The Granada Card: Your Complete Guide to Exploring Granada
The Granada Card is a convenient tourist pass that grants access to Granada’s most iconic monuments and includes public transport services. This card is designed for travellers looking to maximise their experience while saving time and money. Here’s everything you need to know about the Granada Card, including how to buy it, what’s included, and where to pick it up.
What is the Granada Card?
The Granada Card, also known as the Bono Turístico, offers entry to Granada’s top attractions and includes nine rides on the city’s public transport. There is also a child version available for children aged 2-11, which provides the same benefits as the adult card. With various card options, you can select the one that suits your travel plans:
- Granada Card 48h (€49.06): Includes entry to major landmarks like the Alhambra (Alcazaba, Palacios Nazaríes, and Generalife), the Cathedral, Capilla Real, Cartuja, San Jerónimo, and more.
- Granada Card 72h (€56.57): Offers the same inclusions as the 48h option with an additional day of validity, plus access to more attractions like the Corral del Carbón, Bañuelo, Casa del Chapiz, and Palacio de Dar al-Horra.
- Granada Card 24h (€46.92): Ideal for short visits, it includes nighttime access to the Palacios Nazaríes and other attractions but excludes the Generalife.
- Granada Card Jardines (€46.92): Focused on outdoor spaces, this 24-hour card includes the Alcazaba, Generalife, and other landmarks, but not the Palacios Nazaríes.
All cards come with public transport benefits and a ride on the tourist train.
What is Included in the Granada Card?
With the Granada Card, you can visit the following attractions (each once):
- Alhambra: Alcazaba, Palacios Nazaríes (night visit for 24h card), and Generalife.
- Granada’s Historical Sites: Cathedral, Capilla Real, Monastery of San Jerónimo, Cartuja, Abadía del Sacromonte, and more.
- Museums and Other Attractions: Museo de Bellas Artes, Museo Arqueológico, Parque de las Ciencias, Corral del Carbón, Bañuelo, Casa del Chapiz, Palacio de Dar al-Horra, and others.
Public transport includes nine bus rides, which you can activate by collecting the transport card (see below).
How to Buy the Granada Card
The Granada Card is exclusively available for purchase online or by phone.
- Official Website: GranadaTur Official Site.
- Phone: Call +34 858 880 990 (service available in Spanish, English, and French).
- Advanced Booking: Sales open three months in advance.
Steps to Purchase
- Choose your preferred card option (24h, 48h, 72h, or Jardines).
- Select the date and time for your visit to the Alhambra and Palacios Nazaríes (if applicable).
- Decide your start date for the card’s validity.
Where to Pick Up the Granada Card
You don’t need to collect a physical card for monument access. Once purchased, you can either print the confirmation email or show it on your mobile device at each attraction.
However, to use the nine free public transport rides, you must pick up the Credibus (transport pass) from Route 4 bus ticket machines (for example Fuente de las Batallas or Gran Vía).
Important Information for Visitors
- Monument Entry: You can visit each monument only once during the card’s validity period. For the Alhambra, the date and time must be selected during purchase and cannot be changed.
- Closed Dates: Monuments are closed on December 25 (Christmas) and January 1 (New Year). On March 30, 2024 (Holy Saturday), the Alcazaba closes at 15:00.
- Not Included: Guided tours or audio guides for the Alhambra, and certain special exhibits (e.g., Planetarium and Biodome at Parque de las Ciencias).
Why Choose the Granada Card?
The Granada Card is a hassle-free way to ensure access to the Alhambra, even during peak times when general tickets sell out. It also saves time with a single purchase that covers transport and attractions.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Book early to secure your preferred dates.
- Use the public transport rides to explore the city efficiently.
- Verify your purchase through the official website to avoid scams.
With the Granada Card, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of Granada, from its historic landmarks to its cultural gems, all while enjoying the convenience of an all-in-one pass.
Is the Granada Card Worth It?
The Granada Card offers excellent value for travellers planning to explore multiple attractions in Granada, but it may not be the best option if you only want to visit the Alhambra. While the card guarantees access to the Alhambra even when general tickets sell out (€18 for standard entry), it also includes many other sites like the Cathedral and Royal Chapel (€6 each), and the Science Museum (€10), making it cost-effective if you visit several locations. However, some monuments, such as the Corral del Carbón, Casa de los Tiros, Fine Arts Museum, and Archaeological Museum, are free to enter, which might reduce the card’s appeal for budget-conscious visitors focused on these. That said, with prices starting at €49.06 for the 48h card, the inclusion of public transport and priority access to key landmarks generally makes the Granada Card a worthwhile investment for most tourists.