Malaga is located on the southern coast of Spain, in Andalucia, on the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of the Costa del Sol, the city is known for its well-connected international airport, its lively historic center, and its museums. In our opinion, it serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the rest of Andalucia by car or train.
Here, we present all the practical options for getting to Málaga, depending on your departure point and your preferences.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Summary: How to Get to Málaga
Here’s a quick summary:
- By plane: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), 12 km from the city center — Compare available flights
- Airport Transfer: Rental Car, Taxi, Bus, or Private Transfer — View Available Transfer Options
- By train: from Madrid (~2.5 hours by AVE), Sevilla (~2.5 hours by AVE), Granada (~1 hour 15 minutes), Córdoba (~1 hour) — (Renfe)
- By bus: routes from major cities in Andalucia and Madrid (Alsa)
- By car: from Madrid (~5.5 hours), Sevilla (~2.5 hours), Granada (~1.5 hours), Córdoba (~2 hours) — Rent a car here
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
Where is Málaga? Map
Málaga is a city in Andalucia, located on the Mediterranean coast of southern Spain, between the sea and the mountains. The city lies along the coast of Málaga Bay and is backed by the foothills of the Montes de Málaga, a range of hills that forms its natural hinterland. Thanks to this location, it enjoys some of the most sunshine in Europe, with an average of more than 300 sunny days per year.
Here are the travel times from the major cities:
- From Madrid: about 5 hours and 30 minutes by car, 2 hours and 30 minutes by AVE train
- From Sevilla: about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car, 2 hours by AVE train
- From Granada: about 1 hour and 30 minutes by car, 1 hour and 15 minutes by train
- From Córdoba: about 2 hours and 15 minutes by car, 1 hour by train
- From Barcelona: about a 9-hour drive, 5½ hours by train
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
By plane: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is Spain’s fourth-busiest airport in terms of traffic. It is located 12 km from downtown, which is about a 20-minute drive. Its network of routes is one of the most extensive in the country for direct European flights, which often makes it the most convenient gateway to the rest of Andalucia. We used it as a starting point for our road trips in the region.
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Major flight routes to AGP:
- From France: Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille (Transavia, easyJet, Vueling, Ryanair) — year-round flights from Paris, seasonal flights from the other cities
- From Switzerland: Geneva and Zurich (easyJet, Swiss, Edelweiss)
- From Belgium: Brussels-Charleroi (Ryanair), Brussels-Zaventem (Brussels Airlines, TUI fly)
- From Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Düsseldorf (Ryanair, Eurowings, Condor)
- From the United Kingdom: London Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton; Manchester; Bristol; Edinburgh (easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2)
- From Spain: Madrid and Barcelona, several flights a day year-round (Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa)
- Compare available flights.
Options for getting to the city center from the airport
The airport is located 12 km from downtown. There are several ways to get to Málaga, depending on your budget and preferences.
By rental car
In our opinion, a rental car is the most flexible option if you plan to explore the region beyond Málaga. The major travel agencies have counters in the arrivals hall. We recommend booking in advance, especially in July and August, as rates rise quickly and available vehicles become scarce. The drive to the city center takes about 20 minutes on the highway. Compare car rental offers.
You can also check out our comprehensive guide to renting a car in Málaga.
By public transport
The C1 line of the Cercanías (commuter train) connects the airport to the María Zambrano station in the city center in about 12 minutes. Departures are frequent (approximately every 20 minutes). This is the fastest and most economical way to get to downtown without driving. You’ll find the train station directly below the arrivals terminal. Expect to pay about 1.80€ per trip. Book your ticket here.
By cab
Cabs are available in front of the arrivals terminal. The tariff is metered. A surcharge applies at night and on Sundays. We recommend that you make sure the driver turns on the meter at the start of the ride.
Duration: ~20min
Cost: 20–30€
Private transfer
For added convenience upon arrival, a private transfer will take you directly to your accommodations without any waiting. This option is especially appealing for families or groups, since the rate is per vehicle. A driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal with a sign bearing your name. See the transfers available from Malaga Airport.
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
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By train
The train is a comfortable and fast way to get to Málaga from major Spanish cities. The María Zambrano train station is located right in the city center and offers all the necessary amenities. We particularly appreciate the AVE train service from Madrid or Sevilla, which lets us avoid long hours on the road while enjoying the scenery of Andalucia.
Main rail links:
- From Madrid: about 3 hours by AVE; several departures daily
- From Sevilla: about 2 hours by AVE
- From Granada: about 1 hour and 30 minutes, regular service
- From Córdoba: about 1 hour
- From Barcelona: about 6 hours and 30 minutes by AVE
We recommend that you book your tickets in advance on the Renfe website, Spain’s national rail operator. Fares can rise quickly as the departure date approaches, especially from Madrid during the summer. Find and book your train tickets.
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By car
A car is still the most flexible way to get to Málaga, especially if you’re planning a road trip through Andalucia. The roads leading to the city are in good condition and well-marked. We especially enjoy the drive from Granada, which winds through landscapes of olive groves and rolling hills along the A-92. However, we do not recommend driving in the city center, where most of the historic districts are pedestrian-only or subject to strict traffic regulations. It’s best to choose accommodations with parking or to park in one of the paid underground parking garages at the entrance to the city center. Compare car rental offers.
Indicative journey times:
- From Madrid: about 5 hours and 30 minutes via the A-4 and then the A-45
- From Sevilla: about 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A-92 and then the A-45
- From Granada: about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A-92
- From Córdoba: about 2 hours via the A-45
- From Cádiz: about 3 hours via the A-48 and A-7
By bus
The intercity bus network connects Málaga to most major cities in Andalucia. Buses depart from the Málaga Bus Station, located near the train station in the city center. We consider this an attractive option for those on a budget, although journeys are generally longer than by train.
Main bus links:
- From Granada: about 1 hour and 45 minutes
- From Sevilla: about 2 hours and 45 minutes
- From Córdoba: about 2 hours and 30 minutes
- From Cádiz: about 4 hours
We recommend that you check the schedules on the Alsa website before you leave. During peak season, buses may be full on weekends. View the schedule and make a reservation here.
And once in Málaga…
Malaga is full of attractions. The historic center is easy to explore on foot, from the Alcazaba to the Cathedral of the Incarnation, the Picasso Museum, and the Roman Theater. We recommend starting with the higher-altitude sites in the morning, before it gets too hot, and saving the museums for the afternoon. To get to Gibralfaro Castle or some of the beaches, the EMT city bus system is convenient and provides good coverage throughout the city. In the evening, the streets in the city center remain lively, and a stroll along the harbor is particularly pleasant. See our complete guide to the best attractions in Málaga and our article on where to stay in Málaga: best neighborhoods and hotels.
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