Malaga Airport Guide 2026: Transport, Terminals & Tips
Updated: 8 October 2026 · Sam Deguin
Landing at Malaga Airport (AGP)? The C1 train reaches Malaga Centro Alameda in about 12 minutes. The A Express bus costs €4 and serves several city-centre stops. For door-to-door travel, compare an official taxi with a live app quote or a pre-booked transfer.
Malaga Airport to the city centre: quick comparison
| Transport | Price | Journey | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| C1 train | Check Renfe fare | About 12 minutes to Centro Alameda | Central accommodation near the station; 8 minutes to Maria Zambrano. |
| A Express bus | €4 per person | Allow 15–30 minutes, depending on traffic | City-centre stops and the port / La Malagueta area. |
| Official taxi | Metered fare; airport supplement €6.49 | Allow 15 minutes or more | Door-to-door travel, luggage and groups; check night and holiday tariffs. |
| Uber, Bolt or Cabify | Live quote in the app | Depends on traffic and pick-up | Compare the quoted total with a taxi before confirming. |
| Pre-booked transfer | Quote for your vehicle and destination | Depends on traffic | A pre-arranged meeting point; check luggage and child seats. |
Arriving late? Public transport does not run throughout the night. Check your date and direction in the official A Express timetable and C1 train information before you travel; allow time for luggage and passport control.
Train, bus, taxi and transfer details
Perhaps the most important information in a guide to Malaga Airport is how to get to the city and vice versa. The good news is that the airport has excellent public transport connections to the city centre as follows:
By train
The local train service (cercanías) runs between Malaga Airport and the city centre (the stop is next to the river at the north end of the Alameda Principal. At the airport, follow the train signs – look for the large red C – to reach the station just outside the departures exit.
Train times: use the official C1 timetable link for your date and direction. The first and last services differ between the airport and the city; do not assume a train is available for a very early flight or after a late arrival.
Train frequency: every 20 minutes.
Journey time: about 12 minutes to Malaga Centro Alameda, or 8 minutes to Malaga Maria Zambrano.
Price: check the current Renfe single-ticket fare for your journey. Fares depend on the number of zones travelled.
Paying for the train: note that you can pay for your trip by debit or credit card. Just ‘tap’ your card on the barrier when you enter the station and ‘tap’ out again (with the same card) when you exit the barrier at Malaga. You do not need to queue to buy a ticket at the machine.
Why take the train instead of the bus? It’s cheaper and quicker, although the train doesn’t take you beyond the Alameda. Check the first train before choosing it for an early flight.
Train accessibility: the walk to the train station is completely flat and there are lifts down to the platform. Wheelchair access is available to get on the train.
Watch your stuff on the train
Several Guide to Malaga users have written to us to warn of pickpockets on the Cercanías train between Malaga Airport and the city. The train gets very crowded and pickpockets take advantage to steal wallets, bags and other belongings. Keep your stuff close to you, particularly valuables – we’d advise carrying them in front of your body to keep an extra eye on them.
By bus
A dedicated bus service (A) runs between the airport and the city centre. It has several stops including Plaza General Torrijos, Plaza de la Marina, Alameda Principal, Avda de Andalucía (outside the Corte Inglés department store), bus station and train station. At the airport, follow the bus signs to the bus stop, outside on the main esplanade.
Bus times: check the A Express timetable and next departures for your travel date. The timetable checked in October includes late services, but the bus does not run continuously through the night.
Bus frequency: between 7am and midnight, approximately every 20-25 minutes.
Journey time: between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
Price: €4. You can’t use the bus multi-journey card for the airport bus.
Why take the bus instead of the train? It’s the best option if your hotel accommodation is in the city centre or near La Malagueta. For late travel, check the last departure rather than assuming an overnight service is available. It is, however, more expensive and can be held up in traffic.
Discover how to get around Malaga by bus
By car
Malaga has plenty of car hire options, most of which are within easy reach of the airport. Be careful you choose a reputable company and look out for hidden extras.
