getting-around
Getting Around Seville: A Practical Transport Guide
Seville's historic centre is compact and walkable, but the city spreads out. Here's how to navigate the metro, trams, buses, and the famous bike share that makes getting around easy.
The short answer: Seville's historic centre is wonderfully walkable. The Alcazar, Cathedral, Santa Cruz, and Triana are all within easy reach on foot. For destinations further out, the metro, tram, and excellent bike share system make getting around simple.
Seville is Spain's fourth-largest city, but its heart is compact.
The main attractions cluster around the cathedral, and the atmospheric neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz, El Arenal, and Triana are all connected by riverside walks. Beyond the centre, a modern metro and efficient bus network cover the wider city.
Compare hotel prices in Seville
Find the best deal across booking sites
The Quick Summary
Getting Around Seville
- Walking covers the historic centre and main attractions
- The metro connects the centre to the train station and suburbs
- The tram (MetroCentro) runs through the shopping district
- Sevici bike share is cheap and covers the whole city
- Buses reach everywhere the metro doesn't
Walking: The Best Way to See Central Seville
Seville's historic centre is made for walking. The streets around the cathedral are largely pedestrianised, the neighbourhoods are atmospheric, and most of what visitors want to see is concentrated in a compact area.
What you need to know:
- The tourist centre is small, about 20-30 minutes from end to end
- Santa Cruz, the Cathedral, and the Alcazar are steps apart
- Triana is a 15-minute walk across the river
- Summer heat makes midday walking uncomfortable
- Evening is the best time to explore on foot
Local tip
The best walking route in Seville starts at the Plaza de Espana, passes through Maria Luisa Park, crosses the Guadalquivir into Triana, and returns via the Torre del Oro and Cathedral. Time it for late afternoon when the light softens.
Walking Distances
| From | To | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cathedral | Alcazar | 2 min | Adjacent, same ticket queue area |
| Cathedral | Plaza de Espana | 15 min | Through Maria Luisa Park |
| Cathedral | Triana (Puente de Isabel II) | 15 min | Along the river |
| Cathedral | Metropol Parasol | 10 min | Through shopping streets |
| Santa Justa Station | Cathedral | 25 min | Or take metro/tram |
The Main Neighbourhoods
Seville divides into distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character:
- Santa Cruz: The former Jewish quarter, narrow streets and hidden plazas around the Alcazar
- El Arenal: Between the cathedral and the river, home to the bullring
- Centro: The commercial heart, pedestrianised shopping streets
- Triana: Across the river, ceramic workshops and tapas bars
- La Macarena: Northern old town, local and less touristy
All are walkable from each other, with the river crossings adding variety to your routes.
Tip:
Get lost in Santa Cruz. The narrow streets and hidden plazas are the point. You'll find courtyards, tiny squares with orange trees, and unexpected views. Just keep the cathedral spire in sight and you won't stay lost for long.
The Metro
Seville has a modern metro system with one main line that's useful for reaching the train station and some outlying areas.
Metro Line 1
Line 1 runs from Ciudad Expo in the west, through the centre, to Olivar de Quintos in the east.
| Station | What's There |
|---|---|
| Prado de San Sebastian | Near Plaza de Espana, bus station |
| Puerta de Jerez | Edge of centre, near the river |
| Nervion | Shopping mall, football stadium |
| San Bernardo | Near Santa Justa train station |
| Gran Plaza | City outskirts |
Practical information:
- Single ticket: approximately €1.35
- Rechargeable card available for frequent use
- Runs from 6:30am to 11pm (later on weekends)
- Trains every 4-7 minutes during peak hours
- Air-conditioned, a blessing in summer
Tip:
The metro is most useful for reaching Santa Justa train station from the centre. Puerta de Jerez to San Bernardo takes about 5 minutes and saves a 25-minute walk with luggage.
Buying Metro Tickets
- Ticket machines: At every station, with English options
- Single tickets: Valid for one journey
- Rechargeable card: Better value for multiple trips
- Contactless: Tap your card or phone to pay
The Tram (MetroCentro)
The MetroCentro tram runs through the heart of the pedestrian shopping district, useful for crossing the centre without walking.
The Tram Route
The tram runs from Plaza Nueva (near the town hall) to San Bernardo (near the train station), with stops along Avenida de la Constitucion.
| Stop | What's There |
|---|---|
| Plaza Nueva | Town hall, start of shopping area |
| Archivo de Indias | Between Cathedral and Alcazar |
| Puerta de Jerez | Metro connection, river nearby |
| Prado San Sebastian | Bus station, Maria Luisa Park |
| San Bernardo | Near Santa Justa train station |
Practical information:
- Same ticket system as the metro
- Runs every 5-10 minutes
- Useful for luggage if walking is difficult
- The route passes the Cathedral and Alcazar
Local tip
The tram is handy when you're tired or carrying shopping, but the route is short enough that walking is often just as quick. It's most useful for getting to the bus station at Prado de San Sebastian.
