Getting from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena is one of the easiest journeys on the Costa del Sol. At just 15–20 km from the terminal, you have more options here than almost anywhere else on the coast – including a train. This guide covers all four with verified 2026 prices and one important decision you need to make before you book anything.
- 01Only 15–20 km from the airport – the closest major resort on this list
- 02Private transfer from ~€40–€65 fixed price, door-to-door to any part of Benalmadena
- 03Licensed taxi typically €20–€30 – no AP-7 toll on this route
- 04Cercanías train from ~€2–€3 to Torremuelle–Benalmadena station, then 2–3 km to the coast
- 05Direct Flybus from ~€9, around 15–25 minutes to Benalmadena Costa
- 06Decide first: Benalmadena Costa, Pueblo, or Arroyo – each needs a different drop-off
Before you book anything, know which Benalmadena you are heading to. It changes everything about your transport choice.
Malaga Airport to Benalmadena: Route Map
Benalmadena is just 15–20 km west of Malaga Airport along the A-7 coastal road — the closest major resort on the Costa del Sol. No AP-7 toll on this route.
Which Benalmadena Are You Going To?
This matters more than which transport you choose. Benalmadena has three distinct areas and they are not next to each other.
Benalmadena Costa is the beachfront strip – hotels, the marina, bars, and most tourist accommodation. This is where most visitors mean when they say "Benalmadena." Flybus, taxis, and transfers all drop here easily.
Benalmadena Pueblo is the hilltop old town, a few kilometres inland and uphill. Buses and trains do not reach it directly. A private transfer or taxi that drops you at the village centre is the only comfortable option.
Arroyo de la Miel is the residential inland area with the Cercanías station. It sits between the Costa and the Pueblo, and works well as a base if you plan to use the train regularly.
If you are staying in Benalmadena Pueblo, book a private transfer that specifies "Benalmadena Pueblo centro" as the drop-off. A taxi or bus to Costa and a second taxi uphill is slower and costs more in total.
Private Transfer: The Cleanest Option
For families, groups, or anyone staying in Benalmadena Pueblo, a pre-booked private transfer is the most straightforward choice. Welcome Pickups operates door-to-door from Malaga Airport to any address in all three parts of Benalmadena. Fixed pricing, meet & greet in arrivals, and automatic flight tracking included.
On a short route like this, the price difference between a transfer and a taxi is smaller than you might expect – and the comfort gap is significant.
Choose a private transfer if you are heading to Benalmadena Pueblo, travelling with children or heavy luggage, or arriving late at night. Fixed price and direct drop-off make it the stress-free choice whatever part of town you are staying in.
Skip the private transfer if you are travelling solo to Benalmadena Costa with light luggage. The Flybus or a metered taxi gets you there for significantly less on this short route.
Taxi from Malaga Airport to Benalmadena
Licensed white taxis are available 24/7 outside Terminal 3. The metered fare to Benalmadena runs typically €20–€30 in daytime conditions, with night-time and public holiday surcharges nudging the fare toward €30 or above. Crucially, this route uses the A-7 coastal road rather than the AP-7 tolled motorway – so no toll is added to the meter.
For a short route with no toll, a taxi is a perfectly competitive option, especially for solo travellers or couples heading to the Costa strip.
Night-time, weekend, and public holiday fares are higher. If you are arriving on a late flight or during a Spanish public holiday, budget toward the upper end of the €30+ bracket.
Bus to Benalmadena: Flybus and Local Options
Flybus operates a direct airport shuttle to Benalmadena Costa from Terminal 3. Tickets start from ~€9 and the journey takes around 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and the number of stops. Services run throughout the day and can be booked online in advance.
For budget travellers, local bus line M-110 also connects the airport to Benalmadena Costa via the wider network. Fares run from ~€1–€3 but journey times stretch to 35–45 minutes with more stops.
Flybus drops you at the main Benalmadena Costa bus stop near the beachfront. If your hotel is on the marina strip or the main coastal road, this is the most cost-effective option on the whole coast.
Train: The Underrated Option
Benalmadena is one of the few Costa del Sol destinations with a realistic train option. The Cercanías C1 line runs from Malaga Airport (change at Malaga Centro-Alameda) west to Torremuelle–Benalmadena station. Fares are from ~€2–€3 one-way – the cheapest option by far.
The catch: Torremuelle–Benalmadena station is in Arroyo de la Miel, approximately 2–3 km from Benalmadena Costa beach and 3–4 km from Benalmadena Pueblo. You will need a short local taxi or bus to complete the journey from the station.
The train makes sense if you are staying near Arroyo de la Miel, travelling solo with a single bag, or simply want the cheapest possible arrival. For a couple splitting the cost, the Flybus is barely more expensive and drops you closer.
Avoid the train if you are staying in Benalmadena Pueblo, arriving with heavy luggage, or travelling with children. The station connection adds complexity that a direct transfer eliminates entirely.
Hire Car from Malaga Airport
Benalmadena is a good base for exploring the Costa del Sol by car. From here you can reach Torremolinos in under 10 minutes, Fuengirola in 20, and Marbella in around 40 minutes. Pick up at the airport terminal desks on arrival.
Benalmadena Costa has reasonable seafront parking, but the Pueblo's narrow streets are genuinely difficult with a car. If you are splitting time between both, confirm parking at each accommodation before you book.
Practical Tips Before You Travel
For the full overview of all airport transport options, see the Malaga Airport transfers hub and the airport VIP transfer guide. If you are weighing up driving versus transferring for your whole trip, the Malaga car hire guide covers everything in detail.
FAQ – Getting to Benalmadena from Malaga Airport
Sources: Flybus official fare data, Renfe Cercanías C1 timetables, Malaga Airport (AGP) official transport information, Welcome Pickups pricing (April 2026).
