To get from Lisbon, Portugal to Seville, Spain, you have several transportation options:
Bus (Most Popular and Recommended)
Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Cost: Generally the most affordable option, with tickets starting around $15 – $20 (€14 – €18).
Companies: Alsa, FlixBus, and Rede Expressos are popular operators offering direct services.
Departure/Arrival: Buses typically depart from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente bus stations and arrive at Seville’s Plaza de Armas bus station.
Advantages: Direct routes, relatively comfortable, and often the best combination of price and speed. Some companies offer night buses, which can save on accommodation costs.
Flight (Fastest)
Duration: Direct flights are about 1 hour long. Including airport travel and waiting times, the total journey will be longer.
Cost: Can range from around $25 – $100+ (€22 – €90+), depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
Airlines: Ryanair and TAP Air Portugal offer direct flights. Other airlines like Iberia and Vueling offer connecting flights.
Departure/Arrival: Flights depart from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and arrive at Seville Airport (SVQ).
Advantages: Fastest way to travel between the two cities.
Considerations: Factor in time and cost for getting to and from the airports.
Train (Least Recommended for Direct Travel)
Duration: Train journeys are long, typically taking 9.5 to over 17 hours, as there are no direct trains between Lisbon and Seville. You will need to make multiple changes.
Cost: Generally more expensive than the bus, with tickets starting around $56 (€50).
Companies: Comboios de Portugal (CP) and Renfe (Spanish national railway) are involved, but you’ll need to combine their services.
Considerations: Due to the long travel time and multiple transfers, this is generally not the most convenient or efficient option for this route. It often involves changing trains multiple times, possibly even needing a bus connection in Faro.
Driving
Duration: Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours of driving time.
Advantages: Offers flexibility to explore places along the way (e.g., in the Algarve or Alentejo regions of Portugal).
Considerations: Tolls in Portugal can add up (around €23.30 for the Algarve route). Also, consider international car rental logistics and insurance if picking up in one country and dropping off in another. You could also hire a private driver.
Which option to choose?
- For budget travelers and those who prefer a single direct journey: The bus is usually the best choice.
- For speed and convenience (if budget allows): A flight is the fastest.
- For flexibility and sightseeing along the way: Driving is a great option.
- Avoid the train if you’re looking for a quick and direct journey, as it requires many transfers and is significantly longer.
Travel Options from Lisbon to Seville: A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s break down the best ways to make the journey, so you can pick what works for you.
By Bus: The Most Economical Choice
The bus is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a direct, affordable, and generally comfortable way to travel between these cities.
Who takes you: You’ll find popular companies like Alsa, FlixBus, Rede Expressos, and BlaBlaCar Bus operating on this route.
How long it takes: Expect the journey to last about 6 to 7.5 hours.
Where you get on/off:
In Lisbon: Buses usually leave from Sete Rios Bus Station or Lisboa Oriente (which is handy if you’re coming from the airport).
In Seville: You’ll typically arrive at Plaza de Armas Bus Station, though some services might stop at Sevilla Santa Justa.
The Good Stuff (Pros):
- It’s cheap: Often the most budget-friendly way to go.
- Direct routes: No need to switch buses.
- Comfy enough: Many buses offer amenities like Wi-Fi and restrooms.
Things to Consider (Cons):
- Longest public transport journey: It’s a full day of travel.
- Less flexibility: You’re on the bus’s schedule, with no stops to explore along the way.
- Tips for booking: Make sure to book your ticket in advance, especially if you’re traveling during busy times, to snag the best prices.
By Flight: The Fastest Way
If you’re short on time, flying is the quickest way to get from Lisbon to Seville. Just remember to add time for getting to and from the airports.
Who takes you: Airlines like Ryanair, TAP Portugal, and Vueling Airlines offer flights.
How long it takes: The flight itself is only about 1 hour and 5 minutes!
Where you get on/off: You’ll fly out of Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) and land at Seville Airport (SVQ).
The Good Stuff (Pros):
- Super fast: Gets you there in the shortest amount of time.
Things to Consider (Cons):
- Can cost more: Especially if you don’t book early or if it’s a busy time of year.
- Extra time: You’ll spend time getting to the airport, checking in, going through security, and getting from the airport once you land.
- For the Earth: Flying has a bigger impact on the environment.
Tips for booking: Book your flight way ahead of time to get the best prices. Also, don’t forget to check if there are extra fees for your bags!
By Car (Self-Drive): Freedom and Flexibility
Driving yourself is great if you want to be in charge of your trip and stop whenever you like to see more along the way.
How long it takes: About 4.5 to 5 hours of just driving.
Ways to go:
Algarve Route: This way is a bit faster and lets you see the coast.
Central Alentejo Route: This goes more inland and lets you visit charming towns like Évora.
The Good Stuff (Pros):
- You’re in control: Stop whenever you want, discover cool hidden places.
- See more: You can take fun detours, like visiting Évora or pretty towns in the Algarve like Tavira.
Things to Consider (Cons):
- Car rental costs: You’ll pay for the car, and sometimes extra if you pick it up in one country and drop it off in another.
- Tolls in Portugal: These can add up quite a bit. Look into getting a ViaVerde transponder to make paying easy. Spain usually has fewer tolls in this area.
- Parking: Finding a spot in city centers can be tricky.
- Crossing the border: Make sure your rental car company allows you to drive into another country.
- Time change: Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal, so remember to adjust your watch!
