Cordoba: Day Trips and Tours from Seville

Most famous for its Great Mosque and the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Cordoba is a beautiful Roman-built city in Spain’s Andalusia region. While Cordoba is known for its religious monuments, the city is home to many charming neighborhoods just waiting to be explored.

Taking a day trip to Cordoba from Seville promises to be an enchanting experience exploring southern Spain. Learn about the Christian, Islamic and Jewish influences on the city as you discover the flower-filled courtyards and top-rated attractions with a local guide.

Here's all you need to know about Cordoba, one of the most exciting day trips from Seville.

How to get to Cordoba from Seville?

Cordoba can be found in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the province of Cordoba, and is located roughly 150 kilometers northeast of Seville.

From Cordoba to Seville by car

Driving to Cordoba from Seville can be a convenient and affordable option, especially if you plan to share the cost of fuel with your travel companions. The journey to Cordoba from Seville by car should take approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.

You have a few different routes to choose from but it is recommended that you take the A-4 highway, as it provides the shortest route. There are also many attractions and sights to see along the way, and if you are driving, you can stop whenever you please.

From Cordoba to Seville by bus

While traveling to Cordoba from Seville is the most time-consuming option, taking roughly 2.5 hours, it is also the cheapest. Bus tickets cost anywhere between €7 and  €25 depending on the carrier as well as the day and time

Buses leave from Seville's Plaza de Armas bus terminal every few hours and take you to the bus station located across the road from the train station in Cordoba.

From Cordoba to Seville by train

Spain is known for its high-speed trains, and traveling to Cordoba from Seville via train is the fastest option available— allowing you to make the most of your time in Cordoba. The only drawback to traveling via train is that ticket prices can fluctuate quite significantly.

Renfe's Alta Velocidad Española, also known as AVE or the “bullet train”,  travels at an impressive 310 kilometers per hour and will get you from Seville to Cordoba (via the Madrid line) in as little as 45 minutes.

Guided tour to Cordoba from Seville

By opting for a guided tour to Cordoba from Seville, there is no need to navigate public transport or drive on unfamiliar roads. Simply get picked up from your hotel or central location in Seville and make your way to Cordoba in a private minivan with your guide/driver.

Once in Cordoba, your guide will show you some of the city’s top-rated attractions and famous sites, and at the end of the day, you’ll be taken back to where you were picked up from in Seville.  Most guided tours last around 10 hours, including travel time.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most tour operators pick you up from your hotel in Seville or ask you to meet them at a central location in the city. From here, you’ll make your way to Cordoba in a comfortable private minivan with your guide/driver and other tour participants.

Many Cordoba day trips make a stop at the nearby town of Carmona, where you’ll visit some of its top-rated sites before continuing on to your main destination. Once in Cordoba, you’ll visit famous attractions such as the Great Mosque, Synagogue and others.

As Cordoba day trips are usually full-day experiences, you'll be taken to a local restaurant for lunch at some point during your time in the city. Throughout the tour, your guide will provide you with detailed information about each of the places that you visit.

At the end of the tour, once you have seen the many sites of Cordoba, you’ll be driven back to Seville and dropped off at the same location where you were picked up from.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Cordoba?

When booking a Cordoba day trip from Seville, you have a few different options when it comes to the types of tours available. Some of your options include guided tours, private tours and tours that include a stop at the nearby town of Carmona.

Guided tours to Cordoba from Seville

Guided group tours to Cordoba from Seville provide a popular and affordable way to visit the nearby city. You’ll be joined by a number of other tour participants, providing you with the opportunity to meet other travelers.

If you don’t like the idea of being part of a large group, there are many small-group tours available that are usually limited to around 15 tour participants.

Private tour to Cordoba from Seville

When you book a private tour to Cordoba from Seville, you and your travel companions will be the only people on the tour. This means that you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience and you’ll even have the opportunity to customize your tour’s itinerary.

