Direct Renfe trains reach Cádiz from Seville in 1 hour 24 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes; fares often start near $20 (€16.65).
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A day trip to Cádiz does not need a transfer or a car. The simplest way to buy train tickets Seville to Cadiz is to search Sevilla-Santa Justa to Cádiz, then choose a direct Renfe Media Distancia, Alvia, or Intercity service.
Most dates have roughly 15 direct departures, spread from early morning until late evening. The train arrives beside Cádiz’s old town and harbor, so it removes the parking problem and leaves more time for the cathedral, waterfront, and La Caleta beach.
Seville To Cádiz Trains: Times, Fares, And Stops
Direct trains usually take about 1 hour 24 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes for the 62-mile route. Faster long-distance services make fewer stops, while Media Distancia trains commonly call at places such as Dos Hermanas, Lebrija, Jerez de la Frontera, and El Puerto de Santa María.
Typical search results show around 15 direct trains a day, with the first departure near 6:43 a.m. and the last near 10:13 p.m. Times change by weekday, season, engineering work, and special events, so treat those hours as planning ranges rather than a fixed daily timetable.
Compare the current departures and ticket conditions before choosing a train:
How Much Do Seville To Cádiz Train Tickets Cost?
One-way fares commonly begin near $20 (€16.65), while faster or more flexible departures can rise into the $23–$35 range (€20–€30). Media Distancia is usually the lower-cost rail choice; Alvia and Intercity can cost more in exchange for a shorter ride.
Renfe prices can vary with train type, demand, and fare conditions. Compare the final price, change rules, and departure time together: saving a few dollars is less useful when the cheaper train cuts an hour from a day trip.
- Buy ahead for busy dates: Friday evenings, Sunday returns, summer weekends, and Cádiz Carnival dates can fill earlier.
- Check two one-way tickets: separate outbound and return fares can give a better schedule than a preset round trip.
- Use the Spanish station names: enter Sevilla-Santa Justa and Cádiz to avoid results for airports or nearby towns.
- Read the fare terms: the lowest fare may have tighter change or cancellation limits.
Every Practical Route Compared
The direct train gives the clearest balance of center-to-center travel, predictable timing, and no parking search. The bus can be close in price, while driving pays off mainly for a group or a trip that continues beyond Cádiz.
| Travel Option | Typical Time | Rough One-Way Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Renfe Media Distancia from Santa Justa | 1h35–1h50 | From about $20 (€16.65) |
| Renfe Alvia or Intercity from Santa Justa | 1h24–1h35 | Often $20–$35 (€17–€30) |
| Regional train from San Bernardo | About 1h30–1h45 | Usually close to the Santa Justa fare |
| Transportes Generales Comes bus | About 1h45 | About $20 (€17) |
| Rental car or private car | About 1h15–1h30 | Fuel plus Cádiz parking |
| Carpool or scheduled rideshare | About 1h20–1h45 | Often $12–$23 (€10–€20) |
| Private taxi or transfer | About 1h15–1h30 | Usually $150+ (€130+) |
Day-trip rule: choose an outbound train arriving by 10:30 a.m. and a return after 7:00 p.m. for enough time to see the old town and waterfront without rushing.
Buying The Right Ticket
Search the exact date before planning around a remembered timetable, then compare total travel time rather than departure time alone. A train leaving ten minutes later may arrive first because it skips several regional stops.
- Set the origin to Sevilla-Santa Justa and the destination to Cádiz.
- Choose a direct service and check whether it is Media Distancia, Alvia, or Intercity.
- Confirm the arrival time, fare rules, and assigned train before payment.
- Save the QR code offline or take a screenshot in case mobile data is weak.
- Reach Santa Justa about 20 minutes early for the platform display and any security screening.
Some long-distance trains on the Madrid–Cádiz corridor had their timings shifted by 8 to 20 minutes from July 6, 2026. Renfe’s July 2026 timetable notice is a good reason to verify the live departure instead of copying an older schedule.
Stations At Both Ends
Sevilla-Santa Justa is the main departure point and has the widest choice of trains. San Bernardo can work for travelers staying south of central Seville, but only select the station when the chosen direct train actually stops there.
Cádiz station sits by Plaza de Sevilla, beside the port and within a short walk of the old town. Most visitors can reach the cathedral area in about 10 to 15 minutes on foot, so a taxi is rarely needed unless luggage or mobility makes the walk difficult.
- In Seville: allow extra time during morning traffic because Santa Justa is east of the historic center.
- In Cádiz: follow signs toward the city center rather than the port access roads.
- For the return: save the station entrance on your phone; old-town streets can make the direct path less obvious.
Staying Near Cádiz Station
One night in Cádiz makes sense when the return schedule feels restrictive or when beach time matters. The station is close enough to the old town that a central hotel can still be reached on foot.
Compare stays around the old town, Campo del Sur, and La Caleta on one map:
Which Train Should You Choose?
Choose Media Distancia when price matters more than saving 10 to 20 minutes. Choose Alvia or Intercity when the faster arrival creates more usable time in Cádiz and the fare difference is small.
- For a day trip: take the earliest practical direct train and reserve a return after dinner.
- For the lowest fare: compare Media Distancia departures and avoid the busiest Friday and Sunday periods.
- For speed: select the shortest direct Alvia or Intercity result, not merely the earliest departure.
- For flexibility: pay close attention to change and cancellation terms before checkout.
The train is the sensible default for most visitors because both stations are central and the route needs no change. Check the live options once more before paying:
References & Sources
- Renfe.“Renfe Reajusta Los Horarios En La Línea Madrid–Cádiz.”Confirms the July 2026 timing changes affecting services on the corridor.