Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is Andalusia's primary international gateway and Spain's fourth busiest airport, serving over 20 million passengers annually. Located approximately 8 km southwest of Málaga city center, the airport is the main entry point for the Costa del Sol tourist region, including Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and Nerja.

The airport has three terminals:

• Terminal 2 (T2): The older terminal handling mainly budget carriers and some international flights. Ryanair and other low-cost carriers operate primarily from T2.
• Terminal 3 (T3): The modern main terminal opened in 2010, handling the majority of international traffic. Most scheduled carriers including easyJet, Vueling, British Airways, and Lufthansa operate from T3.
• Terminal 1 (T1): Currently unused for regular passenger operations; primarily serves private aviation.

Key fact: T2 and T3 are connected by a walkway and share the same arrivals hall. This makes connections between these terminals straightforward without leaving the terminal complex.

The airport experiences significant seasonal variation, with summer months (June-September) being extremely busy due to holiday traffic to the Costa del Sol.

AGP is located 8 km southwest of Málaga city center. Transport options connect to Málaga, the Costa del Sol resorts, and beyond:

Method	Time to Málaga Centro	Cost
Cercanías C1 Train	12 min	€1.90
Bus A Express	20-25 min	€3
Taxi	15-20 min	€20-25
Cabify/Bolt	15-25 min	€15-25

For Costa del Sol destinations:

Destination	Best Method	Time	Cost
Torremolinos	Train C1	8 min	€1.90
Fuengirola	Train C1	25 min	€2.80
Marbella	Bus or Taxi	45-60 min	€8-10 (bus) / €60-80 (taxi)
Nerja	Bus	60-90 min	€5-7
Granada	Bus or Train	1.5-2 hours	€12-20

Traffic on the coastal A-7 motorway can be heavy during summer weekends. Plan extra time for road journeys to beach resorts.

Important: Uber does not operate effectively in Spain due to regulations. Use Cabify or official taxis.

Taxis

Official taxis (white with blue diagonal stripe) use meters with regulated tariffs:

Typical fares from AGP:

• Málaga city center: €20-25
• Torremolinos: €18-22
• Benalmádena: €25-30
• Fuengirola: €40-50
• Marbella: €60-80
• Puerto Banús: €70-90
• Nerja: €70-85
• Granada: €150-180

Details:

• Taxi ranks located outside arrivals in T2 and T3
• Available 24/7
• Airport supplement of approximately €5 included
• Fixed rates available for many popular destinations - confirm before departure

Cabify and Bolt

Cabify and Bolt are the main rideshare apps in Spain:

• Download apps before arrival
• Pickup at designated VTC zones (follow signs)
• Fare to Málaga center: €15-25
• Payment through app
• Often 10-20% cheaper than taxis for city journeys

Private Transfers

Pre-booked private transfers are popular for Costa del Sol destinations, especially Marbella:

• Book through hotel or online services (Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer)
• Fixed prices regardless of traffic
• Useful for groups or families with luggage
• Typical Marbella transfer: €60-80

Cercanías C1 Train (Recommended for Málaga)

The Cercanías C1 commuter train connects the airport directly to Málaga city center and Costa del Sol towns.

Fare: €1.90 to Málaga Centro (Zone 2)

Journey times:

• Málaga María Zambrano (main station): 8 min
• Málaga Centro-Alameda: 12 min
• Torremolinos: 8 min (opposite direction)
• Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel: 15 min
• Fuengirola: 25 min

Station location: Ground floor of the terminal, directly beneath arrivals. Well-signed from both T2 and T3.

Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes

Operating hours: Approximately 5:30 AM to 11:45 PM

How to take the train to Málaga Centro:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to "Tren / Cercanías"
2. Take escalator or lift down to train platform level
3. Purchase ticket at machines (accepts cards and cash) or use contactless payment
4. Board train toward "Málaga Centro" (not Fuengirola direction)
5. Alight at Málaga Centro-Alameda for city center or María Zambrano for AVE connections

Tips:

• The train is significantly cheaper and often faster than taxi/bus to Málaga
• María Zambrano station connects to AVE high-speed trains to Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville
• For Fuengirola and the western Costa del Sol, take the train in the opposite direction (toward Fuengirola)

Bus Services

Bus A Express (airport to Málaga center):

• Route: Airport → Málaga Bus Station → Málaga Alameda
• Fare: €3
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
• Journey time: 20-25 minutes
• Operating hours: 6:30 AM to midnight

Portillo/Avanza buses (Costa del Sol and beyond):

• Services to Marbella, Estepona, and other coastal towns
• Buy tickets at the bus station (ground floor) or online
• Marbella: approximately €8-10, every 30-60 minutes

ALSA buses (long-distance):

• Granada: approximately €12-15, 1.5-2 hours
• Seville: approximately €20-25, 2.5-3 hours
• Córdoba: approximately €15-18, 2-2.5 hours

Late Night Transport

After midnight (when trains and most buses stop):

• Taxi is the primary option
• Pre-book private transfers for late arrivals
• Night bus service limited - check current schedules

