From Málaga airport (AGP)
Málaga's airport is about 60 km east of Marbella along the A-7 motorway. There are four ways to make the transfer.
| Option | Time | Cost | When to use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanza bus (line A from arrivals) | ≈ 50–75 min | ≈ €8 one-way | Solo or two travellers, no late-night arrival |
| Pre-booked private transfer | ≈ 45 min | €60–90 per car | Three or more travellers, late arrivals, with luggage |
| Taxi from the rank | ≈ 45 min | ≈ €80 fixed-rate to Marbella | Same as above, didn't book ahead |
| Hire car | ≈ 45 min | From €25/day plus fuel | You'll do day trips beyond the bus network |
The bus picks up directly outside Terminal 3 arrivals; you can buy a ticket from the driver. There's no train into central Marbella — the C-1 cercanías rail line stops at Fuengirola, about 30 minutes short of you.
Within Marbella
Walking
The Old Town, the Avenida del Mar, and the seafront are all walkable in 15 minutes from the central bus station at Avenida del Trapiche. From the Old Town to Puerto Banús by the paseo is a flat 7 km — a manageable hour at a steady pace, more pleasant heading west late in the afternoon.
City buses
Several urban routes link the centre, San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús and the eastern beaches (e.g. Cabopino on the M-220). Single fares are €1–2 paid in cash to the driver. Routes are infrequent — every 30–60 minutes — so check before you rely on them.
Taxis
White Marbella taxis are easy to flag in town or pick up at marked ranks (one outside the Old Town on Avenida Ramón y Cajal, one at Puerto Banús). Fares are metered. Marbella → Puerto Banús runs about €15–20 daytime.
Ride apps
Uber and Cabify operate in the area; coverage is patchy outside peak times, and prices in May are usually similar to a metered taxi.
Bike & e-scooter
Several bike-hire shops on Avenida Ramón y Cajal hire e-bikes by the day. Public e-scooter hire has come and gone; hotels often loan them to guests.
Should you hire a car?
Honest answer: only if you intend to do at least two of the day trips on this site, or to base yourself outside the centre. Marbella is fully navigable without one. The Old Town is closed to non-resident traffic and central parking is paid and not always easy.
If you do hire:
- Pick up at the airport, not in town — much wider choice, often cheaper.
- Avoid the cheapest broker deals — read the fine print on excess and fuel policy.
- The A-7 is the toll-free road along the coast; the AP-7 is the parallel toll motorway. The A-7 is fine in May but congested in August.
- Most hotels and apartment buildings have a paid garage; expect €15–25 per day in town.
Longer-distance trains and buses
For day trips beyond the bus network — Granada, Seville, Córdoba — Málaga's María Zambrano station is the hub. Renfe AVE high-speed trains and ALSA long-distance buses both run from there. From Marbella, a taxi or the Avanza bus to María Zambrano takes 60–80 minutes; allow time.
Practical info
- Tipping cabs
- Round up. Locals don't tip a percentage.
- Driving licences
- EU/UK/US/Canadian/Australian licences are accepted directly. Most rentals require a credit card and a passport.
- Accessibility
- Pavements are mostly step-free; the Old Town has cobbled but gentle gradients. The Avanza coastal bus has accessible vehicles on most services.
- Verified
- May 2026.