Do you want to explore more around Malaga without renting a car?
In that case, a bus is a perfect option!
I have spent 2.5 years living in Spain without a car, and trains and buses were my choices of transport for trips in and out of Malaga.
That doesn’t mean I’m an expert on the topic, but I have done my fair share of bus trips (way more than you can fit into a regular 5-day holiday) to be able to give you some practical tips and options to plan the perfect day trip.
I have hand-picked some of my favorite day trips from Malaga, with a few that are still on my wishlist (and will be updated throughout the year).
I focused on the destinations with reasonable travel time for a single day trip – up to a maximum of 2 hours one way. Anything beyond that has not been included even though a lot of places like Cadiz or Tarifa are certainly worth seeing.
The guide also doesn’t include any destination where a change of buses may be required, or too complicated travel connections are only available. The last thing you want to do on your holiday is sit around at a bus station waiting for your connecting bus to come.
Bus Tickets & Malaga Bus Stations
Bus tickets for longer routes can be bought online in just a few clicks (I have linked each option for bus tickets below in the day trip details.
The reservation system is very easy to use and it shows you both the route options and prices for different buses, allowing you to choose the fastest or the cheapest connection.
Short bus journeys, normally up to an hour, can be bought directly from the bus driver, or from the booth at the bus station (for example Malaga – Fuengirola, Malaga – Benalmadena etc).
If you book your bus ticket online, it usually comes with a seat reservation, especially for longer journeys. Luggage storage is included in the ticket, but if you carry something bigger or extras (baby prams) you may have to pay extra to the bus driver.
The main Malaga bus station is right next to the Maria Zambrano Train station, and it doesn’t have too many facilities.
If you need to get snacks before your trip, or would like to have lunch or shop for souvenirs, simply cross the road to the train station and do all your shopping there. The train station has restaurants, kiosks, souvenir shops, clothing shops and a big Mercadona supermarket. There are also fast-food restaurants and coffee shops.
The bus station operates like any other station, with departures displayed on a board by the entrance and buses being parked at the numbered bay in the station.
Best Day Trips from Malaga by Bus
Here is a quick overview of my hand-picked day trips by bus:
- Benalmadena
- Fuengirola
- Mijas Pueblo
- Nerja
- Antequera
- Granada
- Marbella
- Almunecar
- Estepona
- Torremolinos
1. Benalmadena
Starting with the closest town and the one offering the most diverse experiences – Benalmadena has everything you need to see in a picturesque Andalusian village, plus gorgeous beaches, a small charming harbour, and everything else in between.
Oh, did I mention the castle?
Get a short bus ride to Benalmadena Costa where you can admire the local harbour, visit the Sea World with your kids and walk around the coastal promenade.
When you had enough of the sea, grab a short taxi drive up to the hills where you will find Benalmadena Pueblo, the old part of the town offering stunning views of the coastline and a few hidden treasures – one of them is the Castillo de Colomares, a stunning monument dedicated to the travels of Christopher Columbus.
Malaga to Benalmadena
Distance: 20km
By bus: Hop on the line M-110 Benalmadena – Malaga, the journey takes approximately 35 minutes and tickets can be bought directly from the bus driver. The buses leave approximately every 30 minutes.
Explore More in Benalmadena
Visiting Paloma Park in Benalmadena
2. Fuengirola
Fuengirola is the second home for lots of expats from Nordic countries who fled here during the winter months.
In the summer, it’s a full-on tourist destination but thanks to the 8km of sandy beaches, it doesn’t get too crowded.
High up on the list is a visit to the Bioparc in Fuengirola, which for me feels like a mix of an urban jungle with a zoo. Unlike traditional ZOO, the animals in here are really well taken care of, their enclosures are huge and lush, with lots of greenery. It truly feels like a jungle oasis in the middle of the city and it’s well worth going just to see the stunning surroundings they created here.
If you fancy a walk in the sun, the coastal promenade stretches for kilometers and has plenty of spots to stop for nibbles and drinks. At the end of the city, you will find Sohail Castle, an old defense monument offering beautiful views of the coastline and it’s a great little hike to get up there.
Malaga to Fuengirola
Distance: 30 – 35 km
By bus: The bus connection M-113 connects Malaga with Fuengirola, and the journey takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour. The bus leaves from the main bus station in Malaga and last stop is the Fuengirola bus station. More details about the route here.
Explore More in Fuengirola
Best Things to Do with Kids on Your Trip to Fuengirola, Spain
Local Guide to Fuengirola Supermarkets
How to Spend a Day in Fuengirola
Sohail Castle (Castillo de Sohail), Fuengirola
10 Cool Things to Do in Fuengirola, Spain
Best Restaurants in Fuengirola: A Guide by a Local Expat
3. Mijas Pueblo
If you’re coming to Fuengirola, it’s well worth leaving some time to visit Mijas Pueblo which stretches in the hills just above the city. There is a bus line connecting the town with Fuengirola, leaving from the main bus station. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs just a few euros.
Mijas Pueblo still has a lot of the traditional Andalusian village charm, but it is very much catering to a large tourist crowd.
There is an old bullring, and large public gardens stretching along the edge of the town offering panoramic views of the whole coastline. You will find lots of local shops to browse through and enjoy a walk through the old cobbled white-washed streets.
Malaga to Mijas Pueblo
Distance: around 35 km
By bus: I didn’t find a direct bus connection, but you can take a bus to Fuengirola as described above, and take a local bus from the same bus station in Fuengirola to Mijas Pueblo. Bus number M-122 leaves from the lower side of the station, details of the route here.
Explore More in Mijas Pueblo
10 Things to Do in Mijas Pueblo
A Day in Mijas Pueblo, Andalusia – Spain
4. Nerja
One of the gems of the Costa del Sol, Nerja is known for the Balcony of Europe (gorgeous viewpoint) and also some record-breaking caves just outside of the town.
Nerja is a really good base if you want to do some nature walks as the walking paths around the coastline start here, or see some of the gorgeous Andalusian white towns, like Frigiliana (see next point).
If you’re coming to Nerja, you can’t leave without visiting the village of Frigiliana, which is stretching on the hills above Nerja. There is a frequent local bus that takes you there (details below) or you can get a short taxi drive (about 10 mins).
Malaga to Nerja
Distance: 57.6 km
By bus: There is a direct bus route from Malaga’s main bus station and the journey takes about 1 hour. You can buy the tickets online here. The tickets start from 5 euros one way per person.
Explore More in Nerja
Frigiliana: The Most Beautiful Village in Andalucia
5. Antequera
A recent discovery of mine, Antequera is known for its ancient burial mounds (similar to those I’ve seen in Cyprus) and the striking natural reserve of Torcal de Antequera with dramatic limestone rock formations.
If you’re on a quest to see the most spectacular natural sights outside of Malaga, combining your trip to Antequera with the visit to Caminito del Rey is a good idea.
Antequera is high up on my wishlist of place to see this year and will add some photos in due course.
Malaga to Antequera
Distance: 56 km
By bus: A bus route with ALMA that takes about 1 hour to get to the village from Malaga. The tickets cost around 6 euros one way per person and can be bought online or in-person at the bus station.
6. Granada
If you’ve seen a picture of Granada, it probably included some spectacular mountains in the background – Granada is located just at the edge of Sierra Nevada and is a popular base for those venturing to the mountains for hike in summer or skiing in the winter months.
Alhambra is one of the main attractions to add on your list for the trip – this ancient palace count as one of the most beautiful Islamic buildings in modern Europe. Book your tickets ahead as there is no guarantee they will be available spots to enter once you arrive in the city.
For another unique way to experience the heritage of Granada is to enjoy tea in one of the many teterias (tea houses) scattered mostly around Calle Caldereria Nueva.
Malaga to Granada
Distance: 127 km
By bus: There is a direct bus connection between Malaga and Granada, and the journey will take you there between 1.30 – 2 hours. Tickets start from 11 euros per person one way, and can be bought online here.
Explore More in Granada
13 Beautiful Photography Locations in Granada: Tips from a Local Expat
Visiting Alhambra in Granada: The Complete Guide
Generalife Palace & Gardens, Granada
Best Restaurants in Granada: Great Food & Free Tapas
The Charming Albaicin Neighbourhood of Granada
The Alcazaba of Alhambra, Granada
Carmen de los Martires, Granada
7. Marbella
Probably my favorite spot around the Costa del Sol coastline, Marbella is a city of many faces.
It has a charming old town lined with gorgeous Andalusian houses and restaurants, a beautiful coastline with high-end beach clubs, a stretch of the most expensive real estate on Costa del Sol known as the Golden Mile, and a flashy luxurious district of Puerto Banus.
Whatever your preference is, it will feel like one day is not enough to explore it all, but it will certainly give you a real taste of Marbella and keep you longing to see more.
Malaga to Marbella
Distance: 60 km
By bus: There is a frequent direct bus connection between Malaga and Marbella from the main bus station, the journey takes between 45 mins up to 1.5hrs, depending on which bus connection you take.
