Day Trips from Málaga by Bus, Train and Car

Day Trips from Málaga by Bus, Train and Car

Málaga is a good base for day trips because the bus station, the María Zambrano train station and the motorways all fan out to Andalusia’s best-known sights. Every place below is 50 to 100 km or more from the city, so none is a walk from the centre. Book timed tickets first, then fit the transport around them.

Caminito del Rey

The walk is about 59 km from Málaga by road, which is 50 minutes or more by car. By train, take the service to the station named El Chorro - Caminito del Rey, where only a few trains a day stop, then the shuttle bus to the north access (EUR 2.50, first departure 08:30, then every 30 minutes). The walk is one way, north to south and downhill, and takes 3 to 4 hours. A general ticket is EUR 10. Children under 8 cannot enter, the helmet is compulsory and ID is needed for those over 8. Tickets sell out fast, so book on the official Caminito del Rey site . A 110 m suspension footbridge near the El Chorro end opened in June 2026, and the original path stays open as an alternative.

Ronda

Ronda sits on the El Tajo gorge beside the Puente Nuevo, about 100 km from Málaga. There is no direct train. Coaches from the Málaga bus station take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, and the rail route runs through Antequera and takes about 2 hours 45 minutes. Staying overnight lets you see the gorge after the day-trippers have left.

Granada and the Alhambra

ALSA coaches run many times a day and take about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. A direct Avant train via Antequera-Santa Ana takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with roughly three a day. The general Alhambra ticket is about EUR 22 online, with a fixed half-hour slot for the Nasrid Palaces. Buy it only on the Patronato’s own site and book it before the transport.

Nerja and its cave

Nerja is about 55 km east, roughly an hour by ALSA bus, and you alight at the Nerja Cuevas stop. The Cueva de Nerja opens 09:15 to 16:30, with last entry at 15:30, and stays open to 17:30 in June to September and on long holiday weekends. It is closed on 1 January, 6 January, 15 May and 25 December. Tickets are bought online through the cave’s site . The Balcón de Europa viewpoint is in the town.

Antequera and El Torcal

The Antequera Dolmens are a UNESCO site and free to visit. El Torcal de Antequera is a free limestone park with a visitor centre open 09:30 to 17:30 daily and a green route of 1.5 km that takes about 45 minutes. No regular public transport runs to the visitor centre, so take the bus to Antequera and then a taxi, or join a tour. Details are on the Antequera tourism page .

Córdoba and Seville by train

Córdoba is about an hour from Málaga by high-speed train and Seville about two hours with a change. High-speed services on the Madrid line were disrupted after a collision in late October 2026, so check Renfe before booking any rail day trip.

Tips

  • Leave early in summer, when afternoons can pass 40 C.
  • Carry water, sunscreen and sturdy shoes for the Caminito and El Torcal.
  • Coaches are often the simplest option for Ronda and Nerja.

Read more: day trips across the province and attraction tours in Málaga .

Organised day tours can be compared on GetYourGuide .