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Madrid to Malaga from $27: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Madrid, Spain
to
Malaga, Spain

How to Get from Madrid to Malaga: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$27 RideshareBest price
419.3 kmDistance
2h 42m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Madrid to Malaga with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Renfe AVE
Train
Average Duration
2h  42m
Estimated price
$30-75
Recommended
Company
Interbus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  10m
Estimated price
$23-65
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 419.3 km
Duration: 2h 42m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
6h  13m
Estimated price
$27-35
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  12m
Estimated price
$32-126
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
7h  14m
Estimated price
$45-69
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  21m
Estimated price
$95-140

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $78 $78 $78 $59 $19 $59 $19
Train $25 $26 $26 $27 $34 $21 $38
Fly $43 $34 $34 $34 $37 $37 $34
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Madrid to Malaga

The journey from Madrid to Malaga showcases a delightful contrast between the vibrant urban energy of Spain's capital and the serene coastal charm of the Mediterranean.

Best Neighbourhoods in Malaga

Malaga’s neighborhoods offer diverse experiences, from cultural hubs to relaxing escapes.

Centro Histórico
• Home to historic sites and architectural gems.
• Vibrant atmosphere with lively tapas bars.
La Malagueta
• Popular beach area with stunning coastal views.
• Ideal for fresh seafood dining along the promenade.
Soho
• Known for its edgy street art and galleries.
• A trendy spot for boutique shopping and cafes.

Best Times To Visit Malaga's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Malaga by timing your visits to key attractions right.

Picasso Museum
Visit in the late afternoon for smaller crowds and a quieter atmosphere.
Alcazaba
Early morning offers cooler temperatures and fewer tourists for exploration.
Malaga Cathedral
Weekday afternoons are ideal to enjoy its beauty without the weekend rush.

Malaga Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Malaga enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, making it an appealing destination throughout the year. Optimal visiting times are spring and fall, when pleasant temperatures enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Malaga

Savor the local dish 'espeto de sardinas' at a beachfront chiringuito, where fresh sardines are skewered and grilled over open flames, capturing the essence of coastal cooking. This experience contrasts sharply with Madrid’s more traditional tapas scene, as the relaxed seaside atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients create a unique culinary delight.

Madrid - Malaga operators

Explore transport companies operating between Madrid and Malaga, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Malaga Maria Zambrano

Average Duration
2h 42m
Estimated price
$50-70
Contact phone
+34 910 150 000
Website
https://iryo.eu/en/home

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Malaga Maria Zambrano

Average Duration
2h 47m
Estimated price
$30-75
Contact phone
+34 91 232 03 20
Website
https://www.renfe.com/es/en

Train from Estación de tren de Atocha to Malaga Maria Zambrano

Average Duration
3h 10m
Estimated price
$40-60
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+34 916 52 00 11
Website
interbus.es

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Málaga

Average Duration
6h 10m
Estimated price
$23-60
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Málaga

Average Duration
7h 25m
Estimated price
$40-65
Contact phone
+34 910 207 007
Website
https://www.alsa.com/en/web/bus/home

Bus from Estación Sur de Autobuses to Granada

Average Duration
5h
Estimated price
$35-55

Bus from Granada to Malaga

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$10-16
Plane Show flights
Website
aireuropa.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Malaga (AGP)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$30-140
Website
iberia.com

Plane from Madrid (MAD) to Malaga (AGP)

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$35-230
all-pages.other Show other routes
Website
blablacar.com