Buses in Seville
Seville's bus network (Tussam) covers the entire city, reaching neighbourhoods and attractions that the metro and tram don't serve.
Useful Bus Routes
| Route | From | To | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3 | Centro | La Macarena | Circular route through old town |
| C4 | Centro | Triana, Los Remedios | Circular, crosses river |
| 5 | Plaza Nueva | Nervion, Santa Justa | Via shopping areas |
| 27 | Centro | Expo site | For Isla Magica |
| EA | Airport | Centro | Express airport service |
Practical information:
- Single ticket: approximately €1.40
- Pay the driver in cash or use a rechargeable card
- Same card works on bus, metro, and tram
- Service from early morning to around 11:30pm
- Night buses (buhos) run until 2am
Tip:
The circular routes C3 and C4 are useful for getting around the old town without figuring out complex route maps. Hop on, see where it goes, hop off when you spot something interesting.
Airport Bus
The EA bus connects Seville Airport to the city centre.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Airport to Plaza de Armas (bus station) |
| Journey time | 30-40 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 15-30 minutes |
| Cost | Approximately €4 |
| Hours | 5am to midnight |
The bus stops at Santa Justa train station, making connections easy.
Sevici Bike Share
Seville has one of Spain's best bike share systems. The city is flat, bike lanes are extensive, and cycling is genuinely practical for getting around.
How Sevici Works
Sevici has over 250 stations across the city, with distinctive green bikes available 24 hours a day.
To use Sevici:
- Register online or at a station (short-term users can register with a credit card)
- Get a temporary or permanent card
- Pick up a bike from any station
- Return it to any station
Costs:
- Short-term subscription (1 week): approximately €13
- First 30 minutes of each trip: free
- Additional time: €1-2 per hour
- Long-term annual subscription: approximately €33
Local tip
The first 30 minutes are free with your subscription. For longer journeys, dock the bike at an intermediate station and take a new one. This resets the clock and keeps your rides free.
Best Areas for Cycling
- Along the river: Flat, dedicated bike path, great for sightseeing
- Maria Luisa Park: Car-free, beautiful for cycling
- Triana: Easy ride across the bridge from the centre
- To Plaza de Espana: Quick ride from anywhere central
Areas to avoid:
- Santa Cruz narrow streets (walk your bike)
- The pedestrianised shopping centre (bikes prohibited)
- Rush hour on major roads (though bike lanes help)
Warning:
Summer midday is too hot for comfortable cycling. Ride early morning or evening. And lock the bike properly at stations to avoid the penalty for bikes not returned correctly.
Taxis in Seville
Taxis are readily available throughout Seville, white with a diagonal stripe, and reasonably priced compared to many European cities.
Where to find taxis:
- Taxi ranks at major squares and attractions
- Outside hotels and the train station
- At the airport
- Hail on the street when the green light is on
- Call Radio Taxi Sevilla or use an app
Typical fares:
| From | To | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| City centre | Airport | €25-35 |
| City centre | Santa Justa Station | €8-12 |
| Cathedral | Plaza de Espana | €5-7 |
| Centre | Triana | €6-9 |
| Centre | Nervion | €8-12 |
What you need to know:
- Fares are metered
- Supplements for airport, luggage, night, and holidays
- Most accept card payment
- Cabify and Uber operate in Seville
- Book ahead for early morning airport runs
Tip:
For airport transfers, compare the taxi meter rate with a Cabify or Uber quote. The apps often show a fixed price that can be cheaper, especially during busy periods.
Driving and Parking
Driving in central Seville is challenging and largely unnecessary. The old town has restricted access, parking is expensive, and walking or public transport is easier.
Driving in Seville:
- The historic centre is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL)
- Many streets are pedestrianised or one-way
- Fines for entering restricted areas are automatic
- Summer traffic and heat make driving stressful
Parking in Seville
| Type | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Underground car parks | Throughout centre | €20-30/day |
| Street parking (blue zone) | Outside ZTL | €1-2/hour |
| Hotel parking | Varies | Often €15-25/night |
| Park and ride | Near metro stations | Cheaper with metro ticket |
Warning:
If you're renting a car for day trips, consider picking it up on the day you leave the city and returning it when you return. You don't need a car in Seville itself, and parking is expensive.
Renting a Car
Car rental is available in Seville, with agencies at the airport and Santa Justa station.
