Andalusia is well connected by train between its major cities but requires a car for rural areas. The AVE and Avant high-speed network links Madrid to Seville in 2h20 and to Málaga in 2h20. Seville and Málaga are connected in 2 hours. Córdoba sits on the Madrid-Seville line (45 min from Seville, 55 min from Madrid). Granada is not on the AVE network from Madrid — the best option is Alsa coach (3h30 from Seville, 3h from Málaga, 5h from Madrid).
Within the region, the Alsa and Comes bus networks connect the main cities and tourist villages efficiently, but frequencies thin out in rural areas. For the Pueblos Blancos, Sierra de Grazalema, Sierra Nevada or the Almería coast, a rental car is essential. Andalusian roads are generally in good condition but wind sharply through the sierras — allow double the time that straight-line distances suggest.
In Seville, the tramway (line 1) and city bus cover the centre effectively. Cycling is a practical option for intra-muros distances — the SEVICI bike-sharing scheme is available across the city. Most historic centre sites are within walking distance of each other.
The main international airports are Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP, the busiest, Ryanair and easyJet hub), Seville (SVQ, direct flights from Paris) and Granada (GRX, some low-cost routes). Jerez de la Frontera airport (XRY) serves the Costa de la Luz.
Read also
- Seville, flamenco capital of Andalusia — Cathedral, Alcázar, Plaza de España, Triana and flamenco tablaos in Andalusia's capital city.
- Granada and the Alhambra — The world's most perfect Nasrid palace, the Albaicín quarter, Sacromonte and free tapas.
- Spain — Complete guide: entry requirements, budget, regions and best time to visit.
- Catalonia — Barcelona, the Costa Brava and the Catalan Pyrenees — the other great Spain.