To get to the Feria del Caballo de Jerez 2026 (9–16 May), the Renfe train from Seville is the fastest and most affordable option: 47–65 minutes, from £5, up to 16 departures per day. From Málaga, allow 2h30–3h by train via Seville (from £21) or 3h30 by Damas coach. From Jerez Airport (XRY), bus M-051 reaches the city centre in 20–30 minutes for around £1.20, or the Cercanías C-1 train takes just 10 minutes for £2.20. From Jerez station, a special feria shuttle (lanzadera) runs to the González Hontoria showground every 20 minutes.
From 9 to 16 May 2026, Jerez de la Frontera hosts the Feria del Caballo, one of Europe’s greatest equestrian festivals and the most accessible of all Andalusia’s ferias. Unlike the Feria de Sevilla, where most casetas are private, all 175 pavilions at the Parque González Hontoria are open and free to every visitor. The 2026 edition carries extra prestige: Jerez has been named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy 2026. The good news for UK travellers is that the event falls perfectly around the Early May Bank Holiday (Monday 4 May 2026) — with direct flights to Seville (SVQ) and Málaga (AGP) from London, Manchester and other UK airports, this is an ideal long-weekend escape. But to make the most of the horse parades, the alumbrado lighting ceremony (9 May at 10pm) and the caseta atmosphere, you need to know how to reach Jerez from the main regional gateways: Seville (80 km), Málaga (225 km) and Jerez Airport XRY.
1. Getting to Jerez from Seville for the Feria del Caballo
Seville → Jerez: 80 km, train is the top pick
Seville is the natural base for the Feria del Caballo — and the best-connected city from the UK. Ryanair flies direct from Stansted and Luton (11 flights/week), easyJet from Gatwick (5 flights/week), British Airways from Heathrow (5 flights/week) and Vueling from Gatwick and Heathrow (7 flights/week). The Early May Bank Holiday (Monday 4 May 2026) makes a long weekend possible — fly out Friday 1 May and come back by Tuesday 5 May, or stay on for the feria opening (9 May). Once in Seville, Sevilla Santa Justa station is connected directly to Jerez de la Frontera by Renfe Media Distancia and Alvia trains, with 7 to 16 departures a day. Journey time is 47–65 minutes (average 55–60 min), with prices from £5 off-peak according to Trainline. From Jerez station (~1.5 km from the showground), a special feria shuttle (lanzadera) runs directly to the González Hontoria park every 20 minutes.
The intercity bus is a budget alternative: operators Transportes Generales Comes and Monbus offer 8 departures a day from Prado de San Sebastián for £9–12, with a journey time of 1h15–1h50. According to Omio, early morning departures allow you to arrive in time for the Paseo de Caballos horse parade (which starts at noon). BlaBlaCar rideshare is also available, with up to 271 seats a day from as little as £4.30 according to BlaBlaCar.
Highlights
- Direct train Sevilla Santa Justa → Jerez, no changes required
- Feria shuttle from Jerez station every 20 min (enhanced frequency in 2026)
- Day trip possible if you leave before the last return train at 22:50
- BlaBlaCar available from £4.30 for added flexibility
2. Getting to Jerez from Málaga for the Feria del Caballo
Málaga → Jerez: 225 km, by car or train via Seville
Málaga Airport (AGP) is the UK’s most popular entry point to Andalusia, with dozens of direct flights from across Britain. Ryanair flies from Manchester (15 flights/week), easyJet from Manchester and Gatwick (8+ flights/week), while Jet2 and Jet2holidays serve Málaga from most UK regional airports. There is no direct train between Málaga and Jerez, so the rail route goes via Seville Santa Justa: take the AVE or Alvia high-speed train from Málaga María Zambrano to Seville (~1h), then a Media Distancia service to Jerez (~55 min). According to Omio, total journey time is 2h30–3h, with fares from £21 (average £40). Expect 3–5 connections daily.
The Damas coach runs direct from Málaga to Jerez in 3h30–4h for around £21–22, with 5 departures a day (first at 06:50). This is a solid option if you want to be at the showground by midday for the horse parade. Tickets are available online via Busbud.
The car offers maximum flexibility from Málaga. The main route takes the A-45 (Málaga–Córdoba) then the AP-4 (Córdoba–Seville–Jerez) for around 228 km and 2h30. The coastal alternative follows the A-7 to Algeciras then the A-381/AP-4 to Jerez — more scenic but slightly longer. Budget £3–7 for AP-4 tolls. At the showground, 2,500 free parking spaces are available at Chapin during the feria, according to gurutravel.es.
