In short
The quickest and easiest way from Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport to Benalmádena is the Cercanías C1 train to Arroyo de la Miel (about half an hour), then a short bus or taxi to your door. By road the coast is around 10 km from the airport terminals.
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Your travel options
The single best option for most travellers is the Cercanías commuter train. It is cheap, frequent, runs from the airport terminal and drops you at Arroyo de la Miel, the lively heart of Benalmádena a short bus or taxi ride from your accommodation.
By train (Cercanías C1)
Take line C1 towards Fuengirola from the airport station and get off at Arroyo de la Miel. Trains run roughly every half hour, the journey is about thirty minutes, and the station is central for hotels, apartments and the road to the coast. From there, a local bus or short taxi completes the trip.
By bus
Regional buses connect the airport with Málaga city, from where further lines run along the coast to Benalmádena. The bus is a solid, budget-friendly alternative, though a little slower once you factor in connections.
By taxi or transfer
A taxi or private transfer from the airport to Benalmádena takes around 20–25 minutes door to door and is the most comfortable choice with luggage, late at night, or when you are tired after a flight. Agree the fare or use a ride-hailing app so the price is clear in advance.
Practical information
- Getting there: Cercanías C1 train to Arroyo de la Miel is the fastest public option — about thirty minutes.
- Good to know: late-night arrivals may find train times reduced; a taxi is the reliable fallback.
- Cost: public transport is the cheapest option; a taxi is the priciest but fastest door to door.
- Plan on paper: once here, getting around Benalmádena is mostly easy on foot.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct train from Málaga Airport to Benalmádena?
Yes — the Cercanías C1 line runs from the airport station to Arroyo de la Miel in Benalmádena in roughly thirty minutes, then it is a short bus or taxi to the coast.
How long does the transfer from the airport take?
By train and a short onward ride, plan for around 45–60 minutes door to door. A direct taxi is about 20–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Which is better for a late-night flight, train or taxi?
After the last trains, a taxi, airport transfer or private ride-hailing booking is the dependable choice — book ahead or compare fares in an app.