How to get to Malaga city centre from the airport

The airport transfer is always the worst part of any trip. Luckily, there is no shortage of options to get you from the Costa del Sol’s international airport to Malaga city centre.

Trains to Malaga from the airport

The Renfe Cercanías is the cheapest and quickest way to travel between the airport and the city (from € 1.80 one way, 12 minutes). This service is often overlooked upon arrival at the airport, as it isn’t very well signposted.

At the airport, the station is located near the exit from Arrivals. Keep walking straight ahead as you exit, cross the road, then the station is located in the building in front of you.

This stop is served by the Cercanías train (C1 line), which runs between Málaga Centro Alameda and Fuengirola.

In Malaga, the two most central stations are the aforementioned Centro Alameda and Málaga María Zambrano.

Málaga María Zambrano is the stop for connections to long-distance trains (to Seville, Madrid, Cordoba etc.) and the bus station, but this is a 20 to 30-minute walk from the historical centre.

The stop called Málaga Centro Alameda will drop you closer to the centre, on the Alameda Principal, close to Calle Larios.

Trains on this line run roughly every 20 minutes. You can find the timetable here.

Queues for the ticket machines are often long, but you can now pay directly at the barriers using contactless card payment.

Taxis from Malaga Airport

Of course, the easiest option to get to Malaga city centre from the airport is to take a taxi.

In Malaga, these are very strictly regulated, and details of tariffs are displayed in the back window of every taxi.

The fares are metered and generally cost between € 20 and € 30, depending on your final destination.

On a good day without traffic, this should take no more than 20 minutes.

As you exit the Arrivals hall, turn right and the airport taxi rank is straight ahead, just before the entrance to the tunnel.

Alternatively, you can order an Uber, Cabify, or Bolt, but these prices are much less stable. The pick-up spot for “VTCs” is clearly signposted and is in front of the train station.

The Malaga Airport bus

The Línea Exprés Aeropuerto bus, operated by EMT, leaves from the bus stop directly outside Arrivals.

The bus takes considerably longer (up to 45 minutes) to reach the centre. Before entering the centre, it stops frequently in several of the ‘barrios’, as well as at the main train station (María Zambrano) and bus station.

The main stops for this bus in the city centre are on the Paseo del Parque and at the bottom of Calle Larios on Alameda Principal.

Tickets cost four euros one way; you can purchase them on board (cash or card) or from the machine inside the terminal.

This bus runs once every 20-45 minutes. You can find the timetable here.

Getting back to Malaga Airport from the city centre

If you’re doing this journey in reverse, click here for more specific advice.

Malaga Guru

The Malaga Guru team comprises individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds who share a common bond – a deep affection for the city of Malaga, its rich culture, and its warm-hearted inhabitants!