Best way to get from Malaga to Marbella
Choosing the best options on getting from Malaga town or airport to Marbella depends on your budget and time commitment. I found the most expensive options to be rental car, taxi or private transfer service. While taking a bus from downtown or the airport is the more budget friendly option, and the time commitment is not to long at approximately 60 minutes plus your wait time at either location. Or using the ride share app that’s well known in the area called Bla Bla car, which can work depending on the timeline and if works well with your schedule.
To get from Malaga to Marbella, you have a few transportation options, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are the most common methods:
Taxi: Taking a taxi is the most convenient but also the most expensive option. Taxis are readily available at the Malaga Airport and throughout the city. The journey to Marbella will take around 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the average cost is 75 Eur.
Rental Car: If you prefer more independence and flexibility, you can rent a car at Malaga Airport or in the city. Follow the signs for the A-7 or AP-7 highway (toll road) and follow signs straight to Marbella. This option allows you to explore the surrounding areas as well, total transport time will take about 37 miles or around 45 minutes
Ride share service – you can use the app to try to find a ride share on Bla Bla car which tend to also be fast and limited amount of passengers and a typical set location for pick up and drop off. You can download the app here for your cell service.
Bus: The local bus company, Avanza or Alsa, operates a bus service from Malaga or Malaga airport to Marbella You can catch the bus at the Malaga Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses) located near the city center. The journey takes about 70 minutes and will cost you approximately 8 Euro which is budget friendly but takes longer.
Traveling from Málaga to Marbella by bus is convenient and affordable, with two main operators providing regular services:
1. Avanza Bus
- Route & Frequency: Avanza offers frequent direct buses from Málaga’s main bus station and Málaga Airport to Marbella’s central bus station.
- Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the specific service.
- Ticket Price: Typically ranges from €5 to €9.
- Booking & Information: Tickets can be purchased online at avanzabus.com or at the bus stations.
2. ALSA Bus
- Route & Frequency: ALSA operates several daily services between Málaga and Marbella, including options from Málaga Airport.
- Duration: Approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
- Ticket Price: Generally between €4 and €7.
- Booking & Information: Tickets and schedules are available at alsa.com.
Both operators provide reliable and comfortable services, making bus travel a practical choice for reaching Marbella from Málaga. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Airport Transfer Service: If you’re arriving at Malaga Airport, you can book an airport transfer service in advance. This option provides convenience and comfort, as a driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your destination in Marbella. you can inquire with transfer services at the airport to take you directly to your destination.
Tip – buy your bus tickets to Marbella in advance because service attendants are not always available at the airport and the bus can fill up quickly since the service originates in Malaga city and drops by the airport.
Each of these options has its advantages, so choose the one that best suits your schedule, budget, and preferences for transportation.
How to get around the city of Marbella
Once you get to the main Marbella station, everything is walkable from the shops, plazas and walking promenades. If you need to get to some of the other attractions and outlying areas, you can easily catch a taxi or local bus service. The city is very well connected by public transportation, but you can easily get around the city, beach areas and most attractions by foot.
Top things to do around Marbella
Once you are in the center of town, the Old town, harbor area and other districts are relatively easy to get to. Here are the top sites to visit in the city:
Check out the top fun and places to explore around Marbella here to discover the best things to do in town.
Visit the Old town of Marbella
No hills to walk and climb through, Marbella’s Old Quarter called Casco antiguo de Marbella. The Old town district is located right in the downtown district and filled with narrow streets and alleyways to connect to the various squares in the area. The streets and squares are filled with galleries, tourist shops, bars, restaurant and other hang out type of places to enjoy the vibe, outdoor lifestyle and casual nature of the city’s Old Town appeal.
Beautiful walking promenades with colorful flowers spilling out of containers from windows and doorways make the historic buildings, churches and shops so wonderful to explore. The main public square in the quarter is called Plaza de los Naranjos – Orange Square with a 15th century fountain, the 16 century town hall and a beautiful 17th century church all within the main square area. Taking in the narrow streets, boutique stores, bars and restaurants feels like Old Spain, although here, a more upscale version of the Old Town area.
Harbor area of Marbella
Marbella’s harbor area is a lively and scenic spot in the city to enjoy the marina, sailing vessels and some maritime shops and eating venues that cater to a more upscale audience base. The harbor area is colorful and active, a great place to watch the harbor goings on, ships leaving or arriving and fishing vessels getting ready for the days or nights fishing trawls.
Puerto Cabopino Beach
The main beach in Marbella is called Puerto Cabopino, which translates to Pine Cape Beach,. Far from the glitzy parts of Marbella’s resorts, shops and restaurants, this natural beach area is lovely and filled with sand dunes, pine trees and rolling waves softly breaking onto the beach. You’ll also find a complete services and amenities available from the beach and offering visitors easy parking, casual restaurants and bars, and public restrooms.
