Málaga to Córdoba train with Renfe AVE

Train Málaga Córdoba

Córdoba is approximately 83 miles (133 km) from Málaga, the home of the sculpturist, Pablo Picasso. About 105 trains from Málaga to Córdoba make the journey to Córdoba. You will spend roughly an hour on the rail enjoying the scenery between the 2 cities. All the trains from Málaga to Córdoba are convenient for passengers as they are direct, saving you the time you would have spent making a change. The train frequency and schedule may vary on weekends and public holidays.

Málaga to Córdoba Train Time: Daily Departures

Generally, 15 trains depart from Málaga to Córdoba daily. There is a train from Málaga to Córdoba leaving the station every hour. The first train starts its journey at about 6:20 a.m. and takes roughly 52 minutes to cover the distance arriving in Córdoba at about 7:12 a.m. The day's last train departs at around 8:22 p.m. from Málaga Station. By rail, it takes approximately 1h 5min to get to Córdoba for about 9:27 p.m. All the trains are direct. Passengers can view the train schedule by going to the Omio website and searching for the train schedule Málaga to Córdoba.

Boarding your train Málaga Córdoba

Boarding your train at Málaga Maria Zambrano train station is hustle free. There is a big taxi rank outside the station and getting to the station is easy using a taxi. The station has 3 stations in one. The mainline station is at street level and is used by Express and Media Distancia trains. You will board your Málaga to Córdoba train at this station. The other stations are the lower level stations used by the local Cercanians trains and a metro station called El Perchel. Inside the building where the station is, there is a shopping mall. If you arrive by taxi, the platform for your train will be directly ahead of you, but if you use the street entrance, you will turn right and then go left to access the platform. You will need a valid ticket to get through the gates. Your luggage will also go through a standard scanner security check. Arrive at least 30min before your departure time to go through the process without a rush.

Malaga: aerial view of the city at sunset. Source: Shutterstock

Where does the train departure in Málaga and arrive in Córdoba?

All the trains from Málaga to Córdoba depart from Málaga Maria Zambrano railway station. The station operates about 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from the newer part of Málaga city centre. It will take you around 4min from the station to the centre on foot. The old town is, however, about 25min away on foot or roughly 12min on bus line C2.

Córdoba Central station receives all trains from Málaga to Córdoba. It is the main railway station of Córdoba and serves high-speed trains to Córdoba. The station is roughly 1.4 miles (2.2 km) from downtown Córdoba. It will take about 8min via taxi to the city centre or roughly 30min when walking. There are taxis right outside the station.

When is the best time to book your train ticket Málaga Córdoba?

The train ticket cost from Málaga to Córdoba is constant, and therefore you can book your train ticket any time. However, the train ticket fares differ depending on your chosen train provider. The Renfe trains are considerably cheaper than the Renfe AVE trains. Double-check the train you are booking and the fare when booking your train ticket. During peak season, the fare may be higher than on normal days.

What to see between Málaga and Córdoba

You can rest assured that your journey to Córdoba on the train from Málaga to Córdoba will be adventurous. You will come across Jardines de Picasso a few minutes after leaving Málaga. You will also catch a glimpse of Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves. Porroquia Santa Maria de la Amargura is also on your way to Córdoba. Other sites that you may come across on your Málaga to Córdoba journey are:

• Parque Natural Montes de Málaga
• Laguna de Fuente de Piedra
• Reserva Natural de la Laguna de Fuente
• Guadalquivir
• Centro de Conservacion Zoo Córdoba

Information on Córdoba Central

The Córdoba Central station receives all the trains from Málaga to Córdoba. The station was opened to replace the old Córdoba Central Station, which is about 0.5 km west. Córdoba station caters for AVE standard gauge high-speed lines. The station also has a large commercial gallery within the complex that houses outlets that sell souvenirs, flowers, sweet shops, lottery, car hire and a tourist office. Other useful facilities at the station include:

• Restaurants and Cafes
• Cash Machines
• Photo booth
• Para-pharmacy
• Toilets and accessible toilets
• Newsagents

Night trains Málaga Córdoba

Night trains from Málaga to Córdoba account for 2 daily departures. The first night train leaves Málaga Maria Zambrano station at around 7:04 p.m.

Renfe trains Málaga to Córdoba

Renfe AVE trains Málaga to Córdoba

Roughly, 10 Renfe AVE trains from Málaga to Córdoba are on the route every day, translating to 70 trains weekly. All the Renfe AVE trains from Málaga to Córdoba are direct. The first Renfe AVE train departs Málaga at around 6:20 a.m. and takes about 52min to Córdoba, arriving at about 7:12 a.m. The last train starts its journey at 7:04 p.m. and arrives in Córdoba at 7:56 p.m. The Renfe AVE trains are high-speed trains. The fastest train covers the distance in roughly 49min while the slowest takes around 1h 4min. The fast train from Málaga to Córdoba travels at approximately 193 mph (310 km/h).

