Transport to and around Malaga

Getting here

Malaga’s international airport is one of Spain’s largest and welcomes millions of visitors and tourists every year. Not only a popular tourist destination, Malaga also serves as an important port and industrial center in Spain’s south. The international airport code is AGP.

Malaga airport is located 8 km (5 miles) southwest of Malaga’s city center. The access highway from the airport is the N-340 (National-340 motorway), which makes transport into Malaga very fast and easy by car. The trip should take around 15 minutes. Taxi services from the airport to the city are available, as is car hire.

A train service from the airport into Malaga also runs every 30 minutes from 7am to 11:45 pm daily, and is a cheaper alternative than a taxi. The fare is approximately 1€.

Taking the bus is another option although it will take a little longer as two busses are needed. The service runs every half hour until midnight and the whole trip should take approximately 30 minutes. Take bus Nº 19 at the airport to the Alameda bus stop. Here you will have to change busses. Take bus Nº 11 at Alameda bus top to Acacias bus stop in downtown Malaga. The approximate fare is also 1€.

Getting around

By car – generally an easy way to get around, you may encounter delays at rush hour (early morning from 7 am to 10 am approximately and around 8 pm). Traffic is heavier in the summer months especially in the evenings on weekends, when both locals and tourists flock to the beaches. Another problem that is frequently encountered is parking. It is best not to leave a car unattended for too long and preferably to leave it in a supervised car park (though this can get expensive). If you do leave a vehicle unattended on the street, be sure to remove all valuables as theft from cars is very common here.

Car rental is fairly cheap here, particularly due to the intense competition between the many companies. There are both international and national car rental companies, but generally Spanish companies have cheaper rates. An important reminder: Rental cars are very attractive and easy prey for petty thieves so be sure to remove or hide any stickers bearing a car rental company’s name or logo.

By taxi – The local taxi service is monitored by the authorities and is a popular means of transport even for the locals. You avoid parking problems by taking a taxi, but remember that during rush hour the going may get a little slow and there may even be a shortage of taxis, especially during summer.

By train - The train only connects Malaga with certain places such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirla but is inexpensive and convenient.

By bus – a convenient form of transport to make your way around Costa del Sol. Bus services are provided by municipal networks run by the different towns and cities. Service is frequent between Malaga and the main towns of the surrounding region. It is the only public transport into the smaller surrounding villages.

By scooter - a very popular form of transportation here on the Costa del Sol, scooters are great to get around in but require diligent care. A licence is needed and helmets must be worn at all times. Local authorities are especially strict about enforcement of rules regarding scooters as the rate of accidents is very high.

By bike – a pleasant and cheap option is getting around on a bike. Especially for those on holiday, this allows you to enjoy the great weather and the special bike lanes on the beach promenades. Please note however, that this is not a safe way to travel on the busier roads and motorways. Bikes are actually prohibited on the N-340 and the A-7 motorways.

On foot – with the great weather, Malaga is an ideal place to get around in on foot. In town it solves the annoying parking problem and strolling along the beach promenades is great all year round. On the outskirts, toward the country side, going on pleasant walks in natural setting is very relaxing if you have leisure time or are on holidays. Check at the local tourist office for suggestions on walking excursions.

Our Spanish Language School in Malaga is ideally situated so that students are just minutes away from the city's means of public transport.