Transport and practical information
Transport, timetables, bus fares, opening hours: the basics that keep a trip from going sideways.
Getting to Córdoba
Travelling from France? See our complete transport guide from France to Córdoba with a comparison of flight + AVE, TGV-Renfe, car and coach options.
By train (AVE)
The AVE high-speed train is the most practical and fastest way to reach Córdoba. Córdoba Central station is 1.5 km from the historic centre (15 min on foot, 10 min on bus line 3).
- ▸ From Madrid: 1h45, €30–60 • 26+ daily trains from 6:20am to 9pm — full AVE Madrid–Córdoba guide
- ▸ From Seville: 40 min, €10–20 • 30+ daily trains; departures every 30 min at peak times
- ▸ From Málaga: 50 min, €15–25 • 10–12 daily trains
- ▸ From Granada: 1h30, €20–35
Practical tips
- • Book 2–3 months ahead for the best prices
- • Básico tickets (non-changeable): the cheapest
- • Elige tickets (flexible): changeable without fees
- • Prémium tickets: 1st class with a snack
Book at renfe.com • Customer service: +34 912 320 320
By coach
An economical alternative to the train. The coach station (Estación de Autobuses) is at the Glorieta de las Tres Culturas, 10 min by bus from the centre.
- ▸ From Madrid: 4h30–5h, €12–18 • 5–6 daily services (ALSA)
- ▸ From Seville: 2h, €8–12 • Departures every 1–2 hours
- ▸ From Granada: 2h30–3h, €10–15 • 5–6 daily services
- ▸ From Málaga: 2h30–3h, €12–18 • 4–5 daily services
Coach station ↔ centre: bus line 5 (€1.40, 10 min)
Book at alsa.es
By plane
Córdoba Airport (ODB) only handles regional flights. For international flights, opt for:
- ▸ Málaga Airport (AGP): Most convenient • 1h30 by car; direct coach to Córdoba (3h, €15–20)
- ▸ Seville Airport (SVQ): 1h by car • Coach to Seville then AVE to Córdoba
- ▸ Madrid Airport (MAD): AVE station directly at Terminal 4 • Then 1h45 to Córdoba
Car hire is available at all airports for travelling directly to Córdoba.
By car
Córdoba is well connected by motorway (A-4 and A-45). Useful if you plan day trips around Andalusia.
- ▸ From Madrid: 3h30 via A-4 (Andalusia motorway)
- ▸ From Seville: 1h via A-4
- ▸ From Málaga: 1h30 via A-45
Important: Parking
- • The historic centre has strict traffic restrictions
- • Fines of €200+ for entering without authorisation
- • Park on the outskirts: El Brillante car park (€12/24h)
- • Other car parks: Paseo de la Victoria, Jardines de la Agricultura
The Roman bridge links the historic centre to the Ribera quarter
Getting around Córdoba
Good news: Córdoba is very easy to explore on foot! The historic centre is compact and the main monuments are close together.
From the Mezquita to the Alcázar: 5 min on foot • From the Mezquita to the Roman Bridge: 2 min • Most streets in the Judería are pedestrianised.
AUCORSA urban buses
Network of 14 lines + 4 night lines covering the whole city. Frequency: every 10–20 min at peak times.
FARES
- On-board ticket €1.40
- Tarjeta (rechargeable) €1.30
- Bonobús 10 journeys €8.50
- 30-day pass €45
USEFUL LINES
- 3 Station ↔ Historic centre
- 5 Coach station ↔ Train station
- N Night bus (Fri–Sat, timetabled)
Mobile app: AUCORSA Móvil for real-time timetables and journey planning. 100% of buses are wheelchair accessible (ramp, wheelchair space). See the accessibility guide.
Bikes
Ideal for exploring Córdoba beyond the historic centre. Cycle paths are well laid out, particularly along the Guadalquivir.
CórdobaBici (shared bikes)
- • Registration: €2.50/week (valid 1 year if renewed)
- • Use: First 30 min free, then €0.50/30 min
- • Many docking stations in the centre and along the river
- • Mobile app to find available bikes
Private hire
- • Price: €10–15/day • Discount for multiple days
- • Shops near the Mezquita and the station
- • E-bikes available: €20–25/day
Recommended route
Guadalquivir greenway: 8 km of dedicated riverside path. From Fuensanta to the Puente de San Rafael. Flat and shaded — perfect for a leisurely ride.
Taxis
Taxis are plentiful and reliable in Córdoba. Card payment accepted in most vehicles.
FARES
- Flag fall (daytime) €3.15
- Flag fall (night/weekend) €3.91
- Per km (urban) €0.90
- Station/airport supplement €5.50
- Luggage €0.60
BOOK
-
Radio Taxi
+34 957 764 444 -
Córdoba Taxi
+34 957 450 000
Uber and Cabify are available but less developed here than in Madrid or Barcelona. Standard taxis are more reliable.
Tourist options
For getting around with less walking or more context.
City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus
17 stops • Audio guide in 10 languages • Unlimited hop-on hop-off
€18 adult • €8 child
Horse-drawn carriages (coches de caballos)
Romantic tour of the historic centre • 45 min • Max 4 people
€50–70 per carriage
Segway guided tours
Fun visit • 1–2h • Main monuments • Small groups
€30–40 per person
Guided e-bike tours
About 3h • Centre + Guadalquivir riverbanks • French-speaking guide available
€25–35 per person
Practical tips for getting around
- ✓ Córdoba Tourist Card: Includes monument entry + unlimited bus travel. Sold at the tourist office (Plaza de las Tendillas).
- ✓ The Judería on foot: This is the best way! The narrow pedestrian lanes are not accessible to vehicles.
- ✓ Parking: If you're coming by car, don't try to drive into the centre. El Brillante car park (€12/24h) or Paseo de la Victoria are recommended.
- ✓ Useful app: Download "Córdoba Ciudad" for offline maps and tourist information.
- ✓ Crowds: Buses are rarely busy except at peak times (8–9:30am and 6–8pm).
- ✓ Summer heat: In summer, use air-conditioned transport for midday journeys.
The historic centre is easily explored on foot
When to visit Córdoba
Spring (March–May)
IdealThe best season. Pleasant temperatures (18–25°C), flowering patios and festivals. May hosts the famous Festival of Patios, listed as UNESCO Intangible Heritage.
Complete guide →Summer (June–August)
Very hotIntense heat (35–45°C). Visit early morning or in the evening. Fewer tourists and lower prices. Evenings have a pleasant atmosphere.
Summer tips →Autumn (September–November)
RecommendedMild temperatures (15–25°C), fewer crowds than in spring. An excellent balance between weather and footfall.
Complete guide →Winter (December–February)
MildMild winters (8–15°C), perfect for cultural visits. Very few tourists, authentic atmosphere. Festive Christmas and New Year.
Complete guide →Plan your visit
1 day, 2 days, 3 days or a weekend
Plane, train, car: complete guide
Alhambra and Nasrid heritage
AVE 1h45, from €7 one way
Sightseeing without breaking the bank
Monuments and museums at no cost
Typical dishes and restaurants
Collections and palace-museums
Official sources
This guide draws on official and recognised sources to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.
- Córdoba Tourism Office
Official practical information for visiting Córdoba
- Spain.info – Official Spanish Tourism Portal
Practical guide for travelling in Spain
- RENFE – Spanish rail transport
Timetables and bookings for AVE trains to Córdoba
- Ayuntamiento de Córdoba
Official city council website with local information