We're planning a trip to Spain in April and, after Barcelona and Madrid, would like to go to Seville for a couple of days, then Granada, then back to Madrid. Any suggestions on the best, most efficient ways to travel from Seville to Granada and Granada to Madrid without having to rent a car? The train-ride from Granada to Madrid seems very long and requires a train change I think. Anyone fly from Granada to Madrid? Does it make better sense to book a guided daytrip to Granada from Seville, then return to Madrid from Seville via AVE?

As you found out, Granada is sort of a cul-de-sac type of location when approached by land. One way to improve the itinerary is to fly Barcelona to Granada, then train/bus to Sevilla and then to Madrid.

Went by bus from Madrid to Granada.Booked on Alsa website(super user friendly) 5 hours in comfortable bus including pit stop of about 30mins.
Granada worth at least a couple of days,especially if you plan on seeing all of the Alhambra complex
Or go train to Cordoba from Seville and then bus to Granada.

One way to improve the itinerary is to fly Barcelona to Granada, then train/bus to Sevilla and then to Madrid."


A very good suggestion!

p.s
Vueling flies from Barcelona to Granada - 35 euros!

Agree with Greg, although you can also train from Barcelona to Granada (I'd take the direct night train). I'd certainly do Granada and Seville between Barcelona and Madrid.

We went from Sevilla to Granada and then from Granada to Madrid, both by bus. It was all fine. Basically, we used public transportation all over Spain, choosing bus or train depending on whichever had the best schedule or price. I seem to remember it was about 3 hours between Sevilla and Granada, and about 5 hours from Granada to Madrid, with a stop for bathroom and snacks mid-trip. We arrived in Madrid quite late in the evening, but were returning to our previous hotel, so it was fine to arrive late.

hmmmm, wondering if Renfe changed their schedules/routes for 2010. I suppose it's possible. I just checked to see about trains from Granada to Madrid and I'm not finding any? does anyone know? I suppose the bus is a good option too though.

Hey... thanks to all for the suggestions. We decided to turn the trip around and fly (cheap) from Barcelona to Granada, then train to Seville and train to Madrid. Thanks so much!