Córdoba Transportation

The fastest way of travelling to Cordoba from Madrid is the train AVE (fast train) although this is not the cheapest option. There are some other cheaper trains, including TALGO (very fast and not as expensive as AVE). You can buy your tickets through the web although you have to pick them in the station before the train leaves.
You can also buy train tickets in any "El Corte Ingles" (big shopping centers that you can find all around Spain) or in many Travel Agencies.

Drove there from Granada and it is easy. But it is extremely difficult in the city when we got there. We found our hotel when we gave up on reading the map and based on our gut feelings. And then, went to look for parking for the car. Goodness, we spent 3 hrs looking for a place to park our car!!!
Walk or take a taxi!

There is not an airport in Cordoba, but fast links to Madrid and Seville are assured thanks to the fast speed train called AVE.
Simply walk, enjoy the windling streets of the old Jewish quarter and the fasade of the mosque.

if you want to travel in andaloucia, you can do best by train. We always used the train during siesta... because it is airconditioned and in this way you can combine the travel with some fresh air, some peace and quiet, and nice landscapes...

Trains
The AVE high speed train links Cordoba with Sevilla (45min) and Madrid ( 2hrs) The new station opened in 1994 and is located in the northwest of the city. There are trains to most important Andalucian cities and Madrid and Barcelona. European and American rail passes, including EuroRail and Inter Rail are accepted on the RENFE network, subject to the usual conditions. However on certain trains there may be a supplement to pay. Ticket machines for local trains (cercanias) and regional lines are easy to use. A green flashing light guides you through the instructions printed on the front of the machine. More about trains in Andalucia

Getting to Córdoba is quite easy. If you come from Madrid, the best choice if you don´t have a car (the road to Andalucía is quite good, and very well defined), is to take the AVE (High Velocity Train), which will take you to Córdoba in just two hours!!!!!!, for about 6.000 pts (1pts=$185) . If you can understand some spanish try at RENFE.
From Málaga to Córdoba AVE is also available, and the trip lasts the same.

To get around I would recommend just hire a car and drive, as the most beautiful views are found when driving in the roads, and to enjoy it there must be no limit of time or speed, I think.

I recommended the train AVE (high speed), from Madrid or Sevilla.
Cordoba is a small town. You can go anywhere of the city center or historic center walking. I recommended walking specially during spring, it's very nice the smell of 'azahar' (orange flower), and feel the warm of the sun.
However, if you need any kind of public transport, I recommended the bus.

Takes 4 ½ hours and costs 13 euro (try to get on one that doesn’t make too many stops).