AGP offers several parking options:

Terminal Parking

Lot	Location	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 General	Adjacent to terminals	From €15/day	2-3 min walk, covered
P2 Express	Closest to T3	€25/day	Short stays, 1-min walk

Long-Stay Parking

Lot	Daily Rate	Access
Long Stay	From €8/day	Free shuttle bus

Tips:

• Book online through AENA for savings up to 50%
• Summer months fill quickly - reserve in advance
• Long-stay parking offers good value for trips over 3 days
• Electric vehicle charging available in P1

Off-Site Parking

Several private car parks operate near the airport with shuttle service:

• Typically €5-8/day
• Book online (Holiday Extras, ParkCloud)
• Allow extra time for shuttle transfer

AGP offers reasonable dining options, with T3 having better variety:

Terminal 3 (Main Terminal)

Landside (before security):

• Costa Coffee: Coffee and light snacks
• Upper Crust: Baguettes and sandwiches
• Burger King: Fast food

Airside (after security):

• Lizarran: Spanish tapas and pintxos - good for authentic local food
• Enrique Tomás: Spanish ham specialist - excellent jamón ibérico
• Beer Garden: Casual dining with beer selection
• La Moraga: Mediterranean cuisine, sit-down restaurant
• Starbucks: Coffee and snacks
• McDonald's, Burger King: Fast food options

Terminal 2

Limited options:

• Basic café and snack bars
• Vending machines
• Better to eat in T3 if time permits

Tips:

• For authentic Spanish flavors, try Lizarran or Enrique Tomás
• Prices are elevated (30-40% above city prices)
• Eat before security if you have time - slightly better value landside
• Summer peak periods can see long queues at popular outlets

Free WiFi is available throughout the terminal.

Network name: "Airport_Free_Wifi_AENA"

How to connect:

1. Select the network
2. Open browser - redirected to AENA registration portal
3. Register with email or social account
4. Accept terms to connect

Details:

• Duration: Unlimited
• Speed: Adequate for browsing, email, and messaging apps
• Video streaming may buffer during peak times
• Coverage throughout T2 and T3

Tip: For more reliable connections, use lounge WiFi or your mobile data.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though prices are higher than in the city.

Airport Locations

Terminal 3:

• Vodafone: Arrivals area
• Orange: Near check-in hall
• Phone House: Multiple carrier SIMs
• Convenience stores in departures sell basic prepaid SIMs

Terminal 2:

• Limited options - buy in T3 or in the city

Spanish Carriers

• Movistar: Best overall coverage
• Vodafone: Strong network
• Orange: Competitive tourist plans
• Yoigo: Budget-friendly option

Pricing

Prepaid tourist SIMs start around €15-20 for 10-15GB data. Airport prices typically €5-10 higher than city shops.

Tips:

• Buy in Málaga city center (El Corte Inglés, carrier stores) for better prices
• EU roaming included on all Spanish SIMs for travel within Europe
• Consider eSIM options (Holafly, Airalo) ordered before arrival

ATMs are located throughout the terminal in arrivals and departures areas.

Banks with ATMs at AGP:

• CaixaBank
• Santander
• BBVA
• Euronet (avoid - high fees)

Currency: Euro (€)

Locations: Near arrivals exits, in check-in halls, and airside after security.

Currency exchange: Bureau de change available but rates are poor (5-10% markup typical). Use ATMs for better rates.

Tips:

• Use bank ATMs (CaixaBank, Santander, BBVA) rather than Euronet or Travelex machines
• When ATMs offer "dynamic currency conversion," always decline and choose euros
• Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout the Costa del Sol
• Some beach chiringuitos (beach bars) and small vendors may prefer cash

AGP offers decent shopping options, primarily in Terminal 3:

Duty-Free

Terminal 3:

• World Duty Free: Large store after security with Spanish wines, spirits, perfumes, and luxury goods
• Focus on Spanish products: olive oil, sherry, turrones

Terminal 2:

• Smaller duty-free selection
• Basic convenience items

Notable Stores (T3)

• WHSmith: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Accessorize: Fashion accessories
• Parfois: Affordable accessories (Portuguese brand)
• Spanish souvenir shops: Flamenco items, ceramics, fans

Spanish Products Worth Buying

• Olive oil: Andalusia produces some of Spain's finest extra virgin
• Sherry: Jerez wines from nearby Jerez de la Frontera
• Jamón ibérico: Vacuum-packed cured ham
• Manchego cheese: Classic Spanish cheese
• Turrones: Traditional Spanish nougat (especially pre-Christmas)

Tip: The duty-free shop has reasonable prices on Spanish wines and sherries. Look for local Málaga sweet wines (Málaga Virgen).

Priority Pass Lounges

Terminal 3:

• Sala VIP Lounge Picasso: Located after security in T3, near gates B. Open to Priority Pass members. Offers hot and cold buffet, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, WiFi, and comfortable seating. Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Can be busy during peak summer periods.

