Getting to Malaga by train
The most obvious way to get to Malaga is via the Airport – not for nothing is it one of the most connected gateways in Spain. However, getting to Malaga by train is also an option, particularly if you’re starting your Spanish holiday in Madrid or Barcelona, or if you’re also planning to visit Malaga after exploring cities like Granada and Seville.
Train services to Malaga offer an efficient way to reach the Costa del Sol and train travel is also the greenest since all networks are electric. Plus you get to enjoy some amazing scenery in comfort and arrive bang in the centre of Malaga. (What’s not to love?!)
This comprehensive guide explains how to reach Malaga by train from major Spanish cities and the Airport, and includes what to expect in terms of cost and travel time. As always, we’ve included lots of top tips.
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Getting to Malaga by train from Madrid
You may well arrive in Spain via Madrid, an obvious option if you’re travelling long-haul or if you fancy exploring the capital first. Train travel between the two cities is quick and easy thanks to the high-speed train network.
Did you know? Trains to Malaga from Madrid leave from Atocha Station in the city centre. Atocha Station has excellent bus and metro connections to other parts of the city and Madrid Airport.
Which companies run trains between Madrid and Malaga?
Three companies currently operate services:
- Renfe – the largest and a Spanish national company. Renfe also has a budget company known as AVLO. Renfe operates the AVE trains.
- Iryo – a Spanish-Italian company.
- Ouigo – a French company.
There isn’t much difference between the three, although Renfe has the best choice of timetable and we think their seats are more comfortable and you get more leg room. Iryo and Ouigo usually have cheaper prices, but not always.
How long does it take?
The quickest train service between Madrid and Malaga takes less than two hours 30 minutes – the fastest trains only stop in Cordoba. However, the average journey time is usually between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours.
Trains are frequent, with up to 20 departures a day.
How much is a train ticket to Malaga from Madrid?
Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book, when you travel (time of day, day of the week and time of year) and the company you choose. Expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €100 for a one-way ticket. Cheaper fares (e.g. €9 one way) are available, but you need to grab these bargains early on.
Tips
- If you want maximum choice of schedule and prices, book as early as possible. Tickets usually go on sale around 60–90 days in advance.
- Shop around when buying a ticket and make sure you compare like with like – luggage and cancellation policies vary between companies.
- If you want more space and a quieter ride, choose the Preferente class, with larger seats and a more ‘select’ environment.
Getting to Malaga by train from Madrid Airport
If you’re flying into Madrid and want to connect straight to Malaga by train, here’s how to do it.
By train all the way: In Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, take the CercanÃas Line C1 to Madrid ChamartÃn station and then change to the C2, C3 or C7 to Atocha station. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs €2.60.
By bus: Take the 203 Bus from Terminal 1 at Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport direct to Atocha station. The journey takes at least 35 minutes and costs €5. This route involves the least walking, but it takes longer and costs more than the train and you could be caught up in traffic.
Top tip – if you book a ticket through Renfe, you can usually buy a combined CercanÃas + AVE ticket. This ‘Combinado CercanÃas’ includes the train ride to or from Madrid Airport.
Getting to Malaga by train from Barcelona
If you’re starting your Spanish holiday in Barcelona or have arrived at Barcelona Airport, you might not consider taking the train to Malaga. However, if you want a sustainable trip and to travel from one city centre to another without the hassle of airport connections, the train is for you.
Which companies run trains between Barcelona and Malaga?
Renfe and Iryo have direct services between the two cities. Iryo operates one a day and Renfe has around eight (a much better choice).
How long does it take?
The fastest Renfe service takes 5 hours 36 minutes, although most trains take just over 6 hours.
How much is a train ticket from Barcelona to Malaga?
Prices start at €65.
Top tip – consider seeing a bit more of Spain on the journey, with a break in Madrid or Zaragoza. Bear in mind, however, that the fastest Renfe trains bypass Madrid.
Getting to Malaga by train from Cordoba, Granada and Seville
These three cities are all relatively close to Malaga and make a great day trip. In addition, the train is often the best way to get there.
Trains to Cordoba
Renfe, Iryo and Ouigo all run services to Cordoba, so you’re spoilt for choice. The journey takes between 50 and 70 minutes and costs from €15 one way.
