Landing at Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the easy part. The next question is usually how to get from Malaga Airport to your resort without faffing about with confusing tickets, long waits or an expensive taxi you did not budget for. If you are heading to Benalmádena, the good news is that it is one of the simplest airport journeys on the Costa del Sol.
For most UK holidaymakers, that matters. After an early flight, children who are tired, or a late arrival, you want the transfer to be straightforward. Benalmádena is close enough to the airport to give you options, but not every option suits every trip.
How to get from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena
If your destination is Benalmádena, you have four main choices – train, taxi, private transfer or bus. Car hire is another option, but only really makes sense if you plan to explore a lot during your stay.
The best choice depends on what matters most to you. If you want the cheapest route, the train is hard to beat. If you want door-to-door convenience, especially with children or luggage, a taxi or private transfer is usually worth paying a bit more for. If your flight lands very late or very early, availability can shape the decision as much as price.
The train from Malaga Airport
Airport. The line they need is the C1 Cercanías (Commuter Line), and their destination station is Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel.
Since today is Thursday, April 9, 2026 (Holy Thursday), the trains are running on a frequent holiday/spring schedule. Here are the essential times they need:
✈️ From Málaga Airport to Benalmádena
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First Train: 05:32 AM
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Last Train: 11:42 PM
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Frequency: Every 20 minutes throughout most of the day.
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Journey Time: Approximately 18–20 minutes.
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Cost: €2.05 (Zone 2).
🏨 From Benalmádena back to the Airport
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First Train: 06:19 AM
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Last Train: 00:28 AM (just after midnight)
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Frequency: Every 20 minutes.
💡 Travelspain.uk Local Tips for Your Guests:
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The Station Name: Remind them to look for “Arroyo de la Miel” on the screens. That is the stop for Benalmádena.
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Getting to Benal Beach: From the station, it is a 15–20 minute walk downhill through the center of town. However, with luggage, we recommend the Taxi Rank directly outside the station; it costs roughly €7–€10 and takes 5 minutes.
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Payment: They don’t need to queue at the machines! They can simply tap their Contactless Bank Card or Phone (Apple/Google Pay) at the ticket barriers at both ends of the journey.
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Holiday Note: Because it is Holy Thursday, the trains to/from Málaga City will be very busy in the evenings with people going to watch the processions. If they are traveling with golf clubs today, they should try to avoid the 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM window.
For many visitors, the train is the best all-round option. The C1 Cercanías line runs from the airport along the coast and stops at key resorts including Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel. The station at the airport is easy to find from arrivals, with clear signs inside the terminal.
The journey is quick, usually around 20 minutes to Benalmádena. Trains run regularly through the day, so you are not usually waiting long. Fares are low compared with a taxi, which makes this a strong choice for couples, small groups travelling light, or anyone who likes to keep things simple and affordable.
There is one trade-off. The train is not door to door. Once you arrive at Benalmádena station, you may still need a short taxi ride or a walk to your accommodation. If you have pushchairs, lots of cases or very young children, that final stretch can feel longer than it looks on a map.
Taking a taxi from the airport
If convenience comes first, taxis are the easiest way to get going. You leave the terminal, join the official taxi rank and head straight to your accommodation. No station platforms, no ticket machines, no dragging bags uphill in the heat.
A taxi from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena normally takes around 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and exactly where you are staying. For families or groups, the cost can work out quite reasonably when split between several people, especially if it saves a separate local taxi at the other end.
The main drawback is price. It costs more than the train, and fares can vary depending on time of day, luggage and traffic conditions. Still, after a tiring travel day, many people are happy to pay for the ease.
Private airport transfers
A private transfer is similar to a taxi, but usually pre-booked. You are met on arrival and taken directly to your accommodation. For some travellers, that extra certainty is worth it, especially if you are arriving late, travelling with children, or simply want everything arranged before you fly.
This option also helps if you would rather avoid queueing outside the terminal. You know the price in advance and you know somebody should be there waiting for you. That can be reassuring if it is your first time on the Costa del Sol.
The downside is that private transfers are not always cheaper than a taxi. If your plans change or your flight is delayed, you also need to be sure the booking terms are clear. It is a good option for peace of mind, but not always the lowest-cost one.
Is the bus worth using?
There are bus connections from Málaga Airport, but for most people travelling to Benalmádena, the train is usually simpler. Buses can work well in some cases, especially if your accommodation is close to a bus route, but they are less straightforward for first-time visitors and can involve more waiting.
If you are trying to keep costs as low as possible, it is worth comparing, but most holidaymakers find the train easier to manage. The bus becomes more appealing if rail timings do not fit your arrival, or if you are heading somewhere not well served by the train.
How to get from Malaga Airport if you are hiring a car
Car hire gives you the most freedom, but it is not essential for a Benalmádena holiday. In fact, many visitors are happier without one. The area is well set up for holidaymakers, with beaches, restaurants, supermarkets and attractions close by, and public transport is better than many people expect.
That said, if you plan to visit Mijas, Málaga city, Fuengirola, Marbella or inland villages, a car can make those outings easier. Collecting a hire car at the airport is straightforward, and road access from the airport to Benalmádena is quick.
The trade-off is that driving abroad is not for everyone. You need to think about parking, fuel, navigation and the general hassle of collecting and returning the vehicle. If most of your holiday will be spent by the pool, on the beach and around the resort, a car can end up being an unnecessary expense.
Which airport transfer option is best for families?
Families usually care about one thing above all – keeping the arrival day calm. That often means avoiding too many changes, too much waiting and anything that turns into a struggle with bags and tired children.
For a family of four with suitcases, a taxi or private transfer often makes the most sense. It gets everyone to the door quickly, and the cost difference does not always feel huge once you compare it with multiple train tickets plus a local taxi at the other end. If your children are older and you are packing light, the train is still a very good option and can save money for the fun parts of the holiday.
For couples, the train is often the sweet spot. It is cheap, quick and reliable, and for many people that is all they need. Small groups tend to lean more towards taxis because the cost per person comes down.
Practical tips before you travel
A little planning makes the journey much easier. If you are using the train, check roughly when the last service runs if you are arriving late at night. If you are taking a taxi or transfer, keep the full address of your accommodation handy rather than relying on the name alone.
It also helps to think about your arrival time in real terms, not just the flight time. By the time you land, pass through the airport and collect your luggage, you may be travelling onwards later than expected. If you are booking a transfer, allow for that.
If you are staying in Benalmádena, it is worth knowing whether your accommodation is nearest Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Costa or Torrequebrada. That can affect whether the train is still the easiest route or whether a direct taxi is the better call.
Why Benalmadena is such an easy base from the airport
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Benalmádena is its location. You are close enough to Málaga Airport to keep transfer times short, but far enough away to feel properly on holiday. That balance is a big reason families and couples return year after year.
The area gives you beaches, promenades, restaurants, shops and family attractions without needing long journeys after you land. If you are staying in a well-located self-catering flat, you also get the freedom to settle in at your own pace. That can be far more relaxing than a hotel check-in after a long travel day.
For guests staying at BenalBeach, the journey from the airport is particularly manageable, which is one of the reasons so many people choose it as a base. You can be unpacked and ready to enjoy the pools or walk down to the seafront not long after landing.
When people ask how to get from Malaga Airport, they are often really asking something else – what is the least stressful way to start the holiday? For Benalmádena, the answer is reassuringly simple. If you want the cheapest route, take the train. If you want the easiest route, take a taxi or private transfer. Either way, you are not far from a very good holiday.