Malaga's Airport: A Gateway To The Costa Del Sol

is there an airport in malaga

Yes, there is an airport in Malaga, Spain. Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is located just 8km from Malaga city centre and is easily accessible by bus, taxi, train or car via several roads, including the MA-20 ring road. The airport has three terminals (T1, T2 and T3) all under one roof, and offers a variety of parking options, transport links, facilities and flight routes.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
Airport Code AGP
Location 8 km from Malaga City centre
Terminals 3 (T1, T2, T3)
Transport Options Bus, taxi, train, private car
Parking Options Short-term, long-term, off-site
Nearby Resorts Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Calahonda, Marbella, Puerto Banus, Estepona

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Malaga Airport's terminals

Malaga Airport, also known as Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport and abbreviated to AGP Airport, is located about 6km west of Malaga city, just off the main coast road (N-340) and the new toll road AP-7, which runs to Estepona. The airport is easily accessible by bus, taxi, train, or private car. The C1 Cercanías line (Málaga Centro Alameda - Fuengirola) connects the airport with Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, and Malaga city centre.

There are four terminals at Malaga Airport: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and General Aviation. Terminal 1 is closed to the public and is only used when traffic surpasses the capacity of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Terminal 1 is used for flights to and from international destinations outside the EU. Terminal 2 is for flights from EU countries, including the UK and Ireland. Terminal 3 handles international and national arrivals and departures. General Aviation deals with private aircraft flights. There is also a Cargo Terminal at the end of the airport access road.

The airport has six parking areas for visitors and passengers. It is also an important hub for several low-cost European airlines and is a popular destination for passengers travelling from the UK, Ireland, France, Holland, Belgium, and Nordic countries. The airport has a wide selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, as well as a new Fitness Zone and a "silent space" called Relax & Go.

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Transport to and from the airport

Yes, there is an airport in Malaga. The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is a popular destination for passengers travelling from the UK, Ireland, France, Holland, Belgium, and the Nordic countries.

By train

The C1 Cercanías line (Málaga Centro Alameda—Fuengirola) connects the airport with some of the main places on the Costa del Sol: Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, and Malaga city centre. The price ranges from €1.80 to €3.60. Malaga Airport is on the Malaga Cercanías line, running along the coast from Fuengirola to Malaga and inland to Alora.

By bus

The "A" Express bus takes you from Malaga Airport to Malaga City. The bus runs between 7 am and midnight, with buses every 25 to 45 minutes. The bus stops at 10 stops along the way, and the journey time is around 25 minutes with normal traffic. The ticket costs €4, and you can pay the driver directly with cash or card. You can also buy digital QR code tickets for your mobile phone by downloading the “EMT Málaga” app for Android or Apple. Local bus tickets can always be bought from the driver in cash (euros only) and sometimes by card.

By taxi

Most Malaga taxis are licensed to carry up to four passengers (including children), although some larger taxis can take more people. There are also taxis adapted for wheelchairs. Taxi ranks can be found outside the Terminal's arrivals area.

By car

If you are staying in a remote part of the Costa del Sol or plan to do some exploring, hiring a car is the best option. There are several car rental companies offering vehicle hire from bases at the main Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport terminal. There are also plenty of off-site car hire companies, which are a 5-10 minute shuttle bus ride away.

By private transfer

If you don't want to use public transport, private transfers are another option. There is not much difference between private transfer and taxi prices, and you can book and pay for your private transfer in advance.

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Parking options

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport offers various parking options for visitors and passengers. The airport has six parking areas, including both short-term and long-term parking.

Short-term parking is calculated by the day, whereas long-term parking covers periods longer than three days and offers more competitive rates. The maximum parking duration is 24 hours, and exceeding this limit will result in your car being towed away. The first hour of parking costs €6.68, with each additional hour costing €6.38, and the total cost for a whole day is €58.

There are also off-site long-term car parks around Malaga Airport, which often advertise very low prices. However, these prices may be for a minimum number of days, so it is important to read the fine print.

One option for long-term parking is the long-stay car park managed by AENA, the airport authority, located outside the terminal building. This car park can be accessed via a shuttle bus every 10 to 15 minutes, with a journey time of around 5 to 10 minutes.

Another option is Picasso Parking, which offers a similar service with a shuttle vehicle. Picasso Parking can be contacted at (+34) 656 674 919.