Trains Málaga to Córdoba: Sustainability Travel

Be at ease knowing you are protecting the environment when you take train Málaga - Córdoba. Trains contribute minimal carbon emissions in comparison with cars and planes. They are also the most efficient mode of transit when it comes to fuel. Due to their large capacity, they result in fewer passenger cars on the road and ease traffic congestion. Renfe trains and Renfe AVE trains are committed to keeping the environment clean by collaborating with different entities to promote waste recycling and redirecting the waste from landfills. Taking a train to Córdoba from Málaga is also cheaper in terms of the cost being economically sustainable.

Train Málaga to Córdoba: Services on Board

Renfe AVE trains have 2 seating classes, while the Renfe trains only have 1 class. If you have a flexible budget, check into the First Class cabin of the Renfe AVE train. The reclining seats are wide and have extra leg room. You also get complimentary food during your journey. The tables in the First Class cabin are big enough that you can work. In the Second Class of all trains from Málaga to Córdoba, you will enjoy the spacious seats and can keep busy with the free Wi-Fi. Take advantage of the power ports near the window seats and charge your devices. Food and drinks are also available but at a fee. Other beneficial on-board services are:

• Luggage: All the trains from Málaga to Córdoba permit a maximum of 3 pieces per passenger, and they should not exceed 25 kg or 290 cm when combined. The maximum dimensions permitted are 85 by 55 by 35 cm in height-width-depth.
• Bikes: You can bring your folded bike on any train to Córdoba from Málaga. Folded bikes are hand luggage, with dimensions not exceeding 180 cm. If your bike exceeds the dimensions, it is considered special luggage and must be dissembled.
• Pets: Passengers can bring their pets on board trains from Málaga to Córdoba, provided they are under 10kg and on a leash or in a cage. In the First Class of Renfe AVE trains, pets board free, while in the Second Class, you purchase a reduced ticket for your pet.
• Accessibility: There are staff on all trains from Málaga to Córdoba ready to help passengers in wheelchairs. The trains also have ramps to aid you in embarking or disembarking. However, you should contact the service provider in advance to arrange any extra assistance that you may need.
• Seat reservation: You can reserve a Solo Seat, Aisle or Window seat on any speed train from Málaga to Córdoba. Book your seat in advance to have the option of choosing your preferred seat. Some Renfe trains may have available seats on your date of travel.

When to book your train tickets from Málaga to Córdoba

Purchasing your train ticket about 3 months in advancewill give you a chance to reduce your ticket fare. There are normally ticket sales that happen months before your travel date. You can also buy your train ticket Málaga to Córdoba a week before your journey to get them at a lower cost. Alternatively, if your schedule is flexible, consider boarding the slower trains. You will spend a few more minutes extra travelling but save on the ticket cost. Another money-saving method is purchasing flexible tickets. You can alter your travel date and times with the ticket without additional Málaga to Córdoba train cost.

To Córdoba by train — travel tips

During the 9th and 10th Centuries, Jews, Arabs and Christians practised their beliefs without prosecution in Córdoba city. The city has preserved those important historical sites, and your itinerary in Córdoba should be full. At the top of yourto-do list in Córdoba should be La Mezquita which is a UNESCO-listed mosque. The mosque was originally built for the Caliphate of Córdoba. Explore the old Jewish quarter, the Judería, which features narrow, winding streets with a labyrinth and white houses with flower-adorned patios. You can also sample the local food specialities like Naranja con Aceite y Bacalao and the Arab influences pastry Pastel Cordobés. Visit the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos to explore further the multicultural heritage of the city. The Alcázar has both Roman and Visigoth ruins. The square in front of the Alcázar building, Plaza Campo Santo de los Mártires was where Christian martyrs were executed. Other attractions that you may visit during your time in Córdoba include:

• Calahorra Tower
• Calleja de las Flores
• Medina Azahara
• Palacio de Viana
• Córdoba Synagogue
• Puente Romano
• Festival de Patios

Cordoba: Great Mosque - Catedral de Cordoba. Source: Shutterstock

What are the other cities you can go from Córdoba?

After alighting your train from Málaga to Córdoba Central, your journey does not have to end there. There are several nearby cities worth visiting. Take the train to the medieval walled town of Palma del Rio and explore sites such as Palacio Portocarrero or Parque Periurbano Los Cabezos. You will enjoy the scenic journey between the 2 cities that take about 30min. Approximately 90.1 miles (145 km) from Córdoba, 1h 35min away, discover the city that is said to have been built by Hercules. Apart from the ancient history you will also enjoy the delicious tapas of Seville city. Go see the Jaen Cathedral known for its unique construction in Jaén, which is about 1h 30min from Córdoba.