How to Get from Malaga Airport to Nerja (Best Options)
Nerja is one of the most popular destinations in the Costa del Sol – its impressive beaches, picturesque streets and squares, and surroundings make it a favourite for travellers who keep coming back.
If you’re wondering how to get there, the nearest airport to Nerja is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), a 50-minute drive away. Driving is the quickest way to get to Nerja, but you don’t need a car.
Whether you want to rent a car or use public transport, you’ll find exactly how to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja in this transport guide by a local.
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Where is Nerja?
Nerja is a coastal town on the east side of Malaga. It’s only 50 kilometres (31.1 miles) from Malaga City.
Transport options to get to Nerja
| Transport | Duration | Price (One Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car | 50 minutes | €18 to 20 | Freedom and exploring |
| Bus | 1 hour and 45 minutes | €6 | Budget travel |
| Taxi | 50 minutes | €80 – 100 | Convenience and comfort |
| Train and bus | 1 hour and 45 minutes (no waiting time considered) | €9-10 | Budget travel |
How to get from Malaga airport to Nerja by car
- Time: 50 minutes
- Total distance: 70 km (43,5 miles)
- Approximate petrol cost: 18-20 euros (15 to 17 GBP or 19 to 21 USD)
The easiest way to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja is by car. It’s faster than other forms of transport, allowing you to explore Nerja and its surroundings at your own pace, compared to relying on timetables and potential crowds on public transport.
To travel from Malaga Airport to Nerja, you’ll need to take the A-7 motorway, which is in excellent condition and easy to drive.
There are plenty of rental cars near the airport. My friend and I have used Helle Hollis before and were happy with the service, but I recommend comparing prices and booking in advance. Not only will this help you save money (you can use it for food or attractions in Nerja), but it will also save you time.
By renting your car in advance with companies like Discover Cars, you are also guaranteed to have the rental car you want for the holiday. Summer is high season, so you have fewer options for the vehicle you might want.
Rent a car in Nerja
Where to park in Nerja
If you’ve decided to rent a car during your holidays in Costa del Sol, you might wonder if it’s easy to find a car park in Nerja, how much it costs, etc.
Here is a list of parking in Nerja:
- Aparcamiento Balcón de Europa. This paid parking is located in Plaza de España, in the heart of Nerja. It’s affordable (1,80 € per hour) and only 5 minutes from Balcón de Europa, Calahonda and Caletilla Beaches.
- Aparcamiento Playa de Burriana. If you’re visiting Burriana Beach and prefer to leave your car in a safe car park with security, this parking is an excellent choice. It’s only 5 minutes walk from the beach.
- Aparcamiento Verano Azul. This outdoor parking is a bit further from the historic town of Nerja, but it’s another option when other car parks are full. Here you can also see the popular Barco de Chanquete (a popular boat from a former Spanish series).
Is it possible to find free parking in Nerja? Yes, there are a few free parking spots, but it’s more difficult to park during the summer.
How to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja by bus
- Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Cost: 6 euros (approx. 5,12 GBP or 6,50 USD)
If renting a car isn’t your plan, you can also travel by bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja.
The bus company ALSA is the only one that organises direct transport to Nerja. The bus leaves Malaga Airport at 2:30 pm and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It stops in Malaga and Torre del Mar, so don’t get off earlier than expected.
ALSA buses are affordable and comfortable. They include air conditioning, and some of them have WiFi, too. However, the downside is that they only run five times a week and once a day—at least for now! This might change during the peak season.
Travel by bus to Nerja
How to get from Malaga airport to Nerja by taxi
- Time: 50 minutes
- Cost: approximately 80 euros (71 GBP or 86 USD)
A taxi ride from Malaga Airport to Nerja is convenient and comfortable, but it isn’t cheap. Prices range from 80 euros, but this can be higher if there is traffic or your accommodation is slightly further away than the Nerja town centre.
If you travel with three other people, taking a taxi isn’t a bad idea. You can split the costs, and although it still works out more expensive than the bus, you’ll save time and suitcases from Nerja bus station to your accommodation.
