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Frequently asked questions about Malaga Airport

Posted on 20 April 2023
Couple at the airport

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Malaga is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with people flocking from across the world to visit. Thanks to its incredible history, attractions, and easy access to the wider world of Andalusian treasures, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to visit. Malaga Airport is the entrance point of many to this fantastic destination, and if you are interested in visiting soon, this guide will answer your most burning questions. So, read on and start planning your trip to Malaga.

Where is Malaga Airport?

Malaga Airport (AGP) is located within Spain’s Costa del Sol, 8km southwest of Malaga city and northeast of popular locations like Torremolinos and Fuengirola.

The full address of Malaga Airport: Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport, Av. del Comandante García Morato, s/n, 29004, Málaga, Spain.

Can you hire a car near Malaga Airport?

Couple in car rental

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Choosing to hire a car from Malaga Airport is a fantastic idea for those who are visiting the area. A car rental from Malaga airport lets you start exploring this beautiful part of the world immediately, making transferring from the airport to your hotel easy.

Malaga is a fantastic hub for exploring the entirety of the Costa del Sol and the expansive Andalusia region, allowing you to visit historic cities like Seville and Granada, discover ancient attractions, beautiful beaches, and picturesque Spanish villages nestled in the countryside.

If you would like to book a car hire, there are many models to choose from depending on your needs.

READ ALSO: The advantages of renting a car in Andalusia

How big is Malaga Airport?

Malaga Airport features three terminals and two runways. It also features a car park of 2,500 spaces across seven floors. In addition, there are 10 restaurants/fast food locations at the airport, 13 bars/cafes, four duty-free shops, eight fashion stores, five gift shops, a pharmacy, and much more.

How busy is Malaga Airport?

Due to Malaga Airport’s attractive location, it’s incredibly important for Spanish tourism. It is the main airport serving the famous Costa del Sol and is therefore very popular. Malaga Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Spain, seeing over 15 million passengers visiting every year and handling direct flights to 100 destinations.

What resorts are near Malaga Airport?

Torremolinos beach

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There are many fantastic resorts within a short distance of Malaga Airport, such as Torremolinos and Benalmadena, meaning you can easily explore lovely beach towns along with the highlights of Malaga City.  

Resorts within a 30-minute drive of Malaga Airport:

– Torremolinos

– Benalmadena

– Mijas

– Fuengirola

– Malaga City

Resorts within a 1-hour drive of Malaga Airport:

– Torre del Mar

– Marbella

– Nerja

– Estepona

Torremolinos is the closest resort to Malaga Airport and a lovely place to visit. This lively beach town attracts plenty of holidaymakers to its golden sand beaches. The water sports, bars, restaurants, and promenade will provide plenty of entertainment should you choose to visit.

Alex, from the Swedish Nomad travel blog, has shared his highlights of Torremolinos and suggests Parque de La Batería as a great excuse to visit: “The Parque de La Batería is Torremolinos’ premiere park, located overlooking the sea and comprised of over 74,000 square meters. Within the park, you can find 25 different species of trees, a 9,000 square metre lake with boats for hire, and a beautiful carousel.”

READ ALSO: Frequently asked questions about Malaga

How far is Benalmadena from Malaga Airport?

Benalmadena is 15 km from Malaga Airport and takes about 20 minutes in the car.

How far is Nerja from Malaga Airport?

Nerja is 80 km from Malaga Airport and takes about 50 minutes in the car.

How far is Torremolinos from Malaga Airport?

Torremolinos is 7 km from Malaga Airport and takes about 10 minutes in the car.

How far is Estepona from Malaga Airport?

Estepona is 80 km from Malaga Airport and takes about 50 minutes in the car.

How far is Fuengirola from Malaga Airport?

Fuengirola is 23 km from Malaga Airport and takes about 25 minutes in the car.

How far is Marbella from Malaga Airport?

Marbella is 50 km from Malaga Airport and takes about 40 minutes in the car.

How to get from Malaga Airport to the city centre?

Malaga skyline

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One of the best and most convenient ways of getting from Malaga Airport to the city centre is with a car hire from Malaga Airport. It’s about 15km from the airport to the historic city centre so choosing to drive is a great option. Malaga Airport transfers via car take less than 30 minutes, so you can be right in the heart of the action in very little time at all. You can also transfer via train or bus, should you prefer.

Once in the city, you will find a range of attractions to enjoy along with the beaches and restaurants, such as the Alcazaba fortress, the Picasso Museum, the ancient Roman theatre, the botanical gardens, and a castle known as Castillo de Gibralfaro.

How to get to Malaga Airport from the City Centre?

If you have chosen to hire a car during your time in Malaga, you will find it very convenient to drive back to the airport with your baggage and then drop off your car before catching your flight.

The drive back to Malaga Airport is quite lovely, taking you straight along the coast before turning inland to the airport. Just follow the directions below:

– Take C. Molina Lario to Pl. de la Marina/N-340

– Continue to Autovía de Acceso al Puerto de Málaga/N-340

– Get on MA-21

– Continue on MA-21 to N-348. Take exit 2 from MA-21

– Continue on N-348 to arrive at Malaga Airport

READ ALSO: Interesting facts about Malaga

Is Malaga Airport open 24 hours?

The terminal building of Malaga Airport is open 24 hours a day. This means you can stay in the public check-in zone if you have to catch a flight early in the morning or in the middle of the night. Malaga Airport also includes a lounge you can enter by paying at the door.

What UK Airports fly to Malaga?

You can catch a flight to Malaga Airport from many UK airports. Wherever you are in the country, you won’t be far from an airport that can take you to Malaga. Airports with flights to Malaga include Birmingham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Doncaster, Sheffield, Bristol, Cardiff, Luton, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow Prestwick, Belfast International, Exeter, Edinburgh, East Midlands, Glasgow International, and Newcastle.

Where to stay near Malaga Airport?

There are lots of hotels within just a few miles of Malaga Airport, making it very convenient to get to your accommodation once you land. The closest Malaga Airport hotel is Holiday Inn Express Malaga Airport, located 0.8 miles away. The next nearest hotel to Malaga Airport, Hotel Restaurant Campanile Malaga Airport, is 1.3 miles away.

However, even if you stay in the city of Malaga itself, you are still less than 30 minutes away from the airport. The old town, also called Malaga Centro, is a very popular spot thanks to its picturesque nature and city centre location. Jane, from the travel blog, Adventure in You, recommends the old town as a great place to stay:

“Those who are looking to experience a little bit of everything while in Málaga will be best suited to a stay in Centro. On a stroll along the medieval streets of Old Town, you’ll get to experience remains from Roman and Phoenician times, churches built in both a Baroque and Renaissance style, and the massive Málaga Cathedral, a divine centrepiece for this southern city.”

READ ALSO: The best places to see the sunset in Malaga

Is there a smoking area at Malaga Airport?

Smoking, vaping or using heated tobacco products are not permitted at Malaga Airport once you are beyond security. Passengers who want to smoke must use designated areas outside the terminal building. There are several spaces set up outside of the terminals, just to the right of the access doors.

Malaga Airport: The gateway to the Costa del Sol

If you want to visit Malaga or the Costa del Sol in the future, Malaga Airport is the perfect place to fly into, allowing you to quickly experience all that this fantastic region has to offer. If you want to book a car rental in Malaga, please use our booking form and select the car of your choice.

For more tips, guides, and advice, visit our blog.