How To Get From Malaga Airport To The City Centre By Train

Like the majority of airports, Malaga airport is quite some distance from the city centre. However, thanks to a modern and efficient public transport network, it is quick and easy to get from the airport to the historic centre of Malaga by train. I have prepared all the information you will ever need in getting from Malaga airport to the city centre. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to arrive at Malaga city centre quickly and cheaply. You will find out about ticket prices, train times, where to get on and off and other practical information. We have even included the full train timetable from Malaga airport to Malaga Centro Alameda train station.

How To Get From Malaga Airport To The City Centre by Train

If your hotel or apartment is located in the historic centre of Malaga, the train is a practical option to consider. The train station at Malaga airport couldn’t be easier to find. As you come out of the departure terminal, once you go through the automatic doors, the station is just in front of you. Trains run every 20 minutes from Malaga airport to the city centre. The final stop on the line is Malaga Centro Alameda, which is minutes from Calle Larios and the historic centre.

Malaga Centro Alameda station, to give you an idea, is near to most parts of the historic centre. Soho is only a few minutes walk, Calle Larios a 5-minute walk and Malaga cathedral about a 7 minute walk.

Let me explain how you get from Malaga airport to the city centre in more detail.

Where To Catch The Train To Malaga Centre From Malaga Airport

The train station at Malaga Airport is conveniently situated just outside the arrivals terminal. As you pas through the sliding doors to exit the building, you will find the train station directly in front of you. Once you pass through the sliding doors, you will be outside the arrivals terminal. This could be described as a large outdoor space or pedestrianized area. Just keep walking, keep to the left, and the train station should be about 100 meters or so from the arrivals terminal.

Once at the train station, you will need to buy a ticket using Euro coins or a debit card, as the ticket machines except both. Once you have your ticket, you can go down the escalator to the platforms. If you are heading to Malaga city centre by train, it is important to select the platform with direction of Malaga Centro Alameda. In case you are heading to the Costa del Sol, select the trains that go in the direction of Fuengirola. The train service that serves Malaga airport is the line C1.

Which Station Do I Get Off The Train From Malaga Airport When I Arrive A The City Centre?

Since most of you will be staying in or around the historic centre, Malaga Centro Alameda is the end of the line and the closest station to the historic part of Malaga. Depending on where your accommodation is, you could walk or get a taxi to your hotel or apartment. If your hotel is not close to the Malaga Centro Alameda train station, you could opt to get off at the main train station. This station is Malaga Maria Zambrano, and it is one stop before the end of the line terminus, Malaga Centro Alameda. Since it is the main railway station for Malaga high-speed train services, there are plenty of taxis waiting outside. You can also catch the line 1 bus that goes as far as Paseo del Parque.

This option is ideal if your hotel is not in the area of the Malaga Centro Alameda station. You can easily alight here and get a taxi to your accommodation, wherever it might be in Malaga.

How Much Does The Train Cost From Malaga Airport To The City Centre?

The cost of train travel in Spain is quite reasonable compared to other European countries. The train from Malaga airport to the centre of Malaga is no exception. A single ticket from Malaga airport to Malaga Centro Alameda (historic centre) is just 1.80 Euros. Travel time from the airport to the centre of Malaga is approximately 12 minutes.

This means opting to take the train from Malaga airport to the historic centre is not only cheap, but fast. As I mentioned before, you can purchase your tickets at Malaga airport. There are automatic ticket machines inside the airport train station. There is no need to book tickets in advance or online.

Train Times From Malaga Airport To The Historic Centre

While trains are frequent, every 20 minutes, they don’t run 24 hours a day. The first train departs Malaga airport at 06:44 and will arrive at Malaga Centro Alameda at 06:56. The last train departs Malaga airport at 00:54 and arrives at Malaga Centro Alameda at 01:06. Starting from 07:54 train run every 20 minutes at 14, 34 and 54 minutes past the hour. The times remain the same all week, including weekends.

The trains are always on time and the service is very reliable. It usually takes a few minutes to purchase your ticket and reach the platforms. However, it could take longer at busy periods as people Que for an available ticket machine. It is important to remember that travelers may not be familiar with how the ticket machines work. Allow time to buy tickets, and be patient with fellow travellers.

I have prepared an easy to understand time table showing each departure time and arrival time. Departure times are from Malaga airport and arrival times are for Malaga Centro Alameda. This station is just 5 minutes walk from Calle Larios and the historic centre of Malaga. The times are for everyday of the week, including weekends.

What To See And Do In Malaga

Once you have arrived at Malaga Centro Alameda train station, you will be in the heart of Malaga. I have highlighted a few must visit places that you should enjoy. You can read more about all the attractions and things to do in Malaga by browsing this website. So, here are the must-visit places you really should view when in Malaga.

Málaga Cathedral: Known as “La Manquita” (the One-Armed Lady) due to its unfinished south tower, Málaga Cathedral is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1528 and continued for over 250 years, resulting in a blend of styles. The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, featuring beautiful chapels, a grand altar, and intricate choir stalls.

Alcazaba: This palatial fortress, built in the 11th century, is one of the best-preserved Moorish fortifications in Spain. The Alcazaba offers a fascinating glimpse into Málaga’s Islamic past with its beautiful gardens, fountains, and stunning views of the city and the sea. It’s connected to the higher Gibralfaro Castle by a walled corridor, adding to its historical significance.

Roman Theatre: Situated at the foot of the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre is the oldest monument in Málaga, dating back to the 1st century BC. It was used until the 3rd century AD and rediscovered in 1951. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved structure and learn about its history at the adjacent interpretation center.

Picasso Museum: Located in the Palacio de Buenavista, the Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection of works by Málaga’s most famous son, Pablo Picasso. The museum showcases over 200 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics, offering a comprehensive look at the artist’s prolific career. The museum itself is a blend of Renaissance and modern architecture, making it a cultural landmark.

Explore The Old Town: Malaga has a beautiful historic centre to enjoy exploring. Walk along Calle Granada with souvenir shops and restaurants, take a selfie with the fountain in Plaza de la Constitucion and browse some brands on Calle Larios. Malaga has lovely narrow streets, old churches and charming plazas all waiting to be discovered.

Conclusion

The train from Malaga airport to the city centre is, in my opinion, the cheapest and fastest way to get to the centre of Malaga. It is important to research and consider the distance from the train station to your accommodation. If your accommodation is a long walk from Malaga Centro Alameda train station, then bus or taxi might be a better option. If your hotel is in the lower part of the historic centre or Soho, then the train would be the best option.

Just 12 minutes from the airport to the city centre on board fast modern trains. I think this option should be at the top of your list when planning getting from Malaga airport to the city centre.

You can find out more about the C1 train line by visiting the RENFE website here.