It’s a slow train from Almeria to Granada. Daytrippers should consider driving or getting the bus.
Granada is rightly regarded as one of the jewels of Andalucia. The Alhambra complex is magnificent – although you should book tickets well in advance if you want to see the Nasrid Palaces. The Palacio de los Olvidados houses a fascinating museum on the Spanish Inquisition, too.
Not all visitors stay in Granada, howeve. Almeria, on the other hand, is often overlooked as a gateway to beaches, but has plenty of accommodation.
But if you’re staying in Almeria, is Granada a realistic day trip destination? Well, that depends on how long you want the day to be…
Almeria to Granada train timetable
According to the Trainline, there are four direct Almeria to Granada train services every day. Unfortunately, these are not fast trains, and they take at least two hours and 47 minutes to reach Granada.
At the time of writing, the daily departures from Almeria to Granada are at 05.59, 08.08, 09.19 and 13.10.
There are five daily departures on the return journey aboard the Granada to Almeria train. These RENFE rail services leave at 11.13, 15.08, 18.12, 20.00 and 22.05.
It is, therefore, possible to visit Granada as a day trip from Almeria, but you’ll spend a lot of time on the train.
Almeria to Granada train ticket prices
Ticket prices on the Almeria to Granada train service are relatively cheap. Searching a couple of days in advance, I found one way tickets costing as little as €12.90. It is advisable to book online in advance.
Alternatives to the Almeria to Granada train
If you’d prefer to spend more time in Granada and less time in transit, there are alternatives. First up is hiring a car – the Almeria to Granada drive takes around one hour and 50 minutes.
The second option is going by bus, which is usually quicker than going by train. According to Busbud, the Alsa bus service from Almeria to Granada runs several times per day, with tickets costing from €17. Again, these can be bought online.
More Andalucia travel
Almeria tour options include kayaking at Cabo de Gata, wine-tasting and sunrise safaris.
Top activity options in Granada include an Arabian baths experience, e-bike tours of the Albaicín neighbourhood and guided hikes in the Sierra Nevada.
Other Andalucia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- A guide to Granada for first time visitors.
- How to see the Nasrid Palaces in Granada when Alhambra tickets have sold out.
- Review of Granada’s Spanish Inquisition museum.
- A guide to Almeria for first time visitors.
- How fast is the Madrid to Cordoba train?
- Is the Mezquita in Cordoba the strangest building in the world?
- Why the Museo Picasso in Malaga is worth visiting.
