Trains to Ronda have reduced over the last few years with shutdowns on some lines due to severe storms damaging tracks and major works on the Granada to Algecirus line. That said, Ronda is still serviced by regular trains from many major cities in Spain.
How to Reserve a train to and from Ronda?
Many, many people complain about the official RENFE train website for it’s difficult navigation and many times refusal to accept credit cards not from Spanish addresses. So, we recommend using the OMIO reservation system. (OMIO can also be used to search for buses and flights.)
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Find a train to Ronda
REMEMBER! You can sometimes only book trains up to 60 days in advance with some routes just 30 days in advance.
Book a RENFE train to Ronda and just print off your eticket. Simple for getting to and from Ronda from all Spanish cities. Also return train daytrips from Ronda to the Alhambra in Granada, Mezquita in Córdoba, or the Picaso Museum in Malaga.
Types of train service to Ronda.
Trains to Ronda often change at another station and only a few services are direct. This means you need to pay particular attention to the type of train used. Ronda sits on the Algeciras-Granada line, but trains to Madrid and Malaga are available from Ronda train station.
All trains departing either Algeciras, Granada, or Malaga are the regional trains (media distancia). The service to Madrid runs between Algeciras-Madrid, and is a type of train known as Altaria. This is not a high speed service.
Is there a high speed train “AVE” to Ronda?
NO. The AVE high speed train does not currently service Ronda, although there are plans to upgrade the track at sometime in the future. If you book a ticket to Madrid from Ronda then you take the “media distancia” to the Santa anna station where the nearest AVE high speed station is located.
Opening times and bar.
The railway station in Ronda is open from 06.45 till 22.00, although the ticket office is only open from 06.50 till 21.30 and outside these times the only person in attendance will be the station controller. Within the building there is a bar that serves coffee, drinks and light tapas. They also have a set menu for travelers with time to spare.
The Hotel Andalucia across the street from the station is a convenient hotel close to Ronda train station.
If you decide to travel to Ronda by train you can also take advantage of the very good Hotel Andalucia across the street from the station. It is well priced and perfectly located in a quiet part of town just 5 minutes from the main shopping area and just 10 minutes walk from the main monuments and cultural attractions.
Ideally positioned just 150 meters from Ronda Train Station, the hotel provides easy access to explore the city. Within a short stroll, you’ll find vibrant shops, charming bars, and authentic local restaurants. Hotel Andalucía also offers luggage storage and tourist information to ensure you make the most of your visit to this enchanting Andalusian town.
Click here to go to booking.com and find out more about Hotel Andalucia
Parking at the train station in Ronda.
Parking at the station is charged for but not too expensive, and the gates open between 07.00 and 22.00. If cost of parking is an issue, we’d recommend parking in the street outside the station which is free but places are very limited and can be hard to find!
Be warned that parking on yellow lines or in a way that obstructs traffic will likely see your vehicle towed to the impound yard. Read about parking in Ronda here.
Getting to the town centre from the train station
Getting from the train station in Ronda to the Tourist Information Office, the Plaza del Toros, and Puente Nuevo is a short 10 minute walk and you certainly don’t need to get a taxi, simply follow my walking directions from the Ronda railway station.
FAQ: Taking the Train to Ronda – Timetables, Booking Tips & Travel Info
Yes, it’s generally easy to reach Ronda by train from major cities. However, service reductions caused by storm damage and maintenance on the Granada–Algeciras line have led to fewer direct trains. Many journeys now require a transfer, often at Antequera. Booking via the official Renfe website can be difficult for non-Spanish users, as some international cards are rejected. For a smoother process, use OMIO—it accepts international cards and compares trains, buses, and flights.
Ronda sits on the Algeciras–Granada line and is served by Media Distancia regional trains. Some routes from Málaga or Granada require a change at Antequera. The Altaria train to Madrid includes both modern and older coaches, but Ronda is not served by AVE high-speed trains. If you’re heading to Madrid, you’ll first travel to Santa Ana station to connect with AVE services.
The fastest train journey from Málaga-María Zambrano to Ronda takes around 1 hour 47 minutes, typically with a change at Antequera–Santa Ana. Trains run 2–3 times daily, but schedules can vary, so check times in advance, especially if traveling on weekends.
While same-day tickets are sometimes available, booking 30 to 60 days ahead is recommended. Spanish rail tickets often aren’t released until a few weeks in advance. Early booking also helps secure lower fares and avoids surprise cancellations due to line works
The station is open daily from 06:45 to 22:00. The ticket office operates from 06:50 to 21:30. Inside, there’s a small café bar serving drinks, tapas, and set meals—a useful stop if you arrive early or have time before departure.
Yes. Hotel Andalucia, located directly opposite the station, offers affordable and convenient lodging. It features free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, flat-screen TVs, and a café with a sunny terrace. It’s also just a 10-minute walk to Ronda’s main attractions.
Yes. The historic center—including Puente Nuevo, Plaza de Toros, and the main shopping streets—is just a 10-minute walk from the station. There’s no need for a taxi unless you have mobility issues or heavy luggage.
