How to Get to Granada. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Granada has its own airport (GRX), but larger international airports nearby often feature more flight options. These larger airports are good starting points for international travelers.

Airport Details

Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX): 17 km (11 miles) west of city. Mainly domestic flights, limited European routes.
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP): 125 km (78 miles) southwest. Major international gateway with extensive global connections.
Seville Airport (SVQ): 250 km (155 miles) west. Alternative entry point for European flights.

Airlines & Routes

Many major airlines serve Málaga Airport, including British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Vueling, Iberia, Lufthansa, Air France, American Airlines, Delta, and United. For flight deals, check Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Direct Flight Availability

From Europe: Direct flights to GRX from select European cities (London, Paris, Milan, Berlin). Seasonal availability applies.
From North America/Asia/Africa: Most direct international flights land at AGP or Madrid (MAD). Connecting flights or ground transfers to Granada from there.
Flight prices are highest during peak seasons (spring, autumn, holidays, summer).

GRX Bus Transfer

The airport bus (Autocares J.J. González) runs regularly to Granada city stops. Journey takes approx. 45 mins, costs €3.

GRX Taxi Transfer

Taxis are available outside the GRX terminal. A ride to the city center costs approximately €25-€30.

AGP Bus Transfer

ALSA operates direct buses from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Granada Bus Station. Journey is 1.5-2 hours, approx. €13-€15.

Airport Facilities & Car Rental

Airport Amenities

GRX (Granada Airport): Smaller, with basic facilities like cafes and car rental desks.
AGP (Málaga Airport): Large and modern, with numerous restaurants, shops, and lounges.
Hotels are available near AGP.
Both airports offer free Wi-Fi.

Car Rental & Private Transfer

Car rental desks are present at GRX and AGP. The drive from AGP to Granada is about 1.5 hours.
From AGP, a train to Málaga María Zambrano train station connects to Granada by bus/train.
Pre-booked private transfers are an option for direct door-to-door service.
For car rentals, explore options at DiscoverCars.com.

Land Transportation Essentials

Train Connections Renfe

Granada's train station (Estación de Tren de Granada) features high-speed AVE connections. Madrid is approx. 3.5 hours, Barcelona approx. 6.5 hours. Seville and Córdoba are also connected, sometimes with a transfer in Antequera-Santa Ana. Book in advance for best rates.

Long-Distance Buses ALSA

ALSA is the main long-distance bus provider. Granada Bus Station is the main hub. Frequent services connect to Málaga (1.5-2 hrs), Seville (3 hrs), Córdoba (2.5-3 hrs), and Madrid (4.5-5.5 hrs). Local services also reach Alpujarras villages and Costa Tropical. Book online or at stations.

Self-Driving

Spain's road network is excellent. Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit. Driving within Granada's historic center is highly restricted due to pedestrian-only zones and limited access areas. Parking is difficult and costly. A rental car best suits day trips outside the city.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Granada sits inland, so direct sea or river arrivals do not apply to the city itself. However, nearby coastal ports offer connections.

Port Options

Motril Port: About 65 km (40 miles) south. Offers ferry connections to Tangier-Med and Nador in Morocco. Occasionally receives smaller cruise ships.
Málaga Port: Major cruise port and ferry terminal. Provides ferry services to Melilla.
Standard border control procedures apply for international arrivals at seaports.

River Transportation & Connections

River transportation is not applicable for travel to or within Granada, as the city lacks significant waterways for such transport.

Connecting from Ports

From Motril Port, ALSA buses provide connections to Granada.
From Málaga Port, access land transportation options to Granada, similar to airport transfers.
Verify ferry schedules and connections in advance.

Departure Information: Airport

Prepare for your departure from Granada by understanding exit procedures and timing recommendations, especially for air travel.

Airport Departure Timing

Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights.
For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Allow ample time during peak travel periods.

Departure Information: Train/Bus

Departure from train or bus stations also requires some planning for a relaxed experience.

Station Departure Timing

Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure for domestic trains or buses.
For international routes, arrive 60 minutes beforehand.
This allows enough time to find your platform and board comfortably.

Airport/Station Facilities

Granada Airport GRX

Offers limited facilities. Find small cafes and basic shops for last-minute needs before departure.

Málaga Airport AGP

Provides extensive facilities. These include numerous restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and lounges for a more comfortable wait.

Granada Train/Bus Station

Features basic facilities. Expect small cafes and waiting areas for travelers.

Departure Tip

Spain does not levy specific exit fees or taxes on travelers departing by air, land, or sea. These charges are usually included in your ticket prices.

How to Get to Granada