Public transport

× getting around Málaga like a local: the ultimate public transport guide

If you are planning a trip to Málaga, you are probably picturing sun, tapas, and slow walks through the Old Town. That part is easy. The question is how to move around the city without wasting time or money. This guide gives you a clear, updated overview of Málaga’s public transport in 2025. Buses, metro, suburban trains, bikes, scooters, taxis – everything you need in one place.

× A walkable city with backup options

Málaga’s historic center is compact, flat, and very walkable. Most major sights – the Cathedral, Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, Picasso Museum, Atarazanas Market and the port – sit within a comfortable 10 to 15 minute walk from each other. You can spend a whole day exploring without ever touching a bus ticket.

However, when you want to reach the beaches, return to your hotel, or catch a flight, public transport becomes your best ally. The good news: it is straightforward, reasonably priced, and much less chaotic than you might expect from a Mediterranean city.

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× EMT Málaga buses: your everyday workhorse

EMT (Empresa Malagueña de Transportes) is the main city bus company. It connects almost every neighborhood with the center, the port, the main shopping areas, and the beaches.

• Single ticket: €1.40. You pay on board, in cash or with a contactless card.
• Multi-ride cards: cheaper per trip. You can buy and top them up at kiosks and some tobacco shops.
• Airport bus (A Express Line): links Málaga Airport with the center in about 15–20 minutes. Frequency is usually every 25–30 minutes. One-way fare: €4.

The main bus corridors run along Alameda Principal, Paseo del Parque, Avenida de Andalucía and around María Zambrano train station. Once you understand those four reference points, the rest of the map starts to make sense.

× A simple tip for the bus network

The EMT Málaga app is worth installing. It shows real-time arrivals, nearby stops and route suggestions. You can also check how crowded a bus is before you decide to jump on it. For families with kids or luggage, that tiny detail can save a lot of patience.

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× málaga Metro: clean, modern and still expanding

The Metro de Málaga is not huge yet, but it is modern, air-conditioned, and very useful if you are staying outside the old center or visiting areas like the university or the sports arenas.

• Two lines (L1 and L2) that connect stops such as El Perchel, La Unión, Puerta Blanca, University and Palacio de los Deportes.
• Trains usually run every 6–8 minutes on weekdays. Service starts around 6:30 a.m. and ends around 11:00 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays the timetable extends to about 1:30 a.m.
• Standard fare is about €1.35, with discounts on multi-trip cards.

It does not yet reach the airport or the main beaches, but it is handy to avoid traffic during rush hours. For the latest expansions and timetables, always check the official information before you travel.

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× cercanías Renfe: the fastest link to the airport and the coast

The Cercanías network is the suburban train system around Málaga. If you want the most efficient connection between the city center and the airport, this is the star of the show.

• Line C1: runs from Málaga Centro Alameda to Fuengirola. It stops at the Airport (Aeropuerto), María Zambrano station and several coastal towns.
• Frequency: trains every 20 minutes during most of the day.
• Duration: about 12 minutes from Málaga Centro Alameda to the airport.
• Price: usually between €1.80 and €2.70, depending on how far you go.

You can buy tickets at machines in the stations or through the official Renfe app. For early flights, it is the most predictable option, because it does not depend on road traffic.

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× taxis and ride-hailing: comfort when you need it

Official taxis in Málaga are white with a blue diagonal stripe. They are regulated, metered and generally reliable. For late-night returns, luggage-heavy trips or when you just cannot face another bus, they are a good option.

• Daytime base fare is usually around €4. At night and on weekends it rises to about €5.50.
• Ride-hailing apps such as FreeNow, Uber and Cabify operate in the city.
• For traditional phone bookings, you can call a local taxi radio service such as +34 952 33 33 33.

From the airport to the city center, expect to pay roughly between €20 and €25, depending on traffic and time of day. There are usually flat-rate rules for that route, so you should not be surprised by the final price.

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× renting bikes and e-bikes: perfect for the seafront

Málaga has been quietly improving its network of bike lanes, especially along the coastline. The ride from the center to La Malagueta, Pedregalejo or El Palo is mostly flat, scenic and very popular with both locals and visitors.

