Málaga Airport: Transfers, Transport and Getting to the Costa del Sol

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the gateway for virtually everyone arriving on the Costa. It’s Spain’s fourth-busiest airport, handling over 22 million passengers a year, and it’s well-connected to every town along the Costa.

Getting from the airport to your destination is straightforward — but the options, costs, and trade-offs vary significantly depending on where you’re heading.

By Train: The Best Option to Málaga City

The Cercanías (commuter rail) Line C1 connects the airport directly to Málaga city centre:

• Route: Airport → Málaga María Zambrano (main station) → Málaga Centro-Alameda
• Frequency: Every 20 minutes (roughly 05:30 AM to midnight)
• Journey time: 8 minutes to María Zambrano, 12 minutes to Centro-Alameda
• Price: EUR 1.80 (single)
• Where to catch it: Follow signs to “Tren” from the arrivals hall. The station is a 5-minute covered walkway from Terminal 3.

Tickets: Buy at the station ticket machines (cash or card) or the ticket office. No advance booking needed. The Tarjeta Renfe&tú travel card gives discounts on frequent journeys.

Onward connections from María Zambrano:

• AVE/Avant high-speed trains to Madrid (2h30), Córdoba (1h), Seville (2h)
• Cercanías C1 continues to Fuengirola (stopping at Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Los Boliches)
• Metro (Lines 1 and 2) to other parts of Málaga

Limitation: The train doesn’t go west of Fuengirola. For Marbella, Estepona, or beyond, you need a bus, taxi, or car.

By Bus

To Málaga City: Line A Express

• Frequency: Every 15-25 minutes
• Route: Airport → Málaga bus station (near María Zambrano)
• Journey time: 15-25 minutes (traffic-dependent)
• Price: EUR 3.00
• Pick-up: Outside Arrivals, ground floor

To Marbella and the Western Costa del Sol

Avanza operates direct buses from the airport:

• Airport → Marbella: 8-10 departures daily. EUR 8-12. Journey: 45-75 minutes.
• Airport → Estepona: Several daily. EUR 12-15. Journey: 75-100 minutes.
• Airport → Fuengirola: Frequent. EUR 4-6. Journey: 30-45 minutes.

Buy tickets: At the bus stop kiosk (Terminal 3 arrivals) or online at avanzabus.com. In peak season, pre-booking is recommended for Marbella services.

By Taxi

Taxi rank is directly outside Arrivals at both terminals. Official taxis are white with a diagonal colour stripe and a meter.

Approximate Fares (2026)

• Málaga city centre: EUR 20-25
• Torremolinos: EUR 15-20
• Benalmádena: EUR 25-35
• Fuengirola: EUR 45-55
• Marbella: EUR 60-80
• Puerto Banús: EUR 70-85
• Estepona: EUR 90-120
• Nerja (east): EUR 70-90

Notes:

• Night supplement (10 PM – 6 AM): ~20% extra
• Sunday/holiday supplement: ~20% extra
• Airport pickup supplement: EUR 5.50
• Luggage: No extra charge for standard luggage
• Payment: Cash and card accepted (by law, taxis must accept card)

Tip: Agree the approximate fare before getting in for long-distance rides. Or ask for the meter — legitimate taxis always have one.

By Uber/Cabify

Both operate at Málaga airport:

• Uber: Available. Prices typically 10-20% below taxi rates. Surge pricing applies at peak times.
• Cabify: Spain’s home-grown ride-hailing app. Often cheaper than Uber. Fixed prices shown before booking.
• Pick-up: Follow the app — designated ride-hailing pick-up areas are at the departures level (not arrivals).

By Private Transfer

Pre-booked private transfers are popular, especially for families and groups heading to Marbella or Estepona:

• Typical cost to Marbella: EUR 50-90 (for up to 4 passengers)
• Typical cost to Estepona: EUR 70-120
• What you get: Driver with name board at arrivals, help with luggage, fixed price, door-to-door, child seats available on request
• Providers: Solhop, Shuttle Direct, Costa del Sol Transfers, and dozens of smaller operators. Book through your hotel/rental agency for vetted options.

When it makes sense: Groups of 3-4 people heading to Marbella — the per-person cost is similar to the bus but infinitely more convenient. Families with young children. Late-night arrivals when buses aren’t running.

By Rental Car

If you’re staying more than a few days and plan to explore the coast, renting a car is usually the best option:

Booking Tips

• Book in advance online — walk-up rates at the terminal are 2-3x the price
• Off-airport companies (Goldcar, Record Go, OK Rent a Car) are 30-50% cheaper than terminal-based majors (Hertz, Avis, Europcar). They operate from lots near the airport with free shuttle buses.
• Comparison sites: Discover Cars, Rentalcars.com, or the company direct for best prices
• Insurance: Your credit card may provide CDW cover. Otherwise, buy excess cover from a third party (iCarhireinsurance.com) rather than the rental desk — EUR 3-5/day vs EUR 15-25/day.
• Fuel policy: Full-to-full is cheapest. Pre-paid fuel is overpriced.

Typical Costs

• Economy car (Seat Ibiza/similar): EUR 15-30/day booked in advance
• Mid-range (Seat León/VW Golf): EUR 25-45/day
• SUV: EUR 40-70/day
• Summer peak (July/August): All prices roughly double

Getting to Specific Destinations

Málaga City (8 km)

Best option: Train (EUR 1.80, 12 min). Unbeatable on speed and price.

Torremolinos (6 km)

Best option: Train (EUR 1.80, stop on C1 line) or taxi (EUR 15-20).

Benalmádena (15 km)

Best option: Train to Arroyo de la Miel station (EUR 1.80) or taxi (EUR 25-35).

Fuengirola (28 km)

Best option: Train (EUR 2.75, ~35 min) — end of the C1 line. Or bus (EUR 4-6, 30-45 min).

Marbella (55 km)

Best option: Direct bus (EUR 8-12, 45-75 min), private transfer (EUR 50-90), or rental car (40 min on AP-7). No train service to Marbella.

Estepona (80 km)

Best option: Private transfer (EUR 70-120), rental car (55 min on AP-7), or bus (EUR 12-15, 75-100 min).

Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Related Guides

• Public Transport in Málaga and the Costa del Sol
• Toll Roads in Spain
• Cost of Living on the Costa del Sol

Last reviewed: February 2026. Fares and schedules change — verify current prices with operators.