Marbella is 53 km by road south-west of Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP). There is no railway to Marbella, so the public options are the direct Avanza coach or the local train to Fuengirola and a bus onward.
Short answer: take the direct Avanza bus from Terminal 3 arrivals to Marbella bus station: about 45 minutes, fares from €6.48, with several lines (including the 616 express) serving the route. There is no train to Marbella: the Cercanías C1 only reaches Fuengirola (34 minutes), where you would change to a bus. By car it is 53 km on the AP-7 or A-7, about 39 minutes without traffic. Our private transfer costs €100 per car (1–3 passengers) and €140 per van (4–8).
| Option | Travel time | Price | Changes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avanza direct bus to Marbella bus station | about 45 min | from €6.48 | 0 | Most travellers, light budget |
| Cercanías C1 to Fuengirola + bus | 34 min + bus along the coast | two separate fares | 1 | Stopping in Fuengirola on the way |
| Car hire | about 39 min without traffic | rental + fuel + AP-7 toll | 0 | Touring the Costa del Sol |
| ShuttleHero private transfer | 40–55 min (longer on summer weekends) | €100 per car (1–3), €140 per van (4–8) | 0 | Families, groups, villas, Puerto Banús, Golden Mile |
Avanza runs direct coaches from Málaga Airport to Marbella, San Pedro, Estepona and on to La Línea and Algeciras; lines 613 and 616 are the express services. All arrive at and leave from Terminal 3, arrivals level. The trip to Marbella takes about 45 minutes and fares start at €6.48 (timetable valid from 19 October 2026). The Avanza ticket office is opposite the T3 arrivals exit, open daily from 07:45 to 23:00, and tickets are also sold online. The bus ends at Marbella bus station, above the town, so most hotels still need a short ride from there.
The Cercanías C1 local train leaves from the airport station and runs along the coast to Fuengirola in about 34 minutes (Málaga centre is 12 minutes in the other direction). The line ends at Fuengirola: there is no railway to Marbella, so you would continue by a regional bus. It only makes sense if you are stopping in Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirola.
The road route is about 53 km. The AP-7 is a toll motorway and the quicker choice; the free A-7 runs closer to the coast and gets congested in summer and on Friday and Sunday evenings. Without traffic the drive takes about 39 minutes. Marbella's old town around Plaza de los Naranjos is largely pedestrian, so a car stops at its edge.
A private transfer Málaga Airport → Marbella costs €100 per car for 1–3 passengers and €140 per van for 4–8 passengers. The price is per vehicle, fixed and paid by card when you book, and luggage is included. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup, and a child seat costs +€10. The driver takes you to your hotel, villa or apartment anywhere in Marbella, including Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile, rather than to the bus station.
Málaga Airport → Marbella
Car, 1–3 passengers: €100 · Van, 4–8 passengers: €140
At Málaga Airport arrivals use Terminal 3. Your driver waits in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3, after baggage reclaim and the customs exit, with a sign showing your name. We track your flight and you get 60 minutes of free waiting after landing.
Travelling light with a hotel near the bus station or the old town: the Avanza coach, the cheapest direct option. Staying in Puerto Banús, on the Golden Mile, in Elviria or a hillside villa, landing late, with children or as a group of four or more: a private transfer to the door, priced per vehicle.
Yes. Avanza runs direct coaches from Terminal 3 arrivals to Marbella bus station in about 45 minutes, with fares from €6.48.
No. The Cercanías C1 runs from the airport only as far as Fuengirola (34 minutes); from there you need a bus.
About 39 minutes for 53 km on the AP-7 without traffic, longer on the A-7 in summer.
Our transfer costs €100 per car for 1–3 passengers and €140 per van for 4–8 passengers, fixed when you book and including luggage.
Online, or at the Avanza ticket office opposite the Terminal 3 arrivals exit, open every day from 07:45 to 23:00.
Public transport times and fares were checked on 23 October 2026 on the operators' websites. Timetables and fares change, so check the operator before you travel.
We are reachable around the clock, 7 days a week — before, during and after your trip.