How to Do A Seville to Cordoba Day Trip

Wondering how to do a day trip to Cordoba from Seville?

You’ll be glad to know there are several easy ways to do this day trip to Cordoba from Seville – with options for either self-driving or using public transport. This is one of the easiest day trips from Seville.

I live in Seville, so I’ve done this trip quite a few times, and in this article, I’ll tell you exactly how to get there, as well as the best things to see in Cordoba in one day.

Read on and find out everything you need for an outstanding Cordoba day trip from Seville!

The Complete Seville to Cordoba Day Trip Guide

With one day in Cordoba, you’ll get to visit numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the old town of Córdoba

The picturesque city has a vibrant mix of Roman, Islamic, Jewish and Catholic architecture all fused into one stunning little melting pot. 

Best Things To See In Cordoba

• Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba)
• Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs  (Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos)
• Medina Azahara Ruins
• Roman Bridge
• Alley of Flowers (Calleja de las Flores)
• Puerta del Puente
• Jewish Quarter
• Roman Temple
• Try the local salmorejo

How to Get From Seville to Córdoba

There are a few options to travel to Cordoba from Seville.

• Train
• Bus
• Car
• Guided Tour

I’ve visited Cordoba quite a few times and opted to go by car or train. Both are very straightforward making it easy to do a day trip from Seville to Cordoba. 

how Far Is Cordoba from Seville?

The distance between Seville and Cordoba is 140km (87 miles) which makes it perfect for a day trip.

🚄 Getting From Seville to Cordoba by Train (Easiest Option)

The easiest option is to take the train from Seville to Cordoba.  The scenic train ride takes about 45 minutes on the high speed train.  

The Seville to Cordoba train is operated by the Spanish railway service, Renfe. AVE is Renfe’s flagship high-speed service.

Trains from Seville to Cordoba depart from Sevilla Santa Justa Train Station and arrive at Cordoba Railway Station. There are up to 17 departures a day. Once you arrive in Cordoba, it’s about 15 minute walk to the historic centre.

You can book train tickets directly at the station, or using the Renfe trains app (I always find the app really glitchy). The popular travel times do sell out. Also, make sure you book the high speed AVE train for the fastest service.

To secure the best prices book your train ticket in advance. Check times and availability using the Omio App.

🚗 Getting From Seville to Córdoba by Car

By far the most flexible option for a Córdoba day trip from Seville is by car. This is also the best way to see a couple of sights just outside the city which I’ll mention later on. 

Getting from Cordoba to Seville is easy, follow the A4 northeast out of the city. This leads to the E5. The 140km journey should take about 90 minutes. 

🚌 Getting from Seville to Cordoba by Bus

A direct bus goes from Seville to Cordoba. The bus departs from Seville’s Plaza De Armas bus station and arrives at Cordoba bus station. This route runs up to 7 times a day.

The bus is slightly cheaper than the Cordoba to Seville train. Unless you’re on a tight budget then I don’t recommend taking the bus to Cordoba as it takes too long. Journey times are anywhere between 1hr45mins and 2hr10mins.

If you do want to travel by bus, you can check availability, departure times and the best prices using Omio.

🧑 Organised Tours from Seville to Cordoba

If you’re interested in an absolute fuss-free option and prefer to let someone else do the planning and driving for you then opt for an organised tour to Cordoba from Seville. 

The downside is that organised tours are a little more pricier compared to the other options I’ve suggested.

Several tour operators offer day trips from Seville to Cordoba which will include your transportation and a professional guide. Some tours even include admission tickets for attractions.

Seville to Cordoba Day Trip: Itinerary Map

This map shows everything I’ve mentioned in this Seville to Cordoba day trip itinerary. Click on the map for the interactive version.

Best Things To Do In Cordoba

1. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba (Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba)

At the top of the list of places to visit in Cordoba is the UNESCO-listed Mezquita Cathedral de Cordoba, or the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Built on the site of a Mosque, in the 13th century, it was converted into a cathedral.

Materials to build the Cordoba Cathedral came from Roman temples that once stood in the city.

The vast arcaded hall features the famous red and white coloured arches. It ranks as the 5th largest church in the world. In total 856 columns support the roof of the mosque-cathedral, making this one of the most outstanding structures in Spain. 

You’ll also find an array of small chapels and alcoves elaborately decorated in both Christian and Islamic styles. Everything about the place is jaw-droppingly stunning and I spent ages perusing every detail here and simply standing in awe at how beautiful the whole place was. The high vaulted ceiling of the cathedral in the centre is no less than impressive!

Although this is one of the most famous buildings in Spain and is visually stunning, there’s a distinct lack of signage and explanations inside. If you are interested in finding out more about the Mosque-Cathedral then take a tour of the Mosque-Cathedral.

2. Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs (Alcazar de Los Reyes Cristianos)

The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, or Alcazar of the Christan Monarchs is similar to the Real Alcazar in Seville. It’s built in the Mudéjar architectural style with a heavy influence from Islamic art.

The UNESCO World Heritage site decorated with Mudejar-style motifs and plaster work was built in 1328 on the site of a previous fortress.

The main tower of the Alcazar is known as the “Tower of the Inquisition” due to its use in the 1400s Spanish Inquisition. It was partially used as a prison and headquarters. Part of the Alcazar along with the Arab baths’ were converted into torture and interrogation chambers during this time. 

The Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos has also hosted some iconic historical figures, including Christopher Columbus, while he was preparing to sail to the Americas. Then, in 1810, it served as a garrison for Napoleon Bonaparte’s army. 

3. Jewish Quarter

The Jewish Quarter of Cordoba is located in the Historic Centre and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jewish residents of Cordoba lived in this area between the 10th-15th centuries.

