Is Uber in Malaga? Your Questions Answered!
Uber is super handy and easy to use, so you’re probably asking yourself if there is Uber in Malaga.
The short answer is yes. Uber is available in Malaga and popular coastal towns like Marbella and Nerja.
Do you need Uber to move around Malaga? It depends! Uber isn’t always the best option.
As someone from Malaga who knows the city very well, and yes, not only the city centre, I’ll cover in this article how Uber works in Malaga, what to expect from Uber in Malaga and other transport options, as well as when to use them.
This post contains affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click through and purchase something, I receive a small commission on the price at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the content up to date and make other improvements to the blog.
Is there Uber in Malaga?
Yes, Uber is available in Malaga and its surroundings. You can request a ride from Malaga city centre, Malaga Airport or coastal towns.
How does Uber work in Malaga?
Using Uber in Malaga is easy and works the same way as ordering an Uber in Madrid or Lisbon. Go to the Uber app, enter your desired destination, and wait for the driver to pick you up.
The app will show you how long it will take to get to the place and the car registration number.
In the Uber app, you can also see the estimated cost of your journey, which is very helpful, especially if you’re travelling to Malaga on a budget.
On top of this, you’re always given different fares depending on your desired car. For example, you’ll see options like Uber Pet (perfect for travelling with your furry friend), UberX (great for a budget-friendly ride), etc.
Paying for your taxi ride is simple, as you should have set up your payment before the journey.
Something important to note is that you might order an Uber, but you might be picked up by a Bolt car, as happened to me a few times. I was a bit confused, but this doesn’t make a difference.
Should you use Uber in Malaga?
Personally, I’ve barely used Uber in Malaga, and I don’t think you need to use Uber in Malaga because most Malaga sightseeing attractions are in the old town, which is a hundred per cent walkable, and the traffic.
One of the times I used Uber was to go to Jardín de la Concepción (Malaga Botanical Garden). This is the only main attraction on the outskirts of Malaga, next to the motorway.
I took Uber with two more friends, so the cost per person worked out cheaply, and the journey was quicker and more comfortable than taking public transport. It only cost 7 euros, so about 2,30 euros each.
So when do I recommend using it? When you travel with several people so you can split the costs, you want to avoid the crowds of public transport at peak times, or you plan to travel somewhere it isn’t very accessible by bus or metro.
Nevertheless, Uber has become more popular in Malaga, and popular pickup points include Malaga Airport, Malaga train station (María Zambrano, popularly called Vialia because the station is in the shopping centre), and Marbella bus station.
I also love that Uber has gone green and has electric cars that are more environmentally friendly. Madrid was the first city to have these Uber cars, followed by Malaga.
✨ Join my community. My free Facebook group is the place to ask questions about your trip, be inspired and connect with other travellers who love Malaga and the Costa del Sol. Click here to join!
Alternatives to Uber and Bolt
Cabify
A popular alternative to Uber is Cabify. They have different prices and types of vehicles depending on the service you demand. For example, they have the standard Cabify car or the Group when you’re travelling with a group of more than four friends or family members.
So, how much can you expect to pay for a Cabify ride? Their standard ride service charges 0,20 euros per minute on top of the minimum tariff, which is 4,33 euros in the A zone (Malaga and Ciudad Jardin areas).
However, when you download the app and enter your journey details, you’ll get the estimated price, so you can decide if it’s worth the money or if it’s better to take public transport.
If you want to move around Malaga on your own, another option is to rent one of their motorbikes.
FreeNow
Similar to Cabify and Uber, FreeNow is another taxi ride company available in Malaga. Simply download the app and request a taxi. You’ll be able to pick the car you want to be picked up (i.e. standard, big or adapted for travellers with disabilities).
Other options that FreeNow offers are renting an electric bike or an Escooter.
Other options for getting around Malaga
Metro
Malaga Underground is relatively new, and it’s also a good way to get around the city. One of the latest stations opened was Atarazanas, a short walk from Calle Larios and the Atarazanas Market.
You can visit the university area (Teatinos) or Huelin and Palacio de los Deportes, among other areas in Malaga.
