Train vs bus from Madrid to Seville: time and price

The train is faster (like 2.5 hours with the AVE) but generally more expensive, while the bus is cheaper but takes you almost twice as long. It depends on whether you prefer getting there fast or saving a few euros!

Do you have flexible schedules or do you need to arrive at a specific time? Because that also makes quite a difference in the decision.

Your colleague is right about the basics, but it really depends on when you travel. If you take a high-speed train at the last minute or on a weekday, sometimes you find deals that aren't that expensive, especially if you book in advance. The bus is indeed cheaper almost always, but the difference isn't as dramatic as it seems if you compare specific prices. Though honestly, sitting in a coach for almost five hours straight isn't the most comfortable thing in the world.

What he doesn't mention is that the train drops you off right in the center of Sevilla and the bus probably leaves you on the outskirts, so then you have to spend money on local transport or a taxi. That adds up. Personally I prefer the train because I can also get up, stretch my legs, go to the train café... and when I arrive in Sevilla I'm fresh enough to enjoy it, not completely exhausted. But if you're traveling on a tight budget, the bus works if you're not in a hurry and don't mind losing those hours.

Don't put too much faith in the prices you see at first glance, because they vary a lot depending on when you buy. I've made that trip several times and honestly sometimes the bus comes out at almost the same price as the train if you buy in advance, but of course you lose those 2.5 hours. If you don't mind sitting for a long while and you want to save money, the bus is the option; but if you value your time and money's not a problem for you, the AVE is worth it.