I don’t really like airports. Too many lines too many “please take your shoes off” experiences, and then you wait hours. Which is why in Spain, I abandoned the plane and hopped on the high-speed train from Barcelona to Córdoba. Best trip decision, hands down.
So the thing is, Barcelona itself is a beast of a city. You can be there for a week and still feel like you only scratched the surface. Between Gaudí’s beautiful buildings (Sagrada Família still did my head in even after gawking at it in pictures a hundred times), the Gothic Quarter with its minute alleys, and just sitting on the beach with an ice-cold drink… time whizzes away fast.
But Córdoba. Man, that city has a different rhythm altogether.
The Train Ride
The train departs from Barcelona Sants station. You have a café con leche, jump on the train, and next thing you know—you’re zooming at breakneck speeds. I think it was about 4 hours or what? Did not even notice that long. Seats were comfortable, lots of legroom (more than on some of the flights I’ve taken), and you can just relax. I attempted to read, but in all honesty, the view from the window was too nice. One minute it’s green coastlines, then golden parched fields, then infinite olive trees as you approach Andalusia.
I really enjoy that aspect of traveling—the “in between.” It’s like your head gets rebooted before you’re in the next city.
Córdoba: Where Time Slows Down
Stepping out of Córdoba’s station, you notice the difference right away. Barcelona is noisy and active, whereas Córdoba is so… quiet, a bit mystical, nearly timeless.
The Mezquita-Catedral is clearly the headliner here. It’s this best blend of Islamic and Christian architecture, and the arches on the inside appear to go on forever. I’m not typically a person who gets excited about buildings, but this one brought me up short. I actually said “whoa” under my breath, and a tourist nearby laughed.
Then, I walked into the Jewish Quarter, which is like a labyrinth. The roads are so narrow you can outstretch your arms and nearly touch both walls. Plenty of flowers, small patios, and those traditional whitewashed houses. I lost my way (twice), but sincerely that’s the enjoyment of it.
And the cuisine—completely different from Barcelona. Tapas of course are still around, but I found salmorejo here. Think gazpacho but thicker, creamier, and sprinkled with egg and ham. I was skeptical at first (cold soup?? really?), but then I had a couple spoonfuls and I was addicted.
Why Train Over Plane?
To me, it’s not even a question. Trains in Spain simply make more sense:
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No stress. No long lines, no baggage drama.
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You depart from the center of the city and end up in the center of the city.
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Room to breathe. You get to stretch your legs, grab a snack, even take a nap without hitting elbows every two seconds.
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And so much more environmentally friendly than flying.
And the trip is actually part of the experience.
Conclusion
Traveling from Barcelona to Córdoba on high-speed rail was one of the most seamless travel options I’ve ever taken. You begin in a city that never sleeps and arrive in one that is swathed in history and enchantment. And in between? A couple hours of Spanish countryside whizzing by out your window.
If you ever happen to be in Spain, take the train instead of a flight. You’ll be glad later when you’re drinking cold salmorejo in a Córdoba square without the hassle of airports lingering in your head.
FAQs
1. How long is the train journey from Barcelona to Córdoba?
Approximately 4 to 4.5 hours on the AVE train.
2. Do I book tickets in advance?
Yeah, sure. Prices rise closer to the date.
3. Can I do Córdoba as a day trip?
If you’re short on time, yes. But I’d say stay over if you can—the city becomes magical at night.
4. Is the train expensive?
Depends. I paid less by booking early, but last-minute fare is quite expensive.
5. What’s the one thing you shouldn’t miss in Córdoba?
The Mezquita-Catedral. No brainer.
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