Cordoba in Andalusia is one of the most diverse and inspiring cities in Southern Spain.
Rich in cultural heritage, with the charming old town, crumbling architectural marvels and old palaces, it’s a place of wonder and discovery.
Whether you’re intrigued to see the world-famous Mezequita Cathedral or want to venture to the Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, Cordoba has so much to offer and all within a short distance from Malaga.
Cordoba makes a great day trip destination from Malaga and one that should not be missing on your Southern Spain travel itinerary.
Here are all the essential transport details you need to plan your trip.
PS: Also check below the article for my detailed reports from the main sights in Cordoba in Spain
Distance from Malaga to Cordoba
The distance between Malaga and Cordoba is approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles).
Malaga to Cordoba: Your Transport Options
- by train: the trains from Malaga to Cordoba run very frequently and the journey takes approximately one hour. The train is not direct, you will have to change at Antequerra (the first stop after Malaga)
- by bus: the bus journey is much longer, 2.5 hours but much cheaper compared to the train
- by car: the car journey on the shortest route takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on the traffic
- by taxi: taxi to Cordoba will cost between 150 to 180 euros.
1. Malaga to Cordoba by Train
Getting from Malaga to Cordoba is fast, convenient and affordable too!
Unfortunately, it’s not a direct train and there is one short change required at the first stop after Malaga, but it’s very fast and without much hassle at all.
Here are all the details you need to know.
Train ticket prices: the train tickets for Cordoba cost between 20 euros up to 40 euros one way. The price varies depending on how far in advance you book and what train connection you take. The tickets are available in three pricing categories – basic, elite, and premium (each with some extra benefits).
Train times: the trains from Malaga to Cordoba run from 6.30am until 8pm nearly every day. There are roughly 15 train connections per day.
Journey time: there is a small variation in the journey times, but on average it takes about an hour to get from Malaga to Cordoba. Please note the train is not direct and you have to change trains at Antequerra Santa Anna, which is the first stop after Malaga. The train station there is very small and the change won’t take long. That’s where the variation in journey times comes from – it’s the time for change of the trains at Antequerra station.
Train facilities: the trains are fairly modern and well equipped, with toilets, plenty of space for luggage storage and even sockets next to your seats.
Where to buy train tickets? You can buy your train tickets in advance online – that way you get the best price. Head over to the renfe website and put in your destination and dates. The site is also available in English or you can translate it in your browser.
Facilities in Malaga Maria Zambrano Station: If you have spare time in Malaga, there is plenty to do in the station itself. The train station has lots of clothing shops, restaurants, cafes and even a big supermarket. Right at the center is a kiosk with magazines and books, with a small selection also in the English language.
What are the security measures at the station? As you arrive in Malaga Maria Zambrano, you can head straight to the gates which are located in the middle section of the station. Right in front of it is a security scan where you place your luggage for scanning and pass through the airport-style security gate.
After that, they will check your tickets at the booth by the entrance to the platform and you’re free to board the train.
Cordoba train station facilities: the train station is a decent size with similar facilities to Malaga, although not as many. There is a taxi rank outside of the station.
2. Malaga to Cordoba by Bus
The buses to Cordoba leave from Estation de Autobuses de Malaga, which is located just across the road from Malaga Maria Zambrano Station.
Bus tickets: the tickets are best to purchase online in advance here, but you can also get them from the station or the bus driver (no seat reservation guaranteed if you don’t book online).
Ticket prices: The ticket prices start at around 8 euros, so they are much cheaper compared to the train, but the journey time is much longer – around 2.5 hours.
Bus journey: As I said the journey takes 2.5 hours and there are two stops on the way. Unlike on the train you don’t have to change the connection. The bus stops in Lucenna and Montilla after Malaga, with Cordoba being the final destination.
Bus times: the first buses from Malaga leave around 9am and last ones towards Cordoba leave around 7.30pm. It’s a good idea to always check the times at Alsa website, as the internet is full of other travel sites which do not show the accurate timetable.
3. Malaga to Cordoba by Car
If you’re traveling by car, you simply follow along the A-45 motorway towards the North, heading to Cordoba. The journey would take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the traffic in each city.
Car Parking in Cordoba
For car parking in Cordoba it’s best to check the closest one to your accommodation or hotel, some might provided that included in your stay. If you need to find a parking place, I usually tend to check google maps to see what’s closest to my destination. Alternatively, this website also lists parking options along with the prices.
4. Malaga to Cordoba by Taxi
For a taxi between Malaga and Cordoba you can expect to pay around 150 euros to 180 euros, based on one to four people traveling. You will find a few websites and its best to ask for a few quotes to get the best price.
Frequent Questions about Route Malaga to Cordoba
How far from Malaga to Cordoba?
The distance between Malaga and Cordoba is roughly 160 kilometers.
How to get from Malaga airport to Cordoba by Train?
There are no direct train connections between Malaga airport and Cordoba. You will have to take the commuter C-1 train from Fuengirola and get off at Malaga Maria Zambrano Station. In there you simply change for the train to Cordoba. The train to Cordoba is not direct either, you will change on the first stop after Malaga, at Antequerra station.
How to get from Malaga to Cordoba?
There are three options – by train (1 hour journey, prices from 20 euros one way), by bus (from 8 euros one way and 2.5 hour journey) and by car, which takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
Do buses run from Cordoba to Malaga at night?
No, the last buses back to Malaga leave after 8pm.
How good are the Buses from Malaga to Cordoba?
This connection uses modern airconditioned buses with generous space and also luggage storage. Most are also equipped with toilets.
How long is the train journey from Malaga to Cordoba?
On average the journey takes around an hour, but there are some slight variations due to change of trains in Antequerra station.
How long on bus Malaga to Cordoba?
The bus journey from Malaga to Cordoba takes 2.5 hours, with no changes required and two stops on the way.
Is there a train from Malaga airport to Cordoba?
No, there is no direct train. You need to take the commuter C-1 train to Malaga Maria Zambrano and get on Cordoba train there.
What is faster train or bus Cordoba to Malaga?
Definitely a train – it’s roughly half the journey time compared to bus.
What to see between Malaga and Cordoba?
If you’re travelling by car and want to make some stops on the journey, Antequerra is a great option.
Explore More in Cordoba
Visiting the Mezequita Cathedral in Cordoba
H10 Palacio Colomera Hotel in Cordoba, Spain
