A guide in English for the journey between Malaga Airport and Nerja
Below, we list options for your trip, including price examples and links to booking sites and timetables. We hope this helps those traveling from Malaga Airport to Nerja.
Airlines
First, to get to Málaga, SAS, Norwegian, and Ryanair fly directly from Stockholm and Gothenburg to Málaga. From Copenhagen, in addition to these three companies, Eurowings, Vueling, and Iberia also fly directly to Málaga.
Rental Car
Travel from Malaga Airport to Nerja by rental car, e.g., for those who want a car for their entire stay in Nerja
Hiring a car directly at Málaga Airport is an option for those who want to have a car for their entire stay in Nerja. It's best to book in advance. For example, google "car rental Malaga airport" to find options. Choose the option that best suits your budget. Alternatively, you can use comparison sites like autoeurope.se or rentalcars.com.
Some companies that we or our friends have used and that we can recommend are:
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solauto.cc (car rental company in Nerja that can deliver/collect the car at Malaga Airport)
Companies that we advise avoiding (we know people who have been significantly overcharged by these):
The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Taxi
Travel from Malaga Airport to Nerja by taxi, e.g., for those who want to arrive quickly and smoothly
For those who prefer a more personalized service, a taxi or private transfer can be a good option. A taxi, for example, Nerja Taxi, from the airport to Nerja costs approximately 80 euros. Pre-booking via their website is recommended to avoid higher prices.
The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Companies we usually use:
Both Uber and Bolt have started operating in the Málaga area, including Nerja. You can always check their apps for updated prices. NOTE – make sure to allow some extra time if you order Bolt or Uber. The last time we ordered to go from Nerja to Malaga Airport, it said 5 minutes, but the taxi arrived after 30 minutes. It might still be worth it if you get a good price. We traveled for between 50-60 euros from Nerja to Malaga Airport last time, compared to about 80 euros for a "regular" taxi.
Bus – Cost-effective
Travel from Malaga Airport to Nerja by bus, e.g., for those on a budget
Alsa offers direct buses from the airport to Nerja, though they do not run very frequently. Please check in advance for specific days and times. It is very affordable (costs around 6 euros one way).
The journey takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on how many stops the bus makes along the way.
Another option is to take a local bus to Malaga bus station and then transfer to a bus going to Nerja. Buses run constantly between the airport and Malaga bus station, and they run multiple times a day between Malaga and Nerja. For current timetables and ticket booking, visit Alsa.
A tip is to download the Alsa app to your mobile for quick access and booking.
Train to Malaga city followed by bus to Nerja
Travel from Malaga Airport to Nerja by train and bus, e.g., for those who feel comfortable using public transport in Malaga
If you prefer to travel by train, you can take the commuter train from the airport to Málaga city. The train departs right outside the airport entrance (exit and cross the road); simply pay with your credit card at the barrier. The train will take you to Malaga's train station Maria Zambrano where it's an easy 4-minute walk to transfer to a bus towards Nerja from the bus station in Malaga. Trains depart regularly, as do buses.
NOTE, check current timetables for exact times.
The journey takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on the time you travel and how train/bus connections fit.
Carpooling via Facebook group
Travel from Malaga Airport to Nerja with others - fast, smooth and cheap
For those interested in carpooling, there's a Facebook group called "Samåkning / CarPooling Nerja / Torrox <> AGP Malaga" where you can find other travelers and share costs. Cheaper than paying for the whole taxi ride yourself and a social way to travel.
NOTE
Regardless of the transport method, it's wise to plan your journey in advance, especially during peak season when demand can be high. Don't forget to also check for updates and any changes to timetables.
