Málaga to Seville: Practical Travel Tips [2024]

Malaga Things to Do in Malaga

Málaga to Seville: Practical Travel Tips [2024]

Do You Need To Get From Málaga to Seville?

If you’re looking for hassle-free transport options between Malaga and Seville, you have come to the right place!

As I live next to Malaga, this article will have everything you need to know to plan your Málaga to Seville trip, including many practical local tips to save you time and money.

As you probably already know, you must fly to Malaga International Airport to visit Seville. Seville also has a small airport, but it serves mostly local airlines.

If you need transport from the airport, you can book it easily in advance at Kiwitaxi in just a few clicks. The company has great reviews and no hidden fees policy, so you always know what you’re paying.

No Time To Read The Article?

fuengirola car rental

Choose the easiest and most cost-effective transport option for Seville: I always recommend Discover Cars, which will get you the best prices for car rentals from Malaga!

The other options are using local public transport like buses or trains, but you can also visit Seville on a day trip from Malaga, to experience the main highlights in just one day.

You will find a detailed description and tips for all of these transport options, together with airport transport tips, in the article below.

best day trips from Seville
Is Seville worth visiting?

How Far is Málaga from Seville?

Are you wondering what the distance between Malaga and Seville is? Below you will find the distance details with estimated drive time.

  • Malaga to Seville – 200 km (124 miles) – 2 hours 20 mins drive
  • Malaga Airport to Seville – 215 km (133 miles) – 2 hours 15 mins drive
  • Granada to Seville – 250 km (155 miles) – 2 hours 40 mins drive
  • Cordoba to Seville – 145 km (90 miles) – 1.5 hours drive
  • Marbella to Seville – 260 km (161 miles) – 2 hours 44 mins drive

How to Get From Málaga to Seville

Here are your options for getting from Malaga to Seville:

TransportDurationOne Way Cost
Car Rental2 hrs 20 mins€35 for 4/5 days
Private Transport2 hrs 20 mins€155
Train1 hr 55 mins€37
Bus2 hrs 45 mins€20

As I mentioned, one of the easiest ways to reach Seville is by renting your own car – I always recommend Discover Cars as they offer you the best deals on car rental with no hidden fees or surprises. They have some of the best customer reviews on the market.

Check out the details for each transport option below.

TRANSPORT MALAGA TO SEVILLE

1. Malaga to Seville with Rented Car

One of the easiest ways to explore Seville is by renting a car and driving there. This option gives you the most flexibility and is one of the cheapest solutions too.

In this section, you will find everything you need to know about car rentals in Malaga, suggested travel routes and all the insights which will save you a lot of time and hassle.

Renting a Car in Malaga

Renting a car can be complicated because of hidden fees and local scams that are easy to fall into.

1. Which Rental Company to Use

I recommend using Discover Cars, an award-winning car rental comparison site that will get you the best deals from dozens of local and international car rental companies so that you can find the best deals on car rentals in seconds.

The company is super transparent and has some of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry (4.4/5 on Tripadvisor), so you can be confident in making your booking through them.

Best of all, booking is easy, and you can find the best deal on car rental from Malaga in seconds.

GET THE BEST PRICE FOR CAR RENTAL
2. How to Book a Car Rental in Malaga

It’s super easy – add your journey details to the table below, generating quotes and price options for your car rental. I have added some explanatory comments below the table.

Pick up location: you can use the address of your hotel, or if you’re travelling directly from the airport, use the terminal address. They will park the car for you by the terminal building.

Return location: the search is set up by default, with the return location being the same as the pickup location. If you want to change that, simply untick the box and provide a dedicated drop-off location.

Small print: on top of the search button, you will see a small note about the driver’s country of residence and age – make sure that reflects your residence and age so you get the most accurate quote for car rental.

3. Choose Your Rental Quote

Once you have added the details to the form, you will have many options and quotes from different companies.

Please pay attention to the review rating for each transport company and avoid using those with low rating, as you’ll most likely get into some issues using them, or they will be very difficult in case something goes wrong on the road.

The terms for each car rental option are clearly displayed on the overview, with the fuel policy, pick-up location and other important terms of the rental.

4. Car Insurance Coverage

Once you select your chosen company, you will be navigated to the booking details page, where you should check carefully that all the details are correct.

I highly recommend taking the full coverage option from Discover Cars as it’s the best peace of mind service in case something goes wrong while you’re driving in Spain.

