Málaga Airport to Granada by direct bus, train via Málaga or car, with journey times, fare ranges, Granada Airport as an alternative and late-arrival tips.
From Málaga Airport (AGP) to Granada you have three practical options: a direct ALSA bus from the airport to Granada bus station in roughly 2 hours, the local train into Málaga followed by a train to Granada in roughly 2–2.5 hours door to door, or a rental car or private transfer in about 1.5–2 hours. If you can fly into Granada's own airport (GRX) instead, the centre is only about 30–45 minutes away by bus. Our Granada airport to hotel guide covers both airports and the last step to your hotel.
Our Granada guides are available in English, Spanish and German; choose your edition on the product page.
Option 1: direct bus from Málaga Airport
ALSA runs direct coaches from Málaga Airport to Granada's main bus station. This is the simplest option if your flight times match the timetable.
Journey time: roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
Frequency: several departures a day, fewer late at night. Check the timetable for your date.
Fare: often around EUR 12–20 one way. Buy online in advance in summer and on holiday weekends; buses do sell out.
Arrival: Granada bus station is north of the centre. From there, take a city bus or taxi to your hotel, about 10–20 minutes.
If the direct bus does not fit, buses from Málaga's main bus station in the city run to Granada more often.
Option 2: train via Málaga
Step 1: the Cercanías C1 local train from the airport station to Málaga María Zambrano, about 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: a Renfe train from María Zambrano to Granada. Direct high-speed and medium-distance services take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Some connections run via Antequera.
Total: about 2–2.5 hours including the change, depending on the connection.
Fares: vary a lot with the type of train and how early you book. Check Renfe directly.
Granada's train station is on Avenida de Andaluces, west of the centre. The Metro de Granada light rail stops nearby and runs through the city along the Avenida de la Constitución. A taxi to the centre takes about 10 minutes.
Option 3: rental car or private transfer
The drive from Málaga Airport to Granada is about 125–130 km on the A-7 and A-45/A-92 or similar routes, roughly 1.5–2 hours. A car is useful if you plan day trips to the Alpujarras or the coast. In Granada itself, a car is more of a problem than a help: the historic centre has restricted traffic zones, the Albaicín lanes are narrow, and hotel parking can be expensive. Ask your hotel about access and parking before arrival.
Private transfers cost more but are worth considering for groups, families with luggage or late-night arrivals.
Flying into Granada Airport instead
Granada's Federico García Lorca airport (GRX) is about 15–20 km west of the city. It has fewer routes than Málaga, mostly domestic and some European flights.
Bus: an airport bus runs to the centre, timed to arrivals, in roughly 30–45 minutes.
Taxi: about 20–25 minutes to the centre. Fares are often around EUR 30–40, more at night and on public holidays.
If prices are similar, Granada Airport saves you two hours on each end.
Getting from the station to your hotel
Centre and Cathedral area: city bus or taxi from either station, about 10–15 minutes.
Albaicín: a taxi can reach some streets; many hotels are on pedestrian lanes. Ask your hotel how close a taxi can get, and be ready for a short walk with luggage on cobbles.
Realejo: taxis can usually get close. Some streets are steep.
Check the full address and the nearest access point before you arrive. Hotel names can be similar, and navigation apps sometimes route cars into pedestrian streets.
Leaving Granada for your flight
On the way back, allow more time than on arrival. Leave Granada at least 4–4.5 hours before an international flight from Málaga if you go by bus or train, and add more in summer, when security queues at Málaga Airport can be long. For Granada Airport, the bus leaves from the centre at set times; check the timetable the day before.
Plan B for delays and late arrivals
If your flight lands after the last direct bus, you can stay one night near the airport or in Málaga and travel to Granada the next morning. A private transfer or taxi is the other option, at a much higher price. Do not buy a bus or train ticket for a departure less than about 90 minutes after your landing time; passport control and baggage can take longer than expected in summer.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Málaga Airport to Granada?
About 1.5–2 hours by car, roughly 2 hours by direct bus, and about 2–2.5 hours by train with a change in Málaga.
Is there a direct bus from Málaga Airport to Granada?
Yes, ALSA runs direct buses several times a day. Check the timetable and book ahead in busy periods.
Is it better to fly into Málaga or Granada?
Málaga has many more flights and often lower fares. Granada is much closer to the city. Compare total travel time and cost, including the transfer.
Times and prices are planning estimates, not timetables or guaranteed prices. Check ALSA, Renfe, the airports and other official sources before you go.