Read our guide to car hire in Malaga for lots of tips and advice.
Why take a car instead of the train, bus or taxi? You want your own wheels to explore outside Malaga on a day trip or you’d like the option of a car while you’re staying in the city.
By taxi
Malaga has one main taxi company providing services between the airport and the city centre: Unitaxi (952 333 333). If you’re travelling from the airport to somewhere on the Costa del Sol, the taxi company is Taxi Union (tel: 952 040 404).
Journey time: at least 15 minutes.
Price: taxis use a meter. The official 2026 Malaga tariffs specify an airport supplement of €6.49, different minimum fares by time/day, and a €2.23 supplement for journeys between midnight and 6am. The final fare depends on distance, waiting and applicable supplements; ask the driver which tariff applies before setting off.
Why take the taxi instead of the bus or train? There are several of you, you have heavy luggage and/or your accommodation in Malaga isn’t near a bus stop or the train station.
Note that if you get a taxi to Malaga Airport from anywhere in the city, regular fares apply with the official 2026 airport supplement of €6.49.
By VTC
Bolt, Uber and Cabify all operate in Malaga and provide services between the Airport and city centre. To use these services, you need to download the appropriate app on your mobile phone. VTC services drop you off outside the Departures Terminal when you get to the Airport. If you’re getting an Uber or Cabify from the Airport, the pick-up area is outside the Arrivals building. Walk outside towards the bus stops, go straight ahead for Uber or turn left for other VTC services.
Price: check the live quote in your chosen app; demand, availability and destination affect the price.
Why use a VTC instead of a taxi? You can see an app quote in advance. Compare the total rather than assuming it is always cheaper.
By private transfer
Malaga has several companies offering private transport services from Malaga Airport to your destination. Compare private airport transfers.
Price: confirm the total for your vehicle, passengers, luggage and destination before booking. Check whether child seats, waiting time and flight delays are included.
Why use a private transfer instead of a taxi? Personalised service that you can book in advance.
Now you know how to reach Malaga from the Airport, read our guide to where to stay in the city.
Practicalities
A guide to Malaga Airport should also include logistics, such as the following:
Terminals
The airport has 3 terminals, although T3 is the main terminal for arrivals and departures. You may need to go to T2 if you’re checking in luggage with airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair. T1, the original terminal, is rarely used nowadays. You can walk between all terminals.
Top tip – if you’re checking in luggage in T2 allow extra time before your flight departs. You may have to walk quite a way,
Arrivals
Once you leave your plane and collect your luggage, you’ll reach the arrivals hall. Exit through the main doors to leave the airport.
If you’re catching a train or bus, follow the signs to your right. When you exit the airport, the Cercanías train station is directly ahead of you down an escalator. The bus stop is slightly to the right.
If you need a taxi, look for the rank outside the airport to the far right. VTC (Uber etc) cars pick up from the area directly ahead of the airport exit.
Drop off pick up
If someone is giving you a lift to or from the airport, there are two drop-off and pick-up points:
- Upper floor (departures) in the Parking Express car park. To get there from Arrivals, go up two floors (via the lifts on the left-hand side as you pass through the security door) and walk outside. The Parking Express is in front of you – walk a short distance to the right to access its entrance.
- Lower floor (ground level, arrivals) in the main car parks. To get there from Arrivals, go one floor (via the lifts or stairs on the left-hand side as you pass through the security door) and follow the signs to the car parks.
Note for drivers: the Parking Express has no charge for cars who spend less than 15 minutes in the car park, making it a cheap option but one that needs careful timing if you’re picking up. If you use the regular car parks, remember where your car is parked and take a note of the location (we have walked around for ages looking for our car!).
Car hire
If you’re hiring a car in Malaga and have pre-booked at the airport, you should make your way to the car hire offices. These are located in the terminal basement (S2 button in the lift) and in the car park.
Departures
If you have luggage to check in, make your way to the correct check-in desk. Some are located in T3 – those for long-haul flights are situated to the far right – while others are in T2. All passengers must pass through security in T3.
Passport control
If you’re travelling within Schengen (e.g. to Italy or the Netherlands), you don’t go through passport control.
If you’re travelling outside Schengen (e.g. to the UK or Ireland), you’ll need to pass through immigration to get to your departure gate in area B or C.
Allow extra time for this step because queues form quickly and there often aren’t enough immigration counters/e-gate machines to cope.
Entry/Exit System at Malaga Airport
The Entry/Exit System (EES) registers eligible non-EU nationals crossing the Schengen external border for a short stay. It does not apply to every passenger: EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and certain other travellers are exempt. Check the official eligibility rules for your nationality and residence status.
Registration is done via a machine, which takes your biometrics (photo and fingerprints) and records your data within the EES. This system automatically records your entry and exit dates, so eligible travellers’ border crossings are recorded electronically.
We have a comprehensive guide to this registration process, including a link to the Travel to Europe app where you can pre-register. Read all about EES in Malaga.
How early should I arrive for a flight departing from Malaga Airport?
If your flight is within Schengen, you don’t need to go through passport control. You must, however, go through security, which can sometimes be busy. As a planning buffer, we recommend at least two hours, and more if your airline advises it or you need to check in luggage. This is guidance, not a live queue forecast.
If your flight is outside Schengen (e.g. to the UK, Ireland or the US), allow time for check-in, security and passport control. We recommend arriving at least three hours before departure; follow your airline’s instructions and allow extra time at busy periods. First-time EES registration may add another step. Historic queue reports do not tell you today’s waiting time.
Read our FAQs about the Entry/Exit System at Malaga Airport
Facilities
This section of our guide to Malaga Airport has information about facilities available at the airport, listed alphabetically.
Assistance & Accessibility
If you need assistance at Malaga Airport, book it at least 48 hours before your flight. You can do via the AENA website or by calling 913 211 000 (open daily 7am to midnight).
There are numerous assistance points around the airport. Look for the list in Reduced Mobility on the website.
Malaga Airport is fully accessible, with ramps where necessary and wide lifts. All toilet facilities have accessible cubicles.
Cash
Currency exchange offices are located in the arrivals hall and in departures. If you require cash, you’ll find ATMs at seven locations around the airport. They accept American Express, Cirrus, EC, JCB, Maestro, Mastercard, Plus, Union Pay, Visa and Visa Electron cards.
Currency Exchange
You can find currency exchange services in Malaga Airport in three locations:
Arrivals hall – open 7.30am to 11.30pm.
Departure area D – open 6am to 9.15pm
Departure area B-C – open 5am to 9pm.
Emergency
The medical centre is on the arrivals floor (downstairs from departures) and located to the right of the main entrance. SAEDs (defibrillators) are at various points around the airport. If you need any medical help, ask any member of airline or airport staff.
Lost property
If you lose something while you’re at the airport, contact your airline in the first instance. Or contact the lost property office in T3 behind check-in desks 363-385 or via objetosperdidosagp@aena.es.
Tourist office
See the location of other tourist offices in Malaga
VAT returns
If you’re a non-EU national and qualify for a VAT refund, make your way to the office in T3 to the right of security. The office is open Monday to Friday 6.30am to 10pm and weekends 7am to midnight.
Top tip – if you need to file for a VAT refund, allow extra time before your flight leaves (at least 45 minutes).
VIP lounges
If you’re wondering which are the best airport lounges at Malaga Airport, there are only two and you can only access one per departure area – D for Schengen flights and C for non-Schengen flights. You can stay for up to 4 hours before your flight departs (up to 3 hours at peak times, e.g. Christmas). Access costs around €45 per person – you can buy tickets check Aena lounge tickets and current prices.
VIP lounge – in the Schengen area on the second floor of T2, open 5am to 10pm. It offers a long list of extras, including food and drink (special dietary needs are catered for), wifi, a meeting room, consoles and video games, as well as rest areas.
