Getting around in Benalmádena
Getting from A to B with ease with these tips
It's easy to get around in Benalmadena for each budget. If you don't want to spend too much and don't mind waiting, the bus is a great option. Want to go somewhere a little quicker, the train will take you to a lot of places twice as fast. If you are in a rush, there is always a taxi or Uber/Bolt to find. As of the beginning of 2023, masks are not mandatory anymore in any of the transport options.
Want to know your best option? Below you will find estimates of cost and availability information.
The bus
In Benalmadena, quite a few buses take you everywhere you want to go. In 2023 it's about €1,50 to take the bus anywhere if you pay cash. However, if you know you will be taking the bus more often, you can get a green bus card at any of the 'tabacco' shops in Benalmadena. You can load it up at the shops as well. One ride is then only 57 cents. The price might go up again in 2024 to around €1,13 with the card, and around €1,80 without.
The local bus is 103. This goes from Torrequebrada nueva, Through Arroyo de la Miel, to Benalmadena Pueblo. It does not run often, and the last bus from Arroyo back to the coast is around 9.30 PM.
If you are staying in the marina area, you can take the 126, 112, or 121 to Benalmadena Pueblo or with the latter two even all the way up to Mijas.
To get to Fuengirola, you can catch the 120 along the coastline. To Torremolinos, you can catch the 120 as well, or the 110, which will lead you eventually to Malaga. The final bus back from Fuengirola is around 10:30 PM, while from Malaga depending on the day, until around midnight or 2 AM.
On most bus stops you can find a QR code to scan. It will show you what buses are coming next and at what time at that stop. Or, you can download the Avanza app on your phone (the app is not always working properly, but it can still help you out). Don't want to download another app? You can check out the timetables on the website here.
The train
Don't want to sit on the bus, or if you simply want to get somewhere faster, the train is also a great option. There is a stop in Arroyo de la Miel and in Torremuelle. The C1 runs from Fuengirola to Malaga. You can catch the train three times an hour each way. The train is probably also one of the best options to get to the airport. Even if you are not staying close to the station in Benalmadena, you can always get a cab right next to the train station in Arroyo de la Miel. Be aware, there are no taxis available at the Torremuelle station unless you order one.
In Malaga, you can also take the C2 train going inland to the smaller villages just north of Malaga. To take a long-distance train, you can book a train ticket with Renfe. Then you can go to Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada and further.
Prices of local train tickets range from €2 to €5 for one way, depending on your distance. You can buy a ticket at the machines at the stations. From Benalmadena to Fuengirola takes about 20 minutes, while going from Benalmadena to Malaga takes about 35 minutes.
When you buy your first ticket, you will get a card to go with it. This card is reusable and will take 50 cents off your next travel if you use it again. On the machine, select that you have the 'Renfe y tu' card and hold the old pass next to the card reader.
The best way to check when your train will leave is by downloading the Renfe app.
As for 2023, there is also a special discount available. Depending on the distance, if you travel by train at least 4 times, it can be cheaper to buy a subscription of €10 in the app. This will allow you to take the C1 from Fuengirola to Malaga as often as you'd like. The current subscription is from January 1st until May 1st. After that, there will probably be new subscriptions available, but this has not been announced yet.
The taxi
Don't want to wait for the bus or train to arrive? You can always find a cab around Benalmadena. There are taxi stands in different places. In the Marina, you can find a taxi stand. One is next to hotel Triton, on the boulevard. Another one is in Arroyo, right next to the train station. You can also find one in Benalmadena Pueblo.
To take a taxi from or to the airport, it will be around €35. A cab from Arroyo to Torrequebrada area is around €9. Be aware if you call a cab, the initial fare is higher than when you go to a taxi stand.
Uber or Bolt
Uber and Bolt are very popular in Benalmadena. You will see many of them driving around. The pricing is often cheaper than a regular taxi, but definitely not always when it's a short ride or at night time. Bolt is often a little bit cheaper than Uber, but you can check both apps to see how long it will take for them to pick you up. It is not uncommon that an Uber or Bolt takes longer to get to you than stated initially, so be aware.