Getting around Málaga & the Costa del Sol
How to live here with or without a car: the Metro, buses, trains, the airport, driving, and what to know about your U.S. license.
Can I live without a car?
In central Málaga and along the C1 train line, many people do. Further west and in hillside areas, a car makes life much easier.
How do I get from the airport?
Cercanías C1 train, EMT Line A bus, coastal buses or a taxi.
Can I drive on my U.S. license?
As a visitor, usually yes (with an IDP). After you become a resident, generally only for about 6 months.
Public transport
Málaga Metro
- Two lines. Line 1 runs from Andalucía Tech (university, Teatinos) to Atarazanas in the city center; Line 2 runs from Palacio de los Deportes through Carretera de Cádiz/Huelin to Guadalmedina.
- El Perchel connects to María Zambrano train station (AVE, Cercanías) and the main bus station.
- Useful for Teatinos, the Hospital Clínico area, Carretera de Cádiz and the center.
EMT Málaga city buses
- EMT runs the city's bus network, including routes to the beaches, Pedregalejo and El Palo.
- Line A (Airport Express) connects the airport with the city center.
- Check routes and real-time arrivals on EMT's website or app.
Cercanías commuter trains
- Line C1 runs along the coast from Málaga Centro-Alameda via María Zambrano and the airport to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola.
- Line C2 runs inland toward Álora.
- There's no train to Marbella or Estepona — use the coastal buses.
Intercity and coastal buses
- Metropolitan buses (Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga) link Málaga with nearby towns. Its travel card also works on some other networks — check what's included.
- Long-distance and coastal buses to Marbella, Estepona and beyond leave from Málaga's main bus station.
Airport, taxis and getting around
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
- Cercanías C1 train: to Málaga center in one direction, or Torremolinos/Benalmádena/Fuengirola in the other.
- EMT Line A bus to the city center.
- Coastal buses toward Marbella and beyond; taxis from the official rank.
Taxis and rideshare
- Licensed taxis are widely available in Málaga and coastal towns.
- Ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify and Bolt operate in Málaga — availability is more limited in smaller towns.
Walking and cycling
- Central Málaga, La Malagueta, Soho and Huelin are very walkable.
- The seafront promenades are popular for walking and cycling, and Málaga has a growing network of bike lanes.
- Hillside areas like El Limonar and parts of Mijas or Benalmádena are steep — factor that into a car-free plan.
Between coastal towns
- Málaga ↔ Torremolinos ↔ Benalmádena ↔ Fuengirola: the C1 train or bus.
- Fuengirola ↔ Mijas Pueblo: local bus.
- Málaga or Fuengirola ↔ Marbella ↔ Estepona: coastal buses or a car.
Driving, licenses and cars
U.S. driver's licenses
- Visitors can usually drive on a valid U.S. license; an International Driving Permit (from AAA in the U.S.) is strongly recommended alongside it.
- Once you become a legal resident, a non-EU license is generally valid for about 6 months from when you acquire normal residence.
- Spain doesn't have a general license exchange agreement with the U.S. Most Americans need to pass the Spanish theory and practical driving tests, usually through a driving school (autoescuela). Check the DGT for your state and situation.
Roads, tolls and parking
- The free A-7 and the toll AP-7 run along the coast; tolled sections affect trips toward Marbella and Estepona.
- Parking in central Málaga is limited — expect paid street parking (blue zones) or a private garage space.
- Málaga has a low-emission zone (ZBE). Check whether your vehicle and its environmental label are allowed.
Buying, leasing or renting
- Renting is a common bridge for your first months while you decide.
- Buying usually requires your NIE and Spanish address; insurance is mandatory.
- Long-term rental or leasing (renting) contracts are another option — compare what's included.
Do I need a car?
General guidance by area — it depends on exactly where you live and your routine.
Málaga Centro, Soho, La Malagueta
Usually not neededWalkable, with Metro, EMT buses and trains close by.
Huelin, Carretera de Cádiz, Teatinos
Usually not neededServed by the Metro and frequent buses.
Pedregalejo, El Limonar
HelpfulGood EMT buses along the coast; El Limonar is hilly.
Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola
HelpfulOn the C1 train line; hillside areas are harder without a car.
Mijas
RecommendedSpread out; Mijas Pueblo relies on local buses.
Marbella, Estepona
RecommendedNo train line; buses work for central areas, but urbanizations need a car.
Official sources
Want help planning this part of your move?
Start a free relocation plan, or talk it through in a consultation.
This guide is general relocation information. Routes, timetables, tolls, low-emission rules and licensing requirements change — check the official sources above before you travel or make decisions. For your own license situation, confirm with the DGT or a qualified professional.