Landing in Málaga and not sure how to get into town? Good news — Málaga is one of the easiest airports in Spain to get into the city from. The airport sits just 8km from the historic centre, and you’ve got four solid options depending on your budget, luggage and what time you land.
Here’s the quick version: the train is the fastest and cheapest option for almost everyone. But there are situations where the bus, a taxi or an Uber makes more sense — and we’ll cover exactly when.
Quick Answer — Which Option Should You Choose?
Train (Cercanías C1)
€1.80 · ~12 minutes
Best for: solo travellers, light luggage, budget trips
Bus (Line A Express)
€4.00 · 25–35 minutes
Best for: drop-off closer to your hotel
Taxi
€20–25 day / €25–30 night · 20–25 minutes
Best for: groups, heavy luggage, late arrivals
Uber / Bolt / Cabify
€15–22 · 20–25 minutes
Best for: door-to-door, no taxi rank queue
Our take? If you’re staying anywhere near the historic centre and you’re not weighed down with luggage, take the train. It’s faster than a taxi in traffic, costs less than a coffee, and drops you a short walk from Calle Larios.
Option 1: Train (Cercanías C1) — The Fastest and Cheapest
The Cercanías C1 commuter train connects the airport directly to the city centre in around 12 minutes. The station is located right outside Terminal 3 — just a 2–3 minute walk from the arrivals exit, clearly signposted.
Key details
- Price: €1.80 one-way
- Journey time: 11–13 minutes to the centre
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes (slightly less frequent late at night)
- Operating hours: First train around 06:44, last train around 00:54
- Where to get off: Málaga Centro Alameda — this is the last stop and the closest to the historic centre and Calle Larios
Important: Don’t get off at Málaga María Zambrano (the second-to-last stop) unless you’re connecting to a long-distance train or bus. It’s a 20-minute walk from the old town. Stay on one more stop to Centro Alameda.
Ticket machines at the airport station have an English option, and there’s usually staff nearby if you need help. Buy your ticket before boarding — you’ll need to validate it to exit the station at the other end.
Option 2: Bus (Line A — Airport Express)
The EMT Airport Express bus (Line A) is a solid alternative if the train doesn’t suit your schedule, or if you’d prefer a stop closer to your accommodation.
Key details
- Price: €4.00 one-way (cash or card, small change recommended)
- Journey time: 25–35 minutes depending on traffic
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
- Operating hours: 07:00 to midnight
- Key stops: María Zambrano train station, the bus station, Avenida de Andalucía, and Paseo del Parque (the closest stop to the Alcazaba, the port and the historic centre)
The bus has space for luggage and is a good choice if Paseo del Parque is closer to where you’re staying than Centro Alameda.
Option 3: Taxi — Fastest Door-to-Door Option
If you land late, you’re travelling as a group, or you simply don’t want to think about timetables, a taxi is the easiest option. The official taxi rank is right outside Terminal 3 Arrivals, and taxis are available 24 hours a day.
Key details
- Price: €20–25 during the day (06:00–22:00), €25–30 at night and on weekends/holidays
- Journey time: 20–25 minutes (more in heavy traffic)
- Extra charges: €5.50 mandatory airport surcharge (usually included in the fares above), €0.45 per item of luggage over 60cm, €2 night supplement (midnight–06:00), €2.50 supplement for groups over 4 passengers
Official Málaga taxis are white with a blue stripe on the front doors and run on a meter — there’s no need to negotiate. Be cautious of anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering a ride; always use the official rank.
Option 4: Uber, Bolt & Cabify
Ride-hailing apps operate at Málaga Airport and typically come in a little cheaper than the taxi rank — usually €15–22 to the city centre. The catch is that pickup isn’t at the main taxi rank; you’ll need to follow the app’s instructions to a designated pickup zone, which can mean an extra few minutes of walking.
This is a good option if you already have the app set up and want a fixed price shown upfront before you commit.
Renting a Car? What to Know
If your plan is mostly to explore the historic centre, a car isn’t necessary — and can actually be more hassle than it’s worth. Parking in the old town is limited, mostly metered, and many hotels don’t include it.
That said, if you’re planning day trips along the coast or into the mountains, renting a car at the airport makes sense. The drive from the airport to the historic centre takes around 15 minutes via the M-23 and M-20, with the final stretch along Avenida de Andalucía to Alameda Principal.
Once You're in the Centre — Start With Our Tours
Join one of our tours and see the Málaga with a licensed local guide.
Málaga Free Tour
Málaga's historic centre, 3,000 years of history, one licensed local guide. Our free walking tour covers the Cathedral, Larios Street, Picasso's birthplace and the stories in between. Pay what you think it's worth at the end.
Alcazaba & Roman Theatre Free Tour
Go inside one of Spain's best-preserved Moorish fortresses and explore the Roman Theatre. Stunning architecture, sweeping panoramic views over Málaga, and stories that go back 1,000 years.
Tapas Tour Málaga
Forget the touristic restaurants on the main square. We take you where locals eat - a guided food tour through Málaga's best tapas bars and restaurants with food and wine included every step of the way.
Private Tour Málaga
Your own personal local guide, your own pace, your own interests. Whether it's history, food, architecture or all three - we customise the perfect private Málaga tour experience around you and your group.
FAQ — Best Time to Visit Málaga
What is the cheapest way to get from Málaga Airport to the city centre?
The Cercanías C1 train is the cheapest option at €1.80 per person, and it’s also the fastest — around 12 minutes to Centro Alameda station.
How do I get to the train station at Málaga Airport?
The station is located right outside Terminal 3 Arrivals, about a 2–3 minute walk, and is clearly signposted from the exit.
Which train stop should I get off at for the historic centre?
Get off at Málaga Centro Alameda — the last stop on the line. The previous stop, María Zambrano, is around a 20-minute walk from the old town.
How much does a taxi cost from Málaga Airport to the centre?
Expect €20–25 during the day and €25–30 at night, weekends or public holidays, including the mandatory €5.50 airport surcharge.
Is there a night bus or train from the airport?
The last train runs around 00:54, and the bus stops around midnight. If you’re arriving later than that, a taxi or Uber/Bolt is your only option — both run 24 hours.
How far is Málaga Airport from the historic centre?
About 8km, which takes 12 minutes by train, 25–35 minutes by bus, or 20–25 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.