Leave the car behind and uncover the best day trips from Seville! Easy public transport options and tours will take you to these amazing spots you'll want to explore near Seville.
By Liza S. | Updated 11 Jul 2024 | Seville | Places To Go |
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Italica
Seville is easily my favourite city in Andalucia - there’s so much to see, do, and experience! But its appeal isn’t just limited to the city itself: Seville is a fantastic base for day trips to discover even more of the region.
Thanks to great public transportation connections, taking day trips from Seville without a car is not just convenient and eco-friendly - it also offers a cost-effective way to explore the diverse attractions of Andalusia.
With excellent public transportation options from Seville, you can easily visit historic cities, picturesque towns, and stunning natural parks.
This guide will introduce you to the best day trips from Seville that can be enjoyed using trains and buses (and tours!). From the ancient wonders of Córdoba and Ronda to the natural beauty of Doñana National Park, these destinations are perfect for enriching your travel experience in the south of Spain.
Read on to plan your perfect day trip adventure from Seville.
Here are my picks for the 9 best day trips from Seville without a car:
Read on to learn more about each day trip, including the best ways to get there and what to see and do in each place.
The Mezquita in Córdoba
The most popular day trip from Seville is undoubtedly Córdoba. For one, it takes under one hour to get there from Seville on one of the high-speed trains. And of course, Córdoba is an attractive city to visit, thanks to its amazing history.
So, if you don’t have the time in your itinerary to include a night or two inCórdoba, it should definitely be on the top of your Seville day trip list.
Córdoba, once the capital of the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus, is renowned for its stunning architecture, vibrant history, and rich cultural heritage. The city's most famous landmark, the Mezquita-Catedral, reflects its unique blend of Christian and Islamic influences. It’s actually one of my favourite monuments in Spain!
High-speed trains (AVE) run frequently from Seville to Córdoba, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes. This route is quite popular so it’s a good idea to book your train tickets in advance.
The train station in Córdoba is conveniently located near the city centre, making it easy to explore the main attractions on foot.
You can also take a bus from Seville to Cordoba. It’s usually cheaper than taking the train but takes twice as long (about 2 hours).
For a completely stress-free day trip, I recommend going on a day tour from Seville to Cordoba where you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the day. Here are 5 of the best Cordoba day tours from Seville.
What to Do in Cordoba:
Check out my guide to spending one day in Cordoba to plan your day trip. You may also like to check out my recommendations for 10 incredible tours in Cordoba to make the most of your time in the city.
Plaza de San Juan Dios in Cadiz
In my opinion, Cadiz deserves more than a day trip… but like Cordoba, if you don't have time for a longer visit, it’s certainly possible to see the city’s highlights on a day trip from Seville.
Cádiz, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, is known for its picturesque old town, impressive architecture, and lively atmosphere. Its location on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the sea gives it a unique charm.
This captivating coastal city is well-connected with Seville, making it ideal for a day trip.
The best way to get there without a car is by train. Trains from Seville to Cádiz take approximately 1.5 hours, with frequent services throughout the day. The train station in Cádiz is conveniently located near the city centre, making it easy to explore the main attractions on foot.
There are also numerous bus connections between Seville and Cadiz. The bus journey takes about 2 hours and it’s still a good choice if the train tickets are sold out or too expensive.
Prefer a guided experience? A private tour to Cadiz is great as you can tailor it to your schedule and interests. You can also go on a group tour to Cadiz that includes a stop at Jerez de la Frontera.
What to Do in Cadiz:
To help plan your Cadiz day trip, check out our 1-day Cadiz itinerary.
The easiest day trip from Seville without a car is Itálica, located just 30 minutes away. And it’s a high reward excursion as you’ll get a glimpse into Andalucia’s Roman past.
If you’ve watched the tv series Game of Thrones, you may have already seen Itálica as it was the filming location for the Dragonpit in season 7.
In reality, Itálica is one of the earliest Roman settlements in Spain, founded in 206 BC. It is notable for being the birthplace of two Roman emperors, Trajan and Hadrian. Known for its well-preserved ruins and historical significance, a visit here provides an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Buses run regularly from Seville to Santiponce, the town where Itálica is located, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. The archaeological site is a short walk from the bus stop, making it easily accessible.
While it’s certainly straightforward to visit Italica on your own, a guided experience is also a good choice, especially if you’re keen to learn more about the history of the site. This day tour from Seville includes transportation from Seville and a guided visit of the site for a complete experience.
You will only need half a day for this excursion from Seville.
What to Do in Italica:
Carmona
Here’s another easy day trip from Seville: Carmona, a picturesque town with a rich historical heritage.
Carmona, located just 30 minutes from Seville, is known for its well-preserved architecture, historic sites, and beautiful views. This quaint town provides a perfect day trip if you’re interested in exploring Andalucian history and culture in a tranquil setting.
