Everything about getting around Málaga: airport to city centre, buses, metro, Cercanías trains, taxis, bikes, and walking routes. Updated prices and essential apps.
Getting Around Málaga: Easier Than You Think
Málaga is a compact city that is surprisingly easy to get around. The historic centre can be crossed on foot in 20 minutes, the beach is 10 minutes from any central point, and public transport covers the entire Costa del Sol. This guide gives you the practical information you need.
Airport to Málaga City Centre
How do you get from Málaga airport to the city centre?
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is just 8 km from the centre. You have four options:
Cercanías C1 (Train) — The best option. Station at Terminal 3. Trains every 20 minutes. Stops at Málaga Centro-Alameda (12 min) and María Zambrano (16 min). Price: 1.80 EUR. Hours: 6:44 to 23:32.
Airport Express Bus (Line A) — Every 20-30 minutes. Stops at Paseo del Parque and the centre. Price: 3 EUR.
Taxi — Fixed fare of 20-25 EUR to the centre. Pick-up outside Terminal 3. Journey 15-25 minutes depending on traffic.
Private transfer — From 30 EUR. At AltaHomes we can arrange transfers for our guests at a special rate.
City Buses (EMT Málaga)
How do buses work in Málaga?
EMT Málaga operates the entire urban bus network. Most useful for visitors:
- Line 11 — Centre to Pedregalejo/El Palo (the espetos and chiringuito route)
- Line 3 — Centre to El Palo along the seafront
- Line 35 — Centre to Gibralfaro Castle (saves the climb)
- Line A — Airport Express
Price: 1.30 EUR single ticket (cash to the driver). Rechargeable card: 0.82 EUR per trip. Contactless bank cards accepted.
Hours: Generally 6:30 to 23:00. Frequency every 10-20 minutes.
App: Download EMT Málaga (free) for real-time schedules.
Málaga Metro
Two lines connecting the centre with western residential areas. Limited tourist use — buses cover tourist zones better.
Price: 1.35 EUR per trip. 10-trip pass: 8.30 EUR.
Cercanías: Your Costa del Sol Connection
How do Cercanías trains work in Málaga?
Cercanías C1 trains connect you to the entire western Costa del Sol:
Route: Málaga Centro-Alameda to María Zambrano to Airport to Torremolinos to Benalmádena to Fuengirola.
Frequency: Every 20 minutes. Price: 1.80 EUR to the airport or Benalmádena, 2.85 EUR to Fuengirola.
AltaHomes tip: If you are staying in our Huelin apartments, María Zambrano station is a 10-minute walk. For guests in Perchel Norte, the station is literally at the door.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis: White with a blue diagonal stripe. Stands throughout the city. Minimum fare: 3.50 EUR.
Ride-hailing apps: Uber and Cabify work in Málaga. Bolt is also available and sometimes cheaper.
Night tip: On Friday and Saturday nights it is hard to find taxis in the centre. Use Cabify or Bolt — a car arrives in 5-10 minutes.
Bikes and Scooters
Málagabici — Public bike-sharing system with visitor passes. Stations throughout the centre.
Electric scooters: Lime and Tier operate in Málaga. Price: 1 EUR to start + 0.25 EUR/min. Prohibited on pavements — use the bike lane.
On Foot: The Best Way to Know Málaga
Can you explore Málaga on foot?
Absolutely. Málaga is extremely walkable. Key distances:
- Historic Centre to La Malagueta (beach): 10 minutes
- Centre to Soho: 8 minutes
- Centre to Huelin (seafront): 20 minutes
- La Malagueta to Pedregalejo (coastal walk): 30 minutes
The Paseo Marítimo is a continuous 7 km pedestrian route from La Malagueta to El Palo.
Essential Apps
- Google Maps — Excellent with Málaga public transport
- EMT Málaga — Real-time bus schedules
- Renfe Cercanías — Train times
- Cabify / Bolt — Ride-hailing
- Lime / Tier — Electric scooters
Planning a stay in Málaga?
Discover our boutique apartments and live the city like a local.
Book a Málaga Apartment →