Pay-Per-Use

Day passes available at Sala VIP Picasso (approximately €35-40) or book online through LoungeBuddy.

Credit Card Access

• American Express Platinum cardholders can access via Priority Pass
• Various premium cards include Priority Pass membership
• Check your card benefits before travel

Airline Lounges

Limited airline-specific lounges at AGP:

• British Airways uses the Sala VIP for eligible passengers
• Most passengers use the shared Priority Pass lounge

Note: AGP has fewer lounge options than major hub airports. The Sala VIP Picasso is the main option for most travelers seeking lounge access.

At/Near the Airport

AC Hotel Málaga Palacio is not at the airport but is close to the train for easy access.

There are no hotels directly connected to AGP terminal. Options near the airport:

• Holiday Inn Express Málaga Airport: 5-minute drive from terminal. Modern, reliable budget-to-mid-range option. Free shuttle. From €70/night.

• Ibis Málaga Aeropuerto Avenida Velázquez: 10-minute drive. Budget option with basic amenities. From €55/night.

• NH Málaga: In Málaga city center, 15 minutes by train from airport. Good mid-range option with city access. From €90/night.

For Early Departures

For early morning flights, consider:

• Hotels near María Zambrano station - easy train access to airport (first train approximately 5:30 AM)
• Holiday Inn Express near airport with free shuttle
• Pre-book taxi/transfer for pre-dawn departures

Beach Resort Options

If starting a Costa del Sol holiday:

• Torremolinos: 8 minutes by train - numerous hotels at all price points
• Fuengirola: 25 minutes by train - family-friendly resort town
• Marbella: 45 minutes by bus/transfer - upscale resort area

Tip: Unless you have a very early flight, staying in Málaga city center or a beach resort is more enjoyable than airport-area hotels.

Málaga and the Costa del Sol offer beaches, culture, historic towns, and excellent gastronomy.

Getting to Key Destinations

Destination	Travel Time from Airport	Route
Málaga Centro	12 min	Train C1 to Centro-Alameda
Picasso Museum	15-20 min	Train + 5-min walk
Málaga Beach (Malagueta)	20-25 min	Train + 10-min walk
Torremolinos	8 min	Train C1
Fuengirola	25 min	Train C1
Marbella	45-60 min	Bus from airport or Málaga
Granada (Alhambra)	1.5-2 hours	Bus or train via María Zambrano
Ronda	1.5-2 hours	Train from María Zambrano
Seville	2-2.5 hours	AVE from María Zambrano

Málaga City Highlights

• Picasso Museum: Birthplace museum of Pablo Picasso, with excellent collection
• Alcazaba: Moorish fortress with city views
• Gibralfaro Castle: Hilltop castle overlooking the city and port
• Centre Pompidou Málaga: Modern art in the colorful cube on the waterfront
• Calle Larios: Main pedestrian shopping street
• Malagueta Beach: City beach, 15-minute walk from center

Costa del Sol Towns

• Torremolinos: Classic beach resort, lively nightlife, excellent beach
• Benalmádena: Family attractions including Sea Life aquarium and Tivoli World
• Fuengirola: Long beach, water sports, Bioparc zoo
• Marbella: Upscale resort, Puerto Banús marina, beach clubs
• Nerja: Charming white village, caves, less developed coastline
• Estepona: Authentic Andalusian town with beautiful old center

Day Trips

• Granada and the Alhambra: The must-see palace complex (book Alhambra tickets weeks in advance)
• Ronda: Dramatic cliffside town with famous bridge
• Córdoba: Mezquita mosque-cathedral, historic Jewish quarter
• Seville: Flamenco, Alcázar palace, cathedral
• Gibraltar: British territory with famous rock (passport required)
• White villages (Pueblos Blancos): Mijas, Frigiliana, Casares

Food and Drink

• Espetos: Sardines grilled on beach skewers - a Málaga specialty
• Pescaíto frito: Fried mixed fish - classic Andalusian dish
• Gazpacho/Salmorejo: Cold tomato soups perfect in summer
• Málaga wine: Sweet local wine made from Pedro Ximénez and Moscatel grapes
• Tapas: Free tapas with drinks are common in Granada; less so in Málaga but portions are generous
• Chiringuitos: Beach bars serving fresh seafood - try El Tintero in Málaga for auction-style fish

Transport Tips

• Train C1 is the easiest way to explore Málaga and western Costa del Sol (Torremolinos to Fuengirola)
• For Marbella and points west of Fuengirola, buses are the main public transport option
• Renting a car is useful for exploring the Pueblos Blancos and inland Andalusia
• The AVE high-speed train from María Zambrano reaches Madrid in 2.5 hours, Seville in 2 hours, and Barcelona in 5.5 hours

Best Times to Visit

• Peak season: July-August (hottest, busiest, most expensive)
• Shoulder season: May-June, September-October (warm, fewer crowds, good value)
• Winter: Mild climate makes Málaga pleasant year-round; many Europeans winter here
• Semana Santa (Easter week): Spectacular processions throughout Andalusia; book accommodation early