Explore the wonders of Cordoba with your private guide at your side and create unforgettable memories with your travel companions.

Day trip to Cordoba plus Carmona from Seville

Make the most of your time in southern Spain by booking a day trip to Cordoba that also includes a stop at the nearby town of Carmona. Break up your journey by visiting one of Spain’s most charming cultural melting pots along the way.

When you choose a day tour that includes a short visit to Carmona, you’ll get to see the sites of two destinations instead of just one. There are both guided tours and private tours that make stops in Carmona.

How much does a day trip to Cordoba from Seville cost?

Basic group tours to Cordoba from Seville typically cost around €100 per person for a full-day excursion. Private tours usually cost between €450 and €600 per person, depending on how many people there are on your tour.

The cost of your tour is inclusive of all entrance fees, transportation costs, etc. In most cases, you’ll have to pay for your own lunch, so be sure to bring along some extra spending money, which may also come in useful should you want to purchase souvenirs.

What will you see and do?

While each Cordoba day trip has a slightly different itinerary, there are a few attractions that almost all tour operators visit— including the Mezquita-Catedral, Medina Azahara and the Roman Bridge.

Mezquita-Catedral

No trip to Cordoba is complete without a visit to the Mezquita-Catedral, also known as the ‘Mosque-Cathedral’. This famous mosque is the city’s most significant monument because of its complicated and fascinating history.

The Mosque-Cathedral was originally a Christian church that was split into two when the Moors captured the city in 711. For over seventy years it was used as a place of worship by both Christians and Muslims until the church was destroyed and it was turned into a great mosque.

The Mezquita-Catedral is an incredible feat of architecture and artistry— making for amazing photos and a truly enigmatic atmosphere.

Medina Azahara

Medina Azahara is located around 8 kilometers outside of Cordoba’s city center and it is a must-see for visitors interested in the city’s history. What you see today are well-preserved ruins of archaeological sites, but Medina Azahara was once the administrative capital of Al-Andalus.

The city’s construction began in 936, but less than 100 years later the city was looted and stood empty for many centuries to come. The ruins were only discovered at the beginning of the 20th century.

Visiting Medina Azahara allows you to step back in time and imagine what this ‘shining city’ may have been like in its prime.

Roman Bridge

One of Cordoba’s defining features is its impressive Roman Bridge, which has origins that date back to the 1st century B.C. Most of the bridge was rebuilt in the 10th century by the Moors who were occupying the city.

The bridge allows you to cross the waters of the Guadalquivir River, which flows through the city all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of 17 stone arches and is famed for its statue of Saint Raphael.

Stroll along the picturesque Roman Bridge, taking in the gorgeous views of the hilly countryside and the unique perspective that the bridge offers of Cordoba.

Patios and courtyards

Cordoba is often referred to as ‘the city of flowers’ because of its flower-filled patios and courtyards that come alive every springtime. The city experiences exceptionally high temperatures in summer, therefore many buildings were built with courtyards to provide a cool reprieve from the heat.

Filled with flowers, plants and fountains, these central atria have become a distinguishing feature of Cordoba homes and restaurants. There is also a yearly prize awarded in Cordoba for the prettiest patio.

When is the best time to visit Cordoba?

The best time to visit the ‘city of flowers’, as Cordoba is often referred to, is certainly in the springtime months of March, April, May and June. This is when you’ll be able to smell the jasmine and admire the colorful flower boxes as you walk through the city streets.

As Cordoba is one of Spain’s most popular destinations, the city and its attractions can get quite busy during holidays and over the weekends. Visit during the week if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Are there any tours to Cordoba from other cities in Spain?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Spain:

• Day trips to Cordoba from Granada
• Day trips to Cordoba from Madrid
• Day trips to Cordoba from Málaga

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for strolling around the city of Cordoba.
• Book your Cordoba day trip from Seville ahead of time so that your spot on your preferred excursion is secured.
• Charge your camera the night before, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities during your Cordoba day trip.