Buses from Seville to Carmona take approximately 30 minutes, with frequent services throughout the day. The town is compact and easily navigable on foot, making it convenient to explore all the main attractions.
A day tour to Carmona is an easy way to visit. This tour from Seville also includes a visit to the necropolis.
Want to visit 2 places in one day? This day tour from Seville pairs a visit to Cordoba with a stop in Carmona.
What to Do in Carmona:
Ronda
Ronda is a very popular destination in Andalucia and for good reason! It’s one of the most picturesque and historically rich towns in the region, offering dramatic landscapes and many cultural attractions.
Perched atop a deep gorge, Ronda is famous for its breathtaking views, ancient architecture, and vibrant history. The town's unique position and stunning scenery have inspired poets, writers, and travellers for centuries.
As a day trip from Seville without a car, it’s not the most straightforward option.
You can take the train from Seville to Ronda but it’s not direct and you’ll need to change trains in Antequera. For a day trip, there’s essentially only one morning train option that works and it takes about 3h 40min.
The bus is a better choice as it’s direct and takes just under 3 hours.
For a stress-free option, choose a group tour to Ronda which includes transportation, a guided visit around the town, plus some free time. This tour also includes stops at two lovely white villages, Zahara de la Sierra and Grazalema.
For a private and customisable experience, opt for a private tour to Ronda.
What to Do in Ronda:
Jerez de la Frontera
Jerez de la Frontera is a city renowned for its sherry production, equestrian heritage, and flamenco culture, making it an enriching day trip from Seville.
Often simply called Jerez, this city is famous for its wineries, or "bodegas," where sherry wine is produced. The city also boasts a rich cultural scene with its Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art and vibrant flamenco traditions.
On a day trip from Seville, you can certainly experience both of this!
The best way to get to Jerez from Seville without a car is by train.
Trains from Seville to Jerez de la Frontera take approximately 1 hour, with frequent services throughout the day. The bus takes a similar amount of time. Pricewise, they’re also similar so it’s just down to your personal preferences.
What to Do in Jerez:
Read our Jerez guide for more on planning your visit and things to do in the city.
Osuna
Want a more laid-back day trip from Seville? Check out Osuna.
Osuna is known for its stunning baroque and Renaissance buildings, quaint streets, and significant historical sites. The town's relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it an ideal day trip destination for those looking to explore traditional Andalusian heritage.
Like Italica, Osuna was also featured on Game of Thrones. Its bullring was featured prominently in the show in the battle of Daznak’s Pit.
Osuna and Seville are well-connected by train, and there are direct trains that will get you there in under 1.5 hours. You can also take the bus, with a similar travel time.
What to Do in Osuna:
Go birdwatching at Doñana National Park
For a taste of Andalucia’s natural beauty, this day trip from Seville is one of the best options.
Doñana National Park is one of Europe's most important wetlands, offering a stunning array of biodiversity and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Andalucia.
Most of the national park is closed to visitors unless you join a guided tour.
Without a car, the best option is to book a day tour from Seville that includes transportation, such as this one.
Another option is to take a bus from Seville to the town of El Rocío, one of the gateways to Doñana National Park. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
From El Rocío, you can join a local guided tour to explore the park.
What to Do in Doñana National Park:
Discover the beauty of Doñana National Park here
La Gruta de Maravillas in Aracena
Looking for a day trip from Seville that’s more of a hidden gem?
Consider visiting Aracena, a charming village nestled in the Sierra de Aracena mountains.
Aracena offers a tranquil escape into nature with its lush landscapes, picturesque streets, and fascinating attractions. It is particularly famous for the Gruta de las Maravillas, an impressive cave system, and its delicious Iberian ham.
Aracena is only about 1-hour away by bus. However, there is limited service: the afternoon timing makes it impossible for a day trip.
So if you’d like to visit Aracena without a car, your best bet is on a guided tour. This day tour includes Aracena as well as the mines of Rio Tinto, for a fun day out in Huelva province.
What to Do in Aracena:
For more day tour options from Seville, check out our Viator Shop where we’ve collected the best tours!
I hope that this guide has shown you that it’s both easy AND rewarding to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural treasures surrounding Seville.
From the ancient wonders of Córdoba and the coastal beauty of Cádiz to the historical charm of Carmona and the natural splendour of Doñana National Park, each day trip offers a unique glimpse into Andalucia's rich heritage.
One last note: there are two other popular car-free day trips from Seville that I omitted from this list:
Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or culinary explorer, these car-free day trip destinations promise unforgettable experiences without the need for a car.
So pack your bags, hop on a train or bus, and start your adventure from Seville—each journey is sure to enrich your Spanish sojourn and leave you with lasting memories.
Buen viaje!
Looking for more recommendations for tours and activities in Seville? Read these guides:
Need help planning exactly what to see and do on your Seville visit? Our itineraries can help guide you:
You can also read our other articles on Seville:
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