Malaga to Marbella Train Connections: Detailed Transport Guide

Published:

Jan 11, 2023

Last updated:

Sep 21, 2023

Are you planning to travel from Malaga to Marbella by train?

In that case, you’re at the right place!

As a local expat that lives close to both Marbella and Malaga, I am able to offer detailed local insights and practical tips that will make your travel easier, more convenient and faster.

Let’s check your travel options for Malaga to Marbella train.

Malaga to Marbella Train

If you want to travel by train, getting to Marbella from Malaga is a little tricky because the train line ends in Fuengirola, about halfway on your journey to Marbella.

Therefore there are no direct train connections between the two cities.

If you want to use a train, you can, but only up to Fuengirola, and from Fuengirola change for a bus connection to Marbella. I have added details for this journey below.

Malaga Airport to Marbella Train

The train network for the airport is on the same suburban line as the connections from Malaga, so you will only be able to get to Fuengirola, and have to take the bus there from Malaga.

For more convenient transport options between Malaga Airport and Marbella, check this article. I have also a guide on how to get to Puerto Banus from Malaga airport.

MALAGA TO FUENGIROLA

Take the train from Maria Zambrano station in Malaga and get off at Fuengirola main station.

The connection is the local suburban line C-1 that runs between Malaga Centro (one stop before Malaga Maria Zambrano) and Fuengirola main station. The total journey time is around 40 minutes.

The tickets can be bought directly at the station, no need to book in advance. You can get the ticket from the ticket booth by the entrance to the platforms, on each side of the gates. The ticket machine can be operated in English and payments are available in cash and card.

The tickets cost around 8 euros one way, and work by scanning a QR code by the entrance gates. Keep your ticket with you at all times.

From there it’s only a short walk to the bus terminal in Fuengirola, where you can take the local bus to Marbella.

More details on transport between Malaga and Fuengirola in this article.

FUENGIROLA TO MARBELLA

Fuengirola’s main bus station offers frequent bus connection to Marbella.

There are two types of buses you can take – fast long distance bus which stops in Fuengirola and only takes about 30 mins to get to Marbella, and the slower local one which runs more frequently, but the journey lasts around 1.5 hours.

More details on the bus connection between Fuengirola and Marbella in this article.

MALAGA TRAIN STATION

There are two train stations in Malaga – Malaga centro and Malaga Maria Zambrano, with the second one being the main station with all travel connections for Southern Spain.

The Fuengirola train stops at both of these.

Maria Zambrano station is a modern big train station with shops, cafes and restaurants inside. It looks more like a small mall attached to a train station.

Renfe customer service is available at the station, alongside a big Mercadona supermarket and lots of places where you can get takeaway food for your train journey.

There is a big taxi rank just outside of the station and the main bus station in Malaga is right across the road from the train station.

The location of the main train station (Malaga Maria Zambrano) is marked on the map below.

I hope you found this guide for Malaga to Marbella train connections useful! If you’re looking for ideas what to do once you get to Marbella, check my other articles below.

Malaga to Marbella Train: Frequent Questions

Can you get a train from Malaga to Marbella?

No, the train connections from Malaga only run up to Fuengirola where the train tracks end. It’s about half way on your journey to Marbella. If you would like to use the train, you can get to Fuengirola by train and continue by local bus.

Is there a train from Malaga airport to Marbella?

No, the local suburban train connects the airport with Malaga and Fuengirola, and the trains don’t run further south from Fuengirola. If you would like to use the train from the airport, you can get to Fuengirola and then take the local bus from there to Marbella.

Is there a train from Malaga to Marbella?

No, there are no direct train connections between Malaga and Marbella. The train network ends in Fuengirola, which is about half way on your journey to Malaga. You can get the train there and then continue your journey to Marbella by local bus.