 270 kg ofCO2 emissions.
First stop: Seville
Seville is the best starting point for a train tour of Andalusia because it is so easily accessible by plane and public transport. It's also one of Andalusia's must-see sights, which will blow your mind as soon as you arrive.
Go straight to theAlcazar, the cathedral and the Giralda tower to be amazed. Stroll along the banks of the Guadalquivir to sample the city's colourful atmosphere. In the evening, take in a flamenco show. Ideally, you should allow at least 3 days to discover this richly varied city.
Second stop: Cordoba
From Seville, the high-speed train journey to Cordoba takes just 45 minutes. You can buy tickets in advance on the Renfe website or directly at the station, but buying online as early as possible will guarantee more affordable prices.
In Córdoba, while it's impossible to miss the cathedral-mosque, the city's main attraction, there's plenty more to see on your Andalusia rail tour. Take a stroll through the Judería, the picturesque Jewish quarter. Stroll along the Roman Bridge at sunset to admire the shimmering lights on the Guadalquivir. And of course admire theAlcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, the medieval palace that was once the residence of the Christian kings. You need to plan at least two days in Córdoba to get the most out of it.
Relatedarticle: plan your next trip with our article on destinations where you can go for 10 days without taking a plane.
Third stop: Granada
Continue your train tour of Andalusia to Granada, another of the region's must-sees and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From Cordoba, it's usually a journey of around 1 hour 45 minutes by direct train. Once again, you can buy tickets at the station or online, with the latter option guaranteeing lower prices if you book in advance.
Allow at least two days in Granada to take in the city's main attractions. If there's one that's impossible to miss, it's the Alhambra, a rich palace of Arab-Muslim architecture. For this visit, we advise you to book in advance and opt for the early morning slots to avoid the crowds. Read our full guide to organising your visit. The Albaicín, Granada's oldest district, has retained an atmosphere typical of the Arab medinas. Not to be outdone, the Sacromonte district boasts habitable caves carved into the hillside.
Fourth stop: Malaga
To conclude this train tour of Andalusia, head for Málaga. From Granada, it' s about an hour and a half direct by train. Here too, you can buy tickets online or at the station.
We recommend that you spend at least two days visiting Málaga. Don't miss the superb historic centre with its cathedral, affectionately known as La Manquita, or "the penguin", in reference to the fact that one of its towers is unfinished, visually unbalancing the façade. You can also admire the Alcazabaa medieval military fortress, and Gibralfaro , a castle perched on a hill. Art lovers should not miss the Picasso Museum, since the artist was born in the city, or the Pompidou Centre in Malaga, the first branch of the Parisian institution to be set up outside France, or the Carmen Thyssen Museum, a fascinating museum of Spanish art.
If you'd like to return to Seville and complete your Andalusia rail tour, then it's easier to get back by train or plane. All you have to do from Malaga is hop on a direct train, which takes around 2 hours.
Interested in our itinerary? Book your train tickets now to take advantage of the best fares:
