Are you planning to travel from Benalmadena to Marbella? Are you wondering what’s the easiest transport option? Can you get to Marbella without renting a car?
This article will answer the above and many other questions about this route.
Best of all – unlike a generic guide written by a tourist, this article is prepared by a local expat living right next to Benalmadena, so you’re only getting the most accurate and detailed local insights available.
With that in mind, let’s dive in!
Distance from Benalmadena to Marbella
The distance between Benalmadena and Marbella is about 45 km (28 miles).
Benalmadena to Marbella: Transport Options
Here is a quick glance view of the transport options between Benalmadena and Marbella, with more details for each option following in the next few paragraphs:
- by car: 40-minute drive via AP-7 or A-7 highway.
- by train: no train connections are available
- by bus: 55 minutes journey from Puerto Marina, at the cost of 3.72 euros to 4.76 euros one way
- by taxi: around 50 euros for 30 minutes drive
- by uber: around 40 euros for 30 minutes drive
1. Benalmadena to Marbella by Car
There are two main routes you can take when you’re driving to Marbella by car.
The main difference between them is the fact that one of them is a toll road, and the other one is free to use, but they do run parallel to each other.
ROUTE 1 – via AP-7 Highway (Toll Road)
The toll road is slightly faster than the A-7 highway, with less traffic.
You might save some time especially if you have to travel during rush hour. The tolls paid are usually under 10 euros for this journey, but you can calculate the precise amount using the Spanish toll road calculator.
According to the map estimates, this journey would take 40 minutes with the total distance driven around 43 km.
ROUTE 2 – via A-7 highway (free road)
The A-7 is a free public highway that runs parallel to the AP-7 and I would argue that it has much better views as it runs right along the coastline.
This road may be a bit slower and much more busy compared to the AP-7, depending on when you’re travelling. The road is also used by local transport, so you will see a local bus stopping there very frequently. I’ve never before encountered public bus stops on a busy highway, but it seems like it’s pretty common in Spain. This is something you should keep in mind when you’re driving here as you might see a bus pulling in front of you out of nowhere.
According to the maps estimates, this journey would take around 43 minutes, with the total distance driven closer to 45 km – depending on your destinations in Marbella and your departure point in Benalmadena.
2. Benalmadena to Marbella by Train
If you were planning to take the train to Marbella, the bad news is that there is no train network in Marbella.
The trains only run to Fuengirola, and from there you would have to take the local bus to Marbella.
This is by far the least convenient option as you would have to catch the train from Arroyo de la Miel train station (upper Benalmadena) and get to Fuengirola main station in time to catch the Marbella bus.
The trains to Fuengirola run every 20 minutes, and the C-1 connection to Fuengirola would take about 10 minutes by train. The main train station in Fuengirola is only around the block from the bus station in Fuengirola.
The buses from Fuengirola leave roughly every half an hour or hour, but the bus journey takes 1.5 hours with the standard bus connection.
There are also faster distance buses you can catch from here, but there are no guarantees that you can get on the bus if it’s full, or that you can sit together with other people from your group.
The faster distance buses that only stop in Marbella bus station will get you there in about 30 minutes.
3. Benalmadena to Marbella by Bus
Avanza runs a regular service to Algeciras, which you can use to commute between Benalmadena and Marbella.
The service runs up to eight times a day, with the earlier departure at 9.35 am and the last one at 9.05 pm. The journey takes 55 minutes and its best to buy your tickets online at the Avanza website (enter Benalmadena C for your departure point).
The price of ticket ranges between 3.72 euros and 4.76 euros depending on the bus connection.
The buses leave from Puerto Marina stop in Benalmadena and stop only in the main bus station in Marbella. Most of the drivers speak at least basic English, and luggage is included in the price.
The buses are fairly modern and quite comfortable and the long distance buses also have toilets. As of autumn 2022, face masks are still compulsory on all forms of public transport in Andalusia.
Once you get your ticket, simply show the QR code or your name to the driver, you will need to have your passport or ID with you too.
4. Benalmadena to Marbella by Taxi
The taxi from Benalmadena to Marbella would cost around 50 euros, depending on which company you use, what type of car you book and how many people are travelling.
You can get more quotes and check prices by searching online.
The travel time should be around 30 minutes.
5. Benalmadena to Marbella by Uber
According to my app, the drive from Benalmadena to Marbella with uber saver would cost around 40 euros. Keep in mind this is just a rough estimates as the uber prices change depending on demand.
In my experience uber works out almost always cheaper compared to standard taxi, plus they can pick you up in the middle of nowhere if needed.
Benalmadena to Marbella: Frequent Questions about this Route
How much is a taxi from Benalmadena to Marbella?
Taxi from Benalmadena to Marbella would cost around 50 euros, depending on your pick up and drop off point, number of people traveling and type of car.
How far is it from Benalmadena to Marbella?
The distance between Benalmadena and Marbella is approximately 45 km (28 miles).
How to get to Marbella from Benalmadena?
The easiest way is to rent a car, take a taxi or bus. Bus journey takes 55 minutes and costs up to 5 euros, by a taxi you would get there for around 50 euros in 30 minutes.
How far from Benalmadena to Marbella?
The distance between Benalmadena and Marbella is approximately 45 km (28 miles).
Can I get a local bus from Benalmadena to Marbella?
Yes, the buses to Marbella leave from Puerto Marina, and the journey takes around 55 minutes. There are up to 8 departures per day. Tickets cost between 4 to 5 euros one way and can be bought online at Avanza website.
How long is the bus from Benalmadena to Marbella?
The bus journey takes approximately 55 minutes.
How much is a bus ticket from Benalmadena to Marbella?
The price of ticket ranges between 3.72 euros and 4.76 euros depending on the bus connection.
Is there a bus from Benalmadena to Marbella?
Yes, there is a distance bus connection which stops in Puerto Marina in Benalmadena and drops you off at the main bus station in Marbella. There are roughly 8 departures per day. The price of ticket ranges between 3.72 euros and 4.76 euros depending on the bus connection.
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