Getting Around: Marbella

Public Transportation Network

The main public transit system in Marbella is the local bus network, operated by Urbanos de Marbella (Marbella Bus). These buses connect various parts of the city, from the Old Town to Puerto Banús and surrounding areas like San Pedro de Alcántara. The network provides an affordable way to move within Marbella, especially for longer distances.

The central hub for both local and intercity bus routes is the Marbella Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Marbella), located slightly north of the city center.

Routes & Fares

Local routes connect essential areas including Marbella Old Town, City Center, Puerto Banús, and San Pedro de Alcántara.
Route maps are available at major bus stops and the bus station. Google Maps for real-time routes is helpful.
Single Ticket: Purchase directly from the bus driver (€1.18 to €1.50). Exact change or small bills are useful.
Tarjeta de Transportes (Transportation Card): Rechargeable card for discounted fares. Purchase and top-up at the bus station or kiosks.

Hours & Frequency

Buses generally operate from early morning (around 6:00-7:00 AM) until late evening (10:00 PM to midnight). Popular routes run every 15-30 minutes during peak hours, with reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Accessibility

Newer buses are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchair users. Older parts of the city (Old Town) with cobblestones may pose challenges for mobility. The promenade is flat and accessible.

Efficiency Tips

Use Google Maps for real-time routes. Signal the bus driver clearly at stops. Having exact change for single tickets smoothes the boarding process.

Navigating Public Transport

Ticketing & Payment

Single journey tickets are bought directly from the driver. Fares vary slightly by route.
Drivers appreciate exact change or small bills to minimize delays.
The rechargeable transportation card is ideal for frequent use, offering discounted fares.

On-Board Conduct

At bus stops, signal the driver as your bus approaches to indicate you want to board.
Keep noise levels down. Respect fellow passengers and the driver.
Offer seats to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with mobility needs.

Payment Information

Cash

Accepted for single tickets directly with the driver.

Transportation Card

Rechargeable for discounted fares.

Credit/Debit Cards

Widely accepted at ticket machines or for top-ups.

Google Maps

Essential for real-time bus routes and timings.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing Services

Taxis and ride-sharing services offer convenient, door-to-door transportation in Marbella, especially for longer distances or late-night travel.

Licensed Taxis

Identification: White vehicles with a green stripe and a taxi sign on the roof. All official taxis have a visible, used taxi meter.
Hailing: Hail on the street if the green light is on, or find them at designated taxi stands (bus station, main plazas, Puerto Banús). You can also call a local taxi company.
Payment: Taxis accept cash. Many also accept credit and debit cards; confirm with the driver beforehand.
Typical Fares: Metered fares based on distance and time. Different tariffs apply for daytime, nighttime, weekends, and public holidays. A short ride within Marbella center is €8-€15. Airport transfers from Málaga Airport have fixed rates (€70-€85).

Ride-Sharing Services

Uber operates in Marbella and surrounding areas, allowing ride booking through the app.
Bolt is also available in Marbella, often providing competitive fares compared to Uber and traditional taxis.
Benefits: These apps display an estimated fare before booking, allow tracking of your driver's location, and offer electronic payment.
Safety: Drivers are vetted, and rides are tracked. Always confirm the car's license plate, model, driver's name, and photo match the app details.

Airport/Station Arrangements

Taxis are readily available at designated taxi ranks outside Málaga Airport (AGP).
Official taxi stands are clearly signposted, easing finding a ride upon arrival or departure.
Marbella Bus Station also has designated taxi stands.

For ride-sharing, follow the app's instructions for the designated pickup point at the airport.
Always ensure the taxi driver starts the meter at the beginning of the journey.
For pre-booked private transfers, your driver will typically meet you inside the terminal with a sign.

Cost-Effective Travel

Bus vs. Taxi

Buses are more economical for airport transfers and local travel.

Ride-sharing Value

Ride-sharing apps often offer competitive, upfront fares.

Peak Pricing

Taxi fares are metered; ride-sharing has dynamic pricing, especially during busy times.

Rental Options for Exploring

Rental vehicles offer independence and flexibility for exploring Marbella and its surrounding region. From cars to scooters and bicycles, various options are available.

Car Rental

Requirements: Minimum age usually 21 or 23 (higher for some vehicles). Drivers under 25 may incur a surcharge.
Driving License: A valid license from your home country. Non-EU citizens generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Credit Card: A credit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit. Debit cards are usually not accepted for this.
Major Companies: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise have offices at Málaga Airport and within Marbella. Local Spanish companies like Goldcar and Centauro also operate.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available from specialized shops in Marbella.
Requirements: Similar to car rental, but a specific motorcycle license is necessary for larger displacement bikes.
Scooters may need a standard car license, depending on their engine size. Always confirm local regulations.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all riders and passengers.

Bicycle Rentals

Rental Shops

Marbella has several bike rental shops. You can rent city bikes, mountain bikes, or e-bikes by the hour, day, or week.

Good for exploring the promenade or mountain trails.

Bike-Sharing Programs

Marbella does not have a major city-wide public bike-sharing scheme like larger European cities.

Plan to use private rental shops.

Booking Ahead

Booking your rental car in advance is recommended, especially during high season, to secure better rates and ensure vehicle availability. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates.

Essential for popular dates.

Driving & Parking Information

Driving Laws & Roads

Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Roads in Spain are generally well-maintained and clearly signposted.
Speed limits are strictly enforced: 120 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on secondary roads, and 50 km/h in urban areas.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal without a hands-free system.

