Malaga Airport: Your Guide to the Gateway of the Costa del Sol

Malaga Airport, also known as Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport, is the fourth busiest airport in Spain and serves as the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Located just 8 km from the city center of Malaga, the airport is a convenient starting point for those wishing to explore the beautiful region of Andalusia. In this guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know about Malaga Airport, from its history to its services, in order to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

Malaga Airport location

Malaga Airport is located in the southern region of Spain, specifically in the province of Malaga in Andalusia. It is situated about 8 kilometers southwest of the city center of Malaga, near the towns of Churriana and Torremolinos.

The airport is situated along the Costa del Sol, a popular tourist destination known for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches. The airport is also surrounded by several natural parks, including the Montes de Malaga Natural Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The location of Malaga Airport was chosen for its strategic position in the region. It is the closest airport to many popular tourist destinations along the Costa del Sol, including Marbella, Fuengirola, and Torremolinos. The airport also serves as a gateway to the many cultural attractions in the region, including the historic city of Malaga and the Alhambra Palace in Granada.

To reach Malaga Airport from the city center, visitors can take the train, bus, or taxi. The train is a convenient option, with a station located within the airport itself. The journey takes about 12 minutes from Malaga city center. The bus is another option, with several bus routes connecting the airport to different parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available, with a journey time of around 15-20 minutes.

For visitors to Marbella, Malaga Airport is the closest airport. The journey from Malaga Airport to Marbella takes about 30-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Visitors can rent a car at the airport or take a taxi or bus to Marbella.

History of Malaga Airport (AGP)

The history of Malaga Airport dates back to the 1910s when a landing field was established in the El Rompedizo area, which was then used for military purposes. In the 1930s, the airfield was expanded and became a civilian airport, serving mainly as a stopover for flights to Africa.

Following the 1960s, the airport underwent a significant expansion to accommodate the growing number of tourists traveling to the Costa del Sol. In the following decades, the airport continued to grow, with the construction of new terminals and runways, as well as the addition of new services and amenities.

Today, Malaga Airport is a modern and efficient airport, serving millions of passengers each year from all over the world.

Transportation Options

Malaga Airport is conveniently located just a short drive from the city center of Malaga, making it easy to reach by various means of transportation.

Malaga Airport Transfers comparison

From Malaga Airport, you can travel to any point on the Costa del Sol (or other areas) thanks to its variety and quality of public and private transport systems. Obviously, each option has its advantages and disadvantages, but you will always be able to choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. At Shine Malaga Transfers, we have prepared a comparison with the most noteworthy features of each option.

By Rental Car

If you plan to rent a car, you can find several car rental companies at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Enterprise. The car rental offices are located in the Terminal 3 building, which is easily accessible from both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

By Taxi

Taxis are available outside the arrivals area of the terminal 3. It is important to note that some taxi drivers may try to overcharge tourists, so it is recommended to agree on the fare before starting the journey. There is also an additional charge for luggage, so make sure to confirm the total cost with the driver before getting in the taxi.

By pirates!

Unfortunately, the proliferation of pirate services at Malaga airport is very common. Their mechanism of operation is simple: at the exit gates of the arrival hall, there are usually scouts offering (illegal) transfer services to travelers who have just landed. They offer private transportation to their accommodation address and show them the rates that Uber has at that time. As Uber usually has high prices during peak demand, pirates offer slightly lower prices to convince unsuspecting customers. It is obvious to say that being an illegal service, they do not have legal licenses or any kind of authorization, so if any incidents occur during the trip, there is no insurance to cover potential damages or anyone to claim to. In addition, the cars used lack the necessary safety and cleanliness guarantees.

By Bus

The airport is well connected to the city center of Malaga and other towns along the Costa del Sol by public transportation. The EMT bus line A operates between the airport and the city center, with a journey time of around 20-25 minutes and a cost of 3 euros.
There are also several long-distance bus companies that operate from the airport, including Alsa, which provides connections to major cities in Spain.

By Train

The C-1 commuter train line connects Malaga airport to the city center, as well as other popular destinations on the Costa del Sol, such as Torremolinos and Fuengirola. The train station is located just outside Terminal 3, and trains run every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 30-60 minutes during off-peak hours. The journey from the airport to Malaga city center takes approximately 12 minutes

By Malaga Private Transfers

Shine Malaga Transfers provides transfer services from Malaga Airport to any destination. Avoid queues and waiting times and know in advance how much you will pay for your journey thanks to our fixed rates. Enjoy the convenience of finding your driver in the arrivals hall who will provide you with a pleasant service as well as a smooth and safe ride. Book now and pay on arrival.

Car hire Malaga Airport

Car hire at Malaga Airport is a popular and convenient option for those looking to explore the surrounding areas of Andalusia. The airport boasts a variety of both international and local car hire companies, making it easy to find the right rental car for your needs.

Some of the most well-known international car hire companies at Malaga Airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget. Some popular local car rental companies at Malaga Airport include Niza Cars, Malagacar, Alamo, and Record Go. These companies have car hire desks located in the arrivals hall of Terminal 3, making it easy for passengers to pick up and drop off their rental cars.

Many car hire companies at Malaga Airport offer shuttle services to and from their off-site rental locations, which can be a convenient option for those looking to save time and avoid the crowds at the airport terminal. Be sure to check with your chosen car hire company to see if they offer this service.