× Malagabici public e-bike system

• Docking stations are spread across several central areas.
• You need to register through the official Malagabici platform before using the bikes.
• There are monthly plans and pay-per-use options, often starting around €15 per month.

× Private bike rentals

• Local companies such as QQ Bikes, Bike2Malaga or other rental shops offer city bikes and e-bikes by the hour or by the day.
• Helmets are usually available on request, and many rentals include basic insurance.

For families, cycling the promenade is a great way to combine transport and sightseeing. You move faster than walking but can still stop at every beach bar that catches your eye. Which, to be honest, will be quite a few.

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× e-scooters in 2025: fun, but follow the rules

E-scooters have gone through several phases in Málaga, from total boom to stricter regulation. At the moment, you can still use them, but the city is quite clear about where and how.

• You must use bike lanes or the road. Sidewalks are off limits.
• The maximum allowed speed is 25 km/h.
• Minimum age is usually 15 years old. Helmets are highly recommended.
• Parking is only allowed in designated areas. Improvised parking on pavements can lead to fines.

Several operators work through mobile apps, with minute-based pricing. They can be practical for short hops, but for longer journeys a bike or bus is often more comfortable and cheaper.

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× hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus: easy mode for first-timers

If you are short on time, travelling with children, or simply want someone else to think about routes, the hop-on hop-off tourist bus can be a good option. It is not the cheapest method, but it is very convenient.

• Several routes and more than 30 stops across the city.
• You can hop on and off at major sights such as the Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, the Pompidou Centre and the port.
• Tickets often include extras like boat trips or entry discounts to attractions.
• Adult passes usually start around €22 and are valid for 24 hours.

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× málaga Airport (AGP): in and out without stress

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport sits only about 8 km from the city center. That short distance is one of the reasons the city works so well as a weekend break or short family getaway.

× Best option: Cercanías C1 suburban train

• About 12 minutes from Málaga Centro Alameda to the Airport station.
• Cheap, fast and largely unaffected by traffic.

× EMT airport express bus

• Fare is €4 per person.
• Stops at key central points such as Paseo del Parque, Avenida de Andalucía and María Zambrano station.

× Taxi from the airport

• Expect €20–25 to most central hotels, depending on time and traffic.
• Official flat rates usually apply to the airport–center route.

If you land with tired kids and too many suitcases, a taxi can be worth the extra cost. Otherwise, the train is hard to beat.

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× final tips from a seasoned walker

• Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk more than you think and the pavements are historic, not always perfect.
• Always keep your ticket until the end of the journey. Controls are not constant, but they do happen.
• Carry a reusable water bottle. Public fountains and bars will keep you hydrated without constant purchases.
• If you stay several days, consider a multi-trip bus card or a tourist pass that combines transport with museum entries.

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× summary: how to move around Málaga

Transport	Best for	Approx. cost	Frequency
Walking	Old Town, museums, port	Free	Anytime
Bus (EMT)	City neighborhoods, airport	€1.40–4	Every 10–15 min
Metro	Local commutes, university, sports venues	About €1.35	Every 6–8 min
Cercanías train	Airport and coastal towns	€2–3	Every 20 min
Bike / e-bike	Beaches and seafront	€5–15 per day	On demand
Taxi / ride-hailing	Comfort and direct routes	€7–25	On demand
Tourist bus	First-time visitors, short stays	€22–28	Hop-on / hop-off

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× key takeaways for moving like a malagueño

Public transport in Málaga is efficient, affordable and flexible. You can cross the city center on foot, use buses for everyday trips, rely on the suburban train for the airport and coastal towns, and switch to bikes or scooters when you feel like adding some fun to the journey.

The real secret is to mix options depending on the day. Walk in the morning, take the bus at midday heat, enjoy a train ride at sunset, and grab a taxi when energy levels crash after tapas. That balance is exactly how many locals move around the city.

If you want to see as much as possible with minimum stress, combine this transport guide with a good city tour. Let someone else handle the logistics for a few hours while you focus on what really matters: enjoying Málaga.