In response to the question in the title - the best way is by train! The fastest, the funniest, the cheapest, and even for FREE!
Let's start with where you can get to. Below, I have included a map of the C1 and C2 train lines. At the airport, you always board the C1 line. You can transfer to the C2 line in Malaga at three stops.
DThe map is available on the carrier's website https://www.renfe.com/content/dam/renfe/es/Viajeros/Secciones/Cercanias/Mapas/2025/mapa_malaga_cercanias_feb_2025.pdf
The airport also has its own station, described on the map above as AEROPUERTO
Tickets can be purchased at any station from the machine, or directly through the app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.renfe.renfecercanias
Be careful though, because in the Play Store there is another app with a similar name - it is intended for purchasing tickets for other trains.
The application itself is not very intuitive, poorly written, and difficult to use. It is also completely pointless, as nowadays it is enough, following the example of the London Underground, to allow card payments at the gates. There is no need for any apps or additional cards there!
But here we have a medieval solution - applications. So let's take a closer look at it.
After launching the app, select Malaga as your location and then choose the starting station, e.g. AEROPUERTO (AIRPORT) and the destination station, e.g. BENALMADENA. Then click SHOW TRAINS
Then click on BUY
In the next window, you need to specify how many tickets you want and which ones. Do you remember how I said that this app is unintuitive and poorly written? Here’s an example. The fares are described only in Spanish!
I will now discuss what tickets you can purchase:
- Ida/Regreso - return ticket.
- Sencillo - one-way ticket.
- Ab. Recurrente - This is a type of subscription offered by Renfe for people who frequently travel by train. It is a quarterly subscription that allows for an unlimited number of journeys on a selected route over four months. This subscription is free, but requires a deposit, which is refunded at the end of the validity period, provided that the user has made at least 16 journeys!
- Bonotern - This is a type of ticket that allows for up to 10 journeys within a month on a selected route. This ticket is not personalised and can be passed on to other people. It is valid for one month from the date of purchase and can be bought in advance up to 10 days before its validity begins.
YES! You can buy a quarterly ticket for 10 euros, and if you use it at least 16 times, Renfe will refund your money!
In the next step, you enter your credit card number and that's it. Tickets purchased!
The purchased single and return tickets are valid for several weeks, so there is no need to specify the exact departure time in the app. You can buy tickets even a few days before your trip to Spain.
Your tickets are available by clicking on the menu, then BUY TICKET
How to use electronic tickets ?
When entering or exiting the station, you need to find the gate with a red rectangle on the side; there are only a few at each station. Then, open your ticket in the app and hold the display up to the reader. The gate will open. If you have more than one ticket, let your fellow travellers go first, change your ticket to the next one, and scan again. Or ask someone from the staff by waving your hands and saying NO ENTJENDO, which means you don't understand. Someone from the staff will let you through. ;)
Mamy też film, na którym pan z obsługi stacji, w łamanym angielskim tłumaczy nam jak kupić taki bilet w maszynie... może się komuś przyda
Napisałem na początku tego tekstu, że jazda pociągiem jest tania - to już wyjaśniłem. Napisałem też że jest zabawna. Dlaczego? No cóż - zobacz poniższy film
Mapa wskazuje lokalizację dworca Aeropuerto.