If you’ve already wandered about Seville’s historic centre, then you’ll draw comparisons between Cordoba’s Jewish quarter, and Seville’s Barrio Santa Cruz. A criss-cross of narrow cobbled lanes and alleyways, some so narrow you can touch the buildings on both sides of the alley.

The Jewish District is to the northeast of the Mezquita-Cathedral of Cordoba. The street names to look out for are Tomás Conde, Almanzor Deanes, Manríquez, Judíos and Romero plus any little lane spurring off these.

4. Alley of Flowers (Calleja de las Flores)

The Calleja de las Flores (The Alley of Flowers) is a little alleyway that always pips the spot as being one of the most Instagrammable places in Cordoba.

You can see the beautiful patios in Cordoba all year round. However, if you’re visiting in May, then I highly recommend adding ‘Los Patios de Córdoba’ festival to your Cordoba must see list. During this festival, hundreds of patios across the city are decorated with beautiful colourful flowers. 

If you have longer than a day in Cordoba and want to see THE MOST stunning flowered patios then I’d highly recommend Palacio de Viana (Viana Palace) for your visit.

You can also book a guided tour of Cordoba’s stunning flower patios.

5. Roman Bridge (Puente Romano de Córdoba)

Not far from the historical centre, you’ll find the Puente Romano de Córdoba (Roman Bridge of Cordoba) Your Cordoba 1 day itinerary wouldn’t be complete without walking over this ancient landmark. 

Dating back to the 1st century A.D., the Roman Bridge of Cordoba is one of the oldest parts of the city.

It looks great just as the sun is beginning to set. Although a bridge has stood since the Roman Times, the structures you see today mostly date from the Medieval era.

Cross over to the other side of the Guadalquivir River for a stunning view looking back at the Mosque-Cathedral, the Gate of the Bridge and the Old Town.

6. Bridge Gate (Puerta del Puente)

The Puerta del Puente is the gigantic Renaissance-style gate which sits at the Old Town end of the Roman Bridge.

Originally this gate formed part of the old city walls. It was restructured in the 14th century to the much more grand structure that you’ll see today. 

7. Roman Temple

If you’re into your architecture and ruins, then while you’re visiting Cordoba, I recommend checking out the Templo Romano (Roman Temple). It’s located towards the northeast of the Mosque-Cathedral.

The once-great Roman Temple was built during the 1st century, although only discovered during the 1950s.

All that remains today are the foundations and several columns. Other parts of the temple can be found in the Archaeological Museum where they have been moved for preservation.

8. Plaza de Corredera 

Not far from the Roman Temple is the Town Square of Plaza de Corredera. It dates from the 17th Century and is framed by arched buildings including the old town hall and a jail.

This is a great spot for either a coffee or lunch at one of the many tapas bars.

If you’re interested in trying traditional and regional Spanish food, then order salmorejo.

9. Medina Azahara (Madinat Al-Zahra)

If like me, you’re a huge fan of ruin sites then I highly recommend the ruins of Medina Azahara 8km outside of Cordoba.

At the Medina Azahara, you’ll find the ruins of a once vast, fortified palace city. Because of their location just outside the city, I suggest either taking a taxi or booking a tour to get there.

The Medina was built between the years 936 and 976 and was the headquarters for administrative and residential tasks in the region. This is the largest archaeological site in Spain covering 112 hectares!

You can opt to visit the site during the day or join one of the evening visits to the ancient Medina.

Suggested One Day Cordoba Itinerary

This easy day trip to Cordoba from Seville delves into one of Andalucias’ most charming cities. 

Cordoba Itinerary: Morning

Start your day trip from Seville to Cordoba at the impressive Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba. Spend plenty of time pursuing this stunning UNESCO structure before heading out to explore the Jewish Quarter. Don’t miss the Calleja de las Flores.

Cordoba Itinerary: Afternoon

Stop off for lunch at Plaza de Corredera and then visit the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs before going on to explore the old ruins of the Roman Temple and the Roman Bridge.

Cordoba Itinerary: Evening

In the early evening head out to the hillside ruins of the Medina Azahara palace. Before heading back into Cordoba’s historic centre to enjoy cocktails at one of Cordoba’s many rooftop bars.

Is a Day Trip From Seville to Cordoba Worth It?

Yes, a day trip from Seville to Cordoba is worth it. It’s less than an hour by train and there are loads of other places to visit in Cordoba. 

Travel Tips for Your Seville Day Trip to Cordoba

To make the most out of this Cordoba one day itinerary, consider the following tips:

• Start early to maximise your time
• Book guided tours well in advance, especially during peak season
• Check the weather and dress appropriately for the hot summers
• Wear comfortable shoes as there will be plenty of walking and cobblestone pavements
• Walk across the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano) for amazing city views – especially at sunset
• Try the local cuisine, including traditional dishes like salmorejo and flamenquín
• Consider an overnight stay to fully immerse in Cordoba’s ambience and nightlife
• Plan your visit during the weekdays to avoid crowded weekends
• If you have longer in the region, then take a day trip to Granada to see the Alhambra

Cordoba Day Trip From Seville FAQs

We’ve covered lots of details about how to get the most out of your Seville to Cordoba Day Trip. This section answers any other questions you might have about planning your trip to Cordoba.

Final Thoughts on How To Do A Cordoba From Seville Day Trip

I really hope this guide has piqued your interest in taking a Seville to Cordoba day trip. 

Whether you choose to delve into the diverse history, awe at the stunning architecture, explore the prettiest Instagram spots or simply immerse yourself in the city’s chilled vibe, you’ll find something here to fall in love with.

This Cordoba day trip itinerary has covered all the highlights the city has to offer, if you do have longer, then I highly recommend staying over for a night to explore more.