Other from Madrid to Málaga

Average Duration
6h 13m
Estimated price
$27-35

Madrid to Malaga: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Madrid and Malaga offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Madrid to Málaga covering a distance of 532.7 km, offering breathtaking views of the Spanish countryside along the way. 💰 Enjoy flexible pricing options ranging from €88 to €129 for the journey by car, ensuring budget-friendly travel choices for your adventure from Madrid to Málaga. 🚗 Explore convenient carpooling solutions with Blablacar for a shared ride experience between the two cities, ideal for those without a driver's license or seeking alternative transportation methods.
Average price
€88 - €129
🚆 The journey from Madrid to Malaga takes approximately 2 hours and 42 minutes, allowing you to arrive at your destination in a timely manner. Renfe AVE operates the train services between these two cities, ensuring a comfortable and reliable travel experience. 🚆 Prices for the train tickets between Madrid and Malaga can vary, typically ranging from €28 to €69.
Departure Point
Estación de tren de Atocha station
Arrival Point
Malaga Maria Zambrano station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your journey from Madrid to Malaga, you will likely travel with Renfe, the main operator. They provide a catering service offering a selection of snacks and beverages on board. Be sure to check the menu, which typically includes sandwiches, salads, and drinks, as these are available for purchase via a trolley service or through their mobile app.
• Renfe offers several seating options on this route: First Class, Business Class, and Standard (Economy). First Class provides more spacious seating and complimentary snacks and beverages, while Business Class has more comfortable seating with a wider array of meal options. Standard seating is more economical, suitable for budget travelers, with basic amenities. Consider your budget and comfort needs when booking.
• For your train trip, you will travel with Renfe (www.renfe.com) and AVE (www.avia.com) as the primary operators. You can find train schedules and book tickets directly on their websites. Upon arrival in Malaga, you can check the local transport schedules at: emtmalaga.es and find information on the Málaga María Zambrano Station at: renfe.com
🛫 Flying from Madrid to Malaga is a convenient and quick option, with direct flights taking only 1 hour and 10 minutes. Iberia and Air Europa are the airlines that operate this route. ✈️ The total travel time from Madrid to Malaga by plane is approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes, including check-in and boarding. 💸 Prices for flights between Malaga and Madrid can range from €30 to €116, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of Spain.
Departure Point
Madrid Airport
Arrival Point
Malaga Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Iberia or Air Europa as they are the primary operators for this route, and often have competitive prices; check their websites for current promotions: Iberia and Air Europa.
• Upon arrival at Malaga Airport, follow the signs to baggage claim and customs, but be prepared for a quick exit as the airport is smaller and often has fewer crowds, making it easier to navigate than larger airports.
• Expect to pay around €20-€25 for a taxi from Malaga Airport to the city center; alternatively, consider using the airport bus service which costs about €3 and runs frequently; more information can be found here: Malaga Airport Transport.
🚌 The bus journey from Madrid to Malaga takes approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes. 🚌 Prices for the bus tickets between Madrid and Malaga range from €21 to €60, offering budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore the beautiful southern regions of Spain.
Departure Point
Estación Sur de Autobuses station
Arrival Point
Málaga station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check the bus schedules on the Interbus website (interbus.es) for updated timings, as services are available three times a day and it's good to arrive a bit earlier than your departure time to find your platform at Estación Sur de Autobuses.
• Consider packing some snacks or a light meal for the journey, as the bus may have limited options onboard; you can grab supplies at the Mercadona grocery store near Estación Sur before departure.
• Upon arrival at Málaga station, take note of the clearly marked exits; if you're looking to continue your journey within Málaga, the Estación de Autobuses (bus station) is located just a short walk from the train station, which can take you to nearby attractions like the historic city center or the beaches.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Madrid to Malaga.

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The distance between Madrid and Malaga is approximately 418.4 km by road. By train, it takes around 2 hours and 36 minutes to travel from Madrid to Malaga. If traveling by plane, the journey takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. By car, it takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes to drive from Madrid to Malaga, while the bus journey takes approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Madrid to Malaga would be by rideshare, with prices ranging from €24-€32. However, this option takes the longest time, with a travel duration of 6 hours and 13 minutes. For a more time-efficient option, taking the train would be the best choice. Trains from Madrid to Malaga take approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes and cost between €28-€69.
The prices for a train from Madrid to Malaga can range from €28 to €69 depending on the class and the time of booking. Alternatively, taking a bus from Malaga to Madrid can cost between €20 to €55.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, you have the option of using Blablacar's carpooling service to share a ride with someone traveling from Madrid to Malaga. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option, especially if you don't have a driver's license. The driving distance between Madrid and Malaga is approximately 532.7 km, and it takes around 5 hours and 21 minutes to drive by car. The prices for carpooling between Madrid and Malaga can range from €87 to €128, depending on the arrangements made with the driver.
The most convenient way to travel from Madrid to Malaga without a car is by train, which takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes and costs between €28 and €69. Additionally, you have the option to take a bus, which would take around 6 hours and 10 minutes and costs between €20 and €55. Another option is to fly, which takes about 3 hours and 11 minutes and costs between €28 and €119.
Yes, there is a direct link between Madrid and Malaga. The fastest and most convenient option is to take a train from Madrid-Puerta De Atocha to Malaga Maria Zambrano, which takes approximately 2 hours and 36 minutes. Alternatively, there is a direct bus service that departs from Madrid Estación Sur and arrives at Malaga, with a travel time of around 6 hours and 10 minutes.
The flight between Madrid and Malaga typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it the quickest option to travel between the two cities. The cost of a flight can vary, ranging from €28 to €116, depending on factors such as the time of booking and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Malaga. With over 4,173 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a variety of options to suit their needs and preferences. Prices for hotels in the area start at €27, making it possible to find affordable accommodations.