Marbella is one of the most beautiful cities located next to the sea in the heart of Costa del Sol. It offers the traveller much more than its popular beaches and sunny days. Marbella offers very pleasant surprises for the visitor, with a historic centre worthy of the furthest white villages in the mountain, beaches for all tastes, mountains, sunny days, excellent cuisine, culture, leisure activities and also glamour, yachts and luxury, although this is not all. For these reasons and many more it is a place that you must visit if you are travelling to Andalucia. Here we tell you about all the possibilities that you have to arrive to Marbella:
How to get to Marbella
If you travel by plane
The airport of Málaga is the main reference both for national and international flights: it is less than an hour away from Marbella, and there’s a direct bus from the Airport to Marbella which leaves from Terminal 3.
If you have rented a car, you only have to leave the airport towards Cádiz – Algeciras, and drive through A-7 until you find the exit to Marbella.
As an alternative, it is also possible to fly to Seville or Jerez de la Frontera, but the distance is longer and the means of transport are not as comfortable as the ones in Málaga: in this case it is better to rent a car. The airport of Gibraltar is only an option of you’re travelling from the UK, since it rarely receives flights from other countries.
GIBRALTAR AIRPORT
This airport, located on British soil, so far only provides air services to the United Kingdom; both regular and charter daily flights with conventional and low-cost carriers connecting Gibraltar with the three airports in London and the one in Manchester.
Currently, there are only two airlines operating in this airport: British Airways and EasyJet.
A curious fact of this airport is that there are no facilities for special boarding. Passengers walk along the asphalt like in the past and friends and family can say goodbye to the travellers from the first floor of the cafeteria, which has an outdoor terrace.
If you travel by bus
If you decide to travel by bus to Marbella, you will be able to have access to several routes from the main cities of Costa del Sol, Andalusia or also Spain: the services are efficient and there’s usually no delays or schedule problems.
The most used access line used by tourists is the one connecting the Airport of Málaga with Marbella Bus Station: there are several daily trips which take approximately 60 minutes and cost less than 10 Euro.
If you’re travelling by car
The motorway to watch out for is the A-7: the motorway runs all the seaside and connects all its towns. There are tolls called AP-7, which lets you save some time, mainly during summer time, when the traffic is more intense.
If you’re travelling from Málaga, you will first leave Torremolinos, then Benalmádena and before reaching Fuengirola you’ll be able to choose the toll AP-7 or follow the A-7. If you like landscapes, the A-7 motorway is your choice, since it runs through most of the seaside, and through Sierra de Mijas on the other side. If you are eager to arrive, then choose the motorway.
If you need a taxi transfer or a car hire
In addition to the taxis located outside Malaga airport, there are other, more affordable companies specialised in transfers you can hire before hand and will wait for you upon your arrival.
If you prefer, you can also rent a car near the airport
Here some local reputable taxi transfers and car hire companies:
Transfer
Malaga Transfers
Autosol
Malaga Taxi
Car hire
Malaga Car
Auriga Crown
Malaga airport car hire tips
VTC (tourist vehicle with driver)
Uber
Bolt
Cabify
If you travel by train
The train does not reach Marbella, it only goes up to Fuengirola. It is practical to travel on AVE to Málaga (María Zambrano Station) and then move to Marbella by bus.
If you travel by ship
You can also get to Marbella by ship, but bear in mind that the Marinas of the city do not host the marine traffic of passengers, only private vessels. The closest port to Marbella which features a service of maritime traffic of passangers of Málaga: here there are cruices that dock and ferries that come from Ceuta, Melilla, Algeciras and other areas.
Puerto deportivo de Marbella | Puerto deportivo de Puerto Banus
Practical guide: how to get from Málaga or Gibraltar Airport to Marbella
If you land in Málaga or Gibraltar and your final destination is Marbella, there are several travel options depending on your budget, travel pace and comfort preferences. Below you’ll find a clear, practical overview to help you choose the option that best suits your arrival.
From Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
This is the main gateway for most travellers visiting the Costa del Sol. The airport is located around 50 km from Marbella and offers several convenient transfer options.
Taxi or VTC (door to door)
- What it is: a direct service from the airport terminal to Marbella.
- Estimated travel time: 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic and route (the AP-7 toll road or the free A-7).
- Approximate cost: prices vary, but taxis usually range between €70 and €90. VTC services or private transfers allow you to secure a fixed price in advance.
- Best for: travellers with luggage, groups, or anyone looking for a smooth and comfortable arrival.
Tip: during high season or peak hours, booking your transfer in advance helps avoid waiting times and last-minute uncertainty.
Regular bus service (Avanza / Portillo)
- What it is: a direct bus service from the airport (stop at Terminal 3) to Marbella Bus Station.
- Estimated travel time: 50–60 minutes.
- Approximate price: from €8–10 per journey when booked in advance.
- Good to know: there are several departures each day, but it’s worth checking timetables before planning your arrival.
Private or shared transfer
- What it is: a vehicle booked in advance, either private or shared.
- Main advantage: your driver meets you at the terminal and takes you straight to your accommodation.
- Best for: couples or families who value comfort without using a standard taxi.
Car hire
- What it is: renting a car at the airport and driving to Marbella yourself.
- Estimated travel time: 35–50 minutes, mainly via the AP-7.
- Why choose it: maximum flexibility to explore the Costa del Sol and nearby destinations at your own pace.
From Gibraltar Airport (GIB)
Gibraltar Airport is smaller and mainly operates flights from the UK. If you arrive here and continue on to Marbella, a little extra planning is recommended.
Bus
- What it is: a bus connection between Gibraltar and Marbella, usually via La Línea de la Concepción.
- Estimated travel time: around 1 hour 15 minutes, including possible transfers.
- Approximate price: between €6 and €20, depending on the route and operator.
- Tip: check timetables and connections carefully, as direct services are limited and a change of bus in La Línea may be required.
Taxi or transfer
- What it is: a door-to-door service from Gibraltar to Marbella.
- Estimated travel time: similar to the bus, or slightly quicker depending on traffic.
- Why choose it: full comfort with no transfers; booking in advance is recommended.
Quick overview
| Option | Approx. time | Cost | Best for |
| Taxi / VTC (Málaga) | 40–60 min | Medium–high | Comfort and direct arrival |
| Regular bus (Málaga) | 50–60 min | Low | Budget-friendly option |
| Private transfer | 40–60 min | Medium | Families and groups |
| Car hire | 40–50 min | Variable | Exploring at your own pace |
| Bus from Gibraltar | ~1 h 15 min | Low | Tight budgets |
| Taxi from Gibraltar | ~1 h 15 min | Medium–high | Door-to-door convenience |
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30 things to see and to do in Marbella
WHERE TO STAY
El Fuerte Marbella
If you decide to come to Marbella do not hesitate in staying in Fuerte Group Hotels. El Fuerte Marbella a historic establishment on the Costa del Sol, now transformed to 5 stars, is the Marbella hotel that best combines casual luxury, an exclusive and welcoming atmosphere and the sheer comfort offered by its location on the city centre’s beachfront, which offers stunning sea views right across Marbella’s seafront promenade.