The prices start at around 6 euros per person, one way. Check the timetable and book online here.
Explore More in Marbella
Your Complete Guide to Marbella Old Town
Jungle in the City: Alameda Park in Marbella
Your Guide to Plaza de los Naranjos: The Orange Square in Marbella
8. Almuñécar
Almuñécar is a coastal town in the Granada district, on the bus route from Malaga towards Almeria.
Often overlooked for the more popular Nerja nearby, this former fishing village town on Costa Tropical offers you a chance to explore its pretty old town, the Aquatropic Park, and enjoy a day at the less crowded beaches.
For a small coastal town, it has a fair few interest points like the castle of San Miguel, Botanical Gardens, or the Peñón del Santo viewpoint, but not that many to make you feel overwhelmed.
Malaga to Almuñécar
Distance: 77 km
By bus: Take the bus connection towards Almeria, the journey takes either 1hr 15mins or 1hr 45mins depending on the connection, and tickets are around 8 euros one way, per person. Tickets are available online at Alsa website.
9. Estepona
The town of Estepona is known as the ‘Garden of Costal del Sol’ thanks to the immaculately presented old town overflowing with blooming flower pots and plants, and the Orchid House which is home to the biggest collection of orchids in central Europe.
This resort town on Costa del Sol still has a feel of an old village and makes for a wonderful day trip from Malaga.
Malaga to Estepona
Distance: 90 km
By bus: The bus journey takes between 1hr 15mins and 2hrs, depending on whether you take the faster or slower bus connection. Tickets can be bought online at the Avanza website and start from 9 euros per person, one way.
Explore More in Estepona
Step Inside the Estepona Orchid House (El Orquidario)
La Galeria Gastro Bar in Estepona: A Review
Estepona Malaga: The Complete Transport Guide
10. Torremolinos
Probably not the most picturesque on the list, Torremolinos is a little more shabby compared to its neighbours but makes for a fun day trip from Malaga.
In the summer, it’s one of the busiest destinations on Costa del Sol, attracting tourists with reasonably priced hotels and sandy beaches. There’s quite a bit to see too – my favourite spots are probably the Botanical Gardens and the old town.
Malaga to Torremolinos
Distance: under 18 km
By bus: A very short 15 – 20 minutes journey which costs from 1.50 euros one way, per person.
Explore More in Torremolinos
Molino de Inca Botanical Garden: A Hidden Oasis in Torremolinos
So have you picked your favorites?
Let me know if you discovered other day trips that would be worth a mention in the comments below!
I will keep updating this selection as I continue exploring further.
Explore More in Malaga
What to Do in Malaga? Best Travel Tips from a Local Expat
13+ Stunning Photography Locations in Malaga, Spain
How to Get from Malaga to Granada: Your Detailed Transport Guide
Where is Malaga? All Your Questions Answered
How to Spend One Day in Malaga: the Highlights Tour
Malaga to Seville: Your Detailed Transport Guide
Is Malaga Worth Visiting? All Your Questions Answered
Southern Spain Travel Planning Guide
Is it safe to drive in Spain?
YES! The roads in Southern Spain are generally in very good condition, with modern highways connecting the biggest cities. To rent a car, I highly recommend Discover Cars, which will get you the best deals on your car rental for your trip.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO DRIVE?
PUBLIC TRANSPORT — Southern Spain has a well-established and modern network of trains and buses. To get the cheapest bus or train tickets, take a look at Omio to find the timetables and prices.
DAY TRIPS — If you don’t like the hassle of using public transport, local travel companies offer many day trip options from almost all the destinations in Southern Spain. You can check them out here.
WHERE SHOULD I BOOK MY ACCOMMODATION?
BOOKING.COM — I have been using booking.com for all my trips in Spain and abroad, and have never had any negative experiences. Their reviews are very accurate and you get the best deals even on apartments, not just hotels.
ARE THERE LUGGAGE STORE OPTIONS IN THE CITIES?
YES — If you would like to leave your luggage behind to explore the city on your last day, before heading to the airport, you can use Radical Storage service, which lets you book luggage storage options in almost all the destinations in Southern Spain.
DO I NEED TO BUY A LOCAL SIM CARD FOR THIS TRIP?
YES – You can, of course, use your own card if you have roaming data available. If you want to avoid surprising extra charges from your operator, you can use a service like Airalo, where you can buy digital packs for e-sim cards, avoiding the hassle of sourcing local physical sim cards and extra roaming charges anywhere you go.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – if you decide to book using one of the links, I will earn a small commission that helps me run this site. This is at no extra cost to you.
