How to get from Málaga Airport to Marbella
Málaga Airport (AGP) to Marbella is easy: choose the direct airport bus, a taxi/private transfer, a rail+bus combo via Fuengirola, or self-drive. Pick based on arrival time, luggage, and budget—full details and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Málaga Airport to Marbella)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Airport Bus (AGP → Marbella Bus Station) | ~45–60m | Low cost, minimal transfers |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€10–15 one-way (timetable varies by season) | ||
| 🚖 Taxi / Private Transfer (Door-to-door) | ~35–50m (traffic-dependent) | Convenience, late arrivals, heavy luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€65–120 per car/van » Welcome Pickups Malaga | fixed-price quotes | ||
| 🚆🚌 Train (AGP→Fuengirola) + Bus (Fuengirola→Marbella) | ~1.5–2.5h | Frequent departures, backups when bus sold out |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€6–9 total (train + bus) | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (AP-7/A-7) | ~35–50m | Families, onward Costa del Sol road trips |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~€25–60/day + fuel/tolls/parking » compare airport rentals | Trip.com car hire | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest door-to-door: Taxi or private transfer (35–50m).
- Cheapest & simple: Direct airport bus when departure times line up.
- Most frequent departures: Train to Fuengirola + bus (great if you just missed the direct coach).
- Planning day-trips along the coast: Self-drive gives maximum flexibility.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Contactless works: Train & most buses accept cards; carry small cash just in case.
- Ridesharing/taxis: Local taxis queue at AGP; Uber/Bolt/Cabify operate in the area. For meet-and-greet with fixed pricing, see Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer.
- Storing luggage: If you’ve hours before check-in, drop bags with Radical Storage Málaga or in Marbella’s center via participating shops.
- Staying the night? Compare hotels near Marbella Old Town or Puerto Banús on Booking.com.
- Scooters/bikes in Marbella: For beach-path cruising, check BikesBooking Marbella.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Airport Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Low cost No transfers Fixed timetable
- Overview: The direct coach runs from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) to Marbella Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses) in ~45–60 minutes. Services are more frequent in summer; some are limited-stop “exprés.”
- How to book (with price): Tickets ~€10–15 one-way. Buy at the airport kiosk, from the driver (space-permitting), or online. Check times on the operator’s official timetable (Avanza/Consorcio) and consider reserving in peak months. Activities/transfers marketplaces like GetYourGuide may also list shuttle seats on busy days.
- Pros: Cheapest point-to-point, luggage stored below. Cons: Not truly 24/7; may sell out at peaks.
Step-by-step: Direct Airport Bus
- From Arrivals at AGP, follow signs for “Buses/Autobuses” to the airport coach bays.
- Check the board for “Marbella” departures; buy a ticket at the kiosk or from the driver.
- Board and stow large bags in the underfloor hold; keep valuables with you.
- Alight at Marbella Bus Station; continue by local taxi, rideshare, or city bus to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (AGP Bus Bays & Marbella Bus Station)
- Airport stop: Clearly signed bays outside Arrivals (T3). Staff can direct you to the right stand.
- Marbella Bus Station: On the A-7; taxis and local buses connect to Old Town and Puerto Banús.
- Official info: Airport transport page (AENA) and the route operator’s timetable pages list current schedules.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖 Option #2 — Taxi / Private Transfer (Fastest Door-to-Door)
Zero transfers Meet & greet Higher cost
- Overview: Walk out of Arrivals to the official taxi rank or meet your prebooked driver inside the terminal. Typical drive to central Marbella is ~35–50 minutes via AP-7/A-7.
- How to book (with price): Metered taxi or prebook a fixed fare with Welcome Pickups (Málaga) or compare vehicles on GetTransfer. Expect ~€65–120 depending on vehicle/time/season.
- Pros: Fastest with luggage/kids; late-night friendly. Cons: Costlier than bus/train; traffic can add time in peak season.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer
- Prebook online (enter flight number for monitoring) via Welcome Pickups or request quotes on GetTransfer; or head to the AGP taxi rank.
