bus vs train between cities in sothern Spain

They are quite modern and comfortable.

Spain does not a railroad system that is as extensive as the rest of Europe. The result is an excellent bus with great coaches and cheap fares. On some routes the buses are fast than the trains. Generally, but not always, the buses will take you city center to city center where the trains, especially the high speed, are on the edge of the cities. We use buses more than the trains when we are in Spain.

I've taken the bus from Granada to Sevilla. It's clean, comfy and modern, if a bit cramped. Luggage goes down below. No chickens on the roof ;-) You'll find far more schedule options and it's just as fast. But the stations are not always as convenient as the rail stations, for example in Granada.

Thanks for the input everyone. I think we'll opt for the bus. Noreen

You can get from Malaga to Granada by train in about 3.5 hours, with one change at Bobadilla. And there are direct trains from Granada to Cordoba, but only 2 a day. Still, all you need is one, right? Reserve in advance to make sure there are seats available. The journey takes 2.5 hours. Spanish trains are very modern and comfortable. I'm sure the bus is fine too, but personally I would much rather ride a train if it goes to my destination. The morning train from Granada to Cordoba departs at 9:10 am, which is convenient and easy to take. It worked great for us. Here is a basic map of the Spanish train system: http://petrabax.com/renfe/spain_map.html

Except the bus will get you from Granada to Malaga is less than two hours at half the price. Why would you take train?

I don't know why I would take the train from Malaga to Granada, as I have not been to Malaga and have no plans to do so. I was simply pointing out that there is a way to go between the two by train, although not directly. My statement of preference for train over bus was directed to the Granada-Cordoba route. Lots of people say the bus is "better" because there are more of them. But a traveler only needs one, so how does that make it better? On the train, one can stand, walk around, use the restroom, buy snacks, etc, and enjoy a traffic- free view out the window. I've ridden plenty of buses in the mountains of Switzerland and Italy, in areas that are not serviced by trains. They are fine for that purpose, but if a route is served by train, that is generally my preference. Just my opinion.

The buses we have ridden in Spain had restrooms.

You could try the Alsa Bus Line Spain line. But I don't think the bus is quicker than the train. Did you check the RENFE train web-site in Spain? The train might not be as direct, but it's quicker. I quit with my family's crying about packing and unpacking. And when I did the cost difference, I'm going to save about $400.00, car vs. train and bus. I'm just going to bite the bullet and drive. We're going to make too many stops. http://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa?portal.alsa.request.locale=en_GB

Thanks, Lola, for the train map. Although I have not ridden Spanish buses, I have taken the bus from Washington to New York. They are very convenient and the comfort highly touted. But, as you state, they are in no way as comfortable as the train.

Buses are fine and run on time. Just be aware there is no bathrooms.

Good Some us need bathrooms after a few hours, in France by law buses have to stop at a rest stop every 3 hours(mandortory for the driver to have a break) wonder if it is the same in Spain?

The buses on some shorter routes don't have toilets. The Sepulveda line from Madrid to Segovia, for example, is only an hour or so...no facilities. Use the toilet at the station and don't drink any coffee. This really is no different than other places...I've been on buses in Bavaria with no toilets, but they were older and dirtier than in Spain. But as Frank said, the system in Spain is extensive. Buses are nice, clean, and cheap...closer to a tour bus than a Greyhound. I'm sure longer distance buses have toilets.

We flew into Malaga to start our vacation. Took the bus immediately to Nerja- pretty ride. Nerja is a great place (read RS) to get over the time change and flight. After two days we took the bus to Granada. The bus was modern, clean and not crowded (met some nice American girls travelling for their school program onboard). From Granada we took the train to Seville. Great trip