Paid parking is available on-site, with gated hours from 07:00 to 22:00. Limited free street parking is available nearby, but spaces are hard to find. Avoid parking on yellow lines or blocking traffic—your car could be towed. See the dedicated page for parking in Ronda here.
Yes, but not directly. You’ll take a Media Distancia train to Antequera–Santa Ana, then transfer to an AVE high-speed train to Madrid. The total journey takes around 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on connections.
Travelers often report:
– Delays in tickets appearing online for future dates
– Confusing website navigation (Renfe)
– Route interruptions or bus replacements due to line work
– Limited early morning departures
– E-ticket issues with regional trains
Always double-check schedules and use trusted platforms like OMIO for easier booking.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain. My articles contain affiliate links that will help you reserve a hotel, bus, train or activity in the area. You don’t pay more, but by using them you do support this website. Thankyou!
Hello Clive. Thanks for the link to your audio tour. We are trying to get from Madrid to Ronda on a Monday (May 21). For Mondays Feb 10 & Feb 17, both Omio & TrainLine show this 8.05 – 12.04 (Renfe ALVIA 09366), but Renfe.com shows nothing for those close Mondays.
https://www.omio.com/app/search-frontend/journey/train/650562104/E347123491DC6424C86F0AAB1DBEBA231/138302199504248173?locale=en
Does the Madrid > Ronda trip really exist?
Many Thanks! Dee
Hello RT, We are looking forward to spending 3 nights in Ronda in May, 2025. I know May train scheds are not available now, so I put into Omio the likely days of the week for travel. Can you venture a guess if Seville > Ronda on a Saturday would be best via the 2.5 hrs Damas Bus? Thoughts on Ronda > Granada on a Tuesday by train (a short transfer in Antequera)? Basically, I’m hoping the daily bus and train scheds might not change from Feb to May. No guarantees of course. Thank you! Dee Florida USA
Hello,
We would like to come to Ronda in March by train from Antequera-Santa Ana, and then continue on the train to Algeciras a few days later. However, Omio isn’t showing any trains at all after Jan 31st. Do you happen to know if that means that the line is going to be closed, or is it e.g. just because RENFE don’t release the timetable information more than a few weeks in advance?
Thanks!
Thank you for the great info.
Hi
We are going to Ronda in May.
1) which is the best way to get to Ronda from Marbella?
2) we also need to book train from Ronda to Cordoba, how soon in advance to book?
Thanks
Hi, I am going to Ronda in Dec from Seville. I can only find Damas bus, arriving at noon into Ronda. Are there any other alternatives to arrive earlier? Thank you.
Thank you! I’ve only just seen your reply but it is very helpful. I had not thought of going via Malaga. Thanks again!
I am trying to find a train from San Roque to Ronda is a 6.30am train all you do in the morning ?
We want to travel by train from Ronda to Madrid on 7th Oct. All the searches show a train leaving around 4pm. Is it possible to get a morning train to Madrid? Thank you.
Hi Ronda!
Will the Mr Henderson’s railway be operating from Algeciras to Ronda on 17 April 20?
Regards
Peter
Perth, Western Australia
Hi! I am currently in Grazalema. How to get to Ronda from here?
Still cannot seem to book a train which runs from Ronda to Algeciras on September 18 and STOPS at the small stations too. Help?
Hi Ronda,
I want to stay two nights in Ronda then take a train to Granada on 13 September 2019 but no trains show on OMIO or RENFE or TRAINS web sites. Is there a problem with this request?
We are visiting Spain next month and have a6 day rail pass. How long does the train take from Cordoba to Ronda, and would we be able to fit in a day visit to Ronda?
Is Mr Henderson’s railway open in September 2019. Am having difficulty finding this out and booking tickets.
Hi , we are planning to travel on June 19 to Granada .. we were looking at the renfe website and it shows no trains past June 8th..
Is there any problem with the line or will trains open up closer to the date ?
Thanks in advance
Hi, has the train line from Algeciras to Ronda been reopened yet? If not, is there a direct bus service? We need to travel on 29th May. Thanks.
According to the RENFE website, there are trains showing from San Roque in June up to 8th June, no trains are shown for the rest of June (that is, after 8th June). Is the train line closed from 9th June?
hi, would you happen to know when the Ronda to San Roque/Algericas trainline will be back in service? :). Or where is best to get updates on it’s return :) thank you!
Is there still a bus from Benaojan to Ronda in the morning?
we would like to come to ronda for the day from san roque but have no printer – it looks on renfe’s website that we need to pre book as some of the tickets no longer seem to be available, but we wouldn’t be able to print any if we do this. Can we use an app or eticket? Or will there definitely be tickets available at the time we would like to get on the train? Would be very sad to get to the station and discover we couldn’t get the train.
Bought train tickets via phone while traveling. Can I get printed ticket at Ronda station? Instructions say bring printed ticket which I can’t do.
Hi,
How to reach Grazalema from Ronda by bus?
I paid the fee for the Ronda guide. I don’t know how to download it. I paid using paypal.