Málaga to Seville by train

Train service

Renfe

Renfe is Spain’s national railway operator, offering high-speed, long-distance, and regional train services with extensive domestic coverage.

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Train tickets

Omio

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Trainline

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Raileurope

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Direct trains run between Málaga María Zambrano and Sevilla-Santa Justa in around 2 hours. Renfe operates the route with AVE and Avant high-speed services, plus the slower Media Distancia regional trains. The 156 km journey requires no change — you stay on the same train all the way to Seville, even if your service makes a brief stop at Córdoba.

Train services on this route

Renfe is the only operator running trains directly between Málaga and Seville.

AVE is Renfe’s long-distance high-speed train. It covers the Málaga-Seville corridor in around 2 hours, stopping briefly at Córdoba along the way. You don’t change trains at Córdoba — it’s a timetabled stop, not a connection. AVE is the most frequent option on this route.

Avant is Renfe’s regional high-speed service. Journey times are close to AVE — usually between 2 hours and 2 hours 10 minutes — and fares are often slightly lower. A good choice when the AVE on your preferred departure is sold out or more expensive.

Avlo is Renfe’s low-cost sub-brand, running on the same high-speed track. Fares can be cheaper than a standard Renfe ticket for the same departure date. The catch: luggage rules are stricter on Avlo. The cheapest Avlo fares include one bag that fits in the overhead rack — a large wheeled suitcase may require an upgrade. Check at the time of booking.

Media Distancia is the regional train, not the high-speed one. It takes up to 3 hours 30 minutes and makes many more stops. Fares are lower, but the time difference is significant. Most travellers book AVE or Avant instead.

Ouigo España does not operate a direct Málaga-Seville train. Their Spanish routes run Madrid-Málaga and Madrid-Seville separately, not between the two southern cities.

Journey time and frequency

Most departures are around 2 hours. There are usually more than 20 trains per day between Málaga and Seville, spread across the morning, afternoon, and evening. The first trains leave early morning; the last departs in the evening.

Services run in both directions. Seville to Málaga takes the same time.

The timetable below is illustrative. Times change with each Renfe timetable update, so check the actual departure on Renfe’s website for your travel date.

Tickets and fares

Advance fares on Renfe for this route can start from around €18 for a second-class seat, but the price you see depends on the departure, the service type, and how far ahead you book. Avlo fares can be cheaper than a standard Renfe ticket for the same departure date. Book early if you’re travelling at a peak time — summer and Spanish public holidays see higher demand, and the cheapest fares go first.

Renfe tickets typically go on sale 60 to 90 days before departure for most domestic services. Same-day fares are noticeably more expensive.

Book directly on renfe.com for the widest seat choice. Omio and Trainline let you compare services in one place, which is useful if you’re flexible on the service type.

Seat class options on AVE and Avant:

• Turista (standard): reclining seat, power socket, tray table, Wi-Fi

• Turista Plus: wider seat, extra legroom

• Preferente (first class): wider seat, at-seat catering on qualifying services

Renfe offers discount cards for seniors (TarjetaDorada) and young travellers (Carnet Joven), and group fares for four or more passengers. Apply these at the point of booking.

Booking with an Interrail or Eurail Pass

Interrail and Eurail passes are valid on Renfe trains between Málaga and Seville. The catch with AVE and Avant: a mandatory seat reservation is required even if you hold a valid pass, and the reservation carries a separate fee.

Pass-holder reservation fees on Renfe AVE typically run around €10 to €15 for a Turista seat, but the exact amount can vary by departure and booking channel. Check the current fee on the Interrail or Eurail website before you book. You can also reserve at a Renfe ticket office or online at renfe.com.

Do not board an AVE without a reservation. Train staff check them. Travelling without one risks being refused travel or charged the full open fare plus a penalty.

Media Distancia trains generally don’t require a reservation for pass holders, which makes them a practical choice if you’re travelling at short notice and can spare the extra hour.

Stations

Málaga María Zambrano is the main train station in Málaga and the departure point for all Seville services. It sits in the centre of the city, roughly 1 km from the historic quarter. The station has ticket offices, self-service machines (open around the clock), a café, luggage storage, and direct bus and taxi links outside the main entrance.

Sevilla-Santa Justa is Seville’s main long-distance station and where all trains from Málaga arrive. From the station, the city centre is around 15 minutes by taxi. Metro Line 1 connects Santa Justa to the centre, and buses also stop outside.

Both stations are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. Renfe’s Atendo service can arrange step-free access and platform assistance — request it at least 24 hours before departure.

What to expect on board

AVE and Avant trains are modern and comfortable. Standard-class seats are wider than many European equivalents, with a tray table, power socket, and Wi-Fi on board. A café-bar carriage serves hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks.

You carry your own bags. Renfe’s standard luggage allowance is up to two items per passenger, each up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm and 25 kg. On Avlo fares, the rules are stricter — check when you book if you’re carrying a large bag.

The air conditioning on high-speed trains is effective. It can feel cold compared to the heat outside, especially in summer — a light layer is worth having in your bag.

Summary