Cadiz Travel Forum

I realize that this question has been asked before , so please be patient as I ask it again. We are docking in Cadiz at 08h00 on Saturday, April 19, and sailing at 17h00 so that does not leave us much time in port. I have tried to open the train schedule side but, unfortunately, my Spanish is not good enough to allow me to understand and the link in English doesn't work to specify which type of train to choose.

So would someone be kind enough to tell me if it is possible to take a train or a bus to Seville that leaves at 0830 or09h00 and arrives at 16h30 at the latest.
We want to visit the Alcazar in Seville because it is a world heritage sight.

On the other hand, if it will be rush, rush ,rush, would you suggest that we spend some time in Cadiz and visit the Cathedral, perhaps going to Jerez for lunch. If so, which bodega would you choose? Are there any flamenco shows (or simply exhibitions) in the afternoon?

Actually, any and all information and tips would be welcome. We do not wish to take the ship cruise because we are three retired persons who are more interested in history, culture and architecture than in shopping. We like to visit at our own speed with a local guide if at all possible.

We might even be interested in hiring a car and driver who can act as a guide to take us around Cadiz and Jerez.

Hoping that you will help us out. Thank you very much

Unfortunately, the Renfe website has been "improved", which means that it is more difficult to use, even if you speak Spanish.

I checked the Renfe website and didn't believe the results, so I went to the German rail website (don't worry, it uses the same database), because the results are more believable. It shows that there is a train that leaves Cadiz at 08:50 and arrives in Sevilla Santa Justa at 10:40. Sadly, there are not many direct trains (which is all I saw) - the next one leaves Cadiz at 11:05.

On the return, there is a direct train that leaves Sevilla Santa Justa at 14:05 and arrives in Cadiz at 16:03, which I guess suits your purposes. This would give you some 3 hours in Sevilla.

Note that you are asking for trips that are rather far out for the rail database (62 days is usually the limit), so I checked for this coming Saturday - but the results should be similar year round.

Check with the Renfe site as you get within 2 months of your shore date and see what it says...

Bill

I think you are crazy to try to train it to Sevilla and then back in less than 8 hours. By the time you wait for the trains and rush about you will have very little time in Sevilla to appreciate it. Cadiz would take easily a full day to explore and enjoy.

As mcalpin has said, RENFE is not the best web site ! They keep 'moving the goalposts' without informing people how to search ! So you get used to one site then next time you look it has changed again. Hate that.

Anyway, I think I may have sussed out the reason. RENFE introduced discounted fares. Sometimes you can get a 60 % discount if you book in advance and pay in advance. Just like the sort of thing cheaper airlines will do, and even some more expensive ones like British Airways.

Anyway. The ANDALUSIA EXPRES train that runs regularly between Cadiz and Seville is a sort of commuter train but quite comfortable and clean. I like it. But on the web site you cannot reserve or book tickets until 15 days ahead. On the long distance trains you can book 62 days ahead. Now I am not sure wanyway that you can actually book a seat on the ANDALUSIA EXPRES because it is just an ordinary train with unreserved seating ! So maybe the schedules just go up nearer the day of travel. Stupid or what ?

Anyway, if you look at the date for example for travel tomorrow, it should show you all the trains and as mentioned above there is a train at 08.50 that arrives in Seville around 10.30 so this would be the best option. then taking the 14.08 train back arriving at 16.03
Now my times are from Cadiz railway station to SAN BERNARDO rail station. This is the station that is within walking distance of the ALCAZAR and Cathedral areas. It is in a tunnel before you arrive at the main railway terminal called SANTA JUSTA. About 3 minutes before. You will know when you are ariving at SAN BERNADO because the train goes into a cutting at Seville then into a tunnel and after a couple of minutes it will stop at San Bernado.
For getting from San Bernado to the Alcazar you will need to look at a map. About a 20 minute walk.
If you want a map just yell !
There are several on the Internet that could be useful. Incdg www.viamichelin.com

Enjoy !

I agree with roadquill - there is a lot to see and do in Cadiz and in Jerez a lovely town, bodegas and an ancient mosque and Arabic Baths .

I would stay as local as possible to where your ship is berthed. A day in Seville would be rushed and a delay on the line on your return journey could ruin thecruise. Ships don't wait for latecomers!

Hello Ranger,

Sorry I didn't answer before but I was on grandma duty so didn't have much time to check my e-mail.

Thanks for your great advice. We definitely shall be following it. You certainly whetted my appetite for Cadiz. Could you tell me more about the Arabic Baths, etc. would you suggest going to Jerez or not?

Frankly, I'm relieved at your answer. It's more interesting to see something in depth (although saying we see something in depth in a few hours is pushing it a bit much) than to have to rush and worry about timetables.

If you feel like it, you can email me at : chezgirard@hotmail.com

Would love to get your advice. Also, have you seen the museum? Your take on it?

Thanks again.

Jocelyn

Thanks to all of you who took the time to answer. Our decision is made. Your misgivings and precautionary advice convinced us to stick close to Cadiz. We shall NOT go to Seville.

I am deeply appreciative of the answers you gave me. They were thoughtful, informative and helpful.

Jocelyn

Thanks Jocelyn for your question as it also solved our problem as we are also docking on April 23 and thought of going by rail to Seville but with the replies you got we will spend the time in Cadiz and Jerez.
We are doing a trans atlantic cruise from Fort Lauderdale and then visiting Madeira, Cadiz, Gibraltar Cagliari Rome(Civitavecchia) Florence/Pisa (Livorno and Marseille.
Thought of catching a train at both Civiavecchia to Rome and Livorna to Florence -am now wandering if that is also not being too rushed as the stop in Cadiz.
Thanks

Alf

Going from Civitavecchia to Rome is not a problem, as the rail line along here is quite busy. Also, there really isn't much to see in Civitavecchia (with apologies to the locals) so the trip to Rome makes sense. For people who have already been to Rome, going over to Tarquinia (which is closer) and seeing Etruscans can be a very pleasant day.

The same is true with Livorno and Florence - there's much more to see in Florence than Livorno, although the trip is often 1.5 hours each way. Note that some people just go to Pisa for the day (there's much more there than just a crooked tower), which is just 15 minutes away.

If you have questions about these excursions, post a note in the Civitavecchia and Livorno fourms...

Bill