We are 2 seniors planning to travel to Spain in April for the first time. We are flying into Madrid where we'll spend 4 days and then on to Seville. Our question is about travelling from Seville to Barcelona.
Should we take the train or does it make sense to fly? Any preferences for train or budget airlines? What about land transportation to the airports? Thanks to all.
Posted by
Chicago
8166 posts
The train Seville to Barcelona is 6 hours more or less. Personally I don't like trains rides over 3 hours as I fall asleep. I would prefer the variety and the process of the time it takes going to and from the airport and security and getting on a short flight more than sitting on a train for 6 hours.
So I would take a taxi to the airport and fly. There are only two airlines operating that route Vueling (owned by Iberia and British Airways) and Ryanair. Both are low cost or budget airlines meaning that they have strict baggage allowance rules that you have to pay heed to follow. I have only flown Vueling and never had problems.
Posted by
California 🦋
5294 posts
If you have time, consider going to Granada (via ALSA bus) from Seville, then flying to Barcelona from there.
If you do decide to go to Granada, make sure you book your Alhambra Tickets
now!
It looks like all the ‘Alhambra General’ tickets are already sold out for the month of April, however, there are still a few Dobla de Oro General tickets available.
Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15791 posts
There are direct trains that take 5.5 hours. The flight is 1.75 hours. Add the extra time to get to/from the airport and for check-in/security in Sevilla and baggage collection in Barcelona, it's about the same amount of time, door-to-door. I prefer to relax on the train than stand in line in airports and go through all the hassles.
If you buy train tickets now, you can get promo (discounted) tickets for as low as €59/pp (no refund/no change). Or you can wait until you get to Spain, buy the tarjeta dorada (gold card) for €6 each (available in Spain to anyone over age 60), and pay €70/pp for tickets without restrictions. These prices are for trains that take 5.5 hours, prices may be somewhat higher depending on the day you choose to travel.
I've only traveled once from the airport to the city in Sevilla, took a taxi for €25 late at night 4 years ago, also took a late night taxi to the airport from Barcelona for €40. In Barcelona, there's a very convenient bus service between the airport and the city center. Whether it's convenient for you depends on where you're staying in Barcelona. 3 years ago the bus cost about €6. If you are comparing costs, watch for "extra fees" on budget airlines - for booking, paying by credit card, seat selection, and checked bags. Note that cabin bag limits are often very low and can be strictly enforced.
Posted by
Treasure Island, Florida, USA
267 posts
We went in the opposite direction from your plan, but quickly found it was much cheaper to fly - 39 euros pp on Vueling. Carryon price. Easy bus trip from the Barcelona airport to the center of the city, and short walk to our accommodations. We would have preferred to use the train, but it was so simple to fly...and cheaper!
Short taxi ride from Seville airport to center of the city, about 20 euros with tip.
Have fun!
Posted by
OP
5 posts
Thank you to all for answering my questions and the bonus information. We'll review and decide soon.