- Must visit
Museo Picasso Málaga
Museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso with works from different periods. Essential for understanding the artist’s connection to his birth city.
Cheapest price
£17
Average price
£50
Fastest journey
7 h 15 m
Average duration
13 h 28 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
416 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Madrid to Málaga is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Madrid to Málaga will cost around £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £17.
Of the 2 buses that leave Madrid for Málaga every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct buses cover the 416 km distance in an average of 13 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 15 m .
The slowest buses will take 19 h 40 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
BASE
FlixBus · FlixBus
BASE
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Madrid to Málaga among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a flight costs an average of £38.
Distance: 416 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£18 Average Price Cheapest | £34 Average Price | £186 Average Price |
5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.2 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Madrid to Málaga coaches for today, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:20 Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) | 19h40 | 8:00 Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 1 change | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Madrid to Málaga run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £11 by train.
There are 6 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 01:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest coach covers the 416 km distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 416 km |
Average bus duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 1:30 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Málaga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Málaga trip today.
Museum dedicated to Pablo Picasso with works from different periods. Essential for understanding the artist’s connection to his birth city.
Collection of Carmen Thyssen focused on 19th-century Spanish and Andalusian painting. A strong choice for regional art in a restored palace.
Centre Pompidou’s Málaga venue presenting modern and contemporary art in the waterfront Cube building. Good for temporary exhibitions.
Lively pedestrian shopping street linking the old city and port. It is ideal for strolling and taking in Málaga’s everyday urban atmosphere.
Revitalised port promenade with palms, shops, public art and sea views. Popular for an easy waterfront walk near the historic centre.
Large central park with subtropical planting, shaded paths and fountains. A pleasant green route between the old town and the port.
A chilled tomato soup from Málaga with bread, olive oil and garlic, traditionally topped with ham and egg. A summer staple across the city.
Skewered sardines grilled over an open fire on the beach. One of Málaga’s signature seafood dishes, especially along the seafront.
Small anchovies lightly floured and fried. A classic Málaga tapa, prized for fresh local fish and simple preparation.
Refined dining in central Málaga with contemporary Andalusian cooking and tasting menus in an elegant, intimate room.
Long-established seafood restaurant by the sea in El Palo, valued for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Málaga cooking.
Historic central tavern known for traditional Málaga tapas, sherry and a lively old-school atmosphere near the cathedral.
Moderate for Spain: tapas and buses are fairly priced, but beach hotels and central dining cost more than in many inland cities.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service. In cafés, leave small change. In taxis, round up the fare or add about €1 for helpful service.
Official public transport app
Estación de Autobuses, Málaga -> Alameda Principal, Málaga
Spain's capital of Madrid serves as a major transportation hub for the whole country. Not surprisingly, there are many options for regular bus travel in Spain that connects many of the major cities to Madrid - including to the Costa del Sol city of Malaga. Buses from Madrid to Malaga run regularly all throughout the week on a route operated by Spanish bus provider, DAIBUS. The journey is direct and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. Buses depart all throughout the day, starting in the morning through to just before midnight.
Return buses from Malgas to Madrid are also available.
Buses from Madrid to the South of Spain depart from South Station, or Mendez-Alvaro Bus Station, which is a short Metro journey from the Atocha Train Station. This station is a major transport hub as many bus routes across Spain stop in Madrid at Mendez-Alvaro Bus Station - making connections from other cities onwards to Malaga possible. Madrid's efficient Metro system covers the whole city, the airport and outlying districts, and offers the easiest connections to the station from within the capital. For late evening transport to the station, night buses run as well as taxis are accessible to the bus station.
Malaga is a cosmopolitan city and a popular tourist destination on the Costa del Sol. With its pedestrianised historic centre and rejuvenated harbour area, Malaga is a pleasant place to explore on foot and enjoy al-fresco dining on tapas and fresh seafood. Visitors can explore the Cathedral, the Alcazar and Castillo de Gibralforo, as well as discovering the works of Picasso in the city's excellent galleries and museums. Buses arrive into Malaga at the Maria Zambrano Bus and Train Station. This new complex is just 1 km from the heart of Malaga. Local buses run from Maria Zambrano to the city, the airport, Malaga province and along the coast. Cercania trains also stop at the airport and resort towns, such as Fuengirola and Torremolinos. The first stage of Malaga's long-awaited Metro system opened in the Summer of 2014, with two lines serving the West of the city and provides easy connections. Taxis are also available at the bus and train station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Madrid to Málaga by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Málaga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Madrid to Málaga buses use the Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses to Malaga, Estación de Autobuses station pair, with some services arriving at Málaga, Av. del Comandante García Morato (Aeropuerto - Llegadas T3). Use this guide to compare Madrid and Málaga bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses is 3 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Restaurante El Brillante (0.5 km), La Taberna de Domínguez (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and in the waiting area.
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses.
Available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Estación Sur de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) is 12 km from Madrid city centre. Public transport options include:
Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid) has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Rodilla, Mahoudrid
ATMs are aTMs located throughout T4, major cards accepted .
Ticket office support is available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid).
Available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Madrid, Terminal de autobuses T4 (Aeropuerto de Madrid): Step-free access, elevators, accessible toilets.
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Tapas 24 (0.4 km), Pizzeria Roma (0.6 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station, near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses.
Available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Málaga, Av. del Comandante García Morato (Aeropuerto - Llegadas T3) is 7 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
Málaga, Av. del Comandante García Morato (Aeropuerto - Llegadas T3) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station), Local Cuisine Corner (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located in the arrivals area.
Ticket office support is available at Málaga, Av. del Comandante García Morato (Aeropuerto - Llegadas T3).
Available at Málaga, Av. del Comandante García Morato (Aeropuerto - Llegadas T3): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Málaga, Av. del Comandante García Morato (Aeropuerto - Llegadas T3): Elevators, ramps.
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