As the city center and tourist attractions are so compact, navigating it without a car should be simple – taxi or bus services would likely be your best bets for getting around. The city is 8 km southwest of its major airport, where there are also two large train stations and several large bus terminals. Bus service operates to nearby towns and villages as well.
Taxi
Taxis in Malaga are readily available 24 hours a day, offering visitors one of the easiest and most reliable means of transport throughout their stay in this Mediterranean city. Visitors can hail one by sticking out their arm when passing a green-lit car on the street or visiting one of many taxi ranks located throughout it – such as those near airport, train station or Plaza de la Merced – offering direct, on-demand service directly to their desired destinations.
Traveling by taxi is an attractive alternative for visitors looking to avoid the hassle of parking or public transit during busy periods, although be mindful of taxi costs in this scenario, especially at night or with luggage. Be wary of unofficial taxi services which operate outside airports and on city streets – they may charge higher rates.
As a visitor or prospective homebuyer in Malaga, it is crucial that you are familiar with all of the available transportation options in order to choose an optimal mode of transport that will enhance your visit! With this handy guide as your companion, selecting an optimal mode of transport should make for a relaxing stay!
Bus
Empresa Malaga de Transportes (EMT) bus network offers an easy and economical way to explore Malaga city. All buses are air-conditioned for comfort while disabled travelers have full accessibility on board, offering free Wi-Fi, audio narration and an easy system map of Malaga. Tickets can be bought either directly onboard or at bus stations; drivers usually provide change for notes larger than EUR5.
Bonobus tickets provide discounted bus passes valid for multiple days at once. They can be bought onboard buses, estancos (tobacconist shops), newspaper kiosks and various locations around the city center – offering round trip and hop-on, hop-off routes respectively.
Buses run frequently through the city center and most attractions can be reached on foot, however it is wise to allow enough time for your journey as traffic in the city may cause delays. Also remember that locals take queueing seriously so don’t jump the queue when waiting for a bus!
If traveling outside of the city center, make sure to double-check the schedules of any buses you may need for transportation. Particularly during the summer season, some routes only run once or twice per day while others run less frequently than expected.
The main bus station of Granada can be found to the west near Maria Zambrano train station, approximately 15 minutes’ walk from its center. It features 38 platforms equipped with electronic sign boards showing which buses will arrive, plus there’s also long-distance buses traveling between Andalusia cities like Granada and Seville as well as Madrid.
Download EMT Malaga app to plan and track routes more comfortably on both Android and iPhone devices, or Moovit public transit app to navigate with ease!
Train
Malaga offers an efficient public transport network, with buses, commuter trains and taxis connecting you from A to B quickly. Taxis and Uber services can also get you around quickly; rental cars (leiebilguiden.no/spania/malaga/) and shuttle services to/from Malaga Airport may also provide convenient transport solutions. There are a lot of options for everybody!
The city center is extremely pedestrian-friendly and a joy to explore on foot, featuring many top attractions within easy walking distance such as Picasso Museum and Malaga Cathedral – not to mention plenty of tranquil spots where you can sit back, relax, and take in its picturesque landscapes.
Malaga’s main bus station, located in Plaza de Armas, boasts 38 platforms to take you where you need to be. Routes vary and include both local trips within the city as well as longer-distance ones; ticket machines accept both cards and cash payments for tickets; however, during peak seasons at bus stops the lines can become very long so it is advisable that you arrive early for maximum efficiency.
Option 2 is purchasing a Bonobos ticket which allows up to three people to travel within an hour after validating your card or ticket and provides unlimited transfers within that first hour of validation. More information and purchasing tickets are available on their official website.
Malaga is also very bike-friendly, offering numerous public bicycle stands where you can rent one for the day – one being found near our language school in Pedregalejo/El Palo district on Paseo Reding. Renting a bicycle can be an exciting and memorable way to discover Malaga; take a look at this map for all bike stands in your neighborhood.
Car
Malaga boasts an excellent public transportation system, including taxi cabs, buses, and trains – so a car may only be necessary if you wish to explore areas outside Malaga itself. Still, it is recommended that, when not in use, it should be placed in a securely parked space to prevent pickpocketing attempts by thieves.
Taxis are available around the clock, and you can hail one directly or visit one of the many taxi ranks located throughout the city, particularly near key locations like the airport and central station. Online or rideshare apps like Uber provide more convenience in booking taxis; all taxis include an LCD meter that shows their fare based on time and distance traveled.
Bus routes cover all the major points of interest in Malaga City, while its hop-on, hop-off tourist bus provides an entertaining way to see some of its top attractions. If you plan to ride extensively on buses and metro trains alike, consider purchasing a Tarjeta Malaga card instead; its rechargeable card saves money and can be used on buses, metro trains and city bikes alike; These rechargeable cards can even be found at most estancos and even include maps showing all bus routes for convenience during travel.
Cycling can be an efficient means of transportation in New York City, and various bike lanes offer this means. But riders should wear a helmet and take care when riding around pedestrians or traffic; be mindful of pedestrians and traffic if riding at night; additionally, cyclists should be wary that thieves often target tourists on bikes.
