Malaga offers an extensive and well-integrated public transport system that makes exploring this beautiful Spanish city convenient, affordable, and stress-free. Whether you’re a tourist visiting for a few days or planning an extended stay, understanding how to navigate Malaga’s buses, metro, and commuter trains will significantly enhance your experience. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to confidently use public transport in Malaga, including ticket options, routes, schedules, and money-saving tips.
Table of Contents
🚏 Quick Reference Table: Malaga Public Transport Tickets
| Ticket Type | Price | Validity | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Bus Ticket | €1.40 | 1 bus ride, no transfer | On bus, kiosks |
| Bonobus (10 trips) | €4.20 + €1.90 | 10 rides, 1hr transfer | Kiosks, EMT app, authorized points |
| Metro Single | €1.35 | 1 metro ride | Metro station machines |
| Consortium Card | €1.50 + top-up | Multi-modal, discounted | Sales points, metro stations |
| Cercanías Single | from €1.80 | 1 train ride (zone-based) | Station machines, Renfe app |
Overview of Malaga’s Public Transport Network
Malaga boasts a diverse and well-connected public transport network consisting of three main modes: urban buses operated by EMT Málaga, a modern metro system, and Renfe Cercanías trains. These services collectively provide excellent coverage throughout the city and its surrounding areas.
The network is designed for seamless integration, allowing travelers to easily combine different transport modes to reach virtually any destination within Malaga and its metropolitan area. Each transport option offers its own advantages, whether you prioritize extensive route coverage, speed, or access to specific parts of the city.
Key Transport Providers:
- EMT Málaga: The municipal transport company operating the city’s extensive bus network.
- Metro de Málaga: The underground and surface light rail system with two main lines.
- Renfe Cercanías: The commuter train service connecting Malaga with coastal towns and inland areas.
🚌 The EMT Bus System
Network Coverage and Routes
EMT Málaga buses operate an impressive network of 47 bus routes with 1,072 bus stops throughout the city and surrounding areas. This extensive coverage ensures that most attractions, neighborhoods, and amenities are easily accessible by bus. The routes span from north (Bda. Los Nuñez) to south (Cortijo de Maza) and from west (Miranda) to east (Jarazmín).
Most areas in the city can be reached by a single bus from the Alameda Principal, the main boulevard at the bottom of Calle Larios, which serves as a central transportation hub. The longest EMT bus route is Line 19, which covers over 18 km with 44 stops, running from Loma Del Campo to Paseo Del Parque.
To help navigate the extensive network, travelers can refer to the Malaga bus map and real-time info available at major stations and online.
Tickets and Fares
- Single Tickets:
Cost: €1.40 per journey
Purchase: Directly from the bus driver (preferably with exact change) or at kiosks
Valid only for one ride with no transfers allowed - Tarjeta Transbordo (Bonobus):
Initial card cost: €1.90 (refundable if returned within a year)
10-trip package: €4.20 (about €0.42 per trip)
Available in 20 and 30-trip packages
Multiple passengers can use the same card
Free transfers between bus lines within one hour - Monthly Pass (Tarjeta Bus Mensual):
Cost: €19.95 for unlimited travel
Valid for one named user only
Ideal for regular commuters or extended stays
Where to Buy:
- Online & Mobile: Purchase and reload tickets via the official EMT Málaga website or EMT Málaga app (Android).
- At Bus Stops: Many stops have ticket vending machines.
- Ticket Offices: Located at major hubs like the main bus station.
How to Use EMT Buses
- Boarding: Wait at a designated bus stop and signal the approaching bus by raising your hand.
- Payment Methods:
- Pay the driver directly for single tickets (cash preferred, max €5)
- Tap your transport card on the reader
- Use contactless payment (available on most buses)
- Requesting stops: Press the stop button before your destination.
- Etiquette: Locals take queuing seriously – expect to hear “¿Último?” (who’s last?).
App for Route Planning & Mobile Tickets:
Download the EMT Málaga app (Android) or visit the EMT website for real-time arrivals, route maps, and mobile ticketing.
🚇 The Malaga Metro System
Lines and Stations
Malaga’s metro has two lines:
- Line 1 (Blue): Atarazanas to Andalucía Tech (University), 13 stations over 7.5 km
- Line 2 (Red): Guadalmedina to Palacio de los Deportes, 8 stations over 5.7 km
They meet at El Perchel, a key hub connected to Renfe and the intercity bus terminal. Of the 19 stations, 14 are underground and 5 are surface-level.
Tickets and Fares
- Occasional Ticket: €1.35 per trip (buy at station machines)
- Metro Reloadable Card: €0.82 per trip (cheaper for regular users)
- Consortium Reloadable Card: €0.82 (€0.66 if transferring from bus)
Where to Buy:
- Ticket Machines: Available at all metro stations for single and reloadable cards.
- Consortium Card: Buy at authorized sales points or at metro ticket machines.
