Seville to Alhambra Day Trip Guide 2025
The Alhambra in Granada is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful palaces and attractions in the whole of Spain.
If you’re based in the south of Spain for more than a couple of days, then a trip to the Alhambra is a must. It is possible to visit as a day-trip from Seville, and there are various options available.
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Seville Alhambra Palace Day Trip (Our Top Recommendation!) |
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For the simplest, and most stress-free way to visit the Alhambra from Seville, we recommend this full day guided tour who take care of everything:
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Alhambra Seville Day Trip Overview
Visiting the Alhambra in Granada from Seville is just about possible in one day.
Don’t get me wrong, it will be a long and tiring day, but when you see the palace you’ll realise it is worth it.
It generally takes around three hours to get from the centre of Seville to the Alhambra, so you’ll need to travel early, and plan on getting back late, to make the most of your trip.
There are a few different options to get to the Alhambra from Seville. You can book an organised tour, that deals with everything, drives you to the palace, gives you a tour, and then drives you home.
Of course you can also make your own arrangements via public transport or car hire, giving you the freedom of what you see and when.
Usually, I am a fan of independent travel, especially when visiting places on a day trip, however in this case, due to the travel time and expense, I do believe that the guided tour is the best option, especially if travelling as a group or with kids.
This guide will hopefully give a full overview of all the best options available for a Seville Alhambra excursion.
Guided Tour Day Trip Seville to Alhambra
To make things as easy as possible I would recommend booking a guided tour trip and have them take care of all the arrangements.
Having the hassle of finding public transport to get you door to door, would generally take a lot longer than 3 hours, making the visit really tight in just a day.
You’ll also avoid any delays and issues that sometimes come with public transport, and avoid any stress rushing to make trains or buses, or trying to get taxis.
I also know that booking a guided tour from Seville is often a cheaper option as well. By the time you have booked the train, paid for taxis, and paid the entrance fee at the Alhambra (with guided tours), you’ll have spent more than a packaged tour (with a lot more stress and planning!).
This graphic shows the potential savings you can make when you choose a guided Seville Alhambra day tour:
Of course these prices are an average, and there are sometimes cheaper train tickets available, or you could choose entrance tickets without guided tours etc. to save. However, I really recommended calculating the costs beforehand and comparing – you’ll be surprised how much you can save.
Getting to the Alhambra from Seville
If you do decided to take make your own way to the Alhambra in Granada from Seville then there are a few options:
Train to Alhambra from Seville
There are multiple long-distance trains from Seville to Granada so this is probably the most convenient public transport option for Alhambra Seville travel.
Granada station is around 2.5km away from the Alhambra, so an easy 10 minute taxi on the other end (you don’t need to pre-book, the station always has taxis).
The train takes about 2 hours 45 mins, and you’ll want to catch the earliest available. Make sure you book online in advance, as these early trains do sell out.
Rent a Car and Drive
Of course you can also hire a car in Seville and do the drive yourself. Depending on how comfortable you are driving abroad in Spain, this could be an excellent option and gives you the freedom about when you leave.
The journey is roughly 250km and takes around 3 hours (depending on traffic). I would recommend leaving early, not only to have maximum time at the Alhambra, but to also miss the traffic (which can push the journey to 4 hours plus).
You can park at the Alhambra in Granada which is open 24/7 and is by far the most convenient. They charges €2.80 for the 1st hour and then €1.80 for each hour after (with a maximum charge of €19.50).
Bus from Seville to Alhambra
There are no direct buses from Seville to the Alhambra, but you can take one to Granada’s main bus station. From here you can then catch a taxi to the Alhambra (around €12).
Whilst the bus is cheaper option than the train, it does take considerably longer, and with the stops on the way, the bus can take over 4 hours, making a day-trip extremely tight.
Staying overnight in Granada
Of course a great option if you want to make the most of a visit to Granada (and providing you have the time) is to spend a night in Granada.
Besides the Alhambra the city of Granada has many other great attractions to explore, so it’s well worth doing a mini-trip.
If you’re really looking to have a special trip, you can actually stay inside the Alhambra in the on-site accommodation. The hotel inside the Alhambra is a Paradores (a collection of luxury Spanish hotels inside historical buildings) and is the most spectacular in Spain.
Staying inside the Alhambra Palace grounds is expensive, but really worth it, you literally feel like you’re living in a different age – the height of luxury! (Check availability and book online)
For those looking for a more affordable option I would recommend staying in the Hotel Casa 1800 which is an excellent hotel that allows you to explore the Alhambra and the rest of Granada with ease.
For other accommodation options your best bet is to use booking.com to find the latest deals.
Is the Alhambra Seville Trip worth it?
Absolutely. The Alhambra in Granada is a must-see if you’re in the South of Spain and visiting Andalusia. Whilst it is a fairly long way from Seville, the fact that it can be done in a day makes this by far the best day-trip available from Seville.
