Before exploring the city, it’s important to first learn how to get around Malaga and understand the different modes of transport. The historic center of Malaga is quite small, and many points of interest can be reached on foot. However, if you want to visit areas outside the center or even head to the airport, you’ll need to look into public transportation. So, here’s a complete guide to the different public transport options for getting around!
Getting Around Malaga by Urban Bus (EMT)
The bus is the simplest, easiest, and most economical way to get around Malaga. The city has a highly developed network of urban buses, managed by the EMT company. With over seventy lines, you can easily travel around the entire city.
To explore the areas around Malaga, you can take intercity buses from the bus station, located next to the train station. These bus lines serve nearby towns and villages.
Practical Information
- Schedule: Buses run from 6:45 AM to 11:00 PM (some lines also operate at night).
- Fare: €1.40 for a single journey; €4 for the Airport Express line.
- Line A is the specific line connecting Malaga Airport to the city center. It departs from Terminal 3. A one-way ticket costs €4, payable directly to the driver.
How to Buy Bus Tickets?
There are several ways to buy bus tickets in Malaga. Here are your options:
- Buy your ticket directly from the driver:
If you plan to take a single trip, you can pay for your bus ticket directly to the driver, in cash, with a maximum note of €5. - Buy a multi-ride transport card:
You can purchase a non-personalized bus card, also known as a “BonoBus.” This card can be recharged with multi-ride tickets for 10 (€10.40), 20 (€16.80), or 30 (€25.20) trips or a monthly pass. It is available at tobacconists and newsstands. The card costs €1.90. It is non-transferable, meaning it can be used by multiple people. The ticket is valid for 1 hour on all bus lines (if you want to take the metro, you will need to buy a separate metro ticket), except for Line A to the airport. - Get a monthly or annual subscription:
If you reside in Malaga, you can opt for the monthly pass at €19.95. Alternatively, depending on your profile, you can get a student card (€13.50) or a senior card (free for those over 65). To obtain these cards, make an appointment at the dedicated EMT offices. You can also choose a classic annual subscription for €145, which provides unlimited access to public transportation for one year.
The Malaga Metro
I didn’t know this myself, but yes, there is indeed a metro to get around Malaga! It was inaugurated in 2014 and has two mainly underground lines:
- Line 1: ANDALUCÍA TECH — EL PERCHEL
- Line 2: PALACIO DE LOS DEPORTES — EL PERCHEL
Metro hours vary by day: from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays, and until 1:30 AM on Saturdays.
Practical Information
- Schedule
Monday to Thursday: 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Friday and the day before holidays: 6:30 AM to 1:30 AM
Saturday: 7:00 AM to 1:30 AM
Sundays and public holidays: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM - Fare: €1.35 per single journey, with prepaid cards available for cheaper trips.
How to Buy Metro Tickets in Malaga
- Single Ticket and MetroPay Malaga
Since Semana Santa, the city has introduced a new payment system with mobile or contactless credit cards: MetroPay. This system aims to simplify the process for passengers to buy their tickets. The concept is simple: you go to the metro platform, and at the “turnstile,” just tap your credit card or mobile to pay €1.35 for a single trip. No more long lines at ticket machines! - Malaga Metro Wallet Card
The wallet card, also called the “Tarjeta Monedero Metro de Málaga”, is simple to use. It can be recharged with a minimum of €5 and a maximum of €25. It is non-personalized and allows for multiple validations, meaning it can be used by several people traveling together. A ticket can be validated up to nine times within three minutes for group trips. The ticket must be validated at both the departure and destination stations using the same card. The ticket price is €0.33 (from April 1 to December 31, 2024), with a card support fee of €0.30 or €1.80 for the PVC support card. - Consorcio de Transportes Card
This card is sold at the Consorcio de Transportes kiosks and tobacconists and can be recharged at the Malaga metro ticket machines. It allows for combined use of all public transport systems. It also offers discounts for transfers to other transport systems. The price for a journey with the Consorcio de Transportes Monedero card is €0.82. If you need to transfer to a public urban or intercity bus, the fare is €0.66.
This card is also available for large families and students.
For more information, visit the official Malaga Metro website.
Getting Around Malaga by Taxi or Ride-Sharing (VTC)
What I love about Spain is the ease of getting around by taxi or ride-sharing services. The prices are very reasonable, and it allows you to avoid driving when you live on the outskirts. My favorite app by far is Cabify! The fares are generally cheaper than Uber (though it can happen otherwise, but I support Spanish businesses 🙂).
Taxis can be found all over Malaga, especially along major roads.
Malaga taxis are white with a blue stripe. You can easily find them throughout the city and at the airport. Fares vary depending on the distance, usually ranging from €7 to €15 for trips within the city. It’s much more common to travel by taxi, Uber, or Cabify, especially when you’re in a group.
TIP: Try Cabify with my promo code EMILIE73. If you also have the Iberia loyalty card, you can collect AVIOS when using Cabify! Find all the details on the Cabify website.
Suburban Trains (RENFE)
The suburban trains connect downtown Malaga to the airport and coastal towns like Torremolinos and Fuengirola. In Spain, these trains are called “Cercanias”, which is similar to the Paris RER (but better #oops). There are two main lines:
- Line C1: Fuengirola — Málaga Centro – Alameda
- Line C2: Málaga Centro-Alameda — Álora
Tickets range from €1.80 to €3.60 depending on the number of zones traveled.
You can buy tickets at the automated machines at the station.
Getting Around Malaga Electric Scooters
For a more eco-friendly experience, opt for electric bikes and scooters from Dott. Download the RIDEDOTT app to access vehicles and view rates:
- Rates: €0.29/minute; Daily pass for €4.99; Monthly subscription for €29.99.
Apps that Make Your Life Easier (and Your Travel in Malaga)
EMT Malaga
Just like in Madrid, you can check the balance of your transport card and even recharge it from your smartphone, thanks to NFC technology! Download the EMT Malaga app, and you can manage everything without having to go to the terminals.
CityMapper
This app isn’t specific to Malaga but can be used for any city trip. Simply enter your starting point and destination, and CityMapper will show you all available transport options in Malaga. It’s perfect—you get the estimated time, and a Google Maps map to guide you to bus stops.
Getting around Malaga is really easy! I hope this guide helps you prepare for your trip to Malaga! And don’t forget, the best way to enjoy the city is on foot!!
Emilie