Planning your arrival in or departure from Malaga Airport? This practical guide covers everything you need to know—trains, buses, taxis, transfers, and car hire—to help you travel with ease and confidence in Malaga.
By Liza S. | Updated 15 Apr 2025 | Málaga | Cities |
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You're landing at Malaga Airport—now what? If it’s your first time visiting Andalucia, figuring out how to get to your accommodation (or back to the airport) can feel a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry—this guide breaks it all down in simple terms.
Whether you’re heading into Malaga city, off to the Costa del Sol, or catching a train inland, I’ll walk you through all the transport options from Malaga Airport—trains, buses, taxis, car hire, and more.
You’ll learn exactly where to go, how much it costs, and what to expect, so you can hit the ground running and start enjoying your Andalucia trip.
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the main international gateway to Andalucia, and it’s a straightforward airport to arrive in—even if it’s your first time in Spain.
The airport is located just 8km from Malaga city centre and serves flights from all over Europe and beyond.
There are three terminals, but Terminals 2 and 3 handle almost all commercial flights. Most international flights arrive at Terminal 3, which is modern, well-signed, and connected to Terminal 2.
Once you land, you’ll go through passport control (if arriving from outside the Schengen zone), then collect your luggage and head into the arrivals hall.
Key things to know:
It’s a compact, efficient airport—ideal for jumping straight into your Andalucian adventure.
Once you’ve landed and collected your bags, the next step is getting from the airport to your next destination or hotel.
The good news? Malaga Airport is well connected, with several easy and affordable ways to travel—whether you're heading into the city, down the coast, or further inland.
Here's a quick overview to help you choose the best option for your travel destination and style:
Now, let’s break down each transport option in more detail so you know exactly what to expect.
Why Choose the Train: Fast and affordable, avoids traffic, good if you're staying near a train station or want to connect to other trains at Malaga María Zambrano
If you're heading into Malaga city, to the beach towns along the Costa del Sol, or even planning to connect to long-distance trains, the Cercanías commuter train is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel from the airport.
Malaga Airport is on the C1 line, which runs between Malaga Centro-Alameda and Fuengirola, stopping at several popular destinations including:
The airport train station is just outside Terminal 3, a short walk from arrivals. Follow signs for “Tren” or “Cercanías”.
What You Need to Know:
Get full details on the Renfe website
There are two main types of buses from Malaga Airport: a local city bus into Malaga centre and long-distance buses that connect to other towns and cities along Costa del Sol and to inland Andalucia.
You’ll find the bus stop at Terminal 3, just outside of the Arrivals area. Exit the Arrival Hall and walk straight to the road where you’ll find the bus stops and the ticket office.
Local Bus: Line A Express
This is the quickest public bus option into Malaga city centre, with a travel time of about 25 minutes.. It runs between the airport and the city’s main bus station (Estación de Autobuses), with stops near key points in the city.
I personally prefer the train but if your hotel is near one of the bus stops, then the bus could definitely be the more convenient option!
What You Need to Know:
Get more details on the ‘A’ Express bus here
Long-Distance BusesIf you're travelling beyond Malaga—to places like Marbella, Estepona, Nerja, Granada, or Algeciras—you’ll find intercity buses departing from just outside Terminal 3.
There are limited direct buses to further afield so it could be worth it to also check bus services from the main Malaga bus terminal in the city.
These routes are operated by companies like ALSA and Avanza. While there is a ticket office at the bus stop, I recommend buying your tickets in advance to avoid any hassle.
What You Need to Know:
Get timetables and tickets for long-distance routes on the ALSA website or Avanza website.
Alternatively, you can use Omio to check out routes and schedules. Be sure to check that “Malaga Airport” is the departure point!
Input your travel dates and destination below to see what's available.
Why Choose a Taxi: Convenient, fast, door-to-door service—great if you’re arriving late, have heavy luggage, or just want a stress-free start to your trip.
Official taxis from Malaga Airport is a straightforward option, especially if you’re staying somewhere without easy public transport access. They’re also available 24/7, in case you’re arriving/departing at a weird time of day.
The official taxi rank is located just outside Terminal 3, at the arrivals level. Simply follow the signs for “Taxi”. There are 2 taxi companies operating: Taxi-Unión and Unitaxi.
What You Need to Know:
Why Choose a Private Transfer: Stress-free, reliable, and especially good for first-time visitors, families, or anyone wanting door-to-door service with no surprises
A private transfer means your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign, help with luggage, and take you straight to your accommodation—no queuing, no confusion.
It’s a smooth, hassle-free way to start your trip, especially if you’re arriving late, travelling with kids, or heading somewhere that’s not well connected by public transport.
I personally recommend Welcome Pickups. They offer fixed prices, excellent service, and you can book online in advance. You’ll receive your driver’s details ahead of time, and they monitor your flight in case of delays.
What You Need to Know:
Check prices on Welcome Pickups or simply input your travel dates below.
Why Choose a Ride-Hailing App: Easy to use if you already have the app, prices are competitive with taxis, and you can track your driver and pay in-app
If you're used to using apps like Uber, Bolt, or Cabify, you'll be happy to know they all operate at Malaga Airport. It’s a convenient option, especially for solo travellers or couples, and often cheaper than a standard taxi—depending on demand.
You’ll need to order your ride through the app once you land, and head to the designated pick-up area, which is just a short walk from the arrivals hall.
What You Need to Know:
This is a great option if you're used to using these apps and want a bit more flexibility than a traditional taxi.
Why Choose Car Hire: Ideal if you’re planning a road trip, visiting rural areas, or want total flexibility during your time in Andalucia
Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace—perfect for discovering white villages, hidden beaches, or natural parks that aren’t easy to reach by public transport. Malaga Airport has a wide range of car hire companies, both on-site and off-site with shuttle service.
I personally use and recommend DiscoverCars to compare prices across multiple providers. You can browse for the best deals and filter by car type, rental conditions, etc.
Booking in advance usually saves you money and guarantees availability—especially in peak season.
Input your travel dates below and find the best deals from DiscoverCars:
What You Need to Know:
Car hire is a great option if you want to go off the beaten path or explore Andalucia at your own pace—but it’s not always necessary if you’re just staying in Malaga or using the train network.
Read more about renting a car in Malaga
The good news? Getting to Malaga Airport is just as easy as getting from it.
Whether you’re heading there from Malaga city, the Costa del Sol, or another part of Andalucia, you’ve got several reliable options depending on your location, budget, and flight time.
I hope this guide has shown you that getting to and from Malaga Airport is straightforward, with plenty of transport options to suit every type of traveller.
Whether you’re after the cheapest route, the quickest journey, or a door-to-door transfer, you’ll find something that works for you. With a bit of planning, you can hit the ground running—or make a smooth exit when it’s time to head home.
Now that you know what to expect, you can start your Andalucian adventure with confidence - buen viaje!
Overwhelmed by itinerary planning? I’ve got you
I know how tricky it can be to balance all the places you want to see in the time you have. That’s why I offer personalised itinerary reviews—real feedback from someone who’s actually travelled Andalucia numerous times.
For more on Malaga, check out our other articles:
© Visit-Andalucia 2015 - 2025
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