How to get to Malaga city centre from the airport

The airport transfer is always the worst part of any trip, isn’t it? 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 get 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 not far from the exit out of Arrivals. Keep walking straight ahead as you come out and once you reach the bus stops, cross the road and it 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 euros, depending on your final destination.

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

The airport taxi rank is on the right-hand side, just before the entrance to the tunnel, as you exit the Arrivals hall.

Alternatively, you can order an Uber, Cabify or Bolt, but these prices are much more unstable. 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, stopping frequently in several of the ‘barrios’ but does also stop at the main train (María Zambrano) and bus station before going into the centre.

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

Tickets cost four euros one way and 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.

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!