If you’re heading to Malaga Spain and arriving at the airport, you’ll need to find a way to get from Malaga airport to the city center of Malaga. Trying to figure out how to get to your hotel after spending hours in a plane is probably the worst part of traveling.
Anytime I travel I just want to get to my final destination as quickly as possible and get the vacation started. Luckily, the Malaga airport has several options and they are all easy.
I’ll discuss 6 easy ways to get from the Malaga Airport to the historic city centre.
Getting from Malaga Airport to Malaga
Malaga’s airport, officially known as Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, is located in the southwest side of Malaga. Thankfully it’s really close to the historic city center of Malaga at just 9.5 km or 6 miles away.
Since you’re very likely to be staying there if you’re visiting Malaga, you can be there in as soon as 15 minutes! Malaga’s historic center is close to the majority of sites you’ll visit while you’re there and a lot of hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels are in that area.
Here are six different ways to get from the Malaga Airport to the City Center in Malaga City.
- Malaga Airport to City Center by Taxi
- Malaga Airport to City Center by Uber
- Malaga Airport to City Center by Train
- Malaga Airport to City Center by Bus
- Malaga Airport to City Center by Car Rental
- Malaga Airport to City Center by Private Transfer
Malaga Airport is located at Avenida del Comandante García Morato, s/n, 29004 Málaga, Spain and it’s official Airport code is AGP. It is the main international airport serving the Costa del Sol region, a popular tourist destination in southern Spain.
The Malaga Airport serves as a gateway to various destinations in Spain and beyond.
If you’re wondering whether you should visit Malaga, read our article Is Malaga Worth Visiting?
Malaga Airport Transfer Options
Getting from Malaga Airport to Malaga City Center is relatively easy and it’s a good idea to figure out which method of transportation you want to take before you arrive. Of course the best thought out plan doesn’t always work out so have a back up option just in case you need it.
Taxi
Like all airports, you’ll find taxis readily available just outside the arrivals hall. Taking a taxi is the fastest way to get from Malaga Airport to Malaga City Center. The journey to Malaga City Center in a taxi takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Taking a taxi in Malaga Spain provides a convenient door-to-door service, making them a quick option for reaching your destination.
Convenience is always nice but it will be the most expensive way to travel from Malaga’s airport. You can expect to pay around 25€ for a taxi from the Malaga airport to Malaga.
Uber
Uber is a popular alternative to taxis and is available in all the major cities in Spain. Taking an Uber is very comparable to taking a taxi although there will be a few differences.
Uber won’t be at the airport waiting for you to choose them. You’ll have to request an Uber on the app when you arrive. Taxis have airport privileges that Uber does not so you might have to meet your Uber at a location away from where the taxi area is. Once you request a ride you’ll get directions that tells you where the pickup place is.
With Uber, you can also reserve your ride before you arrive through the app. Taking an Uber will cost a little less than a taxi and will also get from the Malaga airport to Malaga City in about 15-20 minues.
Train
Alternatively, if you prefer public transportation, Malaga Airport is connected to the city center by the C-1 Cercanías train line. The Malaga Train Station is located next to Terminal 3 and the journey to Malaga City Center takes around 10 minutes.
Trains run every 20 minutes between 6:30am and 12:30am and it’s a convenient and relatively quick mode of transportation and very affordable at just 1,80€ for a one way ticket.
Inside the train station look for the platform that says Malaga. You’ll stay on the train until the very last stop of Malaga Centro Alameda. That is the closest station near the Malaga city center.
Bus
There are several bus services that operate between Malaga Airport and the city center. The Airport Express Line (Linea Express) goes directly to the city center and the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
You can find the ticket office next to the exit door at the Airport Arrivals Terminal. A single round trip ticket costs 4€ and inlcudes your luggage.
Bus service operates from 7:00am to midnight and it takes 10 stops to reach the city center.
Both the train and bus options provide economical ways to reach Malaga City Center from the airport. However, keep in mind that the “cheapest” option may depend on factors such as your specific location in the city, the time of day, and the number of people traveling with you.
Always check the latest schedules and fares to plan your journey accordingly.
Car Rental
If you plan on visiting places outside of Malaga and need the flexibility of having your own vehicle, you can rent a car at the airport. Several car rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall, and the journey to the city center is straightforward.
However you will have to figure out where to park the car. The Malaga city center is mostly a pedestrian area and you won’t see cars on the streets there unless they are for a business or a city vehicle.
Self Parking in Malaga
Here are a few places near the Malaga city centre where you can park your car. The rates for parking at most parking garages are around 2€ an hour or a max of 20-25€ for a 24 hour period. There are many more parking garages in Malaga than this so if these aren’t close to your hotel you can search for something else.
Parking Atlantida
This parking garage is located near the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum. The address for Parking Atlantida is Calle Refino, 22, 29013 Malaga.
Plaza de la Marina
This public parking garage has 440 spaces and is located just a 4 minute walk from the Malaga Cathedral. The address for Plaza de la Marina is Pl. de la Marina, 1, 29015 Málaga, Spain.
Parking Malaga
This parking garage is located at C. Mundo Nuevo, 1, 29012 Málaga, Spain. It’s location is very close to the city center and is just a 4 minute walk to the Picasso Museum and the Alcazaba.
Parking de la Malagueta
If you happen to be staying near the beach then here’s a parking garage close to Playa la Malagueta that might be more convenient for you. The address is C. Maestranza, 15, 17, 29016 Malaga Spain.
Private Transfer
You can also arrange for a private transfer service in advance. Many companies offer door-to-door service, and a driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your destination in Malaga City Center.
Terravision is one place that offers this service for 9€ per passenger, including luggage. They are located at the Viajes Rusadir desk 7 in the arrivals area. and they provide a 24 hour service.
If you’re short on time or visiting Malaga on a day trip from another city, check out my article on How to spend 1 day in Malaga for all the things you should do and see.
Tips for Malaga Airport Transfers
When traveling from Malaga Airport to the city center, there are several key points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth journey. Here’s what you need to know:
- Trains and buses have specific schedules but they do leave frequently from the Malaga Airport to Malaga.
- When you arrive at the airport find an ATM and take out some euro because you might need to buy your ticket with cash or you might want to tip.
- Public transporation is more budget-friendly than taxis and uber
- Signs to transportation options should be posted clearly pointing towards the right area. Look for them in the baggage claim area.
- Travel time will vary based on the mode of transporation, time of day, and traffic conditions.
- Consider your luggage when choosing transportation. If you have a lot then you might want to choose a taxi or Uber for door-to-door service.
By keeping these points in mind and planning ahead, you can choose the transportation option that best suits your preferences and have a hassle-free journey from Malaga Airport to the city center.
Is Malaga Safe? Hint: yes it is! Read all about safety in Malaga.
Final Thoughts on getting from the Malaga Airport to the City Center
The Malaga Airport is just a few miles away from the city of Malaga and getting there from the airport is pretty straightforward. With at least 6 different transfer options from the Malaga Airport to Malaga, you shouldn’t have any problem getting there quickly.
Whether you’re renting a vehicle and need a place to park or you are looking to save money and take public transporation into the city, getting from the airport to Malaga is a fairly easy process.
