Hi,

I'm planning on a trip to Spain for 11 days in October. I'd like to visit Barcelona, Seville and Madrid. I've reserved a flight ticket to flight in Barcelona and flight out from Madrid (I'm unable to get a ticket to flight out from Seville). I need help to find out what the best way (inexpensive and less time-consuming) is to travel between these three cities.

From Barcelona to Seville: I've found some inexpensive tickets on Vueling. Are there any other suggestions? Will train be more economical?

From Seville to Madrid: the flight ticket (Iberia) appears to be very expensive (over $200 per person one way). Are there any other airlines? or is train more convenient? Is AVE the only train that run between Seville and Spain?

Also, any suggestions on how many days we should stay in each city? We're into culture, food, and historical scenery but not so much archeology. Please help!

Thanks.

To find out if the train is more economical simply read www.renfe.es
Savilla is smaller than the other 2 so three day that would give you a good feel but you will never get under the skin of the place. The divide up your time equally for the 2 main cities.
Trains will take up less travelling time (AVE) because you do not have to go to the airport of have much in the way of security to go through. Besides sometimes there are more trains than flights.
There is a lot of information about what you are looking for on this forum so I would also suggest you do a good search

Generally the train will be good (flights might just have a deal on) The trains are good, clean, punctual and the locals know how to behave in public.

Seville is very different to the other two cities. In October all three will be pleasant with Madrid probably a little chillier.

Barcelona really takes the biscuit for modern art, local wine though the town itself is the most modern of the three.

I think Seville must be the oldest and was the longest or possible only under arabic rule which adds a whole dimension to the place.

Madrid is an invented capital city (but way back, we are not talking Brazilia here) if you have read any good Spanish swashbuckling books of the 1500 to 1700 period they nearly all happen here. Madrid's musuems/palaces are the high point

<< ... how many days we should stay in each city? We're into culture, food, and historical scenery but not so much archeology. ...>>

How about Architecture? Barcelona: the most Antonio Gaudi architectural extravaganzas from Parc Guell to the Sagrada Familia.

I would Plan for about 4-days in Madrid including daytrips to Toledo & Segovia, and 3-each for Barcelona & Sevilla.

I have taken an overnight Bus Madrid-Sevilla (SecorBus / Socibus). It took about twice as long as AVE (5hr, 30min) but it cost less than half what AVE costs. AVE is more expensive than discount Airlines,like Vueling. But Renfe may have some discounted fares in October.

Vueling is a good airline ,and cheap.
AVE from Seville to Madrid is cheaper than flying. There are special rates on AVE (Estrella is 40% less - you have to buy ahead of time)

You write: "11 days in October" but you don't specify exactly the dates. I believe October 12th is a Holiday and it is also la Virgen del Pilar, making the second weekend of October what they call a 'Puente,' (i.e., a 3-day weekend). So, if you plan to travel Friday or Monday of that weekend, make your reservations as early as possible.