Spain: Algeciras to Granada by Bus or Train
 

I am undecided whether to take the bus or train from Algeciras to Granada. The cost is the same (approximately 18 Euros one-way per person), as are the approximate departure/arrival times (we'll leave in the early morning around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m. and arrive around 11:30 am). The train takes 1 hour longer than the bus (4.5 hours instead of 3.5 hours), but I think that it may be more comfortable. It is only a REGIONAL train however, not AVE or Talgo. Any thoughts on which would be better? One hour longer doesn't seem too much to sacrifice if the trip is more comfortable. (I should mention that this will be the last leg of our trip after using high-speed trains, so it may be disappointing to use just a regional.) The train travels through Ronda, Bobadilla, Antequerra before reaching Granada. The bus stops in Marbella and Malaga en route to Granada. We haven't planned to spend any time in Ronda, Marbella, or Malaga, so passing through any one/all is welcomed. Maybe we should take the train and plan a short 2- or 3-hour stop in Ronda, if possible. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

It might be worthwhile to check out complete schedules for both bus and train. Ronda as well as Antequera would be great stopping places if you could then continue on to Granada. On the other hand if you want a look at the resort areas on the Costa del Sol, Marbella and Malaga should give you some idea. I don't know the time frame of your itinerary so can't tell you whther or not it might be worth your while to stop in Ronda or Antequera.

Except for short distances, Regional trains (other than TRD) come up short against Motorcoach: I don't remember them having air conditioning, luggage racks were not ample (overhead racks are very narrow) and the seats are not very comfortable. TRD's are generally air conditioned and you may be able to buy seat reservations on them.

So, for MotorCoach vs. TRD it's a toss up; but MotorCoach vs. other Regional trains, I would go with MotorCoach.

We ended up taking the Portillo bus, departing Algeciras at 8:00 and arriving Granada at 11:30. Brief stops to pick up/discharge passengers in Marbella and Malaga. It was a fairly comfortable trip.