Málaga Airport to Nerja Transport
This guide covers Málaga Airport to Nerja transport options in a practical way. Choose the option that matches your arrival time, luggage, and how direct you want the journey to be.
Summary (travel options at a glance)
- No direct train from Málaga to Nerja.
- Bus services operate several times daily (direct or via Málaga).
- ALSA offers frequent Málaga ↔ Nerja routes.
- Airport shuttles / Flybus may offer direct connections.
- Best plan is to check schedules shortly before travel.
Holiday rentals
Availability, prices, and amenities change throughout the year. Always check individual listings for exact details.
Train options from Málaga Airport to Nerja
Currently there is no direct train service from Málaga Airport to Nerja.
The nearest train option is to take the cercanías (local train) from the airport to Málaga city, then connect to the bus station for buses to Nerja, but there is no continuous train line that takes you all the way to Nerja.
This means that train + bus is technically possible but not a single-ticket direct train to Nerja. You would need:
- Train from Málaga Airport to Málaga María Zambrano station
- Walk (~5 minutes) across to Málaga bus station
- Then take a bus from Málaga to Nerja
However, most travellers find it easier to go directly by bus from Málaga or transfer services at the airport.
Bus transport from Málaga Airport to Nerja
There are scheduled bus services that serve the route from Málaga Airport to Nerja, though availability and number of daily departures vary by season. Some services operate directly, while others involve stopping in Málaga city first.
Typical route details
- Route: Málaga Airport → Nerja
- Distance: ~70 km
- Journey time: typically ~1h 20m to 1h 45m depending on the service and traffic.
- Daily services: multiple departures (varies by operator and season)
Main bus companies
ALSA
ALSA operates coach services between Málaga bus station and Nerja, with multiple daily departures.
Typical service pattern:
- First departure: ~06:30 from Málaga bus station to Nerja
- Duration: ~1h 10m–1h 30m
- Frequency: Regular services throughout the day
- Route: Direct along the N-340 coastal road
- Tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
Flybus and other operators
Flybus and other shuttle services may offer direct or semi-direct buses from the airport to Nerja with varying times and frequencies.
Where the bus stops are (addresses)
Málaga Airport
There is a bus stop at the airport for services going east toward Málaga city (including express routes). It is usually located near the main terminal bus stops (check signage for long-distance coaches).
Málaga Bus Station
- Address: Estación de Autobuses de Málaga
- Located near the city centre and close to the Málaga María Zambrano train station (often a short walk).
- Most coaches to Nerja depart from here.
Nerja Bus Stop
The main Nerja bus stop used by ALSA and other operators is along the N-340 just before the town centre (often a pull-in stop with several berths). This is considered the de facto Nerja bus station.
Many travellers alight here and are a short walk or taxi ride from their final accommodation.
Typical schedules and connected routes
Direct bus airport → Nerja
Some operators (including Flybus) have direct buses from the airport to Nerja; schedules vary and can include services throughout the day with travel times around 1h-1h45m.
Connecting via Málaga city
- If the direct airport bus is limited or not running on a specific date, the usual alternative is:
Shuttle or local bus from Málaga Airport to Málaga city / bus station - Then take an ALSA coach from Málaga to Nerja (roughly hourly during daytime).
Practical tips
- Check schedules before travel as times and frequencies can change seasonally, especially outside peak summer months.
- Advance booking often results in lower prices for long-distance buses.
- Bus stations in Málaga and Nerja are reachable on foot from central points.
- Buses are typically equipped with luggage space; check company policy if you have oversized items.
Train service status
There is no currently active train service to Nerja from Malaga or any direct rail line. Although the local Cercanías network connects Málaga Airport with the city centre efficiently, you cannot reach Nerja directly by train.
Studies exist about potential future rail connections along the Costa del Sol, but none are operational at the moment.