- Meet your driver at Arrivals or the official taxi queue; confirm destination and price (if fixed).
- Take AP-7 (toll, usually faster) or A-7 (no toll, may be slower) to Marbella.
- Drop at your hotel door; pay by card/cash; request a child seat if needed.
Getting to the main embarking points (AGP Arrivals & Your Hotel)
- AGP: Taxi rank is outside T3 Arrivals; prebooked drivers wait in the hall with name boards.
- Marbella area: Hotels across Old Town, Golden Mile, and Puerto Banús have easy vehicle access.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚆🚌 Option #3 — Train (Airport→Fuengirola) + Bus (Fuengirola→Marbella)
Frequent Budget One connection
- Overview: Take Cercanías C1 train from AGP to Fuengirola (~34–40m, frequent), then bus M-220 or interurban coach to Marbella Bus Station (~45–60m).
- How to book (with price): Train ~€2–3 to Fuengirola; bus ~€3–6 to Marbella. Buy at machines or onboard (bus). If you prefer to pre-arrange a through transfer on busy days, compare shuttle listings on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Pros: Very frequent train; good fallback if direct airport bus timing isn’t ideal. Cons: One transfer; standing room at peaks.
Step-by-step: Train + Bus via Fuengirola
- From AGP Arrivals, follow signs to the on-site Airport Train Station (Cercanías C1).
- Buy a ticket to Fuengirola (tap card/mobile accepted) and board any C1 heading there.
- At Fuengirola, exit the station and walk to the adjacent bus stops/terminal.
- Catch the M-220 or interurban bus to Marbella Bus Station; pay the driver or machine.
- From Marbella Bus Station, continue by local taxi or city bus to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (AGP Train & Fuengirola Bus)
- AGP Cercanías: Station is steps from T3 via signed walkway; frequent C1 departures.
- Fuengirola: Bus stops are right outside/near the station; look for “Marbella” on the display.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (AP-7 Toll or A-7 Free)
Freedom Door-to-door Parking costs
- Overview: Pick up a car at AGP and drive ~50 km southwest to Marbella via the faster AP-7 (toll) or scenic A-7 (no toll, more junctions). Great if you plan to explore Mijas, Estepona, or Ronda.
- How to book (with price): From ~€25–60/day for a compact depending on season. Compare on Booking.com Car Rental (AGP) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Maximum flexibility, easy beach-hop. Cons: Resort parking fees in high season; tolls if using AP-7.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Collect your car at AGP (on-airport desks in T2/T3). Inspect and photograph the car before leaving.
- Follow signs for AP-7/A-7 toward Algeciras/Marbella; choose AP-7 for faster travel, A-7 to avoid tolls.
- Exit for Marbella (Old Town or your hotel’s junction) and park per hotel instructions.
- Return the car at AGP or a Marbella/Marbella-area office if you arranged one-way.
Getting to the main embarking points (AGP Car Rental & Marbella)
- AGP rentals: Counters inside the terminal; some suppliers use a short shuttle—check voucher.
- Marbella: Hotels along the A-7/Golden Mile; parking garages fill in summer—reserve if possible.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Málaga Airport to Marbella)
Is there a direct train from Málaga Airport to Marbella?
No. The train goes only as far as Fuengirola. From there, take a bus to Marbella.
AP-7 or A-7—which is quicker?
AP-7 (toll) is usually quicker and more straightforward; A-7 is free but can be slower with traffic and more exits.
How late do buses run?
Schedules vary by season; late-night gaps can occur. If arriving very late, consider a taxi/private transfer.
Where do I arrive in Marbella by bus?
Most intercity routes, including the airport coach, arrive at Marbella Bus Station on the A-7. Taxis and local buses connect to Old Town and Puerto Banús.
Can I prebook a child seat in a transfer?
Yes. When reserving with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, request seats during booking.
Where to stay in Marbella?
Old Town for charm, Golden Mile for resorts, Puerto Banús for nightlife. Compare options on Booking.com.