Day Trip From Seville To Granada:
The Perfect Itinerary

Seville and Granada are two of Andalusia’s most beautiful cities. And Granada offers a great day trip from Seville. With 250km separating the two, the journey is a little long, but it is more than worth it.

The Alhambra Palace dominates the Granada skyline. Sat atop a hill, this Moorish palace is the fourth most-visited monument in Spain. That’s not to say Granada doesn’t have more to offer. The Albaicín neighbourhood is a beautiful district full of charming streets, narrow alleys and phenomenal viewpoints.

Having visited Granada on three occasions, I can safely say that it is one of the most magical in Spain. If you have the time to spare whilst staying in Seville, don’t miss out!

So keep reading for my top tips for the perfect day in Granada.

Short On Time? Here’s What To Expect

• Morning – Explore the Alhambra Palace. Don’t miss the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, Palace of Charles V and the Generalife.
• Early Afternoon – Wander round the narrow streets of the Albaicín, visit on old Moorish house and take some photos at a viewpoint.
• Late afternoon – Visit the majestic cathedral of Granada and finish your day at the Alcaicería, the old Arab market.

What To Do During One Day In Granada

Your whistlestop tour of Granada starts here. Presuming you have chosen to spend just one day in Granada, here are my top tips on what to see in this magical Andalusian city.

Alhambra Palace

The essential stop on any trip to Granada! The Alhambra Palace, one of the 12 Treasures of Spain, sits majestically overlooking the city and is one of the most famous monuments in Spain.

The Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the palace complex of the Nasrid rulers of Andalusia. Work began on the complex in 1238 and was an undeniable show of the wealth and power of these powerful Moorish rulers.

You are going to need a few hours here to truly appreciate all that the complex has to offer!

Alcazaba

The oldest part of the complex. All that remains now of the Alcazaba are the outer walls, towers and ramparts.

Nasrid Palaces

The residences of the Moorish rulers, the Nasrid Palaces are absolutely spectacular. Full of incredible tilework, decorations and impressive fountains, it is hard not to be bowled over by the beauty of this place.

Make sure you check out the famous Court of the Lions (Patio de los Leons) and Court of the Myrtles (Patio de los Arranyanes), two iconic symbols of the palaces.

Pro Tip – If staying in Granada, get to the Alhambra Palace as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Also don’t forget your photo ID!

Palace of Charles V

Construction first began in 1527 but work on the palace didn’t actually finish until 1923. The palace now contains the Alhambra Museum and the Fine Arts Museum of Granada. If art is your thing, you’ll love it here.

Inside the palace is a large circular patio that will take your breath away. Taking inspiration from Roman architecture, the circular nature of the patio was ahead of its time when first constructed.

Generalife

The opulent summer palace and gardens of the Nasrids. The Generalife consists of three large terraces. Made up of orchards, market gardens and more modern gardens, the Generalife is a peaceful and beautiful end to your Alhambra experience.

Spend some time exploring the gardens and imagining what it was like during the Moorish times of Al-Andalus.

Albaicín

Located close to the Alhambra Palace complex, your next stop is the stunning neighbourhood of the Albaicín. This historic gem nestled on a hillside boasts a tapestry of whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and captivating views that will leave you spellbound.

Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, where every turn unveils a discovery. Allow yourself to get lost in the maze of streets, as each corner holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Ensure you stop at the Mirador de San Nicolás, a breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the majestic Alhambra palace framed by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada. You’ll get some incredible views, photos and a great memento from your day.

Pro Tip – Granada has a fantastic tapas culture and you will often be given a small tapa with your drink. Order your drink first and then decide if you need food after receiving your tapa. Great if you’re on a budget!

For those interested in the history of this neighbourhood, consider visiting Casa de Zafra. The house was built in the 14th century and is a great example of a traditional Spanish-Moorish house.

The house has Nazrid wall paintings and great views of the Alhambra. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with lift access to the upper floor. It is free to enter and is open all year round.

Granada Cathedral and Alcaicería (Arab Market)

The final stop on your whirlwind tour of Granada is the Old Town.

Your first stop is Granada Cathedral, an impressive Renaissance-era church that sits proudly as a symbol of the city’s artistic and religious heritage. Unlike many cathedrals in Spain, construction did not begin until 1518 after the Christian reconquest of Spain.

Inside the cathedral is adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs drawing visitors into a world of grandeur and solemnity. The nave is illuminated by the soft glow of stained glass windows casting beautiful reflections across the church.

Just a stone’s throw away lies the Alcaicería, once the bustling heart of Granada’s Moorish silk market. Today, this labyrinthine maze of narrow alleys and bustling souks transports visitors back in time to an era of exotic trade and cultural exchange.

Vibrant stalls adorned with colorful textiles, ceramics, and spices line the cobblestone streets, tempting passersby with their sensory delights. The air is filled with the aroma of spices and the melodious cadence of merchants haggling in Arabic and Spanish, creating a vibrant symphony of sounds and scents.

How To Get To Granada From Seville

Seville and Granada sit 160 miles apart in Andalusia. There are plenty of options for every budget when planning your day trip from Granada to Seville. Keep on reading for my advice on each of the options.

The Basic Numbers

Distance	260km/160miles
Journey By Car	3 hours
Journey By Train	2 hours 30 minutes
Journey By Bus	3 hours

By Car

A car will give you the freedom of the open road and mean you are not tied to other people’s schedules. There are also some great places to stop on the way if you have the time.

