Are you planning to travel from Malaga to Nerja?
Nerja is a beautiful destination on the sunny Costa del Sol in Spain, and a popular day trip for those who arrive in Malaga. Famous not just for the Balcony of Europe, but also for its natural heritage and unique beaches. Nerja has a lot to offer, so if you’re heading that way, you’re in for a treat.
I’ve put together this practical transport guide as I have visited Nerja myself with a bus, and list all the practical tips you need to know to plan your journey.
For other destinations within easy reach from Malaga check the bottom of the article for more recommended posts.
Travelling from Malaga to Nerja: Your Options
There are a few ways you can get to Nerja, and the great news is that you don’t need to rent a car if you don’t want to.
The cheapest way is probably taking the bus from the main bus station, unless you have your own car in which case that’s probably the cheaper and more convenient option.
Unfortunately, you cannot get to Nerja by train, as the train network doesn’t run along the coastline from Malaga towards the North.
Where is Nerja Located?
Nerja is located on Costa del Sol in Andalusia (Spain). It borders with Torrox and La Herradura. The exact location is marked on the map below.
1. Malaga to Nerja Bus
A bus is a convenient and cheap way to get from Malaga to Nerja. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours and there are roughly 3 – 4 stops on the way, but no changes are required – this is a direct connection.
The buses between Malaga and Nerja run quite frequently, the earliest one around 6am and on your way back as late as 10pm. The tickets cost just under 5 euros per person one way, but the price will vary depending on the connection your choose, the date of the travel and how far in advance you book.
You can buy your bus tickets in advance on alsa website, which also shows you the timetable with the different connections available.
2. Malaga to Nerja by Train
As I mentioned earlier, its not possible to get to Nerja by train as the train network does not reach there.
3. Malaga to Nerja by Car
The journey by car will take approximately one hour, depending on the traffic in each city. The distance between the cities is approximately 66 kilometres.
If you’re travelling by car, take the A-7 Mediterranean highway towards Nerja.
4. Malaga to Nerja by Taxi
The price for a taxi journey will depend on the day and time of your travel. Generally, it would be in the region of around 80 euros per journey. You may be lucky if you try to book an Uber – I find that more often than not, they tend to be more affordable than standard taxis, even for longer journeys.
Get some quotes online before you book your taxi, as just walking to your nearest taxi rank might be an expensive mistake.
5. Malaga Airport to Nerja
If you would like to go to Nerja straight from Malaga airport, the options are very similar:
- by car – take the same route as described above. Its useful to stay on the highway as you can avoid traffic in the city
- by bus – you need to get to the central station in Malaga. Two options include taking the local train which stops at Maria Zambrano station, which is right next to the bus station. The second option is taking a bus that goes to the bus station. From there, just catch the local bus to Nerja.
- by taxi – you can also take a taxi straight from the airport. Check some quotes online and your driver can pick you up straight from arrivals.
Frequent Travel Questions
How Far is Malaga Airport to Nerja?
The distance is approximately 70 km.
How to Get from Malaga to Nerja?
There are three options for how to get from Malaga to Nerja. Bus – convenient and cheap, with prices starting under 5 euros per single trip. The journey takes 1.5 hours. By car – an hour drive on the AP-7 highway. By taxi – a more expensive but convenient option, the trip will generally cost around 70-80 euros.
How to Get from Malaga Airport to Nerja?
The easiest is to use a car or taxi. You can also take a train to Malaga Maria Zambrano and hop on a bus from the bus station next to it. Alternatively, there is also a bus service from the airport that will take you to the main bus station, and you can change bus there heading towards Nerja.
Can you get a Bus from Malaga Airport to Nerja?
There is no direct connection between Malaga airport and Nerja. You will have to take the local bus connecting to Estacion de Autobuses de Malaga (main bus station) and from there change to the frequent connection on the route Malaga – Nerja. The tickets cost under 5 euros per person one way, and can be purchased online in advance or from the bus driver. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.
How Much is a Taxi from Malaga Airport to Nerja?
It depends on the taxi company, but if you book in advance you can expect to pay around 70 – 90 euros.
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