Tips for renting:
- A car is useful for Ronda, the white villages, and Doñana
- High-speed trains are often better for Cordoba and Granada
- Book in advance during high season
- Check your hotel's parking situation before driving in
Getting to Seville
From Seville Airport
Seville Airport (SVQ) is about 10km from the city centre.
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA bus | 30-40 min | €4 | Every 15-30 min, stops at train station |
| Taxi | 20-25 min | €25-35 | Fixed supplement for airport |
| Private transfer | 20-25 min | €30-50 | Pre-booked, door to door |
| Rental car | 20-25 min | Varies | Easy access to motorways |
Local tip
The airport bus stops at Santa Justa train station before reaching Plaza de Armas. If your hotel is near the station, get off there rather than going all the way to the bus station.
From Santa Justa Station
Seville's main train station has excellent connections:
| Destination | Train Type | Journey Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | AVE high-speed | 2.5 hours | Hourly |
| Cordoba | AVE high-speed | 45 min | Frequent |
| Malaga | AVE/Avant | 2 hours | Several daily |
| Granada | MD | 2.5-3 hours | Several daily |
| Cadiz | MD | 1.5-2 hours | Hourly |
The station is connected to the centre by metro (San Bernardo) and tram.
From Plaza de Armas Bus Station
Long-distance buses depart from Plaza de Armas, near the river.
| Destination | Journey Time | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| Ronda | 2-2.5 hours | Comes |
| Huelva | 1.5 hours | Damas |
| Portugal (Faro, Lisbon) | 3-6 hours | ALSA, EVA |
| Morocco (via Algeciras) | 4-5 hours | Various |
Day Trips from Seville
Seville is perfectly positioned for exploring Andalusia.
By high-speed train:
- Cordoba: 45 minutes (the Mezquita is unmissable)
- Madrid: 2.5 hours (day trip possible)
By regular train:
- Jerez: 1 hour (sherry bodegas)
- Cadiz: 1.5 hours (Atlantic beaches)
- Granada: 2.5 hours (the Alhambra)
Best by car:
- Ronda: 1.5-2 hours (dramatic gorge)
- White villages: scattered through the Sierra
- Italica: 20 minutes (Roman ruins)
- Doñana: 1.5 hours (wetlands and wildlife)
Tip:
Book AVE train tickets to Cordoba in advance for the best prices. The high-speed train makes it an easy day trip, and the Mezquita is worth every minute.
Accessibility
Seville has made significant accessibility improvements, though the historic centre presents some challenges:
- Metro and tram: Fully accessible with elevators and ramps
- Buses: Low-floor vehicles on most routes
- Santa Cruz: Narrow, uneven streets with steps
- Cathedral and Alcazar: Accessible routes available
- River walks: Flat and paved
- Sevici bikes: Not adapted; use taxis for mobility needs
Warning:
The Santa Cruz quarter has narrow, cobbled streets that are difficult for wheelchairs. The newer areas around Avenida de la Constitucion and the riverside are much more accessible.
Practical Tips
Before You Arrive
- Download the Tussam app for bus routes and times
- Consider registering for Sevici online before arrival
- Book airport transfer for early flights
- Check if your hotel offers parking if renting a car
- Bring comfortable shoes for cobbled streets
Best Times to Walk
- Morning (before 11am): Cooler, best light for photos
- Midday (11am-5pm in summer): Too hot, seek shade or take siesta
- Evening (after 6pm): City comes alive, tapas bars fill up
- Night: Safe and atmospheric, locals dine from 9pm
Money and Transport
- Metro and tram take cards and cash at machines
- Buses accept cash (exact change appreciated) or transport cards
- Taxis accept cards but carry some cash
- Sevici requires a credit card for registration
- ATMs throughout the city centre
Plan Your Seville Trip:
The Bottom Line
Seville rewards those who walk.
The historic centre is compact, the neighbourhoods are atmospheric, and the best discoveries happen on foot. Evening strolls along the river, morning wanderings through Santa Cruz, late-night tapas in Triana: these are the moments that define a Seville visit.
When you need to go further, the transport system works well.
The metro reaches the train station quickly. The tram glides through the shopping district. And Sevici bikes offer a genuinely practical way to cover more ground, especially along the flat riverside paths.
The best approach: walk the centre, bike along the river, take the metro to the train station, and save taxis for airport runs or late nights. Seville is a city that reveals itself slowly, and there's no better way to experience it than on your own two feet.
Hola! I'm the researcher, walker, and co-founder behind Spain on Foot. I help travellers experience Spain authentically, through in-depth guides, locals-only knowledge, and cultural stories you won't find in guidebooks. You can reach me at heidi@spainonfoot.com
Planning a trip to Seville?
Explore Seville Guide→