![\"How](\"https:\/\/andalucialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/how-to-get-to-malaga.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nThis opinion is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.<\/p>\n\n Here’s a quick summary:<\/p>\n\n Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the historical center Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta In the Soho district See our complete selection of the best hotels in Malaga<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n M\u00e1laga 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 M\u00e1laga Bay and is backed by the foothills of the Montes de M\u00e1laga, 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.<\/p>\n\n Here are the travel times from the major cities:<\/p>\n\n See all our tips<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n It’s time to book! Major flight routes to AGP:<\/p>\n\n The airport is located 12 km from downtown. There are several ways to get to M\u00e1laga, depending on your budget and preferences.<\/p>\n\n In our opinion, a rental car is the most flexible option if you plan to explore the region beyond M\u00e1laga. 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.<\/strong><\/a> <\/p>\n\n You can also check out our comprehensive guide to renting a car in M\u00e1laga.<\/a><\/p>\n\n The C1 line of the Cercan\u00edas (commuter train) connects the airport to the Mar\u00eda 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\u20ac per trip. Book your ticket here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n 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. 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n All the information you need for your trip:<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The train is a comfortable and fast way to get to M\u00e1laga from major Spanish cities. The Mar\u00eda 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.<\/p>\n\n Main rail links:<\/p>\n\n 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.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\nSummary: How to Get to M\u00e1laga<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"The](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Andalucia-Lovers\/Malaga\/Best-of\/i-jGCTPH6\/0\/KjbbBQ9TKMnWVd2J7Bpqmj5nS9SjcVrG66t5zjkJz\/L\/visit-alcazaba-malaga-spain-L.jpg\")
WHERE TO STAY IN M\u00e1laga<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhere is M\u00e1laga? Map<\/h2>\n\n
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![\"Map](\"https:\/\/andalucialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/map-how-to-get-to-seville-1024x673.jpg\")
RENT A CAR IN \nAndalucia<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"cars](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Travel\/Andalucia\/Driving\/i-tqxqm2M\/1\/DBVq6wpqQpTv8CpSvmFGgfKbDdqGMK9zqdcc59cGs\/S\/Driving_Andalucia_Spain-8407-S.jpg\" "\\"\\"\/")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nBy plane: M\u00e1laga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)<\/h2>\n\n
![\"andalucia](\"https:\/\/andalucialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/andalucia-plane.png\")
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![\"Car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Andalucia-Lovers\/Malaga\/Airport\/i-5xJ8kKd\/0\/MW72Gf93xqNnJRVPV436TM9hp9pQrdZXRv83KZnMv\/L\/malaga-airport-rental-car-L.jpg\")
Options for getting to the city center from the airport<\/h3>\n\n
By rental car<\/h4>\n\n
![\"Car](\"https:\/\/photos.smugmug.com\/Andalucia-Lovers\/Malaga\/Airport\/i-2wdmn45\/0\/LN2Jmm52ntBXhs9fq3QrTgqwfZLH8jcF659THzb47\/L\/malaga-airport-rental-car-1-L.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\nBy public transport<\/h4>\n\n
By cab<\/h4>\n\n
Private transfer<\/h4>\n\n
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Andalusia](\"https:\/\/andalucialovers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Road-trip-Guide-Andalucia-eBook-cover.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\nBy train<\/h2>\n\n
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