Getting Around, Seville Travel, Transport and Car Rental

(Seville, Andalucia, Spain)

The Andalucian capital lies on the south-western side of Spain, being within comfortable driving distance of the Portuguese border. Travel connections in Seville are everything that you would expect in a modern city with a population topping 700,000 people. Public transport here comprises a surprisingly efficient network of buses, along with a recently opened metro train network and a new tram service.

The Seville metro opened in the spring of 2009 and plies a U-shaped route, which stretches for just under 20 km / 12 miles and connects areas such as the Plaza de Cuba, the Prado de San Sebastian and also San Bernardo. Currently divided into three zones, the metro operates from 06:30 to 23:00 Monday to Thursday, and between 06:30 and 02:00 on Friday and Saturday.

Tourists who are planning a holiday with much sightseeing involved may like to consider the purchase of a Seville Card (Sevilla Card), which boasts unlimited usage of the city's public transportation, as well as free admission to museums and other attractions. The card also provides free trips on local sightseeing buses and cruises on the Guadalquivir River.

Seville International Airport - San Pablo Airport (SVQ) / Arriving by Air

The is served by the San Pablo Airport (Seville Airport).

Car Rental

Many of the main roads in and around Seville are fairly new and in good condition. When arriving by car from another country, visitors need no special documentation, just the relevant papers from your country, such as your driving licence, vehicle registration documents and insurance details. When hiring a car here, you simply need to show your current driving licence.

Book your Sevilla Car Rental here.

Driving Tips

• Citizens of EU member countries require a national driving licence to drive cars in Spain
• Citizens from non-EU member countries need an International Driving Permit, as well as their national driving licence
• You must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Spain, and have a valid driving licence and car insurance
• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear seat belts
• Children under 14 years old are not allowed to travel in front seats
• In Spain, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Give way to traffic coming from the left at junctions and roundabouts
• Many Spanish motorists drive fast and brake late, so use extreme caution when approaching traffic lights and junctions if you are being followed
• Avoid driving in the city's rush hours, which are usually from 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:30
• There is an extensive network of major routes that connect Seville to the nation's cities
• Six roads lead directly to and from Seville. They are numbered in Roman numerals N-I to N-VI and are connected by ring roads
• Beware of what appear to be shortcuts on maps - these often turn out to be unpaved roads or mountain passes
• Spanish fuel stations supply most internationally known brands of unleaded petrol (gasolina sin plomo) and diesel (gas oil)
• In rural areas, there are normally only a few service stations, so when travelling long distances, be sure to leave with a full tank of fuel
• Autopistas (toll motorways) have various toll charges calculated by the kilometre and some roads that lead into cities also have fixed toll charges
• 75 miles per hour / 120 km per hour is the national speed limit on Spanish motorways (autopistas) and 62 miles per hour / 100 km per hour is the maximum limit on autovias with four or more lanes or three-lane highways
• Unless indicated, other major routes are 56 miles per hour / 90 km per hour, while slower speed limits of 30 miles per hour / 50 km per hour are enforced in urban areas
• It is an offence not to carry some form of identification, such as a passport or driving licence

Buses

Seville bus transport comes in the form of single-decker buses, which are usually orange in colour. You simply board at the front of the bus and either pay the bus driver, punch your ticket or show your travel card. Bus stations in the city are based at the Plaza de Armas and the Prado de San Sebastian.

Taxis

Seville is typical of most Spanish cities and has a good supply of taxis, both day and night. Taxis are always white and have a logo on the doors, displaying the official taxi licence number. Meters begin with a basic fare, but additional charges are usually made for luggage, night-time driving and travel on public holidays. Many Spanish taxi drivers do not speak good English, meaning that it is useful to know a few key words, although this is not essential.

By Foot

This city is well pedestrianised and tourists will find it easy to walk around the centre. Many of the major sights are often only a short walk from the principal hotels and the tourist information offices provide a brochure entitled 'Paseando por Sevilla' (strolling around Seville), which suggests some interesting walks around the city.

Coaches

Seville's main coach station resides within the city centre, at the Plaza de Armas. This modern bus station has plenty of ticket booths and an information desk, while there is even a shopping mall. From this station, there are coaches that travel to destinations all over Spain, such as Madrid and Barcelona, as well as trips to France and Switzerland.

Trains and Railway Station

The main train station in Andalucia is Seville's Santa Justa train station, which is relatively new. This modern building is large and spacious, with excellent facilities, including a restaurant, ATM cashpoint machines, currency exchange and some gift shops. It is an easy station to use and all trains and platforms are visible through large windows. There are good transport connections to all major Andalucian towns and other cities nearby. From here, it takes around three hours to travel to Madrid by train and in the region of nine hours to reach Barcelona.