Family friendly and fun, all visitors appreciate Puerto Cabopino’s atmosphere, casual nature and gentle waters. You’ll also find nearby restaurants and bars, easy ample parking and restrooms.
Walk along the boardwalk area of Marbella
The boardwalk area of Marbella is scenic, filled with outdoor activities and really nice views to enjoy any time of the day. The boardwalk called Senda Litoral de Malaga, is busy all day long but early mornings or late afternoon is best to avoid the extreme heat out by the water.
Relax at Alameda Park
Located in the main thoroughfare of the city is an urban oasis right in the center of town. The tall and mature plantings of trees and greenery add to a nice getaway vibe. Gorgeous ceramic benches, the Virgen del Rocio fountain is a wonderful place to just hang out and enjoy the people watching and everyday life occurring at the park.
Lush and quiet this established garden is the perfect place to relax after being outdoors and looking for some beautiful plantings, enjoy nature in the middle of the metropolis and a cool place to sit and relax for a bit.
Marbella Golf courses
If you love golfing, then this is a very popular pastime here with many resorts having their own courses that you will pay top dollar to experience. One of the most popular is Los Naranjos Golf Club, which is located down the coast from central Marbella near Puerto Banús. Recent visitors said the greens are immaculately kept and that the staff was friendly and helpful and prices that change between the different seasons. Here’s a few more places below
29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
Marbella Golf Country Club
N-340, Km.188, 29604 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Santa Clara Golf Marbella
Calle Sand, Autovía del Mediterráneo, 17, Km 187,5, 29603 Marbella, Málaga, Spain
Here’s some other top places to visit around Marbella
When you want to explore and see more here some of the other popular attractions to visit in town:
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
Puerto Banús
Museo Ralli Marbella
Avenida del Mar
Paseo Marítimo
Old Town Beach Marbella centre
Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo
La Cañada Shopping
Dining options around Marbella
You can definitely find a broad range of dining venues from affordable to outrageously expensive in Marbella. Here are a few options of places that offer views, great food or a nice venue overall:
1. Local Tapas Bars (Budget-Friendly & Authentic)
- El Estrecho (Old Town)
- Traditional Andalusian tapas, cozy vibe
- Great prices, especially for local wine and jamón
- Bar El Comercio
- Popular with locals for daily specials and no-frills seafood
- Affordable raciones (larger portions to share)
2. Chiringuitos (Beachfront Grills)
- Chiringuito Los Tony’s (San Pedro Beach)
- Grilled sardines (espetos), seafood paella, relaxed setting
- Excellent value for beachfront dining
- Chiringuito Pepes Bar (Marbella Beachfront)
- Well-priced drinks and fresh seafood, family-friendly
- Local favorite for sunset meals
3. Menu del Día Spots (Fixed Lunch Menus)
- Venta Los Pacos (near Marbella center)
- Traditional Spanish dishes, homemade feel
- Great set lunch menu under €15
- Café Bar Central
- Centrally located, reliable for daily changing menus
- Includes starter, main, drink, and dessert or coffee
4. Ethnic and International Eats (Affordable Global Flavors)
- La Cocina (Indian Fusion)
- Popular for flavorful curries and budget-friendly lunch deals
- Naranjas de la China (Asian Fusion)
- Creative plates at mid-range prices, especially good for sharing
5. Takeaway & Casual Bites
- Casa Curro
- Great for grabbing a bocadillo (Spanish sandwich) or empanada
- Manuka
- Healthy fast-casual spot with plant-based and organic options
- Offers filling meals at fair prices
Check out these other posts to visiting the city and surrounding areas
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Conclusion
The easiest and most efficient way to get from Málaga to Marbella is by taking a direct bus, which runs frequently from Málaga’s main bus station and the airport to Marbella’s central bus terminal. The journey takes about 60 minutes to an hour, is affordable, and avoids the hassle of parking. While there’s no direct train, renting a car is another good option if you want flexibility to explore the coast along the way. Taxis or private transfers are convenient but cost significantly more. For most travelers, the bus strikes the best balance between comfort, price, and convenience.
Thanks for visiting Travel Photo Discovery and checking out this post on visiting Marbella from Malaga.
About author – Noel Morata
After relocating from the United States to Andalusia in 2020, I’ve made it my mission to discover every corner of Spain. Based just east of Granada, I’ve spent over 12 months exploring Valencia province and the rest of Spain, including multiple extended visits to Marbella throughout different seasons. My background in Spanish cultural studies and years of residence and exploring all of Spain have given me unique insight into the region’s historical significance, local customs, and culinary traditions.
I regularly update my guides with the latest information gathered through personal visits and relationships with local tourism officials, always seeking what’s new and exciting in each destination. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m passionate about discovering authentic local markets and regional specialties.
Last updated: April 2024 based on my most recent visit
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