Highlights
- Train: comfortable, no parking hassle, well-timed connections through Seville
- Damas coach: budget-friendly, early departures suited to a full day at the feria
- Car: perfect flexibility for exploring the sherry bodegas and pueblos blancos
- Organised excursion from Málaga available (~£26/person, return on 10 May)
3. From Jerez Airport (XRY)
Jerez Airport XRY → city centre: 8 km, three budget options
Jerez International Airport (XRY), just 8 km north-east of the city centre, is served by Vueling (Barcelona, Palma, Bilbao), Jet2 (UK routes) and Eurowings/Condor (German routes). There are currently no direct flights from London following Ryanair’s withdrawal in early 2026, according to The Olive Press. UK travellers should fly into Seville SVQ or Málaga AGP and continue by train. Jet2 continues to operate seasonal UK routes to Jerez — check jet2.com for current availability.
Option 1 — Bus M-051 (formerly M-050): the Consorcio de Transportes bus connects the airport to Jerez bus station in 20–30 minutes for just £1.20 (£0.75 with a transport card). Timetable: 06:20–22:55 from the airport, 05:40–22:15 from the bus station. More details at cmtbc.es.
Option 2 — Cercanías C-1 train: the Renfe Cercanías Cádiz C-1 line links the airport station to Jerez central station in approximately 10 minutes for £2.20 (Zone 3). 4 departures a day from the airport, first around 06:17 and last around 22:17, according to Moovit. From the central station, take the feria shuttle to González Hontoria (20 min, every 20 min).
Option 3 — Taxi: 10–15 minutes, £13–19 during the day (6am–10pm), £15–23 at night and weekends. Book via Tele Taxi Jerez on +34 956 344 860 or the PideTaxi app. Note: Uber is not available in Jerez according to TripAdvisor forums. During the 2026 feria, 240 taxis are on service (a record number, including 70 brought in from nearby cities).
Highlights
- Bus M-051: unbeatable fare (£1.20), regular frequency, direct stop at bus station
- Cercanías C-1: only 10 min, direct connection to feria shuttle from the station
- Taxi: best option for late arrivals or heavy luggage
- Car hire at the airport (Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Avis…) for exploring the region
4. Transport comparison: budget and practical tips
| Departure | Mode | Duration | Price (one way) | Best if… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seville | Renfe train | 47–65 min | From £5 | You’re leaving before 22:50 |
| Seville | Comes bus | 1h15–1h50 | £9–12 | Very tight budget |
| Seville | BlaBlaCar | ~1h05 | From £4.30 | Flexible timings |
| Málaga | Train via Seville | 2h30–3h | From £21 | Comfort + reliability |
| Málaga | Damas coach | 3h30–4h | ~£21–22 | Budget + early start |
| Málaga | Car (A-45/AP-4) | ~2h30 | ~£17–26 (fuel + toll) | Flexibility + bodegas |
| Jerez Airport XRY | Bus M-051 | 20–30 min | £1.20 | Maximum savings |
| Jerez Airport XRY | Cercanías C-1 | 10 min | £2.20 | Speed + simplicity |
| Jerez Airport XRY | Taxi | 10–15 min | £13–19 | Heavy bags / late night |
A full day from Seville (excluding accommodation) costs roughly £35 on a budget: return train (~£10), feria shuttle (~£1.20), a few tapas and a rebujito in the casetas (~£22). For a more comfortable day with a set menu (£35–40), budget around £95 all in. Entry to the González Hontoria showground is completely free, as is access to all 175 casetas, according to Jerez city council.
If you are planning to stay in Jerez itself during the feria, book early: Airbnb apartments average £310/night in May 2026 (vs ~£135 outside the feria period) according to AirDNA data. Seville or Cádiz (35 min by Cercanías from Jerez) are excellent alternative bases. Find our tips for planning your stay in Seville and exploring Andalusia beyond the feria.
Get ready for the Feria de Jerez
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From $56 / 4 weeksFrequently asked questions about the Feria del Caballo de Jerez 2026
How do I get to the Feria del Caballo de Jerez from Seville?
The Renfe train is the best option: depart from Sevilla Santa Justa, arrive in Jerez in 47–65 minutes, from £5, up to 16 trains a day. From Jerez station, the special feria lanzadera shuttle runs to the González Hontoria park every 20 minutes. The Comes bus (from Prado de San Sebastián) is an alternative at £9–12 for a 1h15–1h50 journey. Make sure you buy a Media Distancia ticket, not a Cercanías ticket on this route, to avoid a fine.
