At a glance
- From Granada, Sierra Nevada is about 40 minutes away; from Málaga, about 2 hours; from Madrid, around 3 h 50 min combining high-speed train and car.
- From Seville and Madrid the usual route reaches Granada by motorway and from there climbs the A-395 to Pradollano.
- The last stretch is a mountain road: check the conditions and carry chains on snowy days.
- On arrival, you have all the parking information for Pradollano.
In this article
Sierra Nevada is in the south of the peninsula, at the gates of Granada, and is easy to reach from Spain’s major cities. The key is to plan the route to Granada and leave room for the last mountain stretch, which changes most with the weather and the number of visitors.
Approximate times from each city
| Origin | How to get there | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| OriginGranada | How to get thereBy car on the A-395 to Pradollano. | Approximate timeAbout 40 minutes |
| OriginMálaga | How to get thereBy car, via Antequera to Granada and then up the A-395. | Approximate timeAbout 2 hours |
| OriginMadrid | How to get thereHigh-speed train (AVE) to Granada and the last stretch by car; or by car on the A-4 and A-44 to Granada. | Approximate timeAbout 3 h 50 min combining high-speed train and car |
| OriginSeville | How to get thereBy car on the A-92 to Granada and from there on the A-395. | Approximate timeDepending on traffic and stops |
These are approximate times in normal conditions: on snowy or very busy days, the last stretch can take longer.
From Madrid
There are two usual ways to get here. The first is the high-speed train to Granada, combined with a last stretch by car to Pradollano: this is the option advertised at around 3 hours and 50 minutes in total. The second is to make the whole trip by car: via the A-4 and A-44 to Granada and from there on the A-395. If you prefer not to drive at night or in snow, the combination of high-speed train and car is usually the most comfortable.
From Málaga and Seville
From Málaga the route goes via Antequera to Granada and takes around 2 hours to Sierra Nevada. From Seville, the A-92 motorway takes you to Granada, and from there you climb the A-395 to Pradollano. In both cases, it is best to leave with time to spare at weekends and on holidays in season.
Tip
If you are coming from far away, calculate your arrival time in Granada and not in Pradollano: the last mountain stretch depends most on the weather, the snow and the traffic.
The last stretch to Pradollano
Wherever you come from, the end of the journey is the same: from Granada you take the ring road to the exit towards Sierra Nevada and climb the A-395, a mountain road. The entrance to the Pradollano village is on the right.
- Check the weather and snow Look at the snow report and the webcams before you leave.
- Check the road In our snow chains and road guide you will find what to carry and how to act.
- Plan your parking See where to park in Pradollano and what services it has.
- Book in advance Have your ski pass and rental ready so you can head straight to the slopes.
Gallery: the destination at the end of the road
Tap an image to see it larger.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Granada to Sierra Nevada?
About 40 minutes by car on the A-395 to Pradollano, in normal conditions.
How long does it take from Málaga?
Around 2 hours by car, via Antequera to Granada and then up the A-395.
How long does it take from Madrid?
About 3 hours and 50 minutes combining the high-speed train to Granada and the last stretch by car.
How do I get here from Seville?
By the A-92 motorway to Granada and from there on the A-395 to Pradollano. The time depends on traffic and stops.
Do I need chains to drive up?
Only when there is snow or ice on the road and the signs indicate it. We explain it in our snow chains and road guide.
Plan your trip to Sierra Nevada
With the route clear, all that is left is booking. Buy your ski pass at sierranevadagranada.com and enjoy perks on rental, restaurants and shops in the resort.
Sources and review
- Approximate times from Granada, Málaga and Madrid: Sierra Nevada Granada page. Times from Seville depend on traffic and are not fixed here.
- Last review of this article: October 2026. Check the road conditions before you leave.
