Tips when renting a car at Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
- Booking in advance is essential, especially in summer, at Easter, and on long weekends, when the Costa del Sol gets very busy and prices rise quickly.
- Always bring your driver's license and a credit card in the main driver's name. If you're travelling from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit can be a good idea.
- In Spain, people drive on the right. Always obey road signs and speed limits.
- Some sections of the AP-7 along the Costa del Sol are still toll roads. Ask your rental company whether your car includes an electronic toll device or if you'll need to pay at the booths.
- Choose the right car for your plans. A small car is ideal for getting around Málaga, the coast, and nearby inland towns. If you're heading into the mountains or travelling as a group, renting an SUV can be worth it.
- Inspect the car carefully and take photos when you pick it up and when you return it.
Why Rent a Car at Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Málaga Airport is the main gateway to the Costa del Sol and many of eastern Andalusia's highlights. If you're planning to explore the region, renting a car is one of the best choices you can make. With a rental car, you can easily reach places like Málaga city, Marbella, Nerja, or Ronda without relying on public transport timetables, and you'll have the freedom to stop at viewpoints, small coves, or whitewashed villages along the way.
You'll find many rental companies right at the airport. Some have desks inside the terminal, while others are located very close by and operate a free shuttle service, so you can collect your car shortly after landing and start your road trip without delays.
Driving from Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) – Getting Started
Málaga Airport is about 10-15 minutes by car from the city center, depending on traffic. Most drivers take the MA-21 or MA-20 and follow signs for "Málaga" or "Málaga centro".
Common routes include:
- Torremolinos and Benalmádena – around 15-25 minutes via the A-7 or MA-21.
- Marbella – roughly 35-45 minutes via the tolled AP-7, or a bit longer on the free A-7.
- Nerja and the Axarquía region – about 50-60 minutes east on the A-7.
- Ronda and inland Málaga – around 1 hour 30 minutes via the A-357 and A-367, with stretches of mountain road.
Explore Málaga and Andalusia from Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
From Málaga Airport, a rental car makes it easy to reach both the city centre and many other destinations along the Costa del Sol and in inland Andalusia. It's an ideal starting point if you want to combine beach days, cultural visits, and short trips to nearby towns.
In and around Málaga:
- Málaga's historic centre – see the cathedral, Calle Larios, and museums such as the Picasso Museum and the Carmen Thyssen Museum.
- Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle – for panoramic views over the whole bay.
- Seafront promenade and city beaches – like La Malagueta and nearby stretches of coast
Recommended day trips and scenic routes
- Western Costa del Sol – Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and Marbella: coastal towns and resorts with beaches, beach bars (chiringuitos), and marinas.
- Ronda – one of Andalusia's best-known towns, famous for its dramatic gorge (El Tajo) and mountain setting.
- Caminito del Rey and El Chorro – gorges, reservoirs, and one of the most popular hiking areas in the region.
- Antequera and El Torcal – a spectacular karst landscape and rich historic heritage right in the heart of Andalusia.