Malaga & airport transfer: best option for families, late flights & accessibility
Landing at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)? Whether you’re arriving with two suitcases and a stroller, touching down on a midnight flight, or needing wheelchair access, this guide compares every way to reach the city centre — by price, travel time, and convenience — so you can start your trip stress-free.
Arriving at AGP Málaga
Which Transfer Suits You Best?
Late-night arrival (after 23:00): Official Taxi / Pre-booked Private Transfer 24/7 service, door-to-door, no timetable worries
Travelling with small children or heavy luggage: Taxi / Private Transfer Space for luggage, child seats on request
Budget daytime travel: Cercanías Train (C1) or Airport Bus (A Express) Fast and inexpensive
Wheelchair or reduced mobility: Pre-booked Accessible Transfer Ramp-equipped vehicles, guaranteed help
Group of 3 – 6 people: Private Minivan Transfer Lower cost per person, single pickup
Short layover city visit Cercanías Train Quick 12 min to centre, minimal waiting
Tip: Always confirm the last train or bus times before you fly; services stop around midnight.
From Malaga Airport to the City — Main Transport Options
1. Cercanías Train (Line C1)
Cercanias is always a good option… depending on your arrival time.
Travel time: ~12 minutes to Málaga Centro-Alameda
Frequency: Every 20 minutes (06:20 – 23:30 approx.)
Cost: ~€2.70 one way
Pros: Cheapest, fast, reliable, scenic
Cons: Last train leaves before midnight; limited luggage space
How to use: After arrivals, follow the Cercanías Train signs; the station is right outside Terminal 3. Tickets from the red RENFE machines or Renfe App.
See Cercanias schedule here.
2. Airport Bus — Line A Express
The airport bus (A) is also convenient.
Travel time: 15–25 minutes (to city centre)
Frequency: Every 25 min ≈ 06:25–00:00
Cost: ~€4 one way (pay driver cash or card)
Pros: Direct to main bus station, budget-friendly
Cons: Limited luggage space, fewer runs late at night
Stops: Airport → Paseo del Parque → Avda. de Andalucía → Bus station.
See official website here. There is an option to change the language to English on the top left side of the homepage.
3. Official Taxi
Málaga taxis have a blue stripe.
Travel time: 20–25 minutes to centre
Cost: ~€25–€30 day / €30–€35 night (airport fee included)
Pros: 24/7, door-to-door, safe & metered
Cons: More expensive than public transport
How to find: Exit arrivals, follow Taxi signs to the official rank (white taxis with blue stripe). Drivers accept cash or card.
Night surcharge: +€5–€6 approx. (23:00–07:00)
4. Pre-Booked Private Transfer
A private transfer is ideal for groups.
Travel time: ~20 minutes
Cost: €30–€45 (car) / €50–€70 (minivan)
Pros: Driver meets you in arrivals hall, fixed price, child seats available, ideal for groups or accessibility needs
Cons: Must book in advance
Booking tips: Choose a company with licence number, reviews, and clear cancellation policy. Request booster or child seats 24 h ahead.
Welcome pickups is a fairly respected private transfer service.
5. Rideshare / App Taxi (Cabify, Bolt etc.)
Availability: Variable; pickup zones differ from official rank.
Cost: Comparable to official taxis.
Note: Always check legal operating hours and designated pickup area inside the app.
Please be aware that these Apps might not be a reliable as you are used to.
Scenario Guides — Real Tourist Situations
Scenario A: Late Flight with Luggage & Stroller
You land at 23:30 with two suitcases and a stroller.
Best choice: Official taxi or pre-booked private transfer.
Why: Trains and buses stop around midnight; taxis are waiting at arrivals 24/7.
Late flight with luggage and stroller? Taxi is your best option.
Steps:
After customs, follow Taxis / Salidas.
Expect 5–10 min queue; show driver your hotel address in Spanish.
Pay ~€30–€35 (credit cards accepted).
Tip: If travelling with kids, pre-book a transfer offering child seats.
Scenario B: Early Morning Arrival on a Budget
Best choice: Cercanías Train C1.
Early morning arrival on a budget? Go for cercanias.
Buy a ticket (€2.70) from the machine outside T3 arrivals. The train stops at Málaga Centro-Alameda (12 min).
If your flight lands before 23:00, it’s unbeatable for value.
Scenario C: Traveller with Wheelchair or Reduced Mobility
Best choice: Pre-booked accessible transfer.
Málaga Airport offers Aena Assistance — request it through the link.
Accessible taxis are available but may require a phone call/wait.
Traveller with a wheelchair or reduced mobility? Private transfer, or check to see the taxi queue.
Checklist:
Confirm ramp access and vehicle type when booking.
Send flight number & arrival time to the transfer company.
On arrival, follow the assistance signs; an agent will escort you to the driver.
Scenario D: Group of Friends or Big Family
Best choice: Private minivan transfer (6–8 seats).
Cost ~€60–€70 total → ~€10 per person.
Group of friends or a big family? Private transfer is the way to go.
Saves the hassle of multiple taxis and includes luggage space.
Pre-book to avoid split rides.
Scenario E: Short Layover, Quick City Visit
If you have ≥5 hours, take the train to Centro-Alameda (12 min).
Short layover, quick city visit? Cercanias.
Enjoy a walk around Calle Larios and the Cathedral, then return.
Trains back to the airport stop around 23:30 — plan accordingly.
If you are in town for the afternoon, enjoy Málaga & Tardeo!
Night Arrivals & Safety Tips
Use only official taxis or pre-booked transfers — avoid unlicensed offers inside terminal.
Keep your hotel address handy.
Let your accommodation know your ETA so they expect you.
If travelling solo, share your driver’s plate via message.
Emergency numbers: 112 (EU emergency).
If Your Plans Change
Flight delay: call transfer company immediately — most monitor flights but confirm free wait time.
Missed last train: head to taxi rank (outside T3).
Lost luggage: go to Baggage Claim office before exiting; inform your driver if delayed.
Need help: Airport information desk (T3 Arrivals) open 24 h.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way from Malaga Airport to the city centre?
The Cercanías train (C1) takes ~12 minutes and is usually the fastest during daytime.
Are there 24/7 transport options?
Yes, official taxis and pre-booked transfers run 24 hours.
How much is a taxi at night?
Expect €30–€35 including night surcharge.
Can I pay by card?
Yes, most taxis accept cards; always ask before starting the ride.
Is the train station inside the airport?
Yes, just outside Terminal 3 — clearly signposted Cercanías.
Do taxis offer child seats?
Only if requested in advance; private transfers almost always can provide them.
How do I request wheelchair assistance?
Book Aena Assistance at least 48 h before arrival.
Can I use Cabify or Bolt at Malaga Airport?
Yes, in designated pickup zones; check the app on arrival for exact spot.
How long does it take to reach Malaga Centro by taxi?
Around 20–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Where is the official taxi rank?
Outside Terminal 3 Arrivals, clearly signposted Taxi.
Summary
If you’re arriving during the day with light bags, hop on the Cercanías train — it’s cheap, fast and scenic.
If you’re landing late at night or with kids, pre-book a private transfer or take an official taxi for a smooth door-to-door ride.
Need wheelchair access or extra help? Arrange Aena Assistance and a ramped vehicle ahead of time.
However you choose to travel, plan it before you land and you’ll be checking in at your hotel before most passengers have left the airport doors.
Want to experience Málaga like a local while you’re here? Check out our Málaga & Tapas tour. Book in early so you don’t miss out!
If you’d like a unique, tailor-made experience, contact us today! We can make it happen!