With a youthful personality, stunning beaches, and several contemporary art museums, Málaga is a vibrant city on the Costa del Sol.

The city where Pablo Picasso was born is located on the south coast of Spain, in the Andalusia region. It’s rich in history and culture and has welcoming weather.

If your next adventure passes through here, you'll probably land at the city's airport, which is 8 kilometers from the center.

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (IATA code: AGP) is one of the oldest (1946) and busiest in Spain and serves as an important gateway to the popular tourist region of the Costa del Sol and other destinations in southern Spain.

To avoid wasting time thinking about the best way to get to the city center when you arrive at the airport, look at our suggestions for transport from Malaga Airport to the city center in advance and choose the best option for you.

Bus

The Express Aeropuerto line run by Empresa Municipal de Transportes de Málaga provides a direct bus connection between the airport and the city center. You'll reach your destination in just 15 minutes. It stops at the following locations: Villa Rosa, Mercado de Huelin, Los Arcos, the train and bus stations, Alameda Principal, and Paseo del Parque. Buses run every 30-45 minutes between 7 am and midnight. The ticket price is 4€. The stop is opposite the arrivals hall at Terminal 3.

Málaga Airport Bus - City Center

Timetable: 7 am - midnight

Duration: 15 min

Waiting time: 30 - 45 min

Price: 4€

Tickets:

Directly to the driver on the bus (Visa, Mastercard or cash);

Own point of sale in Terminal 3 (arrivals).

Tips:

Check the timetables in advance;

Make sure you have cash to buy the ticket in case it doesn't work with a card;

If you're traveling with a lot of luggage, choose a seat near the door. 

Pros:

It's a cheaper and quicker option to get from the airport to the city center, compared to a cab;

As it passes several points of interest, it's a good opportunity to get to know Málaga's landscapes and monuments;

It is an ecological and sustainable option, as it helps to reduce CO2 emissions and traffic congestion.

Cons:

It can be uncomfortable and crowded at peak times or during periods when there are more tourists;

Finding space for luggage can be a problem, as the bus doesn't have many compartments for this purpose;

It can be inconvenient if your hotel or destination is not close to any of the bus stops, forcing you to walk or use another means of transportation.

Accessibility: All buses from the airport to the city center are adapted to facilitate access and travel for people with disabilities or special needs. However, you must book online more than 36 hours in advance.

Cab

Taxi Unión and Unitax are the official operators. The journey takes 20 - 25 minutes and costs between 29€ and 35€, with the minimum service to or from the airport being 5.50€. The cab ranks are located outside the arrivals area of Terminal 3. The service is open 24 hours a day.

Málaga Airport Cab - City Center

Schedule: 24h

Duration: 20 - 25 min

Waiting time: Depends on the queue for travelers taking cabs.

Price: 29 - 35€ (minimum service to or from the airport is 5.50€) 

Tickets: Directly to the taxi driver, cash recommended.

Tips:

If you're traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage, this is a much more convenient and flexible option;

All you have to do is go to the cab ranks located outside the arrivals areas of Terminal 3;

If you prefer, you have the option of booking a cab by cell phone or online.

Pros:

As well as being transportation that takes you straight to your destination, you don't have to share space with other passengers, which makes the journey more comfortable and private;

It's a very practical and simple option, as you don't have to worry about timetables, tickets or changing transportation;

Cabs are regulated and controlled by the authorities and are therefore safe and reliable.

Cons:

It is the most expensive form of transportation, compared to the bus, train, or private transfer;

It is not very ecological or sustainable, contributing to increased CO2 emissions and traffic congestion;

It can be difficult to find an available cab at peak times or during peak tourist seasons.

Accessibility: Book your cab in advance, as not all are adapted for people with reduced mobility.

If you prefer, you can call an Uber to take you to the city center. You can do this via the Uber app. The trip costs around 17€ - 18€.

Train

The Renfe Cercanías C1 line connects Terminal 3 to the center of Málaga in just 12 minutes. It also connects with other towns on the Costa del Sol such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola. The train runs every 20 minutes between 6.44 and 24.54. The ticket costs €1.80. The station is part of the terminal building and can be accessed from the outside arrivals square and the promenade at the departures level.

Málaga Airport Train - City Center  

Timetable: 6h44 - 24h54

Duration: 12 min

Waiting time: 20 min

Price: 1.80€

Tickets: At the station’s ticket office or Renfe’s self-service machines. 

Tips:

Check the timetables in advance;

Try to be at the station a little before the departure time of the train you want to travel on so that you can settle in with plenty of time and find space to store your luggage;

Make sure you always have your ticket with you, even when you're already inside the moving train.

Pros:

It's the fastest and cheapest way to get to the city center;

Can be more comfortable when on the move than, for example, the bus.

Cons:

It can get crowded at peak times or during periods when there are more tourists;

Can be inconvenient if your hotel or destination is not close to any of the train stations, forcing you to walk or use another means of transport.

Accessibility: Renfe (the country's main railway operator) offers an assistance service on all medium and long-distance trains, through the Atendo program.    

Private Transfer

If you want a more personalized, worry-free, and comfortable experience, you can book a private transfer from Málaga Airport to the city center. This service provides exclusive transportation adapted to the individual needs of passengers, guaranteeing a tailor-made journey, including a driver who will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you directly to your destination in the city center.

Málaga Airport Private Transfer - City Center

Schedule: 24h

Duration: 20 min

Waiting time: 0

Price: from 25€

Tickets: Book online

Tips:

You should book in advance to ensure there is availability;

For the most efficient service, make sure you provide the driver with all the necessary details about your arrival and departure.

Pros:

Private transfer services guarantee exceptional comfort for travelers, combining speed and efficiency;

The vehicles used are modern and spacious, equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seats;

They provide an exclusive and personalized experience, offering passengers a peaceful and serene journey;

Schedule flexibility is a significant advantage, being suitable for both large groups and passengers with a lot of luggage.  

Cons:

There may be delays due to traffic jams or other unforeseen circumstances;

If you are traveling alone, this choice may not be the most economical and is more advantageous for larger groups.

Accessibility: Although the vehicles are not initially prepared to meet the needs of people with reduced mobility, you can contact us at [email protected] to find a personalized and comfortable solution for you.

If you prefer, you can choose to go from the airport to other cities on the Costa del Sol by private transfer: Seville, Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Granada, Cádiz, Madrid, Tarifa or Gibraltar. 

Did you know that you will soon be able to travel from Malaga Airport to your hotel on the Costa del Sol by flying cab? Yes, you read that right. An electric vertical take-off and landing plane (eVTOL) is being developed by Crisalion with the aim of carrying up to six people (pilot and five passengers). Several companies and startups have already come forward with projects, which are now entering the pilot testing phase. These vehicles are expected to reach 130 km and fly at speeds of up to 180km/h. 

The journey from Malaga Airport to the city center offers several options, each adapted to the different needs and budgets of travelers. So, choose the means of transport that best suits your preferences and start your unforgettable journey. Enjoy your trip!

If you're traveling to other parts of the country, find out how to get from Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, and Valencia airports to the city center.

If you want to have other experiences when you visit the Costa del Sol, explore the tours, private tours, and activities selected for you.

Visit Living Tours for more travel experiences in Portugal and Spain. And explore more travel ideas on the Living Magazine Blog.