The local Malaga train service

Picture Credit: BY-YOUR-⌘

Malaga trains utilise three main city centre stations, Malaga Maria Zambrano, Malaga-Victoria Kent and Malaga-Centro Alameda. Trains running to Malaga from all over Spain including Renfe’s AVE high-speed line terminate at Malaga Maria Zambrano.

The local Cercanias (commuter) train stops at Maria Zambrano for connections to national train services but also carries on further into Malaga city centre, terminating at Malaga-Centro Alameda underground station.

If you live or are staying anywhere on the Costa del Sol coast between Malaga city and the town of Fuengirola, you can take advantage of the Cercanias service which provides a cheap and handy way to get about and see the different areas.

The Cercanias line has 18 stops including a new underground terminal at Malaga airport and trains run every 20 minutes in each direction. Fares are cheap and the trains are modern, clean and spacious and are a good alternative to taxis and buses.

Picture Credit: Gerry Balding

Once on the train, there are electronic displays telling you exactly where you are and the announcements informing you of the next approaching station is are in both Spanish and English.

If you are heading into the centre of Malaga, then stay on the train all the way into Malaga-Centro Alameda, this underground stop gets you right into the main heart of the city. Malaga-Maria Zambrano also has a large commercial area with cafes, restaurants and a wealth of shops to browse.

The only downside to the Cercanias line is that the last train at night leaves Malaga at 10.30pm and given that Malaga is an excellent city for night-life the early finish time for the train can be a problem and is a bit ridiculous.

To summarise, the local Malaga trains are an excellent way to get around, if you are landing at Malaga Airport and are staying in a resort along the train line, the underground station in the airport is a great and cheaper alternative than a lot of other airport transfer options.