Landing at Málaga Airport after an early flight from the UK, most people want the same thing – to get to their accommodation quickly, easily and without any fuss. If you are weighing up Málaga Airport to Benalmádena options, the good news is that this is one of the simplest airport transfers on the Costa del Sol. Benalmádena is close enough to keep travel time manageable, but there are still a few choices worth comparing depending on your budget, arrival time and who you are travelling with.
For families with young children, couples travelling light, or groups trying to keep costs sensible, the best option is not always the same. A train might be perfect for one trip and a taxi makes more sense for the next. That is why it helps to know what each route really looks like before you arrive.
Travelling from Málaga Airport (AGP) to Benalmádena is quite easy. You’ll be taking the C1 Cercanías (Commuter) line, which runs toward Fuengirola.
The train station at the airport is located underground, directly across from the arrivals terminal (T3) via a pedestrian bridge.
Timetable Overview
Trains on this line are extremely frequent and generally run every 20 to 30 minutes.
-
First Train: Leaves Málaga Airport at approximately 05:32.
-
Last Train: Leaves Málaga Airport at approximately 23:42.
-
Journey Duration: Roughly 18 to 20 minutes.
-
Main Station: You will likely want the Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel station, which is the heart of the town.
Estimated Schedule (Daytime)
While exact minutes can shift slightly depending on the hour, the departures typically follow this pattern:
Key Travel Tips
-
Tickets: You can buy tickets at the Renfe ticket machines at the station. A one-way ticket for this route (Zone 3) costs approximately €2.05.
-
Payment: The machines accept cash, cards, and contactless payments. You can also use your contactless credit/debit card or phone directly at the turnstiles (no need to print a ticket).
-
Destination Check: Ensure the train’s electronic display says Fuengirola. If it says “Málaga Centro,” it is going the opposite way toward the city.
-
Station Name: Don’t get confused by “Torremuelle”—this is another stop in Benalmádena but is further out. Most visitors need Arroyo de la Miel.
Are you staying near the town center (Arroyo) or closer to the beach/marina? Knowing your exact location can help me point you toward the right bus or walk from the station.
Málaga Airport to Benalmádena options at a glance
The main ways to travel from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena are by train, taxi, private transfer, bus or hire car. Journey times are fairly short compared with many holiday destinations, which is one of the reasons Benalmádena is such a popular choice for UK visitors.
If you want the cheapest straightforward option, the train is usually the one people choose first. If you are arriving with pushchairs, several suitcases or tired children, a taxi or private transfer may feel well worth the extra cost. Car hire suits some visitors, especially if they plan to explore more of the Costa del Sol, but it can be more effort than many people need for a stay centred around Benalmádena.
Train from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena
For many holidaymakers, the train offers the best balance of price and convenience. Málaga Airport has its own rail station, so you do not need to leave the airport complex and hunt around for transport. You simply follow the signs to the station and take the local C1 line towards Fuengirola.
The usual station for Benalmádena is Arroyo de la Miel, although some visitors may choose Torremuelle if they are staying closer to that side of town. The journey is generally around 20 to 25 minutes, which makes it very appealing after a flight.
The train works especially well if you are travelling with hand luggage or just one manageable suitcase each. It is also a good option if you arrive in daylight and are comfortable doing the final part of the journey from the station to your accommodation by taxi or on foot, depending on location.
The trade-off is that the train is not always the easiest choice with very young children, lots of bags or late-night arrivals. If your accommodation is not right by the station, that extra step at the end can feel longer than it sounds on paper.
Taxi from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena
If convenience matters more than keeping the cost as low as possible, a taxi is one of the easiest Málaga Airport to Benalmádena options. You leave the arrivals area, join the official taxi rank and go straight to your accommodation. No station changes, no waiting on platforms, and no dragging suitcases up the road in the heat.
The journey usually takes around 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic and exactly where in Benalmádena you are staying. For families, couples with heavier luggage, or anyone landing after a long travel day, this door-to-door simplicity can be a big relief.
Taxis can work out better value than expected if the fare is split between several people. Two couples or a family of four may find the difference between rail fares and a direct taxi is smaller than they thought. On the other hand, solo travellers or couples on a tighter budget may still prefer the train.
It is worth remembering that traffic can affect both journey time and fare. During busy holiday periods, the road transfer is still straightforward, but it may not feel quite as quick as the distance suggests.
If you’re looking for a taxi from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena, you have two main options: grabbing one from the official airport rank (no booking needed) or pre-booking a private transfer for a fixed price.
