Malaga Airport: A Gateway To Southern Spain

Malaga Airport, also known as Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, is located on the southern shore of Spain, in the municipality of Malaga. It is one of the busiest airports in Spain, serving as a gateway to the popular tourist destination of Costa del Sol. The airport is conveniently positioned about 6-8 kilometres from Malaga city centre and is easily accessible by various transport options, including bus, train, taxi, and private car. With flights arriving from over 120 destinations worldwide, Malaga Airport is a significant hub for travellers visiting the beautiful beaches and resorts of southern Spain.

Malaga Airport is located about 6km from the city centre

The airport is easily accessible by several modes of transport. The main access routes by road are the N-340 and the A-7 motorway. The A-7 (Ma-20) dual carriageway is well signposted from nearby towns such as Nerja, Vélez-Málaga, and Torrox. From Malaga city, travellers can take the A-7 (Ma-20) along the Avenida de Andalucía or opt for the Ma-21 via the Avenida de Velazquez. The airport is also connected to the city centre by the motorway E-15 and the Avenida de Velazquez.

For those travelling by train, the train station is located opposite the airport and is easily reachable via a footbridge from the terminals. Trains connect the airport with the city centre and Fuengirola, with regular services running throughout the day.

Bus services are also available, with bus stops located just outside the arrivals hall at both terminals. Bus number 19 runs to the central bus station in Malaga, where passengers can catch connections to most towns in the region. Additionally, there is a bus service to Marbella, which runs approximately every 40 minutes.

Malaga Airport offers a range of facilities for travellers, including coffee shops, bars, and various shops. The airport has three terminals, T1, T2, and T3, all functioning under one roof, making it convenient for passengers to transition between them without needing a shuttle. Terminals 2 and 3 serve as the main hubs for European and UK flights, while Terminal 1 is typically used when the other two terminals reach capacity.

It is one of the busiest airports in Spain

Malaga Airport, officially known as Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, is located in the south of Spain and is one of the country's busiest airports. With over 19 million passengers passing through in 2019, it is a key transport hub for the region and plays a significant role in Spain's aviation industry. So what makes Malaga Airport so busy?

Firstly, its location on the Costa del Sol is a major factor. The Costa del Sol is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and year-round sunny weather. Malaga Airport serves as the main gateway to this region, catering to both leisure travelers and those visiting the many golf courses and resorts along the coast. The airport's proximity to major tourist hotspots such as Marbella, Fuengirola, and Torremolinos makes it a convenient and popular entry point for visitors.

Secondly, Malaga Airport is not just a seasonal destination. While summer months see an increase in passenger traffic due to the school holidays and peak travel season, the airport remains busy throughout the year. This is due in part to the region's mild winter climate, which continues to attract golfers, retirees, and those seeking a sunny winter break. Additionally, the city of Malaga itself is a cultural hub, with a rich history and numerous museums, attracting visitors outside of the typical beach season.

The airport also handles a significant amount of cargo traffic, further contributing to its busy status. It serves as an important cargo hub for the region, facilitating the import and export of goods to and from the Costa del Sol and beyond. Perishable goods, such as fresh produce, are commonly transported through Malaga Airport due to the region's agricultural industry.

Lastly, Malaga Airport's status as an international airport serving a wide range of destinations keeps it bustling. It offers flights to over 60 countries and connects to over 140 destinations, including major European cities, North Africa, and the Middle East. The airport caters to a diverse range of passengers, from business travelers to holidaymakers, and its comprehensive route network ensures a constant flow of traffic throughout the year.

With its convenient location, diverse range of passengers, and year-round appeal, Malaga Airport has firmly established itself as one of Spain's busiest aviation hubs. Its ongoing contribution to the region's tourism and economic growth ensures its place as a key player in Spanish aviation.

The airport has three terminals, T1, T2 and T3

Malaga Airport, officially known as Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport, is located about 6km (4 miles) from Malaga city centre and is a short drive from any of the Costa del Sol's major resorts. It is also within easy driving distance of Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz and Seville.

T3 is located next to T2 and the two terminals are directly connected. All European flights arrive and depart from T3, while T2 is used for passengers travelling to and from destinations outside the European Union, as well as some low-cost carriers. T3 has 86 check-in counters, 15 self-check-in machines and nine security stations. It also has 11 luggage carousels and a special baggage carousel. The terminal has more than doubled capacity to 30 million passengers or 9,000 an hour.

T1 is no longer open to the public, but it is prepared to receive passengers if needed.

It is well-connected by road, with motorway access via the E-15 and A-7

Malaga Airport is located about 6km (4 miles) from Malaga city centre and is well-signposted. It is within easy driving distance of Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz and Seville. The airport is connected to the city of Malaga by motorway E-15 and the Avenida de Velazquez. The city centre is just 8km away, while Torremolinos is 5km away.

The main access routes by road to the airport are the N-340 and the A-7 motorway. If you are coming from Nerja, Vélez-Málaga, Torrox and the eastern Costa del Sol, take the A-7 (Ma-20) dual carriageway to the well-signposted Malaga airport exit. From Malaga, you can take the A-7 (Ma-20) following the Avenida de Andalucía or the road Ma-21 by the Avenida de Velazquez.

If you are arriving from Torremolinos or Benalmádena Costa, the shortest route is by using the Ma-21 road, as indicated on the map. You can also take the A-7 motorway. From Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola and the whole western Costa del Sol, you will need to take the A-7 motorway until you reach the exit to the airport, which is well signposted.

If you are coming from inland towns such as Coín or Alhaurín el Grande, you can reach the airport via the north entrance of the N-340 road.

The airport is well-connected by road and is also accessible by bus, taxi, train or private car. There are several car rental companies offering vehicle hire from bases at the main terminal.

There are various transport options to and from the airport, including car, train, bus and taxi

Malaga Airport is located about 6km (about 4 miles) from Malaga city centre and is well-signposted. It is also within easy driving distance of Granada, Cordoba, Cadiz and Seville. The airport is one of the busiest in Spain with flights arriving from over 120 destinations worldwide.

Car

If you are staying in a remote part of the Costa del Sol or plan to do some exploring, hiring a car is a good option. It can be the cheapest solution and gives you the flexibility to go out whenever you want. There are many car hire companies based in or around the airport, so you can find some excellent deals.

Train

The train station is located opposite the airport and is reached via a footbridge from the terminals. The train service runs between the airport and Malaga city to the east and Fuengirola to the west. The train journey from the airport to Malaga city centre takes approximately 13 minutes and costs around €1.80 for a one-way ticket.

Bus

The bus stop can be found just outside the arrivals hall at both terminals. The Airport Express Bus (Line A) offers a direct connection from the airport to the city centre and takes about 30 to 40 minutes. It is one of the most affordable travel options and costs around €4 for a one-way trip.

Taxi

The taxi ranks are located just outside the arrivals hall at both terminals. The average cost of a trip from the airport to the city centre is around €21.50 during the day and €25.70 at night.

Frequently asked questions