Is entry to the Feria del Caballo de Jerez free in 2026?
Yes. Entry to the Recinto Ferial González Hontoria is completely free, and all 175 casetas are open to everyone — unlike the Feria de Sevilla, where most pavilions are private. Only the bullfights (tickets via servitoro.com) and certain special equestrian shows require a ticket. The feria shuttle from the station is paid at normal urban transport rates.
How do I get from Jerez Airport (XRY) to the showground?
Three options from the airport (8 km from the centre): the M-051 bus (£1.20, 20–30 min to the bus station), the Cercanías C-1 train (£2.20, 10 min to the central station), or a taxi (£13–19 during the day, 10–15 min). From Jerez central station, the lanzadera feria shuttle runs directly to the González Hontoria park every 20 minutes. Uber is not available in Jerez — use PideTaxi or call Tele Taxi Jerez on +34 956 344 860.
Can you do the Feria de Jerez as a day trip from Seville?
Yes, absolutely. The last trains from Jerez to Seville depart around 22:50, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the casetas into the evening. If you want to stay for the late-night atmosphere (3–5am on Saturday nights, 9 and 16 May), plan to sleep in Jerez or arrange a taxi back (£70–90) or a late-night BlaBlaCar (~£4–8). A budget day from Seville costs around £35 (return train + shuttle + tapas) or roughly £95 for a comfortable day with a set menu in a caseta.
What are the exact dates of the Feria del Caballo de Jerez 2026?
The Feria del Caballo de Jerez 2026 runs from 9 to 16 May 2026 (Saturday to Saturday), at the Parque González Hontoria, Avenida Álvaro Domecq, Jerez de la Frontera. The official Pregón (opening ceremony) takes place on Friday 8 May at 8pm at the Templete Municipal. The Alumbrado (lights switch-on and fireworks) is on Saturday 9 May at 10pm. These dates are confirmed by the official Jerez City Council website.
How do I get to the Feria de Jerez from Málaga without a car?
The fastest car-free option from Málaga is the train via Seville: take the AVE from Málaga María Zambrano to Seville (~1h), then the Media Distancia to Jerez (~55 min). Total: 2h30–3h, from £21 according to Omio. The Damas coach is a direct alternative at £21–22 for 3h30–4h (5 departures a day). For 10 May (first Sunday of the feria), an organised coach excursion is available from Málaga at around £26 per person return.
Do you need to wear traditional dress to visit the Feria de Jerez?
No, there is no dress requirement for visitors. Smart casual is recommended for the evenings. That said, wearing a flamenco dress or a traje corto makes the experience far more immersive — and on Wednesday 13 May (Women’s Day), traditional dress entitles you to a free ride on the special feria bus. Flamenco dress hire is available in Jerez, with some services offering hotel delivery.
Sources
- Jerez City Council — Feria del Caballo 2026, official dates (9–16 May) — official statement, 3 June 2025
- Jerez.es — Official Feria del Caballo 2026 website — programme and information
- Jereznews — Special bus service for the Feria 2026 — timetables and routes
- Trainline — Seville–Jerez train times — timetables and fares
- Omio — Málaga–Jerez trains — connections and prices
- Omio — Seville–Jerez bus (Transportes Comes) — timetables
- Busbud — Seville–Jerez bus — online tickets
- BlaBlaCar — Seville–Jerez rideshare — fares from £4.30
- Malagacar.com — Jerez Airport (XRY) transport — M-051 bus and Cercanías
- Jerezairport.net — Buses from Jerez Airport — timetables and fares
- Moovit — Cercanías C-1 Bahía de Cádiz — airport to Jerez central station route
- Gurutravel.es — Parking at the Feria de Jerez — Chapin free car parks
- La Voz del Sur — Feria 2026 security plan — weather and organisation
- The Olive Press — Jerez Airport XRY 2025 — status of air routes
- GOV.UK — UK Bank Holidays 2026 — Early May bank holiday: Monday 4 May 2026
- Skyscanner — London to Seville flights — Ryanair, easyJet, BA, Vueling routes
- Ryanair — Manchester to Málaga — 15 nonstop flights per week
Research carried out on 7 May 2026. Prices are indicative and subject to change — always check with official carriers before travelling.
Ready to explore Andalusia beyond the Feria?
Jerez de la Frontera is just the beginning: sherry bodegas, Andalusian horses at the Royal School of Equestrian Art, the white villages of the pueblos blancos, Cádiz just 35 minutes away by train… Browse our itineraries and plan your Andalusian adventure.
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