How to Get Around in Jaén Without a Car?
1. Overview
Jaén is a compact and walkable city, which makes it easy to explore without a car. Most of the main attractions — including the cathedral, the Arab Baths, the old town, and many viewpoints — are within short walking distance from one another. The city’s layout, centered around the historic core, encourages exploring on foot.
For places farther away, such as Santa Catalina Castle or the train station, you can easily use local buses or taxis, both of which are reliable and affordable.
2. Walking Around the City
Walking is the best and most enjoyable way to experience Jaén.
The city’s historic centre (Casco Antiguo) is compact, with most sights clustered close together. You can easily walk between major landmarks like:
- Jaén Cathedral (Catedral de la Asunción)
- Palacio de Villardompardo and the Arab Baths
- Plaza de Santa María
- San Ildefonso and the Old Town neighborhoods
Walking also allows you to enjoy the city’s atmosphere — narrow cobbled streets, traditional plazas, and small tapas bars on nearly every corner.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as many streets are steep and paved with cobblestones.
3. Public Buses (Urbanos de Jaén)
Jaén has a well-organized public bus network, ideal for reaching areas outside the immediate centre.
- The buses are operated by ALSA Urbanos de Jaén, with several routes covering the city and nearby districts.
- Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver at a low price, usually around €1.20 per journey.
- Buses run regularly during the day, typically from early morning until about 10:00 p.m.
Common routes for visitors include:
- Route 1: Connects the train station with the city centre.
- Route 4: Goes toward Santa Catalina Castle and some residential areas.
- Route 12: Covers the main neighborhoods and shopping areas.
If you plan to use buses frequently, you can buy a rechargeable transport card from kiosks or newsstands to save money on multiple rides.
4. Taxis
Taxis in Jaén are safe, clean, and reasonably priced.
They are a convenient choice if you want to travel quickly between points of interest, especially if you prefer not to walk uphill to places like Santa Catalina Castle.
- Taxis can be found at designated ranks, near major plazas, or booked by phone or app.
- Fares are metered, and short rides within the city usually cost between €5 and €10.
- There is an additional charge for late-night rides, Sundays, and holidays, but it remains affordable.
Tip: If you plan to visit the castle or viewpoint at night, taking a taxi is the most comfortable and safest option.
5. Tourist Train (Tren Turístico de Jaén)
In some seasons, Jaén operates a small tourist train, which offers a fun and easy way to see the city without walking long distances.
It makes a loop through the old town, passing by key landmarks with audio commentary explaining their history. The ticket is inexpensive, and you can hop on and off at different stops.
Check locally at the tourist office or your hotel for the latest schedule.
6. Biking and Electric Scooters
Jaén is gradually becoming more bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and electric scooter rentals available in some areas.
While the city is hilly, using an electric bike or scooter can make exploring more comfortable. They are especially useful for visiting the castle or viewpoints with less effort.
You can rent bikes or scooters by the hour through local shops or mobile apps.
7. Day Trips Without a Car
If you’d like to explore beyond the city, Jaén’s train and bus connections make this possible even without driving.
- Trains: Jaén’s railway station connects to major Andalusian cities like Córdoba, Seville, and Madrid.
- Buses: ALSA and other companies run regional routes to nearby towns such as Úbeda, Baeza, and Linares.
Both Úbeda and Baeza — UNESCO World Heritage cities — are about an hour away and perfect for a day trip using public transport.
8. Accessibility Tips
- The main sightseeing areas are pedestrian-friendly, though some streets in the old town can be steep or uneven.
- Buses and taxis are suitable options for travelers with limited mobility.
- Always carry a bottle of water, especially in summer, as Jaén can get quite warm and hilly walks can be tiring.
9. Summary
- Best option: Walking — everything in the old town is close together.
- For longer distances: Use local buses or taxis.
- For fun exploration: Try the tourist train or an electric scooter.
- For day trips: Rely on trains and intercity buses.
