🚍 Getting Around Málaga Like a Local: The Ultimate Public Transport Guide
If you’re planning a trip to Málaga, chances are you’ve already imagined yourself sipping a cold drink under the sun or wandering the old streets of the historic center. But how do you actually get from A to B without breaking the bank or losing your mind? Worry not. This guide will give you everything you need to know about public transport in Málaga—from buses and trains to scooters and bikes, all wrapped up in one clear, updated package.
🚶 The best part? Málaga is a walkable city
Let’s get this out of the way first: Málaga’s Old Town is compact, safe, and perfect for walking. Most of the city’s top attractions—Picasso Museum, Cathedral, Roman Theatre, Atarazanas Market—are within a 10- to 15-minute walk of each other. That said, when you want to reach the beach, the port, or head back to the airport, public transport becomes your best friend.
🚌 EMT Málaga: Your Go-To Bus Network
Málaga’s EMT (Empresa Malagueña de Transportes) is fast, clean, and affordable.
- Single ticket: €1.40, paid directly on the bus (cash or contactless card).
- Multi-ride cards: Cheaper per ride, available in kiosks.
- Airport Bus (A Express Line): Connects the airport with the city center in 15–20 minutes. Frequency: every 25–30 minutes. Cost: €4 one way.
Useful Tip:
Use the EMT Málaga App (iOS & Android). It shows real-time arrivals, maps, and nearby stops. Plus, you can top up travel cards and even pay with your phone.
🚇 Metro de Málaga: Clean, Modern and Growing
Although it doesn’t yet reach the airport or the beach, Málaga’s metro is ideal for getting around local neighborhoods and avoiding traffic during peak hours.
- Two lines (L1 and L2) connecting areas like El Perchel, La Unión, and Palacio de los Deportes.
- Trains run every 6–8 minutes on weekdays, from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and until 1:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Flat fare: €1.35, with discounts on multi-trip cards.
Check official schedules and expansion updates at MetroMálaga.es.
🚆 Cercanías Renfe: The Fastest Way to the Airport
Cercanías is Málaga’s suburban train network and your best bet to reach the airport from the center.
- Line C1: Runs from Málaga Centro Alameda to Fuengirola, stopping at the Airport (Aeropuerto).
- Frequency: every 20 minutes.
- Trip duration: 12 minutes from Málaga Centro to the airport.
- Ticket price: around €1.80–€2.70, depending on distance.
Buy tickets at machines in stations or use the Renfe app.
🚖 Taxis, Uber & Cabify
Taxis in Málaga are regulated and safe. They’re white with a blue diagonal stripe.
- Base fare: ~€4 during the day, ~€5.50 at night or on weekends.
- For a quick ride, use FreeNow, Uber, or Cabify.
- For traditional taxi bookings: +34 952 33 33 33.
Expect to pay around €20–25 from the airport to the center.
🚴 Rent a Bike or e-Bike: Great for the Beach
Málaga has an expanding network of bike lanes, especially toward the beaches (La Malagueta, El Palo, Huelin). Electric bikes are booming, and you’ve got a few solid rental options:
🚲 MALAGABICI (public e-bike system):
- Stations throughout the city.
- You need to register online at malagabici.malaga.eu.
- Monthly plans start at €15, with flexible pay-per-use options.
🚴 Private bike rentals:
- Companies like QQ Bikes, Bike2Malaga, and NextBike offer hourly or daily rentals.
- Helmets are usually provided, and insurance options are available.
🛴 E-Scooters in 2025: Yes… But Watch Out
Here’s the deal: Málaga had a love-hate relationship with electric scooters. Now, strict regulations apply:
- You must ride on bike lanes or the street (not sidewalks!).
- Top speed limit: 25 km/h.
- Age limit: 15+, and helmets are recommended.
- Parking: Only in designated areas or risk a fine.
Operators like YEGO, VOI, and LINK are available via apps.
🗺️ Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Tourist Convenience
If you’re short on time, or just want to enjoy sightseeing stress-free, the City Sightseeing Málaga bus is a solid option.
- 3 routes, over 30 stops, multilingual audio guides, and even boat tickets bundled in.
- You can hop on and off at main attractions like the Alcazaba, Pompidou Center, Gibralfaro Castle, and more.
- Prices: from €22 per adult, valid for 24 hours.
🛫 Málaga Airport: Getting In and Out
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is just 8 km from the city center.
🚆 Best option: Cercanías C1 (Train)
- Only 12 min, cheap, fast, reliable.
🚌 EMT Airport Express Line
- Cost: €4
- Stops include Paseo del Parque, Avenida de Andalucía, and María Zambrano train station.
🚖 Taxi
- €20–25 depending on time and traffic.
- Flat rates from airport to center apply.
Final Tips from a Local (and Satisfied Walker)
- Wear comfy shoes. You’ll walk more than you think.
- Always validate your ticket—even in buses.
- Carry a reusable water bottle (fountains are everywhere).
- If you’re staying for a few days, grab a multi-trip bus card or look into the Málaga Tourist Card for transport + museums.
Summary: How to Move Around Málaga
| Transport | Best for | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Old Town & museums | Free | Anytime |
| Bus (EMT) | Whole city, airport | €1.40–4 | Every 10–15 min |
| Metro | Local commutes | €1.35 | Every 6–8 min |
| Cercanías | Airport & coast | €2–3 | Every 20 min |
| Bike / eBike | Beach & seafront | €5–15/day | Instant |
| Taxi / Uber | Comfort & direct rides | €7–25 | On demand |
| Tourist Bus | First-time visitors | €22–28 | Hop-on/off |
Key takeaways
Public transport in Málaga is efficient, affordable, and surprisingly enjoyable. Whether you’re heading to a museum, the beach, or just back to your hotel after a long night of tapas and flamenco, you’ve got options that work. Mix and match them depending on your needs—and don’t forget: sometimes the best route is the one where you simply stroll with a smile and soak in the southern Spanish sun.
Ready to move like a malagueño? Let’s go.
