Public transport in Seville, Malaga and other Andalusian cities

Key rules

• Cards are regional: Each Andalusian area has its own consortium and its own rechargeable card, so buy the one for the area where you live.
• Car-free cities: Seville, Málaga and Granada have a metro, which makes living without a car realistic there.
• Costa del Sol: Outside the Málaga–Fuengirola rail line, you will mostly depend on interurban buses.
• Prices: Check current card prices and discounts with your consortium before buying.

Card prices, discounts and where each card works change often, so confirm them with the consortium for your area.

The short answer

You can live without a car in Seville, Málaga and Granada. In most other Andalusian cities, buses cover daily needs. On the coast outside the cities, a car is often easier.

Which cities have a metro or tram

• Seville: a metro (Line 1) and the MetroCentro tram in the centre.
• Málaga: a metro with two lines.
• Granada: a metro.
• Jaén: a tram.
• Cádiz Bay: a tram linking Chiclana, San Fernando and Cádiz.

Everywhere else, city and interurban buses are the main public transport.

How the consortium cards work

Andalusia is split into transport areas, each run by a consortium: Seville, Málaga, Granada, Cádiz Bay, Almería, Jaén, Córdoba and Huelva. Each one issues its own rechargeable card.

• The card gives a lower fare than single tickets.
• It works across bus, metro and tram inside the zones of that consortium.
• Discounts exist for young people, seniors and large families. Ask the consortium what proof you need.
• You can buy cards at kiosks, at consortium offices and online.

Prices change, so check the current price with the consortium for your area before you buy. A card from one area is not a safe bet in another. Ask the consortium of the city you are travelling to whether it accepts yours.

What car-light living looks like

In Seville and Málaga, you can combine metro, tram and bus for work, shopping and errands. Choose a home near a metro or tram stop to make it easier.

On the Costa del Sol, transport relies mainly on interurban buses run by private operators under the consortium. Rail is limited beyond the Málaga–Fuengirola Cercanías line. Live close to that line or a main bus route if you want to go without a car. Check bus frequency in the evening and at weekends before you sign a lease.

In smaller towns, services are less frequent. Test the commute at the hours you will actually travel.

The FAQ below answers the most common questions on cards and cities.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use one transport card in different Andalusian cities?

No, each Andalusian city area has its own consortium and its own rechargeable card, so a card from one area is meant for travel within that area's zones. Seville, Málaga, Granada, Cádiz Bay, Almería, Jaén, Córdoba and Huelva each have one. Get the card for the area where you live.

Where can I buy a consortium card?

You can buy a consortium card at kiosks, at consortium offices and online. Young people, seniors and large families can get discounts, so ask the consortium about them when you buy.

Which Andalusian cities have a metro or tram?

Seville has a metro line and the MetroCentro tram, Málaga has a two-line metro, Granada has a metro, and Jaén has a tram. The Cádiz Bay has a tram linking Chiclana, San Fernando and Cádiz. Other cities rely mainly on buses.

Can I live on the Costa del Sol without a car?

It is possible in some places, but you will depend mainly on interurban buses run by private operators under the consortium. Rail is limited beyond the Málaga–Fuengirola Cercanías line. Living near that line or a main bus route makes car-free life much easier.