Discover the easiest ways to travel from Malaga to Benalmadena.
If you’re heading to Andalucia, discovering the top things to do in Malaga is probably a top priority. With that in mind, knowing exactly how to get from Malaga to Benalmadena is key.
If you’re taking a vacation in Southern Spain, your flight will likely land in Malaga, so arranging a Malaga to Benalmadena transfer will probably be your first experience traveling in the area.
Whether taking the train, a bus, a taxi, or driving yourself, understanding the best forms of transport from Benalmadena to Malaga couldn’t be more helpful.
So, read on to discover how to choose the best option for you based on convenience, cost, and time.
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Southern Spain posts? Have a look at my other posts:
- Places for Surfing in Andalucia
- Things To Do In Benalmadena In February
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Quick Start:
- Take the train – the fastest way to travel between Malaga & Benalmadena.
- Take the bus from Malaga to Benalmadena for an affordable option.
- Go under your own steam by hiring a car.
- Take a taxi – Malaga to Benalmadena in a relaxing style.
How to Get from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena
The best ways to get from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena include taking a train, taking a bus, hiring a car to drive yourself, or taking a taxi.
It’s possible to hire a car at the airport, with the self-drive journey taking between 15 and 20 minutes. A taxi will also take the same amount of time, costing around 40 Euros.
Meanwhile, a train between the two will take between 30 and 60 minutes and cost around 3 Euros.
If you arrive late at night or early in the morning, it’s probably easier to drive yourself or arrange a taxi transfer in advance since train and bus options are limited during these off-peak hours.
If you bring a lot of luggage, a car or taxi will also be more convenient since transporting lots of bags and suitcases on public transport can be challenging.
If you’re on a budget, though, public transport is undoubtedly the best choice overall.
1. Driving a Rental Car
While hiring a car to take you from Malaga airport to Benalmadena can be costly, it can often be the most convenient and even most cost-effective option if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing in the local area.
There are lots of things to do in Benalmadena and the surrounding area, and with your own vehicle at your disposal, you can effortlessly take day trips from Malaga without having to worry about how to get there and back.
You’ll be free to spend as much time as you like at each attraction, too, rather than having to plan your day around bus or train times.
Most luxury hotels in Andalucia, and many less exclusive accommodations, have parking areas where you can leave your vehicle overnight, sometimes for a fee of around 15 Euros, making it even easier to make the best use of your time when you’re in the region.
Alternatively, there is plentiful free street parking in the town and numerous paid car parks, with some costing as little as 1 Euro for all-day parking.
The trip between Malaga Airport and Benalmadena takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on how heavy the local traffic is, and the route is quite straightforward since you simply follow the main A-7 or AP-7 roads.
Out of peak season, you may find small, economy rental cars available to hire for as little as 5 Euros, but on average, the price is likely to be closer to around 30 Euros a day.
Of course, fuel prices will vary depending on the date of your trip and the size of the vehicle you rent, but at the present time, they are hovering between 1.60 and 1.75 Euros per liter.
You can expect the journey between the airport and Benalmadena to use around 3 Euros worth of fuel.
Driving in Andalucia is relatively easy, but it’s essential to do your research before deciding on the local driving laws and rules to ensure you don’t break the law.
The road conditions are generally good between tourist attractions and major towns and cities. Still, if you’re heading into the mountains, you can expect them to be more challenging, especially when traveling in winter.
During the peak season, traffic may also be busier than usual, so remember to plan extra time for any trip you take.
2. Taking a Taxi
If you’re looking for the most relaxing, convenient, and hassle-free option for traveling directly from the airport to your accommodation, taking a taxi is the best option.
A taxi Malaga to Benalmadena transfer will get you to your destination in between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
It will cost around 30 Euros, although you may need to pay extra if you’re bringing a lot of luggage or traveling very late at night or in the early hours of the morning.
It’s likely that taxis may be cheaper out of the peak season, too.
There are several ways to book your taxi. One possibility is booking in advance online or via an app.
Alternatively, you could head to a taxi stand and pick up one of the waiting vehicles. A top tip, though, is to always confirm the fare before beginning your journey so there are no unpleasant surprises.
3. Taking the Bus
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, taking the bus is the best choice for you. The scheduled departures also make planning your trip easy and arranging your day around those times.
The journey from the airport to Malaga takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. It costs around 3 Euros, and tickets are available online, on the bus itself, or at the Malaga airport ticket office.
The bus route you need is line M-110, and buses leave every 30 minutes between 7 AM and 1:10 AM.
A top tip for understanding the schedule and finding the bus stops is to download the local bus app, which will give you the real-time information you need.
4. Taking the Cercanías Train
Another comfortable and efficient option is to take the train, which takes between 30 and 40 minutes and includes a transfer to Torremolinos.
Cercanias line C1 will take you from Malaga to Torremolinos then you’ll need to transfer onto the line C-2 to take you the rest of the way to Malaga. Tickets cost about 3 Euros, making it an affordable choice too.
The Malaga to Benalmadena train timetable shows trains leaving every 20 minutes. Tickets are available from the automatic machines, the ticket office at the station, or online.
5. Using Uber
Similar to taking a taxi, an Uber can be a convenient option that is quick and simple to arrange through the Uber app.
It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to reach Benalmadena from the airport, and the fare is around 26 Euros, although it will be more expensive at peak times or out of hours.
Using the app is very simple. You simply select your current location, enter the address of the location you want to get to, and then request a ride. A driver will confirm with you within a few seconds.
There are several types of Uber vehicles, including larger cars for people with lots of luggage or large families, disabled-friendly vehicles, pet-friendly cars, and even exclusive luxury vehicles.
Our final thoughts on how to get from Malaga to Benalmadena
Whether you want to travel by bus, train, taxi, or hire car, there are plenty of ways to get from Malaga to Benalmadena.
Choosing the right one for you will depend on various factors, such as your budget, how much luggage you’re bringing, and your own travel preferences.
Make sure you select the one that best meets your requirements to enjoy the smoothest and most enjoyable trip from the airport to your accommodation.
FAQs Malaga to Benalmadena Route
Is there a train station at Malaga Airport?
If you’re heading from Malaga to Benalmadena, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a station right at the airport itself at Terminal 3.
Do trains run all night from Malaga Airport?
Trains run from the airport at Malaga to Benalmadena until around midnight, but then they stop until 5:30 AM.
Which car hire companies have a location at Malaga Airport?
There are around 20 car hire companies operating in and around Malaga airport; however, inside the terminal buildings themselves, there are locations belonging to Discover Car, Avis & Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Goldcar/Internet, Record & Go Firefly & Hertz, OK Mobility.
Hola, I’m Paulina! Together with my team, we are passionate about Southern Spain. Here we share all you need to know for great times in Southern Spain with the best places to visit, stay and, of course, the best food to eat.
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