When choosing a car hire company at Malaga Airport, it’s important to consider factors such as price, availability of the type of vehicle you need, and customer reviews. Some of the most highly valued car hire companies at Malaga Airport, according to customer reviews, include Helle Hollis, Marbesol, and Record go.

It’s also important to note that driving in Andalusia can be quite different from driving in other parts of the world, and it’s important to familiarize yourself with local driving laws and customs before hitting the road. Be sure to also check the condition of your rental car before driving off the lot, and report any damage or issues to the rental company immediately.

AENA parking in Malaga Airport

Malaga Airport offers several parking options for passengers who need to leave their car at the airport while traveling:

– General Parking: This is the main parking area at Malaga Airport, located in front of the terminal building. It offers both covered and uncovered parking spaces for short-term and long-term parking, with hourly, daily, and weekly rates.

– Express Parking: This parking area is located just a few meters away from the terminal building and offers quick and easy access to the airport. It is ideal for passengers who need to park for a short time or pick up and drop off passengers. The parking rates for Express Parking are calculated based on the duration of the stay.

– VIP Parking: This is the premium parking option at Malaga Airport, located closest to the terminal building. It offers covered parking spaces and a range of additional services, such as car wash and valet parking. The VIP parking rates are higher than those for the other parking areas.

– Long-Stay Parking: This parking area is located further away from the terminal building, but offers lower rates for passengers who need to park for longer periods of time, such as for a week or more. A free shuttle bus service is available to transport passengers between the long-stay parking area and the terminal building.

All parking areas at Malaga Airport are secure and equipped with CCTV cameras, as well as a team of security personnel who monitor the area 24/7. Passengers can also reserve their parking space in advance online to ensure availability and a hassle-free parking experience.

Overall, Malaga Airport offers several parking options for passengers who need to leave their car at the airport while traveling. The options include General Parking, Express Parking, VIP Parking, and Long-Stay Parking, with different rates and services available depending on the passenger’s needs. Additionally, all parking areas are secure and equipped with CCTV cameras and a team of security personnel to ensure the safety of passengers and their vehicles.

Services and Amenities

Malaga Airport offers a wide range of services and amenities to make your travel experience as comfortable as possible.

Smoking area

Smoking is not allowed inside the terminal building of Malaga Airport. However, there are designated smoking areas outside the terminal building where passengers can smoke before their flight.

The smoking areas are located outside the terminal building, in the public areas before the security control. They are clearly signposted, so passengers should have no trouble finding them. There are several designated smoking areas available in different locations, so no matter which terminal or gate passengers are departing from, there will be a smoking area nearby.

It’s worth noting that smoking is strictly prohibited in other areas of the airport, including inside the terminal building.

In addition, the airport authority reminds passengers to dispose of cigarette butts and other smoking-related waste properly in the designated bins. Littering in the smoking areas or elsewhere in the airport is not allowed and could result in penalties and fines.

Overall, while smoking is not allowed inside the terminal building of Malaga Airport, designated smoking areas are available outside for those who wish to smoke before their flight. Passengers should use these areas responsibly and follow all airport regulations to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone.

Shopping

The airport has a large selection of shops, including duty-free shops, souvenir shops, and fashion boutiques. You can find everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and gifts.

Food and Drink

There are several restaurants, cafes, and bars located throughout the airport, offering a variety of cuisines and beverages. You can enjoy traditional Spanish dishes such as paella and tapas, as well as international cuisine, including fast food options such as McDonald’s and Burger King.

Lounges

If you are a frequent flyer or have a long layover, you can enjoy the comfort of one of the airport’s lounges. There are several lounges available, including the Sala VIP Lounge and the Cibeles Lounge, offering amenities such as comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and free Wi-Fi.

Accessibility

Malaga Airport is fully accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, with special assistance available upon request. The airport has dedicated parking spaces, ramps, and elevators, as well as special boarding and disembarking procedures.

Other Services

Other services and amenities available at Malaga Airport include currency exchange offices, medical services, pet area, a pharmacy, a first aid station, and more.

Malaga Airport ATMs and currency exchange offices

Malaga Airport offers a range of ATM services throughout the terminal building, providing passengers with convenient access to cash and other financial services.

ATMs at Malaga Airport are operated by several different banks, including CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander, and Bankia, among others. These ATMs are located in various areas of the terminal building, both before and after security control, so passengers should have no difficulty locating one when they need it.

In addition to withdrawing cash, some of the ATMs at Malaga Airport also offer other financial services, such as currency exchange, balance inquiries, and account management. These services can be especially useful for passengers who need to manage their finances while traveling.

One important thing to keep in mind is that different ATMs may charge different fees for their services, including foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawal fees. Passengers should review their bank’s policies and fees before using an ATM at the airport to avoid any unexpected charges.

Destinations and Airlines

Malaga Airport serves a wide range of domestic and international destinations, with flights operated by numerous airlines.

Domestic Destinations

Domestic destinations served by Malaga Airport include Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Bilbao, and Valencia, among others. Several airlines operate flights to these destinations, including Iberia, Ryanair, Vueling, and Air Europa.

International Destinations

Malaga Airport also serves a large number of international destinations, with flights operated by airlines such as Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, and Lufthansa. Some of the most popular international destinations from Malaga Airport include London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Dublin, among others.

Conclusion

Malaga Airport is a modern and efficient airport that serves as the gateway to the beautiful region of Andalusia. With its convenient location, excellent transportation options, and wide range of services and amenities, Malaga Airport is the perfect starting point for your trip to the Costa del Sol. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, you are sure to enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free experience at Malaga Airport.

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