Getting to Granada by Train

The train is one of the most comfortable ways to reach Granada, especially from Madrid and Barcelona. You arrive in the city without traffic jams or airports and, from the station, you’re a short bus ride from Cueva de Lindaraja. Here are the basics to help you plan.

Granada railway station

Granada railway station is on Avenida de Andaluces, just off Avenida de la Constitución, in a central, flat part of the city. Don’t mix up the train station with the bus station, which is on Carretera de Jaén, further from the centre: they’re two separate buildings.

It’s a small, easy station to find your way around. There’s a taxi rank right outside and the city bus stops are a few steps away.

Trains to Granada

• From Madrid. High-speed AVE trains link Madrid and Granada in a little over three hours, calling at Córdoba and Antequera. It’s the fastest and most frequent connection.
• From Barcelona. There are long-distance trains to Granada from Barcelona. It’s a long journey, but often worth it compared with going through an airport. Check on Renfe whether your train is direct or involves a change.
• From Málaga and Seville. These cities connect with Granada via Antequera-Santa Ana station, Andalusia’s main rail hub. Depending on the day and time, the train may be direct or you may have to change at Antequera.
• From other Andalusian cities. Córdoba is on the same line as Madrid. For other destinations, look up the connections on the Renfe website.

Timetables, fares and train types change every season, so always check the Renfe website or app before buying. Booking ahead is usually cheaper, especially for bank holidays and weekends.

If you’re coming from Málaga, compare with the direct coach too: sometimes it’s simpler. You’ll find it in our guide to buses from Granada to other places.

From the station to the house

The most practical way from the station to Cueva de Lindaraja is the city bus, with just one change:

1. As you leave the station, walk about 250 metres to the Avda. Constitución 27 – Estación ferrocarril stop.
2. Take the 4 bus and get off 4 stops later, at Gran Vía 5 – Catedral.
3. There, take the C34 and get off 6 stops later, at Camino del Sacromonte 89.
4. The house is about 40 metres from the stop, up some 30 steps.

A standard ticket includes an hour of free transfers, so one ticket covers both buses. It takes about 25 minutes in all. You’ll find the details, with approximate prices, in getting here, and everything about tickets and cards in Granada city buses.

If you arrive with lots of luggage or late at night, a taxi is a good option: taxis wait outside the station. Bear in mind that cars can’t always drive up into the neighbourhood, because access has set hours (we explain it in arriving by car).

Tips

• Keep your ticket on your phone. You can carry it in the Renfe app and skip the queues at the station.
• Luggage. The C34 is a minibus with little room for cases. If you’re travelling with large suitcases, consider a taxi for the last stretch.
• Antequera isn’t Málaga. If you change trains, make sure the station is Antequera-Santa Ana, which is outside the town.
• Once you’re at the house, forget the train: Granada is best explored on foot and by city bus.