The drive takes about 3 hours. Renting a car in Seville is straightforward and driving in Spain is fairly easy. The roads and highways are of good quality.

One thing to consider is where to park your car when you get there. Parking in Granada is at a premium as there is not a lot of space. You may end up paying a lot or parking far out. It is something to consider when deciding what your best option is.

If you are planning on doing a tour of Andalusia in a group, a car will be a great option but for travelling into Granada, it would not be my preferred option.

By Train

The train is the quickest way to get from Seville to Granada. More relaxing than driving, you will be in Granada in two and a half hours. And as a bonus, you’ll get to see all the beautiful Andalusian countryside on the way.

There are currently four direct trains a day. The first one leaves at 7:42 AM with the last leaving at 7:20 PM. Trains depart from Sevilla Santa Justa station and go directly to Granada train station.

There are four direct trains in the opposite direction. The first train leaves at 6:25 AM and the last one leaves around 7:00 PM. A return ticket costs around €80/$85/£70. It is advisable to book in advance to get the best deals.

By Bus

If the price of the train is a little high, the bus is a great option. I have travelled extensively using ALSA and highly recommend them. Their buses are comfortable, punctual, and air-conditioned. A great option if you’re on a budget.

There are currently 8 direct buses a day. The first one leaves Seville at 8:00 AM and the last one leaves at 8:00 PM. Buses depart from the Plaza de Armas in the centre of Seville and go directly to Granada station.

There are 9 direct buses in the opposite direction. The first bus leaves at 7:00 AM and the last one leaves at 7:30 PM. A return ticket costs around €40/$43/£34. Once again, book in advance for the best deals.

Pro Tip – If you’re doing a tour of Andalusia, sign up for ALSA’s website. They offer loyalty bonuses and money off depending on how many trips you take.

By Guided Tour

For those wanting the easiest option with everything sorted for you, why not consider a guided tour?! There are plenty of options to suit different budget options but bear in mind these will be more expensive than the options above.

Here is my top recommendation for your guided tour from Seville to Granada:

Day Trip From Granada To Seville: Alhambra and Albaicín: Visit the Alhambra Palace with a guide and skip the lines to the Nasrid Palace. This tour also includes a guided tour of the old Medieval Moorish quarter of the Albaicín. This tour includes transport, entrance fees and a tour guide.

Find out why Granada is one of my top 20 Places to Visit in Spain for First Timers

How Many Days Should You Spend In Granada?

Granada is a magical city with so much history and many things to do. In short, one day is not enough time to truly experience Granada.

The Alhambra Palace is the city’s crowning jewel. Work began on the complex in 1238 and was the seat of the Nasrids, the Moorish rulers of the area, for over 250 years. It is a stunning feat of architecture which sits imposingly above the city.

The Alhambra Palace is the fourth most-visited monument in Spain. A day trip will inevitably focus on this incredible place. You’ll need at least a few hours to see it properly.

However, Granada has much more to offer than just the Alhambra. Having been to Granada three times, I keep discovering new places every time I go. There are certainly enough things to do to fill 4 whole days in this enchanting city.

However, in a single day, you will get an insight into Granada. You will be able to visit some of Granada’s main attractions and enjoy some great food. Just don’t be surprised if you spend the journey back to Seville planning your next trip there!

FAQs

Should You Visit Granada From Seville?

Definitely! Granada is absolutely stunning and an unmissable stop on any trip to Andalusia.

However, if you have more time I would definitely choose to stay over in Granada and spend a few days there. On my first visit to Granada, I spent 3 nights there and this felt like the perfect amount of time to start getting to know Granada.

Whilst you can get from Seville to Granada in a day, the journey is long and I guarantee that you will leave feeling like you needed more time. But if a day is all you have, don’t miss out!

How Much Does A Seville To Granada Train Cost?

A return ticket costs around €80/$85/£70 with a one-way costing about half of that. I advise that you book your tickets in advance as prices can go up.

I always use the Trainline app to book my tickets in Spain. The app is easy to use and you can often get a refund for free right up to the train departure. Perfect if you want to stay somewhere longer than initially planned!

How Much Does A Granada Tour Cost?

A tour from Seville to Granada is going to cost significantly more due to the transportation costs. Expect to pay in excess €100 for a group guided tour with transport from Seville. If you want a private tour, the prices are going to rise significantly.

If you have made your own way to Granada, check out my top tour recommendations below:

Granada: Alhambra & Nasrid Palaces Tour with Tickets: A small guided tour that includes priority access to the Alhambra. The tour includes the Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife, the Alcazaba and the Palace of Charles V.

Granada: Albaicín, Sacromonte & Museum of Caves Walking Tour: A 3-hour guided tour of the Albaicín and Sacromonte districts. There is also a tour of the Sacromonte Cave Museum. Tickets to the museum are included in the price.

Granada: 3-Hour Cathedral and Royal Chapel Tour: This tour includes a visit to the Encarnación Cathedral, Royal Chapel and the Alcaicería. There is also a tour of the first university of Granada.

Final Thoughts: Day Trip From Seville To Granada

In summary, a day trip from Seville to Granada offers an enriching experience filled with cultural exploration and historical immersion.

From the iconic Alhambra to the charming streets of Albaicín, there’s something to captivate every visitor.

Whether you’re admiring architectural marvels or indulging in local cuisine, Granada promises a memorable excursion that’s well worth the journey from Seville.

However, if you’re in the process of planning your Andalusia trip, consider making time to stay in Granada and really explore this stunning Andalusian city.