You can also book a transfer from the airport to Nerja with companies like Welcome Pickups.
How to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja by train and bus
- Approximate time: 1 hour and 45 minutes, without counting waiting time for buses
- Cost: approx. 10 euros (8,50 GBP or 10,70 USD)
Although there isn’t a train that goes to Nerja, you can travel from Malaga Airport to Malaga by taking the Cercanías RENFE train (C-1 route towards Malaga). The train leaves you at María Zambrano train station, located in Vialia Shopping Centre.
The train journey takes about 9 minutes and makes three stops before reaching María Zambrano station. You’ll need to walk 3 minutes from the station to Estación de Autobuses de Málaga (Malaga bus station).
From there, you can take the ALSA bus to Nerja, which runs more frequently than the one that goes directly from the airport. Depending on which bus you take, the journey can be between 1 hour and 10 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes, as there are more than one that go to or stop in Nerja.
This is the least convenient option for travelling from the airport to Nerja, as you need to wait for the train and bus, and then walk to your accommodation.
General tips for driving in Malaga and the surroundings
Knowing the general rules is essential if this is your first time driving in Spain. I’ve compiled a list of rules and tips to drive safely in Spain:
➢ You must be over 21 years old to drive a rental car in Spain. However, you’ll also find that some companies have requirements such as having a valid driving license for over two years. So, you must thoroughly check out every rental car company’s requirements.
➢ People must drive on the right side of the road, compared to countries such as the UK.
➢ Every passenger has to wear a safety belt. Otherwise, you may be fined.
➢ There are speed limits. Generally, the speed limit on motorways is 120 km/h, and 50 km/h in urban areas; however, always pay attention to the road signs.
➢ Avoid driving at peak times. Many people start working at 9 am and finish working at 2 pm, so you might want to keep these times in mind if you don’t want to get stuck in traffic.
➢ Check out the road before heading to places, especially if you plan to visit a mountainside town or village. You may encounter one-way or winding roads, which aren’t ideal for inexperienced drivers. This happens a lot in the inland towns of Malaga.
Quick summary on what to do in Nerja
There are plenty of fantastic things to do in Nerja. You can spend the days at the beach or explore its attractions, museums, and nearby towns. The truth is that there’s something for everyone.
These are a few of the unmissable things you might want to add to your list:
- Spend the day at Burriana Beach, one of the best beaches in Nerja
- Watch the sunset in Balcón de Europa
- Visit Nerja Caves
- Go to the Nerja Museum
- Kayak or snorkel at Maro Beach
- Go on a day trip to Frigliana
✨ Join my community. My Exploring Malaga and Beyond Facebook group is the place to ask questions about your trip, be inspired and connect with other travellers who love Costa del Sol. Click here to join!
Frequently asked questions about travelling to Nerja
What is the airport closest to Nerja, Spain?
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the closest airport to Nerja.
How far is it from Malaga Airport to Nerja?
Malaga Airport is 70 kilometres from Nerja. This is a 50-minute drive.
Is there a train from Malaga Airport to Nerja?
No, there isn’t a train from Malaga Airport to Nerja.
How much is a taxi from Malaga Airport to Nerja?
The price of a taxi from Malaga Airport to Nerja is approximately 80 euros or more, depending on your accommodation’s location and traffic.
Conclusion on how to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja
Travelling from Malaga to Nerja is straightforward, and although it isn’t as well connected to Malaga as other towns on the west side of Costa del Sol, you still have a few transport options: car, bus, taxi or train and bus.
When visiting Nerja in summer, it’s also a good idea to avoid travelling on Sundays, as it’s the busiest day on the road, with many locals heading to other coastal towns to spend the day at the beach with family and friends.
Safe adventures!
Cristina x
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Things to do before visiting Nerja, Spain
- Compare and book flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) here.
- Look for accommodation in Nerja with Booking.com.
- Check out tours and excursions from Nerja and Malaga with Get Your Guide.
- Read this Malaga food guide to try authentic food in the Malaga region.
- Using public transport? Book train and bus tickets with Omio.
- Rent a car to travel with ease around Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
- Get travel insurance. This is a must for any trip!
