Málaga Airport
Airport guide 2026

Málaga Airport AGP

Spain

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the main gateway to one of Europe's most beloved tourist destinations, a reference point for those heading to Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and the entire Costa del Sol.

Located about 8 km from Málaga's city center, it stands out for its modern Terminal 3, inaugurated in 2010, which doubled the airport's capacity to meet growing international tourism demand.

Content verified on 06/09/2026

How to get to Málaga Airport

Málaga is among Spain's best-connected airports to the city centre thanks to the Cercanías station located within the airport complex itself.

By Car

Those arriving by car follow the A-7 motorway or the MA-21, with dedicated and clearly marked exits to Terminal 3. The Costa del Sol can be reached by continuing along the same A-7 in both directions.

By Train

The Cercanías line C1 connects the airport to Málaga city centre and María Zambrano station with very frequent services throughout the day, as well as to Torremolinos and Fuengirola; a ticket costs approximately 1.80-3 euros depending on destination.

By Bus

The Express A line connects the airport to the city centre, useful as an alternative when train times are inconvenient or for those staying near one of the stops on the route.
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Tips If you are heading to Torremolinos or Fuengirola, you can take the same Cercanías train, which stops at both locations without needing to change.

Average travel time to AGP

Train10-15 minutes
Shuttle bus20-30 minutes
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes

Parking near Málaga Airport

Car parks P0 and P1 are the closest to the terminal entrance and designed for short stays, while car park P2 offers more favourable rates for those staying several days, with direct pedestrian connection.

During peak season periods it is advisable to book the car park online in advance, as the most convenient areas tend to fill up quickly during summer months.

Approximately 2-3 euro per hour at P0/P1, while P2 drops to 8-12 euro per day for longer stays.

How to get to Málaga from AGP

Málaga's major strength is the Cercanías train station located within the airport complex itself: line C1 reaches the city centre and María Zambrano station in about 10-12 minutes, with very frequent departures.

By Train

The Cercanías station is connected to the terminal via a short covered pedestrian route, clearly signposted from the arrivals area.

By Bus

The Express A bus stop is located in the arrivals area, with tickets purchasable directly on board.

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; the meter is standard for trips to the city center, approximately 20-25€.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Málaga Airport

Given the beach tourist nature of the Costa del Sol, car rental is very common: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Goldcar all have dedicated desks with comfortable pick-up areas from Terminal 3.

Booking online in advance, especially in summer and during winter holidays, allows you to get better rates than last-minute purchase on-site.

At pick-up, bring your driver's license, ID document, and credit card in the driver's name, and photograph any pre-existing damage before leaving. Spanish citizens and those from other EU/EEA countries drive with just their national license; for all others, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally also required.

 

Hotels near Málaga Airport

Málaga airport has the Cercanías train station right under terminal T3: in 11 minutes you're in Málaga Centro-Alameda, with trains every 20-30 minutes from 5:32 to 23:42. Travellers flying within this window can comfortably stay in the city even with a very early flight; outside these hours, a taxi is the better choice. So the real choice isn't between airport and city, but between three areas of Málaga: the old town around the Picasso Museum, the Martiricos district just across the river, more practical for those travelling by car, and the Malagueta seafront towards La Caleta.
City centre

Old town, around the Picasso Museum

Cercanías C1 train from the terminal to Málaga Centro-Alameda in 11 minutes, or Express bus line A (15-20 minutes) to Alameda Principal

Best for: those who want to explore the old town, the Picasso Museum and calle Larios on foot

Pros
  • A short walk from the Picasso Museum and calle Larios
  • Direct train link from the terminal, with no changes
Cons
  • Pedestrian streets in the old town, not convenient by car
  • Touristy area, noisier in the evening at weekends
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Martiricos, across the Guadalmedina

about 15 minutes by taxi from the airport, or Cercanías train to María Zambrano (8 minutes) and a short walk to the district

Best for: those travelling by car who want a modern chain hotel a few minutes from the centre

Pros
  • Recently opened chain hotel, 1.2 km from the centre
  • Easier to reach by car than the old town
Cons
  • Residential district, little going on in the evening
  • You still need to cross the river to reach the old town
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

La Malagueta and La Caleta, on the seafront

about 20 minutes by taxi from the airport, or train to Centro-Alameda (11 minutes) and a walk along the seafront

Best for: those who want to stay close to the beach and the seafront, a step from the old town

Pros
  • A minute from playa de la Caleta and close to the Malagueta
  • A short walk from the old town, along the seafront
Cons
  • Simple rooms, shared bathroom in some units
  • Small shared kitchen at peak times
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

Terminal 3, modern and newly renovated, offers a range of services in line with Málaga's role as the primary gateway to the Costa del Sol.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers perfumery, fashion, and Andalusian specialties distributed across multiple shops along the route to gates. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available in departures and arrivals; some commercial outlets also sell prepaid SIMs from major local operators.

Lounges & relaxation

At Malaga airport both lounges are located in Terminal 3, but they answer different needs: the VIP Costa del Sol, before passport control, welcomes both Schengen and non-Schengen passengers and is the only one linked to the main programmes such as Priority Pass, LoungeKey and DragonPass as well as American Express cards; the Relax & Go, reserved for non-Schengen flights, is instead accessible only for payment and for a much shorter part of the day.
lounges
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Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free WiFi managed by Aena is available throughout the terminal. Connection is immediate after accepting terms of service via browser with no time limits. For a local SIM, national operators (Movistar, Vodafone, Orange) often have a corner or vending machine at the airport; convenient if you prefer not to search in town. All also offer eSIM activatable with ID.

Families & Children

Play areas for children and spaces for diaper changing and nursing are available in high-traffic zones.

Terminal guide

Terminal 3 is today the main terminal and handles almost all airline and low-cost flights, with a modern design organized on multiple levels among check-in, security checks, and gate areas.

The old Terminal 2 is used only occasionally, for example for charter flights in low season: the vast majority of passengers operate exclusively from T3.

From check-in to gate at T3 you typically walk 10-12 minutes; security checks can take longer during peak summer tourist months.

Map of Málaga Airport

Map of Málaga Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Does the train to central Málaga leave directly from the terminal?

Yes, the Cercanías station is linked to Terminal 3 by a short covered walkway, so there's no need for a shuttle bus.

Q. Does the train also serve Torremolinos and Fuengirola?

Yes, the same C1 line continues along the coast, stopping in both towns, which are very popular with tourists.

Q. Is it worth renting a car to explore the Costa del Sol?

Yes, it's the most popular option among visitors: all the major rental companies have dedicated desks at the airport.

Q. Roughly how much does a taxi to central Málaga cost?

The meter is standard, with a small fixed surcharge for trips to and from the airport; for an exact, up-to-date fare it's best to check the rates published on the airport's official website.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Málaga

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