Parking in Marbella

Finding parking is difficult and expensive in popular areas like Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banús, especially during peak season.
Look for underground public car parks, marked with a blue 'P' sign. These offer secure, paid parking.
Street parking marked with blue lines (Zona Azul) payment at a meter. Yellow lines indicate no parking.

Road Safety Reminders

Be aware of speed cameras. These are common and strictly enforced.
While driving is generally safe, occasional aggressive driving occurs in certain areas, notably around larger cities.
Always pay attention to road signs and other drivers.
Avoid using headphones while driving or cycling; it is illegal and reduces awareness.

Plan accordingly.
Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel for longer journeys; petrol and diesel are widely available.
Always confirm rental car insurance coverage before driving.
Inspect the rental vehicle for existing damage before accepting it.

Walking & Cycling in Marbella

Marbella is a city that invites exploration on foot or by bicycle, especially in its pedestrian-friendly areas. This offers an unique perspective on the city's charm and natural beauty.

Pedestrian-Friendly Zones

Marbella Old Town (Casco Antiguo): Features mostly pedestrianized streets, ideal for leisurely strolls. Cobblestone alleys and charming squares are best explored on foot.
Paseo Marítimo (Promenade): This beautiful coastal promenade stretches for many kilometers, connecting Marbella center to Puerto Banús and beyond. Ideal for walking, jogging, or relaxed cycling.
Avenida del Mar: A pedestrian avenue connecting the Old Town to the Paseo Marítimo, featuring Salvador Dalí sculptures.
Walking Tour Options: Various local companies offer guided walking tours of the Old Town. Self-guided tours are easy with a good map or smartphone app.

Cycling Infrastructure

Cycle Paths: Dedicated cycle paths are becoming more common, especially along the Paseo Marítimo, making cycling safe and enjoyable along the coast.
Road Cycling: On roads, cyclists should follow Spanish traffic laws.
Safety: Helmets are recommended, especially for longer rides or if cycling on roads. Be aware of traffic and pedestrians outside dedicated cycle paths.
No-Go Areas: Generally, no "no-go" areas for pedestrians or cyclists during the day. Busy main roads with high traffic volume (e.g., sections of the A-7) are not suitable for leisurely walking or cycling due to vehicle speed.

Mobility & Tours

Tourist Trains

Marbella features small tourist trains or trolleys. These often operate scenic routes around the Old Town, along the promenade, and to Puerto Banús.

Offer a relaxed way to see the sights.
No traditional hop-on-hop-off buses.

Boat Taxis

A popular and scenic way to travel between Marbella and Puerto Banús is by small ferry. Companies like Fly Blue offer regular departures.

Provides coastal views.
Avoids road traffic.
A pleasant 20-30 minute journey.

Yacht Charters

Numerous companies offer private yacht charters from Puerto Banús, ranging from half-day trips to longer excursions along the Costa del Sol.

A luxurious way to experience the coastline.
Options for various group sizes and preferences.

Accessibility Considerations

Mobility Challenges

Older parts of the city, like the Old Town with cobblestones and narrow streets, pose challenges for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Newer infrastructure (hotels, shopping centers, modern apartments) generally offers good accessibility with ramps and elevators.
Public transport accessibility improves; newer buses often include ramps for wheelchair access.

Pre-Planning for Access

Contact specific attractions, hotels, or transportation providers in advance for detailed accessibility information.
Planning routes and activities that best suit your mobility needs is a good practice.
River transportation and cable cars are not applicable in Marbella.

Specialized Transportation

Marbella offers unique transportation options for tourists, providing enjoyable ways to see the city from different perspectives beyond standard modes.

Scenic Tours & Ferries

Tourist Trains/Trolleys: Small tourist trains provide scenic rides around the Old Town, along the promenade, and to Puerto Banús, a relaxed way to see sights.
No Traditional Hop-on-Hop-off Buses: Marbella does not typically have large double-decker hop-on-hop-off bus tours found in major European capitals.
Ferry Service: A popular and scenic way to travel between Marbella and Puerto Banús is by small ferry. Companies like Fly Blue offer regular departures.
Yacht Charters: Numerous companies offer private yacht charters from Puerto Banús, from half-day trips to longer excursions along the Costa del Sol, a luxurious way to experience the coastline.

Mobility & Accessibility Services

Improving Accessibility: Newer infrastructure (hotels, shopping centers, modern apartments) generally offers good accessibility with ramps and elevators.
Old Town Challenges: The Old Town, with its cobblestones and narrow streets, is difficult for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.
Public Transport: Accessibility on public transport improves; newer buses include ramps for wheelchair access.
Pre-planning: Contact specific attractions, hotels, or transportation providers in advance for detailed accessibility information.

No Cable Cars/Funiculars

Marbella does not feature cable cars or funiculars as a mode of public or tourist transportation.

Wheelchair Access

Modern areas and newer public buses are generally accessible. Old Town streets can be challenging due to cobblestones.

General Accessibility

Infrastructure Improvements

Newer buildings and tourist facilities incorporate accessibility features.
The Paseo Marítimo is an excellent, flat route for those with mobility aids.
Modern buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs.

Planning for Mobility

Contact hotels and attractions directly to inquire about specific accessibility provisions.
Utilize online maps and street view to preview routes for accessibility.
Consider guided tours specializing in accessible travel for a smoother experience.

Final Navigation Tip

Whether walking, cycling, or using public transport, planning your routes in advance saves time and enhances your exploration of Marbella.

Embrace the diverse ways to move around this city, tailoring your transport to your daily adventures.

Getting Around Marbella