Additionally, there are personalised parking services available, such as Fast Track Parking, which allows you to authorise them to position your vehicle at the same point where it was collected. They will monitor your flight for any delays and ask that you inform them of any changes.

When choosing a parking option, it is important to consider the distance to the terminal and whether you prefer indoor or outdoor parking. Some car parks, like Parking VIP AENA, offer additional services such as meet and greet or individual transfers. Booking in advance can also help you secure the best prices.

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Airport expansion plans

Malaga Airport, also known as Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, is one of the oldest airports in Spain, having been in operation since 1919. In November 2023, the airport surpassed 20 million annual passengers for the first time in its 104-year history. With strong growth in passenger numbers and a recovery in tourist activity, the airport is planning to expand its capacity to accommodate around 35 million passengers.

The airport is an important hub for several low-cost European airlines and is a popular destination for passengers travelling from the UK, Ireland, France, Holland, Belgium, and the Nordic countries. It is conveniently located close to the A7 motorway and can be easily accessed by bus, taxi, train, or private car. Malaga Airport currently has three terminals, with Terminal 3 being the most recent addition in 2010, followed by a second runway in 2012.

To meet the increasing demand and ensure the airport's capacity, Aena, the national airport operator, is working on the future expansion of Terminal 3. The company Aertec, specialising in aeronautics technology, has been commissioned to design the expansion to increase the airport's overall capacity. This expansion plan aims to make the airport a desirable destination, with new commercial, catering, and leisure services.

While the current Dora II masterplan does not include investment funds for the expansion, Aena has expressed confidence that Malaga will be included in the next major investment cycle starting in 2027. This cycle is expected to be the most important in the last 20 years, with investments proposed to double those made in previous regulatory periods. However, with the rapid growth in passenger numbers, there are concerns that the airport's infrastructure will be insufficient by the end of 2026.

Malaga Airport has undergone previous expansions and renovations, including the addition of Terminal 3 and a second runway in 2010 and 2012, respectively. With its convenient location, rich history, and continuous development, Malaga Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Malaga and the Costa del Sol to the world, catering to the growing demand for tourism and travel in the region.

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Nearby destinations

Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the main flight hub for people visiting the Costa del Sol and other parts of Andalucía. The airport is conveniently located close to the A7 motorway and can be easily accessed by bus, taxi, train or private car.

Malaga City Centre

The city centre of Malaga is just 8 kilometres away from the airport and can be reached via several roads, such as the MA-20 ring road, which connects to the MA-23 and the MA-21. Malaga City offers fascinating architecture, traditional restaurants and tapas bars, culture, shopping, and beaches within a 5-minute walk of the city centre.

Torremolinos

Torremolinos is a lively beach resort town located less than half an hour away from Malaga Airport. It is known for its golden beaches, watersports, and proximity to great Spanish restaurants and bars. Torremolinos also offers exciting nightlife and is well-connected to other nearby destinations such as Benalmádena and Fuengirola.

Benalmádena

Benalmádena is a popular Spanish beach resort neighbouring Torremolinos. It offers beautiful beaches, the enchanting Colomares Castle, and the famous Puerto Marina. It is easily accessible from Malaga Airport and makes a great base for exploring the Costa del Sol.

Mijas

Mijas is a charming village perched on the mountainside, offering great accessibility to the coastal strip of Mijas Costa and Mijas Bay. It boasts stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for hikers and walkers of all levels.

Marbella

Marbella is known for its glitz and glamour, featuring world-class shopping, waterfront Michelin-starred restaurants, and beautiful beaches. It is a popular destination for those seeking the finer things in life and is easily accessible from Malaga Airport.

Nerja

Nerja is a quaint Andalusian town known for its dark sand beaches and vibrant geraniums. It offers a more authentic Spanish experience and is located within a reasonable distance from Malaga Airport.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is located 8 kilometres from the city centre.

The airport has three terminals: T1, T2, and T3. All terminals are under one roof, functioning as one large terminal.

You can get to the airport by bus, taxi, train, or private car. The C1 Cercanías line connects the airport to Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Torremolinos, and Malaga city centre.

The airport offers a huge choice of parking options, both short and long-term. There is an Express Passenger Drop Off, but only the first 10 minutes are free. There is also a new car park by Arrivals, which is convenient for meeting arriving friends and family.

Other nearby airports include Granada & Seville Airports (2 hours away), Jerez Airport (1.5 hours away), and Gibraltar Airport.

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