MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Fuengirola

How to Get to Fuengirola

Fuengirola Andalucia, Spain Travel Guide

Air Travel Information

Major Airports & Airlines

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) serves as the main international airport for the Costa del Sol. Located approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) east of Fuengirola, it offers the most direct access.

Airlines Operating to AGP

  • Numerous airlines operate flights to AGP from across Europe.
  • Major carriers include Ryanair, EasyJet, Vueling, British Airways, Iberia, Lufthansa.
  • Also TUI, SAS, and Norwegian have regular services to Malaga.

Typical Routes & Price Fluctuations

Direct flights are widely available from most major European cities. Connectivity within Europe is strong. Direct flights from North America are limited, often requiring at least one connection.

Seasonal Flight Patterns

  • High Season (Summer): Most frequent flights, highest prices.
  • Shoulder Season (Spring/Autumn): Good availability, more competitive prices.
  • Low Season (Winter): Reduced flight frequency on some routes, lowest prices.

Train Transfers

The Cercanías C-1 Line directly connects Malaga Airport (Terminal 3) to Fuengirola station, a journey of about 35 minutes for ~€3.60. Trains run every 20 minutes.

Taxi Transfers

Taxis are readily available outside Terminal 3 Arrivals. The ride takes 20-30 minutes, costing approximately €30-40. Confirm price with driver.

Car Rental

Major international and local companies have desks at Malaga Airport. Car rental offers flexibility for regional exploration but parking in Fuengirola can be challenging.

Transfer Options Comparison

Train & Taxi: Pros & Cons

  • Train: Cheapest and most reliable public option, avoids road traffic.
  • Train: May need a short walk or local taxi from Fuengirola station to accommodation.
  • Taxi: Door-to-door service, convenient, especially with luggage.
  • Taxi: Typically the most expensive transport option.

Car Rental & Private Transfer: Pros & Cons

  • Car Rental: Maximum flexibility for day trips and regional exploration.
  • Car Rental: Driving in Fuengirola can involve traffic; parking often challenging and paid.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked, driver meets you at arrivals, guaranteed price.
  • Private Transfer: Prices are similar to or slightly higher than a taxi.

Airport Facilities & Services

Shops & Dining

Malaga Airport (AGP) has a wide selection of shops, including duty-free, and numerous restaurants and cafes.

Rental & Exchange

Car rental desks from major international and local companies, currency exchange services, and ATMs are available.

Connectivity & Information

Free Wi-Fi access is airport-wide. Tourist information desks provide assistance upon arrival.

Land Transportation Options

Train Connections & Services

The Cercanías C-1 line is a main mode of transport along the coast. It directly connects Fuengirola's main station to other towns like Benalmádena, Torremolinos, Malaga Airport, and Malaga city.

Long-Distance Train Travel

  • For travel to other major Spanish cities (Madrid, Seville, Granada), take the C-1 train to Malaga María Zambrano station.
  • María Zambrano serves as a hub for AVE (high-speed train) services across Spain.
  • The Cercanías C-1 line offers frequent, reliable service, typically every 20 minutes.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Fuengirola Bus Station, near the town center, offers a wide network of connections. Avanza Bus (formerly Portillo) operates most routes from Fuengirola.

Bus Routes & Connectivity

  • Regular services connect Fuengirola to other Costa del Sol towns (Marbella, Estepona).
  • Direct services link to Malaga city bus station for national routes across Spain.
  • Routes to inland towns like Ronda are also available, possibly with changes.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Spain has a well-maintained road network. Highways (autopistas, often toll roads) provide fast connections. National roads (autovías, generally free) offer good alternatives.

Driving Requirements

  • A valid driver's license is needed. Non-EU citizens typically need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Most car rental companies require drivers to be 21 or 25 and have held their license for 1-2 years.
  • Drive on the right-hand side. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Road conditions in and around Fuengirola are generally good. The A-7 coastal highway runs directly past Fuengirola, connecting it to other coastal towns.

Driving Safety & Parking

  • Local drivers may drive more aggressively. Speed limits are strictly enforced.
  • Parking in Fuengirola can present a challenge, especially during peak season and in the town center.
  • Look for blue zones (paid street parking) or utilize underground public parking garages.

Important Driving Rules

  • Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.
  • Speed limits: 120 km/h (75 mph) on highways, 90-100 km/h (56-62 mph) on national roads.
  • 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas.
  • Highways are safe and well-signposted.
  • Rural roads, especially into mountains, can be winding and require careful driving.
  • Consider obtaining car rental with DiscoverCars.com for clear terms and competitive pricing.

Sea & River Access

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Fuengirola has a marina that accommodates leisure boats and yachts. It is not a major port for large cruise ships or international ferry services.

Nearby Ferry Ports

  • The closest major ferry port is Malaga.
  • Malaga offers connections mainly to Melilla, a Spanish enclave in North Africa.
  • For international ferry travel, typically go to ports like Algeciras or Cadiz.

River Transportation

River transportation options are not applicable to Fuengirola. The Fuengirola River is a small waterway and does not support public transportation.

No River Transit

  • No public transportation operates on the Fuengirola River.
  • The river mainly offers walking and cycling paths along its banks.
  • The river environment is for leisure, not transit.

Seaport Immigration

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for direct international arrival to Fuengirola, as it is not a port of entry for large international vessels.

Land Connections

Connections to land transportation are not applicable in the context of international sea arrivals directly to Fuengirola, due to its marina's main role for leisure.

Marina Overview

Fuengirola’s marina supports leisure boats and yachts. It's a hub for local boat trips, not for large-scale passenger transport.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied directly at Malaga Airport (AGP) for departing passengers. These costs are typically included in your airfare.

Departure Timing

  • For international (non-Schengen) flights, arrive 2-3 hours prior.
  • For domestic or Schengen flights, arrive 1.5-2 hours prior.
  • Allow extra time during peak travel seasons or for special needs.

VAT Refund Process

If you are a non-EU resident and made eligible purchases from shops displaying "Tax Free" signs, you can claim a VAT refund.

Refund Steps

  • Complete necessary forms at the point of purchase.
  • At the airport, present goods, receipts, and passport to customs for validation.
  • Proceed to the designated refund office (e.g., Global Blue, Planet Payment kiosks) for your refund.

Airport & Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Malaga Airport AGP

Offers a wide array of facilities in the departure area beyond security. These include numerous dining options.

Shopping & Lounges

A variety of shops are present, including extensive duty-free opportunities, and several VIP lounges.

Train & Bus Stations

Fuengirola train station has basic facilities, including ticket machines. The bus station also has basic amenities.

Smooth Departure Guidelines

Having all documentation ready, especially for VAT refunds, streamlines the process. Utilizing airport facilities for comfort before your flight is a good practice.