GET THE BEST PRICE FROM DISCOVER CARS

Driving from Malaga to Seville

Travel options for the 200 km trip from Malaga to Seville are two basic routes:

Option 1: The first one goes through the North, passing Antequera and Osuna on the way, while the second one goes from the south and is slightly longer.

Option 2: The journey, as you can see from the map, will take between 2 hrs 15 mins to 45 minutes, depending on which route you opt for.

Estimated toll fees: you can take a toll-free route via A-92

Estimated fuel costs: around 27 euros

BOOK CAR RENTAL NOW
TRANSPORT MALAGA TO SEVILLE

2. Private Transfer from Malaga to Seville

If you don’t like the hassle of driving and navigating the local traffic, getting a private taxi transfer is one of the easiest options.

I have personal experience with Get Transfer, and would highly recommend using them. On the last two occasions I used them, the price I got was much cheaper than using any local taxi company.

The website generates competitive price quotes from many local taxi companies and transport services, so you will get the best price on your transport in seconds.

BOOK PRIVATE TRANSPORT
  • click here to get to the main page where you enter your journey details
  • you will need the exact pickup and drop-off address to get an accurate quote
  • enter the date and time of travel
  • you also have the option to request a child seat, English speaking driver, access to wifi in the car, notify them about excess luggage and also request a return journey
  • once you add the details, you just hit get a quote, add your email, and the website will start gathering the best quotes from transport and taxi companies for you
  • once you find a price that works for you, you can finish the transaction by booking the trip directly through the website
  • please be patient, as it takes time for the site to populate new offers that keep coming in
The Real Alcazar of Seville
The Real Alcazar of Seville
TRANSPORT MALAGA TO SEVILLE

3. Train from Malaga to Seville

I have travelled to Seville twice by train already, and it’s one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel from Malaga.

The national Renfe network operates the train from Malaga to Seville.

It has the most connections and it’s the best one to use – there are 6 connections per day.

Train Tickets for Malaga to Seville

You can buy your train tickets in advance online – that way; you get the best price.

Head over to the renfe website and put in your destination and dates. The site is also available in English or you can translate it in your browser.

The ticket prices for the train from Malaga to Seville start from just under 20 euros one way, per person, but most prices you will find are 37 euros per person.

Cheap train tickets are available on most days, but fares vary depending on the season, departure date, and train time.

BOOK TRAIN TICKETS ONLINE

Navigate to Trainline to check the availability and prices for your desired journey.

Once you select your journey details, you will be presented with a number of connection options – the price usually reflects the journey duration, so the faster tickets will always be more expensive, on average around 37 euros one way.

Here is how to make your booking:

  • select your desired train connection and terms of the journey (whether its direct or a change may be required)
  • proceed with the payment details – you will be asked for ID to make the booking
  • the ticket will be sent to your email address as a PDF or you can download it directly from the website
  • on the day of the travel, you only need to show the QR code at the entrance to the platform
  • seats are normally allocated when you buy the ticket
  • if you don’t see seat allocation, it will say ‘assigned at departure’, which means a lady at the station booth will hand you over a physical paper with your seat written down. If you’re travelling as a group, don’t worry, they normally give you seats next to each other.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS ONLINE

Train Departures and Travel Time

The travel time is around 2 hours for the faster trains which are direct, but there are also slower train which tends to have a cheaper price but take much longer, up to 5 hours.

The trains from Malaga to Seville leave from Malaga Maria Zambrano station and arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa (be careful with the spelling when you search for tickets – you have to use the Spanish name of Sevilla, not Seville).

Malaga Atocha station
Malaga to Sevilla Santa Justa Train Departures

Here are some example travel times and journey duration from Malaga, please note these are seasonal and subject to change:

DepartureArrivalJourney Time
6.43 am8.38 am1 hr 55 mins
6.43 am9.37 am2 hr 54 mins
9.10 am11.05 am1 hr 55 mins
2.15 pm4.10 pm1 hr 55 mins
4.28 pm6.23 pm1 hr 55 mins
6.18 pm8.13 pm1 hr 55 mins
8.13 pm10.08 pm1 hr 55 mins

Train Facilities

The trains are quite modern and well equipped with food service offered on the longer journeys and a restaurant coach available. The trains have modern toilets and good luggage storage facilities.

There is also a wifi connection and access to electricity sockets should you need to charge your laptop on the way.

Train Station Security Measures

As you arrive in Malaga Maria Zambrano, you can head straight to the gates which are located in the middle section of the station. Right in front of it is a security scan where you place your luggage for scanning and pass through the airport-style security gate.

After that, they will check your tickets at the booth by the entrance to the platform and you’re free to board the train.

