We have an "open" day in Ubeda and would like to use that time to visit Alhambra. Does anyone have suggestions on how to get there and/or know how long it takes? Thanks!
Posted by
Washington DC
27369 posts
I believe this will be a challenge as a day-trip because of the travel time. I hope someone who has attempted it will weigh in.
Traveling by train would subject you to a grotesque 7-hour journey, so that's off the table.
ViaMichelin estimates the driving time at about 2 hours each way.
ALSA has rather frequent bus service. The 8 AM weekday departure takes only 2 hours, which seems wonderful given the alternatives. I haven't researched the hours at the Alhambra and don't know whether getting into Granada around 10 AM is early enough. The ALSA buses typically are very comfortable. Some even have Wi-Fi. I don't know where the bus station is located in either city (Google will turn up that information, I'm sure), so you might need a taxi on one or both ends of the trip.
Alhambra tickets sell out early, so this is not a trip that can be a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Posted by
Midwest
2768 posts
Will you have a car? That would give you the most flexibility. Just drive (2 hours-ish), park in Alhambra lot and leave when done. Could leave your car there and walk or take the local shuttle into town for dinner.
If not, try the ALSA bus. Alhambra tickets sell out months ahead and are timed. So you will have to contend with that. The Alhambra is a big complex - you have a timeslot for the famous Nasrid palace, but there is a lot in the Alhambra complex outside the palace.
If your timeslot to see the main palace is 2 or later you can stay on grounds until closing. An early appointment means you have to leave by 2. So If the bus arrives at 10, book a palace appointment at 2. Go, visit the parts of the complex that aren't timed, get lunch at the parador on site, go to palace and gardens. Budget several hours. This depends on the bus return times. Bus station is a short taxi ride from the Alhambra.