More info: Metro de Málaga official website.
🚆 Renfe Cercanías (Commuter Trains)
Lines and Destinations
- Line C-1: Málaga Centro-Alameda ↔ Airport ↔ Torremolinos ↔ Benalmádena ↔ Fuengirola
- Line C-2: Málaga Centro-Alameda ↔ Álora ↔ El Chorro (Caminito del Rey)
Line C-1 runs every 20 minutes and is perfect for airport access (12 mins to city). C-2 runs hourly.
Tickets and Fares
- Single Tickets: Zones 1–2: €1.80; 3 zones: €2.05; 4 zones: €2.70; 5 zones: €3.60
- Return Tickets: From €3.60 to €7.20 depending on zones
Where to Buy:
- At Stations: Purchase at ticket offices or self-service machines at all Cercanías stations.
- Contactless: Pay directly at the turnstiles using your bank card or mobile phone with the Cronos system.
- Consortium Card: Use the green travel card at station machines for discounts.
More info: Renfe Cercanías Málaga.
🔄 Integrated Transport Solutions
Transport Consortium Card
The Tarjeta Monedero Consorcio de Transportes is a rechargeable card valid across:
- EMT buses
- Metro
- Cercanías trains
- Regional buses
Costs & Benefits:
- Initial cost: €1.50
- Minimum top-up: €5
- Bus: €0.40, Metro: €0.33
- Free transfers between EMT buses within 60 minutes
Where to Buy:
- Authorized sales points and at metro ticket machines.
✈️ Getting To and From Malaga Airport
Commuter Train (C-1):
- Journey time: ~12 minutes to Málaga-Centro Alameda
- Cost: €2.30
- Frequency: Every 20 minutes
- Buy tickets at station machines or use contactless payment.
Airport Express Bus (Line A):
- Route: Airport ↔ Paseo del Parque (city center)
- Hours: 07:00 to 00:00
- Frequency: Every 25–45 minutes
- Cost: €4.00 (pay driver or via EMT app)
- EMT Málaga Airport Bus Info
For more details, check our full guide on how to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre.
🗺️ Example Journey: Malaga Airport to City Center
Scenario: You’ve just landed at Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and want to reach the city center (Alameda Principal or María Zambrano station).
Option 1: Renfe Cercanías Train (Recommended)
- Follow signs for “Tren” (Train) in the airport.
- Buy a ticket at the station ticket machine (€2.30, cash or card accepted).
- Board the C-1 train towards Málaga Centro-Alameda.
- Get off at Málaga Centro-Alameda (last stop, about 12 minutes).
- From here: Walk or transfer to a bus or metro for your final destination.
Tip: Trains run every 20 minutes from 6:44 to 00:24. Luggage is allowed.
Option 2: EMT Airport Express Bus (Line A)
- Exit the arrivals area and look for the “A Express” bus stop.
- Buy your ticket from the driver (€4.00, cash or card) or via the EMT Málaga app.
- Ride to Alameda Principal (city center, about 25 minutes).
- From here: Walk or connect to other bus lines.
Tip: Buses run every 25–45 minutes from 7:00 to midnight.
💡 Tips for Tourists
- Short stays (1–3 days): Use single tickets or Bonobus; take the commuter train from the airport.
- Longer stays (4+ days): Monthly EMT bus pass (€19.95) or Consortium Card for flexible travel.
- Download the EMT Málaga App (Android) and use Google Maps for route planning.
- Start from transport hubs: Alameda Principal, María Zambrano.
- Learn Spanish names of destinations.
- Avoid rush hours (8:00–9:30 AM, 5:00–7:00 PM).
- Locals are friendly – ask for help if needed.
❓ Quick FAQ: Using Public Transport in Malaga
Q: Can I bring luggage on buses and trains?
A: Yes! Luggage is allowed as long as it doesn’t block aisles or doors.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Small pets in carriers are allowed on buses and metro. Guide dogs are always permitted.
Q: Is public transport accessible for wheelchairs?
A: Yes. All metro stations, most buses, and trains are wheelchair accessible.
Q: Can I pay with a credit card?
A: Yes, most buses, metro stations, and train stations accept contactless cards and mobile payments.
Q: What if I miss my stop?
A: Get off at the next stop and use the EMT app or Google Maps to plan your route back.
Q: Are there night buses?
A: Yes, EMT Málaga operates several night lines (N1, N2, etc.) – see timetables here.
Q: Where can I get help or lost property?
A: Contact EMT Málaga customer service or visit the main bus station.
🌍 Conclusion
Malaga’s public transport is affordable, clean, and lets you see more without needing a car. Whether you’re off to the Alcazaba, Picasso Museum, city beaches, or coastal towns like Fuengirola – everything is accessible with a bus, metro, or train.
By using the right tickets and apps, and understanding your options, you can explore Malaga stress-free and like a local.
Before you go, always check up-to-date timetables – especially around holidays or festivals. Happy travels!
