How to Get Around Andalusia

Andalusia's cities are well connected by rail. The AVE high-speed line, Spain's first, opened in 1992 between Madrid, Cordoba and Seville, and now also reaches Málaga and Granada, making a day trip between the Golden Triangle cities realistic. Renfe operates the network; standard and long-distance trains fill in the smaller towns. Airports at Málaga, Seville and Granada connect to the rest of Europe, with Málaga the region's busiest.

Within cities, walking covers the compact historic centres of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, supplemented by bus networks and, in Seville, a tram and single metro line. A car is more useful for the pueblos blancos of the Sierra de Grazalema, the Sierra Nevada ski area, Doñana National Park and the coastal drive along the Costa del Sol or Costa de la Luz, where public transport thins out. EU nationals can drive on a home licence; others should carry an International Driving Permit alongside it.

By train. The AVE connects Madrid to Cordoba and Seville, and extends to Málaga and Granada; it is the fastest way to cover the region's distances. Renfe's cercanías (commuter) and media distancia trains link smaller towns.

By air. Málaga-Costa del Sol is Andalusia's busiest airport and among Spain's top three; Seville and Granada also have international airports.

By car. Essential for the Sierra de Grazalema's pueblos blancos, the Sierra Nevada, Doñana National Park and the coastal roads; the AP-4 links Seville and Cádiz, the A-92 crosses the region east-west via Granada. Parking is limited in the old quarters of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, so leave the car outside the centre.

Within cities. Seville's historic centre is walkable, with a tram, one metro line and city buses (Tussam); Cordoba and Granada rely on buses within compact centres reachable largely on foot. Book Alhambra entry well in advance, as Granada caps daily visitor numbers.