Relax & Go – in the non-Schengen area on the first floor of T2 between gates C30 and C31, open 11am to 7pm. It offers food and drink, wifi and flight information.
Wifi
Malaga Airport runs a free wifi service. Look for the Airport Free Wifi Aena on your phone or tablet. It does for basic messaging and browsing but tends to get stuck if you want to upload or download something.
Shops at Malaga Airport
If you didn’t manage to get in enough shopping in Malaga city or have time to spare, you’ll be pleased to know that the airport has a good selection of shops. You can shop till you drop at several designer stores including Desigual, Natura and Superdry. Victoria’s Secret and Tous also have branches.
As well as the giant duty-free shop, you can also buy food and wine at Foodies, specialising in typical produce from Spain. This is a good (if pricey) spot to stock up on olive oil and Malaga wine if you’re travelling cabin luggage only.
Read more about shopping in Malaga
Eating and drinking
You’re not exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to eateries at Malaga Airport, but there are some goodies amongst the usual succession of fast food outlets and coffee venues. They include Bibo Dani Garcia (based on Dani Garcia’s Bibo restaurant in Marbella) and Kirey by Kabuki (Japanese and Mediterranean fusion food).
Top tip – you’ll find drinking water dispensors outside the toilets in all departure areas.
Or you can buy a bottles from machines and at the cafés (€1 for 330ml).
About Malaga Airport
A guide to Malaga Airport wouldn’t be complete with a bit of background to the airport itself. It started life in 1919 and ranks as one of the oldest airports in Spain. It wasn’t until 1946, however, that the airport started operating domestic and international flights.
Malaga Airport currently ranks as the fourth busiest in Spain (behind Madrid, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca). In 2025, 26.8 million passengers passed through Malaga Airport, the highest ever. The figure for 2026 is expected to equal or exceed the 2025 statistics.
Why is Malaga Airport code AGP?
First time visitors might be surprised that the AGP Malaga Airport code has very little to do with the city’s name. In fact, you might not associate AGP with Malaga at all!
The reason is simple – other places in the world had taken all the other ‘obvious’ codes. For example, MAL and MLG are the codes for Mangole and Malange Airports (both in Indonesia) and MGA is the code for Managua, the capital of Nicaragua.
So, the IATA had to create a new combination for Malaga and came up with AG (from the name) and added a random P. The result? The AGP Malaga Airport code.
Anything missing from our guide to Malaga Airport? Let us know.
Malaga Airport: frequently asked questions
The C1 train takes about 12 minutes to Malaga Centro Alameda, or 8 minutes to Maria Zambrano. The A Express bus costs €4 and stops at several central locations. Taxis, app-booked cars and pre-booked transfers provide door-to-door options.
Yes. Follow the train signs from the terminal to the Cercanias station. C1 serves Malaga Centro Alameda in one direction and destinations including Benalmadena and Fuengirola in the other. Check Renfe for your date, direction and fare.
Some A Express departures are after midnight, but the bus is not a continuous all-night service. Consult EMT’s timetable for your exact travel date and leave time to collect luggage and clear passport control. Have a taxi or transfer option if you miss the last departure.
For departures outside Schengen, follow the signs for your gate area and pass through passport control after security. The guide covers the non-Schengen B/C gate areas. Follow your boarding pass and the airport screens, as gate assignments can change.
We recommend allowing at least two hours for a Schengen departure and at least three hours for a non-Schengen departure. These are planning buffers, not live waiting-time estimates. Follow your airline’s instructions and allow extra time for bags, busy periods and any EES registration.
No. EES registers eligible non-EU nationals crossing the Schengen external border for a short stay. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals and certain other travellers are exempt. Check the official European EES guidance for your nationality and residence status.
Once you have arranged your arrival, use our Malaga events calendar, Malaga museums guide and monthly weather guide to plan the rest of your trip.
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