How to Travel to Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol, with its stunning coastline and vibrant cities, is a popular destination in southern Spain. Whether you prefer the convenience of flying, the flexibility of driving, or the scenic experience of a train journey, there are multiple ways to reach this Mediterranean paradise.
By Plane
Malaga Airport (AGP)
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel to Malaga is by plane. There are usually many flights to choose from each week and the flight takes approximately 3 hours from mostly countries in Europe. You will find more flights from spring to autumn. The highest ticket prices are in July and August.
The main gateway to Costa del Sol is Malaga Airport, one of Spain’s busiest international airports. Located just 8 km from Malaga city center, it offers a wide range of flights from major cities across Europe and beyond.
Key Information:
- Airlines: Major airlines such as Iberia, British Airways, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate frequent flights.
- Facilities: The airport provides a range of services including car rentals, taxis, buses, and direct trains to various destinations along Costa del Sol.
- Transportation from the Airport:
- Train: The Cercanías train line C1 connects the airport with Malaga city center, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola.
- Bus: Various bus services operate from the airport to different parts of Costa del Sol.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminals for direct transfers to your destination
By Car from Malaga
Traveling by car offers the flexibility to explore the beautiful landscapes and towns of Costa del Sol at your own pace. The region is well-connected by an extensive network of highways and scenic routes.
Driving Routes:
- From Malaga Airport: The A-7 (Autovía del Mediterráneo) is the primary coastal highway that runs through Costa del Sol, connecting Malaga with other major towns such as Marbella, Estepona, and Nerja.
- From Madrid: The A-4 highway links Madrid to the south, transitioning to the A-45 towards Malaga.
- From Seville: Take the A-92 eastbound, then connect to the A-45 south to Malaga.
Car Rentals: Numerous car rental agencies operate at Malaga Airport and throughout Costa del Sol, offering a range of vehicles to suit your travel needs.
By Train
Spain’s efficient rail network provides a comfortable and scenic way to reach Costa del Sol, with high-speed and regional train services available.
High-Speed Train (AVE):
- Madrid to Malaga: The AVE high-speed train connects Madrid’s Atocha Station to Malaga in approximately 2.5 hours. These trains are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant journey.
- Other Connections: Direct AVE trains also link Malaga with other major cities such as Barcelona and Seville.
Regional Trains:
- Cercanías Service: The local Cercanías trains (line C1) run frequently between Malaga and key coastal towns including Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola.
Train Stations:
- Malaga María Zambrano: The main train station in Malaga offers connections to AVE, regional, and local trains. It’s conveniently located near the city center, with easy access to buses and taxis
Gibraltar airport (GIB)
While Malaga Airport is the primary gateway, Gibraltar Airport also serves as a convenient entry point, especially for visitors from the UK.
Flight Information:
- Airlines: British Airways, EasyJet, and Wizz Air operate regular flights between Gibraltar and various UK cities.
Direct flights to Costa del Sol are not available from Gibraltar, but you can take advantage of the convenient road links and short driving distances. The other side of Gibraltar on Spanish boarder is town called La linea de la Concepcion.
Driving Routes from Gibraltar:
- From Gibraltar to Malaga: The journey from Gibraltar to Malaga is approximately 135 km and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Follow the A-7 (Autovía del Mediterráneo) eastbound for a scenic coastal drive.
- From Gibraltar to Marbella: Marbella is about 75 km from Gibraltar, and the drive takes roughly 1 hour via the A-7.
Whether you are travelling to Spain by plane, car, bus or train, once you arrive in Andalusia you will enjoy the sunshine, blue skies, sea and delicious food 🙂