Simply go to the underground station and find the ticket machines. You can change the language and select one-way or return a ticket. You’ll get a reusable card, so don’t throw it away! A one-way ticket starts from 1,35 euros.
Malaga Underground runs from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm Monday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 1:30 am on Fridays, 7:00 am to 1:30 am on Saturdays, and 7:00 am to 11:00 pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
If you plan to travel by metro outside these times, you can opt for a taxi or Uber.
The underground is very convenient, and they usually have special timetables for special events like Christmas, Easter and the Malaga Fair. However, be aware that it gets crowded.
Bus
The bus is another fantastic means of transport to get around Malaga. The city has one of the best bus systems in Southern Spain. The bus connects the city centre with all the neighbourhoods.
Also, buses are very affordable, with many journeys being less than 2 euros.
Then, if you want to visit Malaga’s coastal towns, mountain villages or even other Andalusian cities like Granada, you can take a bus from Malaga bus station or the station next to the port.
Hop-on hop-off bus
The hop-on hop-off bus is a popular option among travellers. However, do I think it’s worth it? No. I think it’s overpriced and you don’t need to use it because all the sights are within walking distance.
Nevertheless, there are occasions when you might want to use it. I’d recommend taking the hop-on and hop-off bus if you don’t enjoy walking, can’t walk for long periods, or travel with small kids who might get tired from walking.
The hop-on hop-off bus stops at Malaga’s main attractions, including the Botanical Garden and Gibralfaro Castle.
The price starts from 25 euros for adults and 12.50 euros for children between 4 and 12.
Walk
If you have time and like walking, it’s actually the best option to explore Malaga Old Town.
For example, walking from the Cathedral to the Alcazaba is less than 10 minutes and from the Roman Theatre to the Picasso Museum is less than 3 minutes.
The historic centre isn’t far away from the port and beach either. I always walk to these places because I love strolling along Paseo del Parque with its tall trees and parakeets flying over.
Unless you plan to visit other neighbourhoods away from the city centre, like La Misericordia or El Palo, you won’t need an Uber, taxi or bus.
Bike
Riding a bike is another fantastic way to explore the old town and its surroundings. There are more and more bike lanes across Malaga.
Renting a bike in Malaga is around 15 euros per day, but most companies will ask for a deposit, too.
Alternatively, you can join a guided bike tour to learn about Malaga and meet other travellers.
Car
Many travellers often ask me if renting a car in Malaga is worth it. My answer is you don’t need a car to get around Malaga City. You have plenty of transport options if you want to visit other areas.
However, I highly recommend renting a car if you come to Malaga for a week or longer. The city is the perfect place to start a road trip around Andalucia, visit Gibraltar, or simply explore the coastal towns with fewer transportation options.
Renting a car in Malaga starts from 12 euros per day with basic insurance.
Looking at renting a car?
Check out the best rental cars and prices with Discover Cars
Frequently asked questions about Uber in Malaga
Is Uber reliable in Malaga?
Yes, it is, but be aware that you might have to wait a bit for the app to allocate you to a nearby driver. I don’t recommend requesting a ride last minute.
Is Uber cheap in Malaga?
It is cheaper than cities like Dublin, London and Paris.
Is it safe to use Uber in Malaga?
Yes, Uber is safe in Malaga.
What is the Uber alternative in Malaga?
Alternative options to Uber in Malaga are Cabify, FREENOW and Bolt.
Last thought on Uber rides in Malaga
Uber rides in Malaga are usually cheap and good options when you share the costs with others or get somewhere quickly.
However, you won’t need public transport to visit the old town of Malaga or the beach.
Do you have any questions about Malaga? Join my Facebook community, where you can ask questions and get inspired to visit my hometown!
Cristina xx
Save this guide on Uber in Malaga on Pinterest for later
Things to do before visiting Malaga
- Book cheap flights to Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport with Skyscanner.
- Take a look at this Malaga hotel guide to help you choose accommodation.
- 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 hire with Discover Cars.
- Buy travel insurance for your trip. This is a must for any trip!
