Seville

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Public Transportation

Sections

1. Overview of Public Transportation in Seville

Seville’s public transportation system is managed by several operators and includes buses, a metro line, trams, and bicycles. The city is compact and walkable, but public transport is a convenient option for longer distances or when visiting areas outside the city center.

  • Modes of Transportation:
    • TUSSAM Buses: The primary bus network in Seville.
    • Metro de Sevilla: A single metro line (Line 1) connecting key areas.
    • MetroCentro Tram: A short tram line running through the city center.
    • Sevici: A public bike-sharing system.
    • Taxis and Rideshares: Widely available for door-to-door service.

2. Types of Transportation in Detail

A. TUSSAM Buses

  • Overview: TUSSAM operates an extensive network of buses covering the entire city and some nearby areas. Buses are the most widely used form of public transport in Seville.
  • Key Routes:
    • Circular Lines (C1 and C2): Loop around the city.
    • Airport Bus (EA): Connects the city center with Seville Airport.
    • Night Buses (Ausa): Operate after regular service hours.
  • Schedules: Buses generally run from 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with night buses operating until 2:00 AM or later on weekends.
  • Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes during peak hours.

B. Metro de Sevilla

  • Overview: Seville’s metro system currently has one operational line (Line 1), which runs from Ciudad Expo in the west to Olivar de Quintos in the southeast.
  • Key Stops:
    • Prado de San Sebastián: Near the historic center.
    • San Bernardo: A major transport hub connecting to trains and buses.
  • Schedules:
    • Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
    • Friday and Saturday: 6:30 AM to 2:00 AM.
    • Sunday: 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Frequency: Every 4-10 minutes during peak hours.

C. MetroCentro Tram

  • Overview: A short tram line connecting Plaza Nueva (city center) to San Bernardo station.
  • Key Stops: Plaza Nueva, Archivo de Indias, Prado de San Sebastián, and San Bernardo.
  • Schedules: Operates daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, with extended hours on weekends.
  • Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes.

D. Sevici (Bike-Sharing System)

  • Overview: Sevici is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore Seville, which is one of the most bike-friendly cities in Spain.
  • How It Works:
    • Stations are located throughout the city.
    • Bikes can be rented and returned at any station.
  • Costs:
    • Weekly Pass: €13.33 (first 30 minutes free, then €1/hour).
    • Annual Pass: €33.33.
  • Tips: Always check the bike for damage before use. Helmets are not mandatory but recommended.

E. Taxis and Rideshares

  • Overview: Taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street, at taxi stands, or via apps like Free Now. Rideshare services like Uber and Cabify also operate in Seville.
  • Costs:
    • Base fare: Around €1.33 during the day, €1.63 at night.
    • Per kilometer: €0.92 during the day, €1.15 at night.
    • Airport trips have a flat rate of €23.

3. Ticketing Options and Costs

A. Single Tickets

  • Bus: €1.40 per ride (purchased directly from the driver).
  • Metro: €1.35-€1.80 depending on the number of zones traveled (purchased at metro stations).
  • Tram: €1.40 per ride (purchased at tram stops).

B. Travel Cards

  1. TUSSAM Travel Card (Tarjeta Multiviaje):

    • Cost: €1.50 for the card, then reloadable.
    • Price per ride: €0.76 (cheaper than single tickets).
    • Valid on buses and trams.
    • Purchase: At TUSSAM kiosks, tobacco shops (estancos), or online.

  2. Combined Travel Card (Tarjeta Consorcio):

    • Valid on buses, metro, and some regional trains.
    • Cost: €1.50 for the card, then reloadable.
    • Price per ride: €0.82-€1.37 depending on zones.
    • Purchase: At metro stations or authorized vendors.

  3. Tourist Cards:

    • 1-Day Pass: €5.
    • 3-Day Pass: €10.
    • Unlimited travel on buses and trams.
    • Purchase: At TUSSAM kiosks or online.

C. Sevici Bike Passes

  • Weekly Pass: €13.33.
  • Annual Pass: €33.33.
  • Purchase: Online or at Sevici kiosks.

4. How to Purchase Tickets

  • Bus Tickets: Buy directly from the driver (cash only) or use a travel card.
  • Metro Tickets: Purchase at ticket machines in metro stations (cash or card).
  • Tram Tickets: Buy at tram stop machines (cash or card).
  • Travel Cards: Available at TUSSAM kiosks, metro stations, tobacco shops, or online.
  • Sevici Passes: Purchase online or at Sevici kiosks.

5. Local Tips and Cultural Considerations

  1. Punctuality: Public transport in Seville is generally reliable, but buses may run late during peak hours or festivals.
  2. Siesta Hours: While public transport operates throughout the day, some shops and services may close during siesta (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM).
  3. Festivals: During major events like Semana Santa (Holy Week) or Feria de Abril, public transport schedules may change, and some routes may be diverted. Plan ahead.
  4. Language: Most ticket machines and apps have English options, but bus drivers may only speak Spanish. Learn basic phrases like "Un billete, por favor" (One ticket, please).
  5. Walking and Cycling: Seville is very pedestrian- and bike-friendly. Consider walking or cycling for short distances.
  6. Avoid Rush Hours: Public transport can get crowded during rush hours (8:00-9:30 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM).

6. Useful Apps and Resources

  • TUSSAM App: Real-time bus schedules and route planning.
  • Metro de Sevilla App: Metro schedules and ticket information.
  • Sevici App: Bike availability and station locations.
  • Google Maps: Reliable for public transport directions in Seville.
  • Moovit: A comprehensive app for navigating Seville’s public transport.

By using this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate Seville’s public transportation system efficiently and enjoy your time in this beautiful city. ¡Buen viaje! (Have a good trip!)