1. Official Airport Taxis
These are white with a blue stripe. You don’t need to call them; just walk out of the arrivals hall to the taxi rank. However, if you need to call a dispatcher in Málaga for any reason:
-
Taxi Unión: +34 952 04 04 04
-
Unitaxi: +34 952 33 33 33
-
Radio Taxi Málaga: +34 951 55 90 33
2. Pre-Booked Private Transfers
These are often preferred because the driver meets you in arrivals with a sign, and the price is fixed (usually around €25–€35 to Benalmádena).
-
Malaga Airport Taxi: +34 693 900 900
-
Malaga Taxi (info@malaga-taxi.com): +34 951 551 355
-
Taxi Málaga Airport 24h: +34 665 330 940
3. Benalmádena Local Taxis
If you are already in Benalmádena and need a ride back to the airport or around town:
-
Radio Taxi Benalmádena: +34 952 44 15 45
-
WhatsApp Bookings (Benalmádena only): +34 608 27 53 37
Quick Tips for Taxis
-
Ride-Sharing: Uber and Bolt both operate at Málaga Airport. You usually have to head to a specific “VTC” pickup point (usually near the car rental parking) rather than the main taxi rank.
-
Surcharges: Airport pickups have a standard supplement (usually around €5.40) already included in the initial meter reading.
-
Payment: Almost all taxis in Málaga now accept credit/debit cards, but it’s always polite to double-check “Tarjeta?” before you set off.
Are you travelling with a large group or a lot of luggage? Some of these private companies are better than others for minivans.
Private transfers for a smoother arrival
Private transfers sit somewhere between a taxi and a fully arranged travel service. For many people, they offer peace of mind because the journey is organised in advance. You know someone should be waiting for you, and that can be reassuring if you are travelling with children, arriving late, or simply prefer to have one less thing to sort out at the airport.
This option is often popular with families staying in self-catering accommodation because it keeps the arrival simple. You can get everyone and everything to the door in one go, then settle in properly rather than working out public transport when you are already tired.
The downside is cost. A private transfer will usually be more expensive than the train and sometimes slightly more than a standard taxi, depending on the provider and the time of travel. Still, for many holidaymakers, the extra predictability is worth paying for.
Bus services to Benalmádena
The bus is possible, but for most UK holidaymakers it is not the first choice from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena. Services can be useful in some circumstances, but they tend to involve more planning and less simplicity than either the train or a taxi.
If you are confident with local transport and travelling light, a bus can be a lower-cost option. The issue is that it may not be as direct or as frequent as you would hope, particularly if your flight arrives outside the busiest daytime hours.
For first-time visitors, the bus often creates more uncertainty than it saves in money. After a flight, many people prefer the clearer route of train or taxi rather than checking stops, routes and waiting times at the airport.
Hiring a car at the airport
Car hire makes sense for some holidays and adds unnecessary hassle to others. If you plan to visit places such as Mijas, Marbella, Nerja or inland white villages during your stay, having your own car gives you flexibility. It can also be helpful if you are travelling with children and want control over timings, shopping trips and beach days.
But if your plan is mostly to stay around Benalmádena, enjoy the beach, walk to restaurants and make use of resort facilities, you may not need a car at all. Parking, petrol, collection queues and driving on unfamiliar roads can feel like extra work rather than extra freedom.
This is especially true if you are staying in a well-located area near shops, bars, the seafront and family attractions. Many visitors find they use their hire car far less than expected.
Which option is best for families?
For families, the right answer usually comes down to one question – do you want the cheapest transfer or the easiest one? If keeping costs down is the priority and you can manage your luggage, the train is excellent. If you are travelling with a buggy, tired children and a week’s worth of holiday gear, a taxi or private transfer will often feel like money well spent.
Benalmádena works particularly well for family holidays because the airport is so close. You are not facing a drawn-out transfer after landing, which makes the whole trip feel easier from the start. That is a real advantage when you are travelling with children or older relatives.
A few practical tips before you land
It helps to think beyond the airport-to-town journey itself. Check which part of Benalmádena your accommodation is in, because Benalmádena Costa, Arroyo de la Miel and Torrequebrada can make a difference to the final leg of your trip. A train to the nearest station may still leave you needing a short taxi ride afterwards.
If you are arriving late in the evening, pre-booking a transfer can remove a lot of stress. If you are arriving midday with light luggage, keeping it simple with the train may be the obvious choice. It really does depend on your flight time, budget and how much effort you want to make on arrival day.
For guests staying in our BenalBeach flat, easy access from the airport is one of the big advantages of choosing Benalmádena in the first place. A holiday should feel straightforward from the moment you land, and this resort area makes that much easier than many destinations on the coast. If you are planning your stay, you can find more details at https://Travelspain.uk.
When choosing between Málaga Airport to Benalmádena options, there is no single right answer for everyone. The best transfer is the one that fits the kind of holiday you actually want – easy, affordable and relaxed from the very beginning.