Getting There & Away: Costa Del Sol

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the principal international airport for the entire Costa del Sol. It sits approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) southwest of Malaga city center.

Air Carriers

Major carriers like Iberia, British Airways, Lufthansa connect from global hubs.
Low-cost carriers: Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling dominate European routes.
Flight availability and prices vary by season; peak season holds highest costs.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Malaga Airport offers a wide range of modern facilities: shopping, dining, car rental desks, financial services, and free Wi-Fi.

Transport Options

Cercanías Train (Renfe C1 line) connects directly to Malaga city center and western coastal towns.
Local bus services (EMT Line A Express) go to Malaga city center.
Taxis and ride-sharing (AirHelp for flight issues).

Flight Deals

Explore budget flight options through Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search

Utilize Skyscanner for comprehensive flight comparisons.

Car Hire

Find competitive car rental rates via DiscoverCars.com.

Airport Timing Advice

Arrival & Check-in

Arrive 2 hours prior for Schengen flights (within EU).
Arrive 3 hours prior for non-Schengen international flights.
Online check-in saves time at the airport.
For VAT refunds, arrive with ample time for form validation.

Departure & Security

Prepare for security checks; liquids and electronics accessible.
Train/Bus stations: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
Allow extra time during peak season or major holidays.
Malaga Airport facilities: duty-free, dining, lounges, Wi-Fi.

Car Rental Comparison

Hertz / Avis

Wide vehicle selection, reliable service, airport locations. Often higher prices for similar vehicles. Typical starting price: €40-€70/day.

Europcar / Sixt

Modern fleets, good availability, competitive rates. Stricter fuel policies; sometimes longer queues at peak times. Typical starting price: €35-€60/day.

Goldcar / Malagacar

Very competitive prices, popular locally. Known for pushy upsells on insurance and fuel, potentially long queues. Typical starting price: €20-€45/day.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Renfe, Spain's national railway company, delivers extensive train services. The C1 Cercanías line serves visitors to the Costa del Sol.

Services

Cercanías C1: Connects Malaga city, airport, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola.
Cercanías C2: Connects Malaga to Álora, providing inland access.
AVE (High-Speed Trains): From Malaga to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and other major cities.

Long-Distance Buses

Spain fields an extensive and efficient long-distance bus network, often more comprehensive and sometimes more economical than trains for certain routes.

Major Companies & Hubs

Major companies: ALSA and Avanza offer comfortable, reliable services.
Malaga Bus Station: Located next to María Zambrano train station, it serves as the main hub.
Direct connections to Granada, Seville, Cordoba, Ronda, and many other destinations.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Driving in Spain presents a comfortable experience with its excellent network of motorways. Road conditions are generally well-maintained.

Driving Information

Valid driving license, IDP often needed for non-EU/EEA licenses.
Credit card in driver's name for security deposit.
Drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Driving Laws & Parking

Speed limits face enforcement, often by cameras. Some local drivers display a more aggressive driving style. Parking in city centers proves challenging.

Rules & Spots

Speed Limits: 120 km/h motorways, 90 km/h national roads, 50 km/h urban.
Using handheld mobile phones while driving faces prohibition.
"Zona Azul" (blue zones) mean paid street parking.

Border & Sea Travel

Land Borders: Open with EU/Schengen countries (Portugal, France); Gibraltar requires passport control.
Port of Malaga: Major cruise ship port, limited passenger ferry services (e.g., to Melilla).
Morocco Access: Ferries from Algeciras or Tarifa to Tangier or Ceuta.

River Transport: No significant river transportation options for tourism within the Costa del Sol.
Other Coastal Ports: Mainly serve private yachts and leisure craft.
Border with Gibraltar: Requires passport control due to its British Overseas Territory status.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific departure or exit fees for travelers leaving Spain. Any taxes related to your departure are typically included in your ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

Malaga Airport: Arrive 2 hours prior for Schengen flight, 3 hours for non-Schengen.
Train/Bus Stations: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.
Online check-in with your airline where possible.

Departure Facilities

Malaga Airport (AGP) is a wide range of facilities for departing travelers, including extensive duty-free shopping and diverse dining options.

Airport & Station Amenities

AGP: Extensive duty-free shops, diverse dining, comfortable waiting areas.
AGP also provides VIP lounges and free Wi-Fi.
Train/Bus Stations (María Zambrano): Basic amenities, cafes, small shops, ticket offices.

Smooth Exit

Plan ahead for airport arrival times.

VAT Refunds

Process VAT refund forms before checking luggage.

Documents Ready

Keep all travel documents accessible for checks.

Land & Sea Connections

Train System Highlights

Spain fields an excellent network of land transportation, making intercity travel and exploration efficient.

Rail Network

Cercanías C1: Connects Malaga, airport, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola.
AVE: High-speed connections to major Spanish cities like Madrid and Barcelona.
Booking AVE tickets in advance secures better prices.

Bus Network & Self-Driving

Spain’s extensive bus network often surpasses trains for coverage and economy on certain routes, especially for smaller towns.

Bus & Car Travel

Major bus companies: ALSA and Avanza.
Self-driving: Excellent motorways, drive on the right.
Parking: Can prove challenging and expensive in city centers.

Sea & River Access

Port of Malaga

A major cruise ship port, welcoming numerous international liners.

Ferry Services

Limited passenger ferry services from Malaga, mainly to Melilla.

River Transport

No significant river transportation options for tourism.

Seamless Travel

Choosing the right transport mode makes your journey through Costa del Sol more comfortable and efficient.

Getting There & Away