How to Get from Malaga Airport to the City Centre
If you’re flying to Malaga Airport, you’re probably wondering how to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre. Luckily, the airport is very well-connected and isn’t far from Malaga City.
I’ve flown in and out of Malaga Airport many times. It’s my hometown, but I love exploring other countries, so seeing me at the airport isn’t surprising. I know it very well, and I want to help you figure out how to get from the airport to the city.
Despite being one of Spain’s largest airports, it’s very easy to get to the bus, book your train tickets or pick up your rental car.
In this blog, I’m sharing all your transportation options, from the quickest and cheapest to the most comfortable.
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How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre
Transportation
Train/Bus
Car Rental
Transfer
€1.80 / €4
from €15 per day
€42
10 / 19 minutes
15 minutes
17-20 minutes
How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre by train
What’s the quickest way to get to Malaga city centre? The RENFE cercanías train is 12 minutes. The train station is opposite the arrivals exit in Terminal (T3), and the ticket is 1.80€ one way.
You can buy tickets from the machines at the terminal, and it’s straightforward: you can change the language to English, French, and a few others. Once you’re in, go to the right platform, as there’s another that goes to Fuengirola.
Look at the exact address of your hotel to stop at the closest stop. You can either stop at Vialia Maria Zambrano train station or Malaga Centro-Alameda, the last stop. The latter is closer to Calle Larios, Malaga’s main street and historic centre.
The first train departs from the airport at about 6:40 am, and the last train leaves at 12:54 am.
How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre by bus
After passport control and, maybe, grabbing your luggage from the baggage carousel/belt, leave the airport by the door on the right-hand side, and you’ll find your way out of the airport.
A couple of buses take you from the airport to Malaga city centre, and depending on the bus, you will need to walk a few minutes to the bus stop.
The most convenient is the A airport express bus, which you can take from outside the airport (T3), and it will take you to Paseo del Parque, a short walk from Larios Street. The bus fare is 4 euros one-way, and there’s space for your luggage.
You can pay by cash or card, but if you pay by cash, I always recommend having small change with you, as they won’t accept big notes.
The bus runs every 15 to 25 minutes until midnight and then at 12:45 am, 2 am and 5 am.
How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre by car
Is renting a car in Malaga a good idea? I advise renting a car only if you plan to go on day trips from Malaga.
It’s possible to book an excursion via companies like Get Your Guide, but a car is your best choice if you want complete freedom.
Nevertheless, if you stay a few days in Malaga, you don’t need to hire a car. Transport is very good, and the Malaga city centre is walkable.
In case you’re renting a car, driving to Malaga city centre, specifically to the historic centre, takes about 15 minutes, considering there’s no traffic.
Leave the airport by taking the M-23 motorway, then join the M-20, take exit 7 from Autovía de Circunvalación de Málaga, drive on Av. de Blas Infante, Av. de Andalucía and continue straight to reach Alameda Principal.
What about parking? Finding free parking in Malaga is difficult. Residents usually take the free spaces, and you’ll find many spots with blue lines, which means you must pay.
First, check whether your hotel provides parking, whether it’s free, or if it charges extra. If not, you can check the parking near your hotel.
If you’re staying in Malaga Old Town and you don’t want to pay for parking, you can park in a nearby neighbourhood. This doesn’t guarantee free parking, but you’re more likely to find a free spot there.
These are some of the neighbourhoods near the historic centre where you might be able to park for free:
- Capuchinos/El Molinillo. It’s about a 15 to 20-minute walk.
- La Rosaleda. It’s 20 minute walk.
- La Unión. This is close to Maria Zambrano station, so it’s a 30-minute walk.
If you don’t want to spend time finding a car park, some of the private car parks near the historic centre are:
- Parking Plaza de la Marina. It’s underneath La Marina Square. The price is 26 euros per day.
- Parking Muelle Uno. It’s in Muelle Uno (Malaga’s new port). The maximum price is around 29 euros per day.
- Parking Camas. It’s near the Atarazanas Market. The price per day is 26 euros.
Are you looking for a rental car in Malaga?
Check out Discover Cars, an online platform that works with the best and most reliable rental car companies.
How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre by taxi
Taxis are very convenient, especially when you arrive late at night or in the early hours of the morning because trains and buses don’t run. The taxi ride takes between 17 and 20 minutes, no more than that when there isn’t traffic. The average taxi fare from Malaga Airport is 25 euros.
What about Uber? Yes, you can use Uber in Malaga; other popular options are Cabify and Bolt.
Taxi is one of the most expensive ways of getting to Malaga, but if you’re splitting the costs with others, it works out better, and you’ll arrive at your hotel quicker.
However, I would avoid taking a taxi during peak times (from 7:30 am to 9:30 am, 1 pm to 3 pm, and 5 pm to 6 pm). You’ll be stuck in the taxi for a while, so you’ll get to your accommodation quicker by train.
How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre by private transfer
Are you coming with a big group or family, or do you simply like the comfort and convenience? You can also book a private transfer to your hotel.
I personally wouldn’t pick this option unless I were travelling with a group of friends because of the expense.
Also, there are so many ways to get to Malaga City that I don’t see as necessary.
However, this is different if you actually won’t stay in Malaga city but in other towns like Rincón de La Victoria or Nerja, which have fewer transport options.
Are you looking for a highly-rated private airport transfer company?
Check out dates and prices with Welcome Pickups.
How to get to Malaga Airport from Malaga City
You have the same options as getting from the airport to the city.
Double-check the bus and train timetables the day before. You can do this by looking at the official sites:
- Malaga buses: https://emtsam.org/blog/
If ordering a taxi or private transfer, make sure to do this in advance so you don’t need to rush to the airport or, even worse, miss your flight.
Top tips for travelling to Malaga
- If you want to stay somewhere close to Malaga airport, Torremolinos is your best option. Plus, it’s also well connected with the centre of Malaga and other coastal towns.
- Don’t like crowds? Avoid visiting Malaga in summer, at Christmas, or at Easter. Choose the shoulder season instead.
- If renting a car is part of your plans, check availability beforehand. Doing this will give you more chances to get the type of car that suits you the most.
- Take advantage of the free activities and have a look at the event calendar if you love attending traditional festivals.
Frequently asked questions about getting to Malaga
How much is a taxi from Malaga airport to the city centre?
The taxi fare is usually between 20 and 25 euros.
Does Malaga have Uber?
Yes, Malaga has Uber, Cabify and Bolt.
Does Malaga airport have a train station?
Yes, you can access the train station by leaving the arrivals area. It’s just on the opposite side of the airport.
How far is Malaga airport from the town Centre?
Malaga Airport is approximately 15 minutes away from the city.
Are there taxis outside Malaga airport?
Yes, you can usually find them on the right-hand side of Terminal 3.
Conclusion on how to get from Malaga Airport to Malaga
Is it easy to get from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport to the Malaga city centre? Yes, it’s straightforward.
There are plenty of options from Malaga airport: train, bus, car, taxi, and private transfer.
If you’re still in the early stages of planning your trip and still don’t know whether to stay in Malaga or other Costa del Sol towns, you can also check out my comparisons on Malaga vs Marbella and Benalmadena or Torremolinos.
Do you need any other help planning your trip to Malaga? Check out my customised planning services.
Enjoy your trip to my hometown!
Cristina xx
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Things to do before visiting Malaga
- Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Check out tours and activities in Malaga with Get Your Guide.
- Book a free walking tour in Malaga with GuruWalk.
- Travelling around Costa del Sol? Check and compare car rentals with Discover Cars.
- Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
