Seville to Córdoba train with Renfe (13)

Traveling from Seville to Córdoba by Train

Introduction

Spain has plenty of high-speed trains; in fact, its high-speed rail network is the biggest in Europe and efficiently links nearly all of Spain’s major cities. In recent years, two private competitors have emerged to combat the Spanish state railway operator, Renfe, which has had no choice but to reaffirm its good railway service and lower its prices. I decided to test Renfe’s First Class seat on a sub-1-hour hop from Seville to Córdoba across the country’s south.

Route Overview

Seville to Córdoba is just 126 kilometers (79 miles). You’ve barely sat down before you’ve arrived at your destination. Renfe’s different offerings may seem like a bit of a mess when you consider that virtually every type of Renfe train service operates this route. The high-speed AVE, Avlo, and Avant are the fastest trains between Seville and Córdoba, taking about 45 minutes; the Alvia and Intercity take an hour, and the Media Distancia takes over an hour and a half. My train was the first departure of the day, AVE 2561, at 06:00, with the journey time being 43 minutes.

Interestingly, prices are actually lowest for the fastest trains, especially in advance. This stops passengers going from Seville to Córdoba from booking the slower, stopping trains and keeps availability for passengers getting on or off at stations in between. It's not a bad system, given the low prices… which are actually very low!

Transportation Experience

On all long-distance trains in Spain, it is compulsory to have a seat reservation; you can’t even access the high-speed train platforms without a ticket. Make sure you book on the Omio app or website as early as you can to guarantee you get the best fare. Trains can sell out or get very expensive if you get too close to your travel date.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

All high-speed trains in Seville serve the same station: Sevilla Santa Justa. It is conveniently located right in the center of the city and is served by a few bus lines. It is about a 15-minute walk away from the city’s sole tram and metro lines. Like all other Spanish high-speed stations, you will pass a security check before you access the train platforms, but don’t worry; you won’t have to take your liquids or electronics out of your bag.

In Córdoba, there is only one station served by long-distance trains. Previously named Córdoba Central, it is now simply known as Córdoba and is, as its old name suggested, located right in the heart of the city.

Schedule & Frequency

Renfe operates a large number of trains per day between the two cities: you’ll never be waiting too long in Seville before the next train. About a dozen of those are AVE trains, the last of which is at 17:46. However, six more high-speed trains depart after this one, with the final high-speed Avant train departing Sevilla Santa Justa station at 21:36 on weekdays.

Onboard Experience & Services

Renfe operates a few different train types on their flagship AVE service, but all are approximately the same. Today’s train was an S-100, the oldest but one of the best models of train in Renfe’s high-speed fleet.

There are leather armchairs in first class, laid out in a 2+1 configuration, which are among the most comfortable I’ve ever had on a train. The seats have a very good shape and recline, feature large headrests and padded armrests, and come with a massive tray table. Most seats are airline-style, but some face each other. This is truly an excellent service and was well worth the small price upgrade of €13 from second class.

This was all the benefit of my first-class ticket. Indeed, I opted for a cheap “Elige Confort” fare, which only comes with flexibility and the First Class seat as perks. Another fare also exists, “Prémium,” which includes lounge access and, on longer journeys, a meal served to your seat.

The rest of the train is also very nice, with the lower-class seating also spacious and comfortable. These S-100 trains do have a great ambiance. There’s also a bistro, where sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol, are available to buy. Fast and free WiFi is available to all passengers.

There is no limit on what luggage you can bring, but make sure you can carry it yourself and store it in the large luggage stacks at the coach ends or in the overhead racks above the seats.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Prices are dynamic and increase based on time and demand for every train operator in Spain. I recommend booking as far in advance as possible, as fares can shoot up. For this “Elige Confort” ticket, I paid €37 with 2 weeks’ notice.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book in advance to guarantee yourself the best fare.
• Don’t filter out the high-speed train options; they’re often cheaper!
• If you can, try and get on one of these S-100 trains; they’re my personal favorite, and I find them the most enjoyable and comfortable to travel on.

Conclusion

Renfe’s First Class remains a very solid product. Do I recommend it? Of course! For longer journeys, where it is nice to be able to enjoy a complimentary meal with drinks served to your seat, think about the Premium ticket option.

However, if it is expensive, don’t worry: Second Class or an Avlo low-cost service is still a perfectly good option. AVE trains are Renfe's flagship service, after all, and I think they’ve done a good job of making the journey comfortable and stress-free for passengers willing to pay more.

About the Author: Nonstop Eurotrip

• Job Title: Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Nonstop Eurotrip creates YouTube trip reports and reviews on trains, planes, buses and ferries within Europe—and all around the world—and also shares blog posts and travel deals on their website.