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Guide on How to get to the Costa del Sol

Published on 5 de September de 2024

The Costa del Sol, located in southern Spain, is one of the most accessible tourist destinations in Europe. Its excellent connections by air, land and sea facilitate access from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. In this guide that we prepared for you from Gran Hotel Costa del Sol, we provide you with all the information you need on how to get to the Costa del Sol, whether you travel by plane, car, train or even by boat.

Best means of transport to get to the Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol, located in southern Spain, is one of the most accessible tourist destinations in Europe. Its excellent connections by air, land and sea facilitate access from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal destination for all types of travelers. In this guide that we prepared for you from Gran Hotel Costa del Sol, we provide you with all the information you need on how to get to the Costa del Sol, whether you travel by plane, car, train or even by boat.

1. How to get to the Costa del Sol by plane

The fastest and most comfortable option for most travelers is to arrive by plane. The main airport in the region is Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located about 8 kilometers from Malaga city center. It is one of the most important airports in Spain and offers direct flights to numerous cities in Europe and other continents.

  • International flights: Malaga Airport receives flights from most major European capitals such as London, Paris, Berlin, Rome and Amsterdam, as well as from other cities in North America and Africa.
  • Domestic flights: If you are in Spain, you can fly from Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia, Seville and other cities to Malaga in less than 2 hours.
  • Connections: From the airport, you can easily reach your final destination on the Costa del Sol by cabs, buses, commuter trains or car rental. The journey from the airport to towns such as La Cala de Mijas, where the Gran Hotel Costa del Sol is located, is very simple and well signposted.

2. How to get to the Costa del Sol by car

Traveling to the Costa del Sol by car is an excellent option if you like the freedom to move at your own pace. The region is very well connected through a network of highways and roads that facilitate access from other cities in Spain and Europe.

  • From Madrid: If you are coming from the capital of Spain, the drive is approximately 5 hours via the A-4 and A-45. This route will take you directly to Malaga and from there you can go to any other point of the Costa del Sol.
  • From Seville: If you are in Seville, the trip to Malaga is about 2 hours and a half by the A-92.
  • From the rest of Europe: If you are coming from countries like France or Portugal, the Costa del Sol is well connected by the AP-7, a toll highway that runs along the entire Spanish Mediterranean coast and offers breathtaking views of the sea.

For those who prefer to rent a car, Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and the main cities in the region have multiple car rental agencies. This will allow you to comfortably explore the Costa del Sol and its surroundings.

Where is the Costa del Sol

3. How to get to the Costa del Sol by train

Traveling by train is another very convenient option to get to the Costa del Sol, especially from other major cities in Spain. The main station is Malaga-Maria Zambrano Station, which connects the city with the rest of the country through high-speed and long-distance trains.

  • High-speed trains (AVE): If you travel from Madrid, you can reach Malaga in just 2 hours and 30 minutes thanks to the AVE train service. There are also fast connections from other cities such as Barcelona (5 hours and 45 minutes), Cordoba (1 hour) and Seville (2 hours).
  • Local trains: From Malaga, you can use the local train service to reach nearby coastal towns such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena and Fuengirola.

From the train station in Malaga, it is easy to access other destinations on the Costa del Sol by cabs, buses or car rental services.

4. How to get to the Costa del Sol by bus

The bus is an economical and comfortable option to get to the Costa del Sol from anywhere in Spain. Malaga Bus Station is the main arrival point, and from here connections are offered to all the cities and towns of the Costa del Sol, as well as to other important destinations in Andalusia and the rest of Spain.

  • Long distance buses: There are long distance buses connecting Malaga with cities such as Madrid, Granada, Cadiz and Barcelona. Travel times vary, but it is an affordable option for those who prefer road transport.
  • Local buses: Once you arrive in Malaga, you will find local buses that will take you to destinations such as Marbella, Fuengirola, Benalmadena and La Cala de Mijas.

5. How to get to the Costa del Sol by boat

Although less common, it is also possible to reach the Costa del Sol by boat. The Port of Malaga is one of the most important ports in Spain and receives international cruise ships and ferries from North Africa. If you come on a cruise, Malaga is a regular stop on the Mediterranean routes, allowing you to discover the Costa del Sol during a stopover.

In addition, from the port, it is easy to access the rest of the city and other towns on the Costa del Sol by public transport, cabs or car rental.

Gran Hotel Costa del Sol exterior

Getting around the Costa del Sol

Once you arrive on the Costa del Sol, getting around the region is very easy thanks to the public and private transportation options available.

  • Buses and commuter trains: There is a network of buses and commuter trains that connects the main cities and towns of the Costa del Sol, facilitating access to beaches, monuments and tourist attractions.
  • Car rental: For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car is an excellent option. The roads are well signposted and allow you to explore the region at your own pace.
  • Cabs and VTC: Taxi and chauffeur-driven rental car service is also widely available throughout the Costa del Sol.

Why choose Gran Hotel Costa del Sol?

Located in La Cala de Mijas, the Gran Hotel Costa del Sol, 4 stars hotel in the Costa del Sol, is an ideal choice if you are looking for a comfortable and well located accommodation. Our hotel is located on the beachfront at La Cala de Mijas, allowing you to enjoy sea views and direct access to the beach. In addition, we are well connected with the main transport routes of the Costa del Sol, which facilitates your arrival from anywhere in the region.

vistas piscina Gran Hotel Costa del Sol

Benefits of staying at the Gran Hotel Costa del Sol:

  • Privileged location: We are only 25 minutes drive from Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport and close to the main attractions of the region.
  • All-inclusive services: We offer a complete all-inclusive experience, so you can enjoy your vacation without worries.
  • Activities for everyone: We organize daily activities, including water sports, evening entertainment and excursions to the main tourist destinations on the Costa del Sol.

Whether you travel by plane, train, car or bus, getting to the Costa del Sol is simple and convenient. And once here, the Gran Hotel Costa del Sol awaits you to offer you an unforgettable stay in one of the best locations in the region. We are waiting for you to enjoy all that the Costa del Sol has to offer!