Transport in the Costa del Sol: how to get around as a foreigner?
Getting around the Costa del Sol is one of the most frequent questions among those planning to move or invest in the area. Transport in the Costa del Sol combines intercity buses, commuter trains, international airports, and maritime routes that connect with North Africa.
In this guide you will find everything you need to know to move between towns, get from the airport, or use ferries from Málaga and Algeciras.
How is public transport between the towns of the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol stretches along more than 150 kilometers of coastline, from Nerja to Manilva. The main means of transport between its towns are buses and commuter trains.
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Intercity buses (Avanza / Portillo): connect Málaga with Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, and other towns. They are the most commonly used option for those without a car. Avanza Málaga.
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Commuter train C1 (Renfe): connects Málaga city with the airport, Torremolinos, Benalmádena, and Fuengirola. It is fast, economical, and punctual. Renfe Cercanías Málaga.
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Current limitations: the train does not reach Marbella or Estepona, which makes it necessary to rely on buses or private cars in those cases.
👉 Here you can embed the interactive Google map with all the towns of the Costa del Sol, showing train, bus, and ferry connections.
Which airports connect the Costa del Sol with the world?
The region has two main airports:
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Málaga Airport (AGP): the fourth busiest in Spain. It has direct flights to more than 100 destinations in Europe and America. It connects with Málaga city center in 12 minutes by commuter train and has bus lines to Marbella and Estepona. Málaga Airport – AENA.
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Gibraltar Airport: convenient for those living in Sotogrande, Manilva, or western Estepona. Offers flights to London and other British cities.
Expatriates especially value the proximity of these airports, as they allow frequent contact with their countries of origin.
Which ferries depart from the Costa del Sol?
Maritime transport is also part of mobility on the Costa del Sol, especially for those seeking connections with North Africa.
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Port of Málaga: regular ferries to Melilla and routes to Morocco (Nador and Tangier). Direct Ferries Málaga.
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Port of Algeciras (one hour by car from Marbella): frequent departures to Ceuta and Tangier. It is one of the busiest ports in Europe.
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Port of Tarifa: specialized in the Tarifa–Tangier route, with crossings of just 1 hour.
👉 For foreign residents, these ferries are ideal for weekend getaways or business trips between Europe and Africa.
How to combine transport: buses, airports, and ferries?
One of the keys of transport in the Costa del Sol is intermodality: combining train, bus, and boat.
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Example 1: from Fuengirola to the Port of Málaga → commuter train C1 (40 min) and taxi (10 min).
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Example 2: from Marbella to Málaga Airport → direct Avanza bus (45–60 min).
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Example 3: from Estepona to Algeciras for ferry → private car or bus (1h 15 min).
Tip: for long journeys, plan ahead during high season, as buses often fill up quickly.
What future improvements are expected in transport in the Costa del Sol?
The Spanish Government and the Junta de Andalucía have announced projects to improve mobility in the area:
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Coastal train: study to extend the commuter line from Fuengirola to Marbella and Estepona, which would transform coastal mobility. El País – Coastal train project.
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More frequent intercity buses: plans to reinforce routes in summer and during international events.
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Digitalization of tickets: apps such as Renfe Cercanías and Avanza allow you to buy tickets and check schedules in real time.
What private alternatives are there to get around?
Although public transport is useful, many residents and expatriates opt for private means:
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Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Cabify): available in Málaga, Marbella, and main towns. Higher fares for long journeys.
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Car and motorbike rental: highly demanded by tourists and newly arrived expatriates.
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Private transfers: popular in luxury developments such as La Zagaleta, Puente Romano, or Sotogrande, with door-to-door services from the airport.
Comparison table: transport options in the Costa del Sol
| Mode of transport | Coverage | Approx. price | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commuter train | Málaga–Airport–Fuengirola | €2–3 | Fast, punctual, cheap | Does not reach Marbella/Estepona |
| Intercity bus (Avanza) | Entire Costa del Sol | €4–12 | Extensive network | Traffic in summer |
| Ferry | Málaga, Algeciras, Tarifa | €30–50 | Connection with Africa | Long journeys |
| Taxi / Ride-hailing | All towns | €10–120 | Door-to-door convenience | High cost |
| Private car | Entire region | – | Total flexibility | Parking difficult in high season |
Conclusion: transport in the Costa del Sol, mobility tailored to you
Transport in the Costa del Sol is varied and allows you to choose between train, bus, ferry, taxi, or private car depending on your needs. For a foreigner moving here, this network offers both international connections (airports and ferries) and local solutions to travel between coastal towns.
The key is to combine modes: train for short distances, bus for towns without railway connections, and ferry or plane to leave the region. This way you enjoy the comfort of living in a privileged area without giving up mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a train from Málaga to Marbella?
No, currently it only reaches Fuengirola. The extension project is under study.
Which is the closest airport to the Costa del Sol?
Málaga Airport (AGP), with flights to more than 100 destinations.
Which ferries depart from the Port of Málaga?
Mainly to Melilla and Morocco (Nador, Tangier).
How much does a taxi cost from Málaga to Marbella?
Between €70 and €90, depending on time and traffic.
Can you live without a car in the Costa del Sol?
Yes, in areas like Málaga, Fuengirola, or Torremolinos. In Marbella and Estepona it is more limited.