Malaga Train Station

Train Stations in Malaga

The trains to Seville leave from Maria Zambrano train station, which is the biggest station in Malaga.

It is a well-equipped station with restaurants, shops, cafes and everything else you might think of for a journey with train. If you cross the street from the station, you will find the main bus station adjacent right next to it.

There is a decent size taxi rank outside the train station, so you won’t struggle to get a taxi if you’re arriving here.

Train Station in Seville

The trains arrive at Sevilla Santa Justa, a similar train station to the one in Malaga, but with not as many facilities as you would find in Malaga.

You won’t find many restaurants, but there are a few souvenir shops, cafe and basic station facilities.

TRANSPORT MALAGA TO SEVILLE

4. Bus from Malaga to Seville

Getting the bus to Seville is certainly convenient, although it takes much longer than the train.

Bus Companies for this Route

Two companies are operating this journey, each offering competitive ticket prices and about the same journey time.

I recommend using Omio, which is the best way to get prices for both companies simultaneously and book your bus tickets easily.

Buying Bus Tickets for Seville

Enter your travel dates in the form below to get a quick selection of bus tickets for the desired travel time and book them in seconds.

If you’re worried that your travel plans might change, Omio has the option to upgrade to flex terms which allows you to cancel the ticket and get a refund of 85% of the ticket value up to 24 hours before departure.

The tickets are valid only for the chosen bus, you cannot use them for different bus departures.

Ticket can be cancelled or changed for free up to 48 hours before departure, for a 20% fee up to 24 hours before departure and for a 30% fee up to 2 hours before departure.

Standard tickets include travel luggage with you, if you’re travelling with excessive luggage or oversized luggage, there is an option to pay extra for those too.

You only need to have the PDF ticket; no need to print anything – the driver will scan the QR code when you enter the bus. Have your ID with you as some of them might ask for it as you present the ticket.

Tips for Bus Journey

Here are some practical tips to make your journey more pleasant:

  • If you struggle with travel sickness, I recommend getting some medicine ahead of the trip as it’s a long one.
  • Wifi is available on most buses
  • The buses are fairly modern and equipped with toilet
  • Seats are also comfortable with storage overhead and small pocket in front of the seat
  • You should not listen to loud music or make calls while in the bus, which signs clearly indicate, but most local travellers completely ignore that
  • If you’re travelling with kids, I would strongly suggest using some of the alternative transport options as they will struggle with a long bus journey

Malaga Bus Station

The main bus station in Malaga is just across the road from Malaga Maria Zambrano station. It’s a very old and dated station with almost no facilities.

If you want to do some shopping ahead of your trip, or have food before you go, just walk across the road to the train station, which is just like a little shopping mall with big Mercadona supermarket, shops and restaurants on the first floor. Most places will also do takeaway so you can take some food with you on the bus.

Malaga bus station
Malaga bus station
TRANSPORT MALAGA TO SEVILLE

5. Day Trip from Malaga to Seville

If you only want to see the highlights of Seville and return to Malaga within the same day, taking a day trip is the perfect solution.

I highly recommend booking this day trip with a local travel company, as it saves you a lot of time and hassle planning this tour. With the option I linked below, you already have tickets to Seville Cathedral included.

BOOK NOW: DAY TRIP FROM MALAGA TO SEVILLE

Why Book Online?

Here are some of the benefits of booking a day trip with a local travel company:

  • FREE cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip for a full refund gives you lots of flexibility if your plans change.
  • Reserve now and pay later option – no need to pay the whole amount immediately.
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Pick up and drop off location in central Malaga
  • Check other traveller reviews before you book this trip
  • Travel in a comfortable modern air-conditioned bus
  • This trip runs 1x per week, so book your spot in advance so you don’t miss out.
  • Free time to explore Seville on your own
  • Book online in just a few steps via the link below

If you prefer to plan everything yourself, you can still drive to Seville for a day trip and get inspired by the activities and monument tickets I have linked below.

BOOK NOW: DAY TRIP FROM MALAGA TO SEVILLE

How to Book Your Day Trip

Navigate to the page linked above, and then follow the instructions:

  • From the page, select the number of people attending, your preferred day trip and your language preference.
  • You will be navigated to a payment page.
  • Your ID will be required to book the trip.
  • You will receive an email confirmation showing you the starting time, pick-up location and all the details you need to know for this trip.

Is it Sold Out?