The Alhambra is breathtaking, everywhere you look you will be stunned – from the beautiful gardens to the incredible architecture, the place is like something out of a dream. It’s a palace, a fortress, a royal home and is probably the finest example of Moorish architecture in Spain.
I advise checking out a few youtube videos of the Alhambra palace if you need convincing.
Of all the people I have spoke to, nobody has regretted doing this trip in a day. Yes, they are tired, and it involves an early start and late finish, but every person has said it was worth it.
If you are worried, book an overnight stay, the Alhambra is more than worth the additional expense, and Granada is a beautiful city that rivals Seville! You will not be disappointed if you decide to do this in a day, two days or even a week!
For more details on the Alhambra in Granada check out the official website.
Exploring the Alhambra Complex – What to See
If you’re coming from Seville and only have part of a day to explore the Alhambra, it helps to know which areas are the most important. Below is a breakdown of the highlights and how to make the most of your limited time.
Nasrid Palaces
The Nasrid Palaces are the jewel of the Alhambra and the section with the strictest ticket controls. Always double-check that your entry ticket includes this part, and choose a time slot that fits your travel schedule from Seville. Arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your slot, since lines form in advance.
Don’t miss:
- Palacio de Comares – the king’s main residence, home to the impressive Hall of the Ambassadors.
- Palacio de los Leones – famous for the Court of the Lions, one of the icons of Islamic art and design.
Alcazaba
This is the oldest part of the site, originally built as a fortress. The highlight here is the chance to walk along the walls and enjoy sweeping views of Granada, the Sierra Nevada mountains, and the Albaicín district.
Key towers to see:
- Torre de la Vela (Watchtower) – panoramic views over the whole city.
- Torre del Homenaje (Keep) – one of the most important defensive towers.
Generalife
The Generalife was the summer retreat of the Nasrid rulers. Because it’s set a little apart from the main palaces, it tends to be quieter, making it a peaceful escape.
Highlights:
- Patio de la Acequia – a long pool framed by flowerbeds, fountains, and arches.
- Patio de los Cipreses (Court of the Sultana) – leafy gardens tied to local legends.
Palace of Charles V
This Renaissance-style building feels very different from the Moorish architecture surrounding it. Inside you’ll find the Museum of the Alhambra and the Museum of Fine Arts. Even a short visit can help you imagine what the palaces once looked like when filled with exquisite craftsmanship and art.
Tip: If you have time before your Nasrid Palace slot, this palace is located right next door, so it’s a convenient stop.
Medina
Though mostly in ruins, the Medina offers insight into what daily life was like when the Alhambra functioned as a small city. If you’re short on time, you can skip it in favor of the main attractions.
Gates and Other Features
- Puerta de la Justicia (Gate of Justice) – a striking entrance that you’ll likely pass on your way in or out of the complex.
- Puerta del Vino (Wine Gate) and smaller towers and gardens scattered throughout add charm if you have extra time.
How to Prioritize
If you only have a few hours, focus on the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, and Generalife. Together, they give you the best sense of the Alhambra’s history, artistry, and beauty. With 4–6 hours you can see everything at a comfortable pace, but even a half-day visit is rewarding if you plan ahead and leave Seville early.
Where to Eat on an Alhambra Day Trip
Planning where and what to eat is something many people overlook when visiting the Alhambra from Seville. Between the walking, the heat in summer, and the size of the complex, you’ll burn a lot of energy. The last thing you’ll want is to leave the site in search of food halfway through your visit.
Tip #1: Bring snacks. Pack a sandwich, fruit, or a few energy bars so you can recharge without wasting time or money on overpriced tourist cafés right by the entrance. Water is also essential, especially in warmer months.
Tip #2: Save your main meal for Granada. While there are restaurants close to the Alhambra, most cater heavily to tourists, with higher prices and average food. Walking a little further into the city rewards you with authentic Andalusian dining and Granada’s famous tapas culture.
Recommended Restaurants Near the Alhambra
- Bodegas Castañeda – A classic Granada tavern with barrels of wine stacked behind the bar and plates piled high with local tapas. The atmosphere is chaotic and fun – exactly the kind of place to soak in Granada’s food culture. Stick to the lively bar area for the most authentic experience.
- Los Manueles Reyes Católicos – A stylish restaurant serving Andalusian specialties like croquettes, paella, and oxtail. With a modern vibe and outdoor seating, it’s a comfortable option if you prefer a sit-down meal.
- Restaurante Ruta del Azafrán – Located near the Paseo de los Tristes with views back toward the Alhambra. Serves Mediterranean and Arabic-inspired dishes, perfect for those who want good food paired with an iconic view.
Bonus Options for Food Lovers
Tapas in Granada – Unlike many other Spanish cities, most bars in Granada still serve free tapas with your drink. Order a beer or a glass of wine, and you’ll get a small plate of food included. It’s an easy way to sample the local scene after your visit.
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