How to Get from Malaga Airport to the City Centre: Train, Bus, Taxi (2026)

Getting from Malaga Airport to the city centre is straightforward. The Cercanias train takes just 12 minutes and costs €1.80. If you land late or have heavy luggage, taxis are available around the clock for about €20-25.

We've done this journey dozens of times, and the train is almost always the best choice. Here's exactly how each option works.

Quick Comparison: All Your Options

Train: The Best Option for Most Travellers

The Cercanias C1 train is the fastest and cheapest way to reach central Malaga. It runs every 20-35 minutes and takes just 12 minutes to reach the city.

Train Details

Which Station to Get Off At

• Maria Zambrano: The main train and bus station. Get off here if you're connecting to other cities (Seville, Granada, Madrid) or your hotel is near the station.
• Centro Alameda: The most central stop. Get off here for the historic centre, Calle Larios, the Cathedral, and most tourist attractions. It's a 5-minute walk to Plaza de la Constitucion.

How to Find the Train

1. Exit Terminal 3 arrivals and follow signs marked Cercanias / RENFE or the train icon
2. Take the escalator or lift down one level to the underground station
3. Buy your ticket at the vending machines (English available) or tap your contactless card
4. Go through the turnstiles to Platform 1
5. Board any train heading toward Malaga

Train Timetable Highlights

Trains run every 20-35 minutes throughout the day. For exact times, check the Renfe Cercanias website.

Bus: Line A Express

The Airport Express bus (Line A) is a good alternative if you want to be dropped closer to your accommodation. It takes longer than the train but has more stops in the city centre.

Bus Details

Bus Stops in Malaga

The bus makes three stops in the city centre:

1. Maria Zambrano Station: For train and bus connections
2. Paseo del Parque / Plaza General Torrijos: Near the port and park
3. Alameda Principal: Most central, close to Calle Larios

How to Find the Bus

1. Exit Terminal 3 arrivals through the main doors
2. Look for signs marked EMT or Line A Express
3. The bus stop is directly outside, marked with a shelter
4. Buy your ticket from the driver (cash or card accepted)

For real-time arrivals, use the EMT Malaga website or their app.

Taxi: Door-to-Door Convenience

Taxis are the easiest option if you have heavy luggage, are travelling as a group, or arrive late at night. They're available 24/7.

Taxi Fares

Additional charges:

• Airport supplement: €5.50 (included in minimums above)
• Large luggage (over 60cm): €0.45 per item
• Night supplement (midnight-6am): €2

How to Find a Taxi

1. Exit Terminal 3 arrivals and turn right
2. Follow signs for Taxi
3. Walk about 100 metres to the taxi rank
4. Wait for the attendant to assign you a taxi

Official Malaga taxis are white with a blue stripe on the front doors. They display a licence number and use a meter.

Payment

Taxis accept cash and card. If paying by card, let the driver know before they start the meter.

Uber and Cabify: App-Based Alternatives

Both Uber and Cabify operate at Malaga Airport. Prices are often lower than taxis, but availability varies.

Rideshare Prices

Prices increase during peak times (surge pricing), so check the app before booking.

How to Get Picked Up

1. Download the Uber or Cabify app and set up payment before landing
2. Exit Terminal 3 arrivals
3. Take the lift or escalator up one level to Departures
4. Follow signs for Rideshare / Private Hire Vehicles
5. Request your ride from the designated pickup zone

Renting a Car

If you're planning to explore beyond Malaga, renting a car makes sense. The airport has all the major agencies.

Car Rental Basics

Where to Find Rental Cars

Major agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) have desks in Terminal 3. Most budget companies operate from off-site locations with free shuttle buses.

Our recommendation: We've used ClickRent over 50 times. They're cheaper than the major agencies and reliable. The only downside is occasional waits during busy periods. We don't make money from this recommendation.

Tips for Renting

• Book in advance for better rates, especially in summer
• Check your accommodation's parking before committing
• Consider skipping the car if you're only staying in Malaga city
• Watch for ZBE restrictions if driving into central Malaga (see our ZBE guide)

Late Night Arrivals (After 1am)

If your flight lands between 1am and 6am, trains and buses aren't running. Your options:

1. Taxi: Available 24/7 at the rank (expect €25-30)
2. Uber/Cabify: Available but fewer drivers at this hour
3. Pre-booked transfer: Arrange in advance through your hotel or a transfer company

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choose the train if:

• You're travelling light
• You want the fastest option
• You're on a budget
• You're comfortable navigating public transport

Choose the bus if:

• You want to be dropped closer to your hotel
• You don't mind a longer journey
• You're arriving during bus operating hours

Choose a taxi if:

• You have heavy luggage
• You're travelling as a group (3-4 people)
• You arrive late at night
• You want door-to-door service

Choose Uber/Cabify if:

• You already use these apps
• You want a potentially cheaper ride than taxi
• You don't mind walking to the pickup zone

Rent a car if:

• You're exploring the Costa del Sol
• You're staying outside the city centre
• You're planning day trips to Ronda, Granada, or the white villages