Airports In Cordoba, Spain: All You Need To Know

Córdoba, Spain, does have an airport, but it does not have any regular scheduled or charter flights. The airport is open to national and international (Schengen-only) flights and is mainly used for general aviation. The closest international airports to Córdoba are Seville Airport, Granada Airport, and Malaga Airport.

The nearest airport to Cordoba is Seville Airport

Although Cordoba does have its own airport, it is not currently served by any regular scheduled or charter flights. The nearest airport to Cordoba is Seville Airport (SVQ).

Seville Airport is about 83 miles from Cordoba, and there are four ways to travel between the two: by bus, train, car, or town car. The fastest way to get to Cordoba is by car, which takes about 1 hour and 19 minutes, while the cheapest way is by bus, which costs between $12 and $18.

If you are travelling from Seville Airport to Cordoba by bus, you can take a direct bus from Aeropuerto Sevilla to Cordoba. The journey takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take the train, but this involves taking the bus or a taxi to Santa Justa railway station in Seville first. The entire journey by bus and train takes about 1 hour and 36 minutes.

If you are renting a car at Seville Airport, you can get on the A-4 and then the A-92 to reach Cordoba in about 1 hour and 19 minutes.

There are no rail lines at Seville Airport itself, so if you are using public transportation, you will need to take the bus or a taxi to Santa Justa railway station in Seville to catch the train to Cordoba.

Cordoba airport has no regular scheduled or charter flights

Cordoba airport does have some facilities, but it does not accommodate regular scheduled or charter flights. The airport is open to national and international (Schengen-only) flights, but it lacks Customs or Passport clearance, which means it cannot receive flights from non-EC countries.

The airport has undergone progressive upgrades since 2010, including a new runway, enlarged to accommodate larger aircraft such as Airbus A319 and B737 passenger jets. Despite these improvements, the airport remains primarily a hub for general aviation, with approximately 10,000 passenger movements per year, mostly private charters, pilot schools, military flights, crop spraying, and organ transplants for the Reina Sophia hospital in the city.

Cordoba is served by nearby airports, including Seville (SVQ), Granada-Jaen (GRX), Malaga (AGP), and Jerez (XRY). These airports offer connections to various destinations, with Seville and Malaga being the most commonly used gateways to Cordoba by travellers.

Malaga Airport is 1 hour to 1.5 hours from Cordoba by train

Although Cordoba does have its own airport, it is not an international airport. The nearest international airport to Cordoba is in Seville, which is 70 miles away. However, it is also possible to fly into Malaga Airport, which is 85.9 miles from Cordoba. The train from Malaga Airport to Cordoba takes between one hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes. The AVE trains are reportedly very comfortable.

Cordoba Airport is located 6km west of the city on the N-347 on the north bank of the River Guadalquivir. It has no regular scheduled or charter flights but is popular for general aviation. The airport has been progressively upgraded since 2010, with new facilities, an apron, a control tower, and a runway enlarged to 2,050m by 60m wide. It is open to national and international (Schengen-only) flights, but there is no customs or passport clearance, so it cannot receive flights from non-EC countries or offer passport clearance for travellers from non-Schengen countries.

Cordoba Airport has about 10,000 passenger movements per year, mainly private charters, pilot schools, military, crop-spraying, and organ transplants for the Reina Sophia hospital in the city. The terminal building is open from 08:00 and closes depending on demand. There is no airport bus, but the 0-2 bus line stops on the main road, with around 15 buses a day from 06:30 to 22:30. A taxi to the city centre is about €10.

Cordoba airport has been progressively upgraded since 2010

Cordoba Airport in Spain has indeed been progressively upgraded since 2010. In 2011, the runway was enlarged to 2,050 metres in length and 60 metres in width, at a cost of 15 million euros. This expansion opened up the airport to larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A319 and B737 passenger jets.

In July 2007, the Mayoress of Cordoba, Rosa Aguilar, signed an agreement with AENA to upgrade the airport facilities and runway at a cost of 85 million euros. This included plans for a new platform, a new control tower, and expanding the runway.

In August 2022, refurbishment and security works were completed on the 145-square-metre terminal, costing 1.3 million euros. The terminal building was also extended in 2023, with plans to double its size and add a third check-in counter and a second X-ray machine.

Cordoba Airport, located 6 kilometres west of the city, continues to undergo upgrades and improvements to enhance its facilities and services.

Cordoba is smaller and less touristy than Granada and Seville

Cordoba does have an airport, but it does not have any regular scheduled or charter flights. The airport is open to national and international (Schengen-only) flights. It has been progressively upgraded since 2010, with new facilities, an apron, a control tower, and a runway that was enlarged to 2,050 metres in 2011.

Now, on to the comparison between Cordoba, Granada, and Seville.

Cordoba vs. Granada and Seville:

Cordoba is smaller and less touristy than both Granada and Seville. It has a more laid-back and authentic local atmosphere, especially in the evening when most day-trippers have left. Cordoba's whitewashed old town, with its narrow lanes decorated with colourful flowers, gives it a charming small-town feel.

Cordoba:

• Population: 325,708
• Unique Features: The Mezquita (a cathedral that is half-mosque and half-church), whitewashed walls, patios, flowers, and the Juderia (Jewish Quarter) with its narrow lanes.
• Other Attractions: The Alcazar, Roman Bridge, Palacio de Viana, and Medina Azahara (Islamic ruins in the suburbs).
• Ideal For: Those seeking a more relaxed and less touristy atmosphere, exploring the medieval quarter, and enjoying the local food and culture.

Granada:

• Population: 232,208
• Unique Features: The Alhambra (a spectacular fortress and palace), and the El Albaicín old Moorish district with houses that originated as caves.
• Other Attractions: The free tapas bar crawl tradition, youthful university town vibe.
• Ideal For: Those seeking a magical and youthful atmosphere, exploring Moorish architecture, and enjoying the local food and nightlife.

Seville:

• Population: 688,711
• Unique Features: Architecture, plazas, fountains, parks, and the Santa Cruz neighbourhood.
• Other Attractions: Triana (across the river), the Real Alcazar, the cathedral, and Plaza de Espagna.
• Ideal For: Those seeking a balance between small-town charm and big-city attractions, exploring diverse neighbourhoods, and enjoying cultural offerings.

In summary, all three cities offer unique experiences and are worth visiting. However, Cordoba stands out for its laid-back atmosphere, charming old town, and impressive Mezquita, making it a great choice for those seeking a more relaxed and authentic Andalusian experience away from the crowds.

Frequently asked questions