The trip to Seville is very popular, so in case you already checked the recommended tour and it’s not available on the dates you would like to travel, here are a few options you could consider instead:

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower

Tickets To Monuments in Seville

If you’re planning your trip to Seville, don’t forget that get your tickets early to avoid disappointment. Especially tickets to the Royal Alcazar tend to sell out fast, and a limited number of people are allowed in the palace for every hour.

If you have time, I would also recommend a visit to Palacio Duenas and Casa de Pilatos, which I have visited myself, and they are absolutely beautiful (click on the link to see some photos from the places).

Seville Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

If you need some inspiration on what to do during your stay in Seville, here are some of the most popular options available:

Seville: Live Flamenco Dancing Show Ticket at the Theater – wonderful traditional live flamenco performance at an authentic flamenco theatre in Seville.

Seville: Flamenco Show with Optional Flamenco Museum Ticket – one of the most popular shows with over 1000 positive reviews (4.8/5 rating)

Seville: Tapas Crawl – the perfect choice for those who love experiencing the culinary wonders of the region

Seville: Guadalquivir River Cruise – Pass under historic bridges, admire the best panoramic views of the city, and see where gold-laden ships once docked.

Seville: Hop-On Hop-Off City Sightseeing Bus – Explore Seville at your own pace with a 24-hour ticket for the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.

From Seville: Half-Day Guided Bike Trip to Italica – Explore the ruins of the roman city of Itálica and the village of Santiponce during this 5-hour bike excursion from the city of Seville.

Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
Palacio de las Dueñas, Seville
triana seville 1 of 1 4
Riverboats in Seville
TRANSPORT MALAGA TO SEVILLE

FAQ: Transport from Malaga to Seville

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about this route.

If your questions hasn’t been answered in here, feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post and I will answer it there.

How Far is it from Malaga to Seville?

The distance between Malaga and Seville is roughly 200 km.

How much does the train ticket cost from Malaga to Seville?

The train tickets start from 20 euros one way per person, but the price varies a lot depending on the season, day of the week and time of the train departure. On average, you can expect to pay around 37 euro for one way tickets.

How to get from Malaga Airport to Seville?

If you need to get from Malaga airport to Seville, you can take a train to the Malaga Maria Zambrano station, which is only a couple of stops. From there you will get direct train departures to Seville between 8 – 10 times a day. The average journey takes 2 or 3 hours, depending on whether you take the faster or the slower connection.

How long is the journey from Malaga to Seville?

The fastest connection is probably by train, which is just two hours direct connection. If you travel by a car, it also takes roughly two hours but you need to account for the traffic both in Malaga and Seville and the time needed to find parking for the car.

Where Can I get a Train from Malaga to Seville?

The trains to Seville depart from Malaga Maria Zambrano station, which is the main biggest station in Malaga.

Is Seville Worth Visiting?

It is definitely worth a visit! If you have only one day to see it, it’s still worth the drive even for a day trip, as you can cover at least two of the main monuments – the Cathedral of Seville and the Royal Alcazar.

I would personally recommend allowing at least 5 days to explore the city, so you don’t miss out on any of the other cool places like Setas de Sevilla, Casa de Pilatos, the Bullring, Palacio de Duenas, Casa de Salinas, exploring the Triana district and many of the photo-perfect locations in the old town of Seville.

How Long Does it Take to Drive from Seville to Malaga?

It takes on average 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive to Seville from Malaga.

Southern Spain Travel Tips

BEST CAR RENTAL

To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, an award winning price comparison site for car rentals.

BUS & TRAIN TICKETS

To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.

LOCAL TOURS

Local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.

HOTELS

I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and it’s the best place to book your hotel.

LUGGAGE STORE

If you would like to leave your luggage behind to explore the city on your last day, you can use Radical Storage service, which lets you book luggage storage in all the destinations in Spain.

LOCAL SIM CARD

If you want to avoid surprising extra charges from your operator, you can use a service like Airalo, where you can buy digital packs for e-sim cards.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.

Southern Spain Travel Tips

Find Best Hotels

Find Hotels

I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and it’s the best place to book your hotel.

Find Car Rental

Find Car Rental

To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, an award-winning price comparison site for car rentals.

Book Your Tour

Local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.

Book Local Transport

To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.

Find Cheap Flights

Get the best flight deals when you book early via Skyscanner.com

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links - if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.

Hi, I'm Lucia

The founder and writer of Viva La Vita, a blog about traveling in Spain.

On these pages, you will find many practical tips and recommendations from someone who lives in Spain and travels around Spain often.

Filled with my images and unique local perspective, I hope these pages will offer you plenty of inspiration, insights & ideas to plan a wonderful trip to Spain.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.