Have you heard of the concept of an extreme day trip? Well, we did an extreme day trip from Madrid to Seville by high-speed train, the perfect way to see the city in approx. one day. We took the Iryo high-speed train from Atocha Station in Madrid and, just two and a half hours later, arrived at Santa Justa Station in Seville.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how it is totally doable to make the day trip between Madrid and Seville. We’ll break down the different ways to get from the train station in Seville to the city centre and back. We’ll also take you through our day, including where we ate, our bike ride through Plaza de España, and more.
Below are some of the main points we’ll be covering to help you plan your own perfect day trip.
- Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Seville
- What to Do in Seville on a Day Trip
- Where to Eat in Seville
- Transport to and from Seville´s Santa Justa train station
High speed train Madrid to Seville
Can You Really Do a Day Trip from Madrid to Seville & how much does it cost?!
Check out the reel below to see how we did it and what we spent for the day. You won’t believe it! It’s definitely possible to do budget day trips with a touch of luxury.
Cheap train tickets from Madrid to Seville
How to book cheap train tickets from Madrid to Seville? We booked our train tickets through Omio. It’s super convenient! You can download their app to easily compare prices not just for trains but also for flights and buses all in one place. It really helps you find the best deals and plan your trip hassle-free. Check it out here.
A breakdown of what we paid for our Extreme Day Trip
For two people:
- High-speed IrYo train (return – Madrid) = 102€
- Lunch at Fray Melitón = 67.10€
- Bike rental = 2.59€ each (or 13.30€ for a week via SEVICI app)
- Water in María Luisa Park = 3€
- Hotel Alfonso XIII terrace = 50.99€
- Taxi back to the station = 7.75€
When we arrived at Santa Justa train station, there was a massive taxi queue so we walked into the centre (approx. 20 mins).
Total: 235.90€ / 117.95€ each
What to Do in Seville on a Day Trip
If you’re thinking a day trip from Madrid to Seville does not leave time for much, think again. Renting bikes made it easy to cover more ground and we hit several highlights without feeling rushed.
🚲 Rent Bikes to Maximise Your Time
Renting bikes is the best way to zip through Seville’s charming old streets, cruise along the river, and easily travel from one landmark to the next without worrying about traffic or parking. It’s a fun, efficient, and eco-friendly way to see the city at your own pace. We got on our bikes right on the side of the river, just in front of the Plaza de Toros, which was a perfect starting point. To make it even easier, we downloaded the Sevici app on iOS (it´s available on Adroid too), which allows you to find nearby bike stations, check availability, and pay for your daily hire directly through the app. This hassle-free system means you can hop on and off bikes whenever you want, making it perfect for exploring all the highlights during your visit.
🐂 Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza
Even if you’re not into bullfighting, this historic ring is still worth a visit. The architecture alone is impressive, with its grand arches, traditional Andalusian design, and centuries of history woven into the structure. It offers a glimpse into an important part of Spanish culture, and just walking around the arena gives you a sense of its cultural significance and the events it has witnessed over the years. Book your Seville: Bullring Guided Tour with a Skip-the-Line Ticket to explore it up close and save time.
⛪ Seville Cathedral & La Giralda Tower
It’s the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, and it’s absolutely breathtaking even if you only have time to admire it from the outside. The intricate details, towering spires, and sheer scale make it a must-see landmark. If you’re short on time, a quick walk around the exterior is still well worth it. You’ll get a sense of its grandeur and historical significance without even stepping inside. Book your entry tickets for Seville Cathedral and La Giralda with free cancellation up to 24 hours before your visit.
🌊 Riverside Views
Ride along the Guadalquivir River for a peaceful and scenic experience that gives you a true sense of Seville’s layout. The path takes you past beautiful bridges, historic landmarks, and vibrant neighborhoods, offering a mix of nature and architecture. It’s a relaxing way to explore the city, and the views along the water add a unique perspective you won’t get from the streets alone. If you prefer to take it easy, there are also boat trips available, like the Seville: 1-Hour Guadalquivir River Sightseeing Eco Cruise, which lets you enjoy the same views from the comfort of the water.
🏛️ Plaza de España & Maria Luisa Park
This is an absolute must-see. Plaza de España is one of Seville’s most iconic landmarks, with its sweeping semi-circular design, intricate tilework, and grand bridges arching over the canal. It’s not just visually stunning; the atmosphere is vibrant with musicians, local artists, and visitors enjoying the view. It’s the perfect spot for a photo break or simply to soak in the beauty of the architecture. After taking it all in, you can head right next door to Parque de María Luisa, a peaceful green oasis where you can relax under the trees, enjoy the fountains, and escape the midday sun.
Where to Eat in Seville
Even with limited time, we managed to fit in two great food stops, one for lunch and one for a relaxed early dinner. Here’s where we ate and what we ordered, in case you want to copy our route..
🥘 Lunch at Fray Melitón (Casco Antiguo)
We stopped for lunch at Fray Melitón, tucked away in the historic town (casco antiguo). Everything was fresh and full of flavour. We shared croquetas, puff pastry with avocado and smoked salmon, and taquitos de bacalao to start. For mains, we went for oxtail (highly recommend!) and finished with cheesecake and a gooey brownie. The brownie was amazing. The restaurant decor was beautiful, the service was great, and the staff explained each dish really well. A perfect midday break.
🍷 Drinks & Light Dinner at Ena Terrace – Hotel Alfonso XIII
Ena terrace, part of Hotel Alfonso XIII, was a welcome break from the heat. Seville is already warm in March! We ordered 0% beers (we’re on a mission to find the best alcohol-free one 😄). Since we weren’t too hungry, we shared a cheese platter, more croquetas, and a vegetarian dish with roasted cauliflower and sweet potato purée. Light, tasty, and just right for winding down before the trip back home.
Transport to and from Seville´s Santa Justa train station
To get back to the station for our train to Madrid, we grabbed a taxi right in front of Hotel Alfonso XIII, which cost €7. It was quick and convenient. You can also easily book an Uber or Bolt if you prefer using an app.
Question: Would you do a day trip like this — or does it sound way too extreme?
Before You Go: Don’t Miss These Madrid & Europe Travel Posts
If you’re planning to explore Madrid or travel across Europe, these blog posts might come in handy:
- Must-Have Apps For Europe Travel – You Can’t Travel Without
- Madrid on a Budget: The Ultimate Madrid One Day Itinerary
- 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Madrid – Free Madrid Travel Guide
- Budget-Friendly Things To Do in Madrid, Spain in Winter (January & February)
- How to Use Public Transport in Madrid – For Tourists, Expats & Visitors
- 25 Essential Carry On Budget Travel Tips in Europe: Pack Smart and Travel Light!
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