How to Get From Malaga to Estepona (A Complete Guide)

Malaga is one of the most vibrant cities in Southern Spain. The combination of cultural activities, beautiful beaches and incredible day trips makes it a fantastic destination.

If you’re looking for day trips from Malaga, it’s worth visiting Estepona, known as the Garden of Costa del Sol. This coastal town has plenty of things to do – from wandering its picturesque historic town to soaking up the sun on one of its tranquil beaches.

Planning a trip from Malaga to Estepona is easy. I’ve taken this day trip quite a few times, and there are a couple of transport options.

Whether you’re travelling to Malaga Airport and staying in Estepona or planning a day trip to Estepona from Malaga, in this guide, you’ll find exactly how to travel from Malaga to Estepona and the best options according to your budget and preferences.

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How to get from Malaga to Estepona

How to get from Malaga to Estepona by car

• Time: 1 hour and 5 min
• Total distance: 89,3 km (55.4 mi)
• Best for freedom and exploring

If you’re looking for the fastest way to travel from Malaga to Estepona, it’s by car. You can take two different routes- one includes tolls, and the other doesn’t, but it offers a more scenic drive.

Driving on the AP-7 motorway is very straightforward and will take about 1 hour, barring traffic. The tolls aren’t cheap, especially during the peak season. You can check all the info and current rates on the Autopista del Sol website.

If you choose to drive the scenic route (A-7 motorway), you’ll avoid tolls, but the journey will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes or longer, as this is a busier road, especially in the high season and on bank holidays.

This latter option is not only a good option for saving money, but also for exploring. You can stop in other towns and big shopping centres like La Cañada along the way.

Where to park in Estepona

If you drive to Estepona, you’ll find it useful to know exactly where to park. Free parking isn’t always easy to find, especially if you want to park your car in the old town.

Here is a list of car parks in Estepona you may want to use:

➢ Parking del Paseo Marítimo – It’s an excellent location, in Estepona beach promenade and a few minutes walk from Plaza de las Flores. It’s open 24/7, every day. Prices are €2,60 per hour or €19 per day.

➢ Parking Plaza Antonia Guerrero – This underground car park is near the Orchidarium. It’s open 24 hours, and the price is very reasonable (from 9 am to 9 pm is €1, from 9 pm to 9 am is €2, and only €3 for all day).

➢ Aparcamientos de la Cala – Located in Avenida Litoral, this parking lot is outdoors and free. However, it does get busy during important events and the summer.

✨ Join my community. My free 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!

How to get from Malaga to Estepona by taxi or private transfer

• Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
• Best for convenience and comfort

Is it possible to go from Malaga to Estepona by taxi? Yes, but is it worth it? I’d say no, at least for any traveller on a budget. This is by far the most expensive option for travelling to Estepona.

The average taxi fare is 120 euros. However, this can be higher if you get stuck in traffic or if your accommodation is at the end of Estepona or on the mountainside.

In case you want to travel from Malaga to Estepona by taxi, it’s a wise idea to go with other people so you can split the cost.

How to get from Malaga to Estepona by bus

• Time: 1 hour and 15 min (the quickest)
• Best for budget travel

Whether you rely on public transport or you simply don’t want to worry about driving and parking in Estepona, the bus is a good choice. Not only is it affordable, but it doesn’t take much longer than driving.

AVANZA is the bus company that travels from Malaga to Estepona. You’ll need to get the L-309 Málaga – Estepona bus from Estación de Autobuses de Malaga (Malaga bus station).

However, there are more buses from the same company to Estepona, too; the only difference is the time. You’ll find buses that take 1 hour and 25 min and 2 hours.

Something you need to know about this bus is that it drops you off at Estepona Terminal, a small bus station located outside the town.

However, the walk from the station to the town is about 20 minutes. It’s a nice walk, at least to me. Part of it goes along the promenade.

How to get from Malaga Airport to Estepona

If you fly to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) and your hotel is in Estepona, you want to take into consideration the different transport options to make the best decision according to your budget and preferences.

How to get from Malaga Airport to Estepona by car

• Time: 50 min
• Total distance: 81 km (50.3 mi)
• Best for freedom and exploring

The best way to travel from Malaga Airport to Estepona for flexibility is by car.

By renting a car, not only will you travel comfortably to Estepona, but you’ll be able to access more remote beautiful towns and villages, and travel without relying on bus timetables, which might not be very convenient for you.

You have two routes from Malaga Airport to Estepona: the AP-7 (toll road) or the A-7 (scenic route).

If you take the AP-7, you’ll arrive in Estepona in 50 minutes, but you’ll need to pay to use this motorway. Choosing the A-7 instead? Then it’ll only take you 10 more minutes if there’s no traffic.

How to get from Malaga Airport to Estepona by bus

• Time: 1 hour and 10 min
• Best for budget travel

Travelling from Malaga Airport to Estepona is easy. When you’re in arrivals, leave the airport through the door on the right, and after a minute, you’ll see the AVANZA bus stop, where you’ll need to catch your bus.

The L-605 bus goes from Malaga Airport to Estepona, and this bus stops at Marbella bus station on the way to Estepona.

From the Estepona bus station, you’ll need to walk approximately 20 minutes to reach the historic town, so it is important to know if you’ll be carrying big suitcases.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Estepona

Things to do before visiting Estepona

• Check out cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
• Book accommodation in Estepona with Booking.com
• Eat like a local by reading this Malaga food guide.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around the Costa del Sol.
• Get travel insurance. This is a must for any trip.

Other travel guides to plan your trip to Estepona and the Costa del Sol

• Fantastic Things to Do in Estepona
• Estepona or Marbella? A Travel Comparison
• Malaga Vs Marbella: Which Place Is Best To Visit?
• Incredible Day Trips From Malaga You Shouldn’t Miss
• Beautiful and Secret Beaches in Malaga and Costa del Sol
• The Ultimate Weekend in Marbella
• Incredible Things to Do in Benalmadena
• Malaga Travel Budget Calculator and Expert Tips