Sevilla itinerary question

We might be overlapping -- we are heading south from Madrid on April 2nd, with a one-night stop in Cordoba. Then it's on to Seville for three nights, Granada for three nights, then back to Madrid. I figured spending the night in Cordoba would make it a little less hectic than a day trip, even if it means extra cab rides to and from the train station.

I just posted about transportation options. How are you getting from Seville to Granada?

It depends on where Cordoba fits in. My initial plan was the bus.

Robin,

As much as I love Córdoba, I don't see when you'll have time to visit since you only have 3 nights in Sevilla (2 full days) and 2 nights in Granada (1 full day).

Since you don't mention your complete itinerary, it's difficult to suggest what your best option would be; but since you're planning to return to Madrid (from Granada), then I would suggest an overnight in Córdoba, if you have the time.

Have a wonderful trip!

Edit to add...
Most people visit Córdoba as a day trip from Madrid or Sevilla. Having said this, it's quite lovely to experience the city in the evenings when all the crowds have departed. It's quite a site to watch the sunset and see the Mezquita illuminated at night.

If you only have time to explore this beautiful city for a few hours, then by all means, I suggest you do ;-)

Enjoy!

I would look at www.alsa.es for a direct Granada-Cordoba bus schedule and make that stop on the way north to Madrid (second leg by train). Or if you're traveling Madrid-Sevilla earlier in the trip, Cordoba is on that direct line. Breaking up a direct Sevilla-Granada trip seems like last choice.

I think the Mezquita is a must-see. After the Alhambra, I'd rate the Mezquita as the top sight in Spain. It's beautiful, impressive and unique. There's simply nothing like it anywhere else in Europe. If you take taxis to/from the train station, you only need about 3 hours to visit the Mezquita, but you can easily fill up a day in Cordoba. It has one of the best preserved medieval centers and several interesting museums.

Making it a stop between Granada and Madrid is a good idea because it doesn't add travel time that a day trip from Sevilla would use. The bus from Granada to Cordoba takes 2.75 hours (per the link Laura provided). Most trains take 2.25 hours. In Granada the bus is a bit far from the center, the train station is closer. In Cordoba they are next to each other and the bus has luggage storage facilities. You will have to take the Renfe bus from Granada to Antequera to the train, but it's from the train station.

Day
1. Arrive Sevilla (3 nights)
2. Sevilla
3. Sevilla
4/am. Train to Cordoba (frequent departures take 45mins). Store luggage and visit Mezquita
4/pm. Train (see below) to Granada (2 nights)
5. Alhambra
6. Travel from Granada to Madrid

This is your best option from Cordoba to Granada.
AVN 8155
Dep 16:30 CORDOBA-CENTRAL (Spain)
Arr 17:06 ANTEQUERA-SANTA ANA (Spain)
TRN13924
Dep 17:38 ANTEQUERA-SANTA ANA (Spain)
Arr 19:14 GRANADA (Spain)

Thanks everyone for your help. We will definitely fit Cordoba in of a few hours. Just have to decide whether en route to Granada or to Madrid.