How To Get From Malaga Airport To Nerja

If you’re travelling to the Spanish coastal town of Nerja from outside of mainland Spain then it’s highly likely you’ll fly into Malaga Airport.

The best way to travel the 70km from Malaga Airport to Nerja is in a taxi or Uber since it’s direct. The journey takes around 50 minutes and roughly costs between €80 and €100. However, more affordable transport options are also available.

Sadly, there is no public bus or train between Malaga Airport and Nerja at this time. However, the Alsa shuttle bus runs once a day from the airport and several times a day from Malaga city center for those looking for a budget option.

⏱️ Time: 50 mins
💵 Cost: €80 – €100
💻 Reserve Taxi: Hoppa

The quickest and easiest way to get from Malaga Airport to Nerja is by taxi since a taxi is able to pick you up just outside of the airport terminal and drop you off right outside your accommodation in the town.

Nerja is situated 70km east of Malaga and is connected to the city via multiple highways. Subsequently, the journey should only take around 50 minutes depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can use the ride-sharing service Uber which has a dedicated pick-up point just outside the arrivals terminal which is once again heavily sign-posted both inside and outside of the building.

The pricing model of Uber differs from that of a traditional taxi in that the price is dynamic based on the demand for the service in the area at that time. However, in contrast, you can see the exact cost of the journey in advance for the type of vehicle that you require.

The price difference between Uber and a traditional taxi should be no more than €5. Therefore when choosing between an Uber and a traditional taxi, it’s really about which service is most convenient for you.

⏱️ Time: 50 mins
💵 Cost: €30 per day (hire car only)
💻 Book Hire Car: Discover Cars

If you’re looking to explore the Costa Del Sol during your trip to Nerja then it may be a good idea to hire a car since it will provide you with a lot of flexibility and likely work out to be a cost-effective transport method over the long term.

If you decide that renting a car is right for you then I recommend picking the car up from Malaga Airport and then driving it to your accommodation in Nerja.

The best way to rent a car in the Costa Del Sol region is to book online since you’re able to compare the different car hire companies and cars available to find the right option for your needs.

Once you’ve booked your hire car you’ll want to go and check in with the company and pick up the keys to your vehicle from the car hire desk at the airport upon your arrival.

All of the car hire companies operating from Malaga Airport are located on the lower level of the terminal, meaning you’ll need to take an elevator from the baggage claims area down to level -1 (again this is well sign posted inside the terminal).

The cost of hiring a car from Malaga Airport varies significantly depending on the company and the type of vehicle you select.

However, the cost of the vehicle isn’t the only thing you want to consider, you’ll also want to think about petrol / gas and the cost of parking, especially at your accommodation (luxury hotels in the region have been known to charge up to €35 a night for parking).

Subsequently, if you don’t plan to explore more of the Costa Del Sol region during your trip to Nerja then it’s likely a hire car is an unnecessary expense and instead, I’d recommend taking a taxi from the airport to the city instead.

⏱️ Time: 120 mins
💵 Cost: €5.20
💻 Reserve Transfer: Hoppa

While there is no public bus between Malaga Airport and Nerja there are a number of shuttle buses available between the two locations.

If you have booked to stay in Nerja as part of a holiday package with the likes of Tui and Jet2 then it’s likely your shuttle bus from the airport direct to your hotel will be included as part of your package.

In that case, you’ll want to check the booking documents you have received to see if you have been provided with any transfer information. If you are unsure I recommend speaking directly to a travel agent from the company either in person where applicable or over the phone.

Alternatively, if you haven’t booked a package holiday but would still like to take a bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja then you’ll want to look at the Alsa shuttle.

Sadly there is just one Alsa shuttle daily from Malaga Airport to Nerja. However, from Malaga Central, there are several buses daily.

As such if the budget option of travelling by bus is your preferred option and you can’t get the once-daily bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja you’ll want to take either the bus or the train into the city and then travel on the Alsa shuttle from there.

The total cost of this journey will still be under €10 per person, although the exact price will depend on the way you travel into Malaga and which Alsa shuttle from Malaga City Center that you choose.

Tickets for the Alsa shuttle can be purchased online. Once you arrive in Nerja you’ll be dropped off at the bus stop from which you’ll either need to walk or take a taxi to your accommodation.

Alternatively, if you have a bus transfer as part of your package holiday then you’ll be dropped off directly outside your accommodation in Nerja – although you may have to stop at several different hotels for other guests first.