M
alaga airport (AGP) is situated 8 kilometers from the city center and is the main destination for everyone wishing to visit Costa del Sol. Unofficially there is Pablo Picasso Terminal 2 – it is to commemorate the artist, who was born in this city. It is not stated anywhere on the building but everyone calls it that. Those liking some technology can go to the adjacent Airport Museum – the planes the can be visited from the outside and the inside.
Traveling to and from Malaga means taking a train, bus, taxi, or your own car. Everything can be found close to the terminals. Just follow the article…
The plain, Malagian airport keeps a secret in its midsts. The story starts in 1919 when a Frenchman Piere-Georges Latécoère was dreaming about establishing a post line between his country and northern Africa. We can say that he put Malaga on the map, creating this, now-bustling with tourists airport.
Compagnie Générale Aéropostale had a few stops on the way. A suitable spot was yet to be determined in Malaga since a plane crash forever canceled the prospects of Alicante becoming one of the stops. A site was chosen, the day came and Latécoère was himself flying one of the mail-plains. Unfortunately upon arrival over Malaga they encountered a storm and the planned airfield completely flooded. Since no one wanted to repeat the story from Alicante, the men on the plane looked for an alternative. Behold! a spacious, flat area was stretching not far from them. It was a farming estate of a man called Félix Assiego. The plane landed, Señior Assiego turned out to be a very hospitable host and over a drink, they made new plans for his property.
After some years Latécoère’s mailing company turned into Air France and the first terminal built on Señor Assiego’s land became the Airport Museum of Malaga and part of the whole complex. New arriving halls were built but the planes still land on the original track making Malaga’s airport one of the oldest in Europe. An incredible story of the most important airport on Costa del Sol…
But! back to the subject at hand…
Train line
The C1 Renfe line goes to the city center every 12 minutes. No worries for those going to other places – you can also find your way to Fuengirola, Benalmadena, or Torrenolinos.
You will find the train station as you go out of the Arrivals Hall (50 m further). You will notice the red signs, train pictogram, and big “renfe” letters.
The operating hours are from 5:42 AM to 11:20 PM (use buses later – below). Remember to buy the tickets in the machines at the entrance to the platforms.
Price
one-way ticket – 1,80€
If you want to get as close to the city center as possible remember to get off at the last station – Centro-Almeda (not the one before that – Málaga RENFE). The previous stop is the main train station, but it is a 20-minute walk from there. You will have to cross the river, after which you will find SOHO and the old town.
Buses
Malaga public transport network is also called EMT. There are over 50 bus lines, that take you from one side of the city to the other.
Going from the airport we can get to Malaga or other, neighboring cities.
You can buy the tickets as you exit from the arrivals hall. Turn right and you will notice a square for the buses. The shops are just there. If they are closed – buy the tickets with the driver (pay cash).
City buses – Express line
This is the name that you need to look for if you head to the city center (last stop – Plaza del General Torrijos next to Malaga Park). The buses go every 20-25 minutes from 7 Am to midnight, then at 00:45, 2 AM, 5:05 AM.
Price:
Single ticket: 3,00€
Busses to other places
There are many lines taking you to the destinations alongside Costa del Sol, eg: Marbella, Estepona, Nerji.
There is M 135 going from the airport to Santa Amalia, Malaga and Alhaurin del Torre. Going from 7 Am to 10 PM.
There is more! Check the connections and try to make inquiries online if you can.
Taxi
This short journey will take you at least 20 minutes. Local taxis are easy to find – they are white and blue in color. You will find them outside of the arrivals hall.
A tiny piece of advice – check if the taximeter is on. Or… take an Uber – the app will tell you everything and the process are often lower than the official ones.
The prices depend on the distance and the time of the day meaning:
Price:
Minimum fee from the airport – 17,00€ (19€)*
Entry fee in the city – 1,50€ (1,85€)*
per km – 0,86€ (1,06€)*
*prices for the 10 PM – 6 Am transfer, Saturdays, and holidays
Take notes that it is customary that they count more for luggage, pets, etc. All in all, you should get to Malaga city center for about 20 €.
Car rentals
The rental car terminal is situated right next to the arrivals building. Signs are everywhere, you shouldn’t have any problems with that (check the map). The known companies can be found in the arrivals hall but there are some local offices located outside the main building.
Enjoy your sightseeing!