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Local Travel Info
Internal Flights and Major International Airports in the Costa Del Sol
The Costa del Sol is serviced by Malaga airport, which is roughly central and within a 1 hour drive of all parts of the Costa del Sol. Gibraltar airport also services the eastern part of the Costa del Sol. Both airports serve and connect from an extensive series of international destinations daily.
Getting to and from the Airport in the Costa Del Sol
Malaga international airport lies 6km west of the city. Transfers to your final destination are available by bus, train, taxi and private transfer. Bus stops are outside Terminal 1 arrivals and Terminal 2 departure gates. There are bus services every 30 minutes between the airport and Paseo del Parque into the centre of Malaga. From Malaga's central bus station there are services to all major destinations including Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda. There are also regular services to Marbella departing from the same bus stops. There is a RENFE train station opposite Terminal 2 with regular services to Fuengirola (via Torremolinos and Arroyo de la Miel) and Malaga city centre. It is well signed inside the airport. There's no shortage of taxis at Malaga airport, You can pre-book Malaga airport transfers and have a driver waiting for you on arrival. All vehicle sizes are available and all Costa del Sol destinations are covered. Gibraltar airport is located about 2 km from Gibraltar town centre, adjacent to the frontier of Spain. There is a regular bus service to the town and taxis are readily available.
Travel Costs in the Costa Del Sol
By and large, the Coasta Del Sol offers slightly more affordable transport than most other major tourist regions in Europe. Buses are only fairly cheap and stretch to every area in and around the coast - unlimited day/week/season passes can be bought for £5-15, depending on how far you wish to go around the region. The network of trains cost comparatively less than most other areas of Spain and a fast and affordable way around the coast and wider country - expect to pay up and around £20 per adult for a day pass. Taxis are the most expensive option but still comfortably within most people’s spending limits for short trips, averaging out at around £2-3 a km. However, make sure to steer clear of unlicensed taxis, as they tend to charge a great deal extra for tourists.
Renting Cars in the Costa Del Sol
On arrival at Malaga airport all the major car rental companies are on hand to provide you with the car of your choice. Don't make the mistake of waiting until you arrive in Spain. Car hire at Malaga airport is big business and you'll get much better deals by renting your vehicle online before travelling.
If you're thinking of hiring a car in the Costa Del Sol, view our Car Hire Section in the main tab above. We search the net to find the best car hire rates for the Costa Del Sol available. We also provide links to last minute Costa Del Sol Car rental offers. We advise you book your hire car in advance so you can pick it up and drop it off directly at the airport.
Drivers License Requirements in the Costa Del Sol
Visitors wishing to drive must possess a Certificate of Insurance or an International Green Card, a valid Driving Licence or International Driving Permit.
Driving Rules in the Costa Del Sol
With a modern network of autovias - motorways and well maintained carreterras - main roads, driving in Spain is no longer the clichéd nightmare that it undoubtedly was during the 60's and 70's. However the Spanish driving style is still somewhat erratic and a cautious approach to other drivers is recommended.
In towns it is common for the driver in front of you to stop suddenly and for no apparent reason until you realise that they have just spotted a friend or relative and have stopped for a chat. Likewise if the parking spot outside the shop they are planning to visit is occupied they see nothing wrong in stopping there anyway and blocking the road up while they pop inside. Zebra crossings are approached differently here too, where the pedestrian engages in a finely judged game of dare with the motorist who generally only feels obliged to stop once someone is actually walking across in front of them. So be warned - keep on the alert at all times and constantly expect the unexpected! The speed limit for any vehicle is 80 km/h. Use of seatbelts is obligatory for all passengers in motor vehicles. Use of helmets is obligatory when riding motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles. Telephones may only be used with hands-free kits.
Buses in the Costa Del Sol
The bus is an excellent way to make your way around the Costa del Sol. Every town and city has a municipal network of busses providing transportation to the public. In larger towns you can visit the bus station for information about inter-municipal services as well as buses to other parts of Spain. At most travel agencies you can also often sign up for organised bus trips that will take you to many points of interest along the Costa del Sol, and from the Costa it is also possible to travel onwards to other parts of Andalucia. Of special interest are free trips that take you to mountain villages and wineries near Ronda.
Taxis in the Costa Del Sol
Every town and city on the Costa also has a taxi service. These services are controlled and monitored by the local town hall, which means that service varies from one town to the next. Some towns, for instance, suffer from a shortage of taxis, which means long waits must be endured during peak times - especially during the summer months.
Cycling in the Costa Del Sol
The best areas to travel by bike along the Costa del Sol are the beachside promenades. In many towns, such as Torremolinos and Fuengirola, these promenades now have a special bike lane reserved for this type of travel. Outside the promenades you will see the occasional biker, but beware that roads are not especially safe for bikers. This is especially true of the larger roads. News of bikers being seriously injured or killed is not at all uncommon in Spain, and the Costa del Sol's busier roads surely make their contribution to statistics. Biking is prohibited on main motorways such as the N-340 and the A-7.
Hitchhiking in the Costa Del Sol
Although hitchhiking is not an uncommon method of transport for travellers in the Costa Del Sol , the potential dangers are huge and cases of violence and/or abduction not unheard of so it is not a recommended form of travel.