Cordoba Central train station is about 25-minutes’ walk from the old quarter. A taxi costs around €7.
Top tip – read our guide to a day trip to Cordoba from Malaga and make the best of the day!
Trains to Granada
Renfe is the only company operating services between Malaga and Granada. There are several trains daily and the fastest takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. Expect to pay from €41 return.
Granada station is about 25-minutes’ walk from the city centre. It’s a pleasant stroll, but if you’re in a hurry to get to the Alhambra, take a taxi (about €7).
Trains to Seville
Renfe’s high-speed AVE trains run regularly from Malaga MarÃa Zambrano station to Sevilla-Santa Justa. The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours, but by early 2026 the quickest trip will be just 1 hour 35 minutes.
One-way tickets cost from €20 (three hour journey) and from €38 (2-hour journey).
Top tip – the train station is a pleasant 20–25 minute walk from the city centre, but if you have luggage or are saving your legs for sightseeing, get a taxi (about €8).
Getting to Malaga by train from Malaga Airport
The train is also a good option if you arrive at Malaga Airport and want to get to the city centre or mainline train station. The CercanÃas C1 line stops directly at Malaga Airport and has two stops in the city centre: Malaga Maria Zambrano (the main train station and about 15-minutes’ walk from the old quarter) and Malaga Centro Alameda.
Read our guide to Malaga Airport
Trains run every 20 minutes between 6.44am and 0.54am. It takes 8 minutes to get to Malaga Maria Zambrano and 12 minutes to reach the city centre. Tickets cost €1.80.
Top tip – you can pay for your ticket using your phone or bank card. Just place your phone or card on the machine for direct access. You must do the same at the exit booths when you arrive at your destination.
Other train services in Malaga
As well as the services mentioned above, Malaga also has other routes:
CercanÃas – local commuter trains
There are two lines (operated by Renfe):
- C1 – as well as connecting Malaga with the Airport, this line goes along the coast to Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.
- C2 – this line goes north inland as far as Alora. It stops at places like Cartama and Pizarra on the way. Services run more or less hourly between 5.44am and 7.40pm.
Top tip – both C1 and C2 stop at Malaga Centro Alameda and Malaga Maria Zambrano stations.
Media Distancia (Mid-distance trains)
These Renfe services provide a good option to get to destinations inland such as Caminito del Rey and Ronda. Trains leave from Maria Zambrano station.
Note that there are no train services to Marbella or Nerja.
About Malaga Maria Zambrano station
Malaga Maria Zambrano, located to the west of the river, is a modern, well-equipped station. It’s around 15-minutes’ walk from the old quarter.
Facilities
- Left luggage lockers
- Car hire options
- Waiting room
- Assisted travel facilities
- Large shopping mall (Vialia) integrated into the station
- Easy access to bus connections, the metro and local CercanÃas trains
Tips
- If you’re travelling long-distance, arrive at least 20–30 minutes before your train departs to give yourself time to get through security and get on the train (some are very long!).
- Platforms are easy to navigate, but announcements are in Spanish only.
Top tips when travelling to Malaga by train
- Book ahead – most companies release tickets 60 to 90 days in advance. The best deals fly off the shelves!
- Consider discount cards – if you travel frequently by train in Spain, take a look at Renfe’s discount cards: Tarjeta dorada (for those over 60) and Tarjeta joven (14 to 25), for example.
- Get a group discount – if there are 4 to 9 of you travelling, you get 25% off ticket prices. Look for the Tarifa 4 o más.
- Take ID – if you’re travelling long-distance, you need valid photo ID (EU national ID card or passport). You must quote your ID number when you book a ticket.
- Check your luggage – make sure your ticket covers all your luggage needs. Not all companies offer the same allowance.
- Choose your seat – when you book long-distance trains, you can usually pick where you sit.
- Sit back and relax – the scenery is lovely and the ride smooth and quick.
Getting to Malaga by train offers an environmentally friendly trip that’s often scenic. If you book ahead, you can also get a bargain ticket. Bottom line? Spain’s excellent rail network makes reaching Malaga a breeze.
¡Buen viaje!
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