Tips for renting: Check if you need an international driving permit. Understand how the toll systems work. Compare different car rental companies to find one that’s good for cross-border travel.
By Private Transfer: Comfort and Convenience
This is a super easy way to travel, offering a ride directly from your doorstep to where you want to go. You’ll usually have a comfy car and a local driver.
How long it takes: Around 4.5 to 5 hours.
The Good Stuff (Pros):
- No stress: You don’t have to worry about directions, parking, or public transport.
- Comfy ride: You’ll have your own private car, often with Wi-Fi and water.
- Flexible: You pick where you want to be picked up and dropped off.
- See more: You can even ask the driver to make planned stops along the way, like in Évora or Tavira.
Things to Consider (Cons):
- Most expensive: This is usually the priciest option.
- When to think about this: If you’re traveling with a group, have young kids, or just really want an easy and comfortable trip, this is a great choice.
By Train: A Less Direct but Scenic Option
There’s no direct train from Lisbon to Seville, so this option will take longer and involve switching trains.
How to go (common ways):
You can take a train from Lisbon to Faro (in southern Portugal), and then catch a bus from Faro to Seville.
Another way involves multiple train changes: Lisbon to Entroncamento, then to Badajoz, then to Merida, and finally to Seville.
How long it takes: This can range from 9 to 16 hours or even more because of all the transfers.
The Good Stuff (Pros):
- See the views: Some parts of the train journey can be very pretty.
- Maybe more comfy: Some people find trains more comfortable than buses.
Things to Consider (Cons):
- No direct train: You’ll have to change trains many times, which takes a lot of time and can be confusing.
- Less efficient: It’s not the quickest way to get there.
- Can cost more: Train tickets might be more expensive than bus tickets.
Our advice: We generally don’t recommend the train as your main way to go because it’s so long and complicated. Only consider it if you specifically want to stop and see towns like Faro or Badajoz along the way.
Making Your Choice: Factors to Consider
Now that you know all your options, how do you pick the best one for you? Think about these things:
Your Money (Budget)
If you want the cheapest way, the bus is usually your best friend.
If money is no object and you want pure ease, a private transfer will be the most expensive.
How Much Time You Have (Time)
Need to get there as fast as possible? Flying is the winner.
Have lots of time and don’t mind a long journey? The indirect train will take the longest.
How Comfy You Want to Be (Comfort & Convenience)
For the most relaxed, door-to-door trip, a private transfer is ideal.
Public transport (bus, flight, train) will involve more steps like getting to stations/airports and managing your own bags.
Want to See More? (Flexibility & Sightseeing)
A rental car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want and discover places between Lisbon and Seville. This is perfect if you like unplanned adventures.
Who Are You Traveling With? (Travel Style)
Solo travelers might prefer the simplicity of a bus or flight.
Families with young children or groups might find a private transfer or a rental car more convenient for space and luggage.
Practical Tips for Your Journey
No matter how you choose to travel, here are some helpful tips to make your trip smooth and easy:
Book Ahead
It’s a smart idea to book your tickets early, especially for flights and popular bus routes. This is super important if you’re traveling during busy times of the year!
Money Matters (Currency)
Both Portugal and Spain use the Euro (€), so you won’t need to change money when you cross the border.
Watch the Clock (Time Zone)
This is important! Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal. So, when you cross into Spain, remember to set your watch forward one hour.
Your Bags (Luggage)
If you’re flying, always check the luggage rules for your airline, as they might charge extra for bags. On buses, there’s usually space for your luggage, but it’s good to keep it to a reasonable size.
Speak a Little (Language)
While many people in tourist areas speak English, knowing a few basic phrases in Portuguese (like “Olá” for hello, “Obrigado/a” for thank you) and Spanish (like “Hola,” “Gracias”) can go a long way and make your trip more fun!
Stay Connected (Connectivity)
Many buses and private transfers offer Wi-Fi, which is great. If you’re driving, make sure to download offline maps before you go, just in case you lose signal.
Crossing the Border
Traveling between Portugal and Spain is usually very easy because both countries are part of the Schengen Area.
You often won’t even notice you’ve crossed. However, if you have a rental car, double-check with the company about any specific rules for driving into another country.
Recommended Stops Along the Way (Optional – for car/private transfer)
If you’re driving or have a private transfer, you have the awesome chance to break up your journey and see some cool spots between Lisbon and Seville!
Évora (Portugal)
This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and totally worth a visit. You can see an ancient Roman Temple and the spooky-but-fascinating Chapel of Bones. It’s a real step back in time.
Algarve Coast (Portugal)
If you’re taking the coastal driving route, you’re right next to the beautiful Algarve. Places like Faro and Tavira offer stunning beaches and charming towns. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the sunshine.
Mérida (Spain)
Once you cross into Spain, Mérida boasts some truly impressive Roman ruins, including a grand theater and amphitheater. If you love history, this is a must-see.
Huelva (Spain)
This is a coastal city not far from the border in Spain. It offers a taste of Spanish coastal life and could be a nice quick stop.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Seville Adventure
Getting from Lisbon to Seville is easy, no matter your travel style. For the cheapest option, hop on a bus. If speed is key, a flight is your best bet. And if you love freedom and sightseeing, driving gives you that flexibility.
Now you’re ready! We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip. We’d love to hear about your journey or answer any other questions you have. Enjoy every moment in vibrant Seville.
