The distance by air from Lisbon to Malaga is only 293 miles (471.5 km). This is significantly less than the road distance, and it is faster to fly than to drive. However, you'll miss out on stops along the way and won't enjoy the gorgeous Portuguese scenery.
How do you drive from Lisbon to Malaga in a rental car and avoid paying the one-way fee?
You can drive from Lisbon to Malaga in a rental car and avoid paying the one-way fee if you drive with Daytrip. Daytrip is a door-to-door private car service that transports travelers around the globe. They are affordable and offer hassle-free driving experiences.
Can you get a train from Spain to Lisbon?
There is a direct train from Madrid in Spain to Lisbon. However, the direct speed trains don't operate every day, and usually only one trip is offered weekly. These trips usually happen around the same time each week. It's best to book a ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.
Is there a train between Malaga and Lisbon?
Yes, a train can take you from Malaga to Lisbon, but there is no direct train. Unfortunately, this means that you must accept multiple transfers and lengthy stopovers when traveling from one city to the next. You will also end up buying multiple tickets, which can get confusing.
What are a few must-see attractions in Malaga?
Must-see attractions in Malaga include the Alcazaba, a stunning Moorish fortress; the Picasso Museum, showcasing the work of the famous artist born in Malaga; and the MĂĄlaga Cathedral. The Belem Waterfront and Tram 28 are also worth exploring during your visit to Malaga.
Is Malaga a safe city to tour?
Malaga is a safe city for the most part, but itâs important to stay vigilant as petty crime can happen, especially in crowded places. So keep an eye on your belongings and avoid visiting dangerous areas during your visit, and you shouldnât encounter any crime.
Malaga is a cosmopolitan city hub that attracts thousands of eager visitors worldwide every year thanks to its unforgettable atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and interesting museums. Since it sits along the sun-soaked coast of southern Spain, it's a wondrous city to tour by car. Not to mention it's near Lisbon, Portugal! So, if you've found yourself in Malaga, a drive from Malaga to Lisbon might be worth considering.
So, if Lisbon is calling your name with its treasure trove of culinary delights, history, and culture, it might be time to consider how you'll get there. Typically, it's best to travel by car, and to ensure a seamless experience, choose a private car service like Daytrip.
Daytrip is a safe and reliable door-to-door service that will get you from Malaga to Lisbon with minimal hassle. Our drivers know the route and can even give you a few travel tips surrounding the places you want to visit along the way or in Lisbon itself.
</show-more>
About Lisbon
Lisbon is a large city and the capital of Portugal. It is also one of the most ancient cities in Europe, with its origins traced back to pre-Celtic tribes that preceded the arrival of the Phoenicians. It began as a remote outpost on the fringes of the Iberian Peninsula before it grew in size and wealth and prospered as a city focused on exploring trade during the 15th century.
<show-more>
Unfortunately for Lisbon, a catastrophic earthquake reduced much of the city to rubble in 1755, and it was not until recently that the city was redesigned and constructed into an open rectangular layout with two main squares for congregating. These squares delineate Lisbon's primary zones with thriving commercial hubs filled with eateries, theaters, cafes, and the port. The port often welcomes ships worldwide, including Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Another aspect of Lisbon that makes it unique is its series of seven hills that overlook the Tagus River. These climbable hills give travelers quite the workout but lead to incredible cultural and historical landmarks, making the climb worth it.
In addition, Lisbon has many unique neighborhoods that sprawl throughout the city, each exuding distinctive charm. When visiting, you can explore Belem's coastal allure crowned by the Torre de Belem tower or Mouraria, a resilient Moorish enclave that was one of the only neighborhoods spared during the 1755 earthquake.
It might be because of the city's rebuild or natural progression. Still, Lisbon is a work of art that shows multiple contrasts between the historical and the modern, where various cultures, trends, and lifestyles join to become the perfect amalgamation of what a city should represent.
Those who visit are not only taken in by the sights and wonders but also by the people and the weather. As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is sunny almost all the time, and no matter who you speak to, you'll encounter friendliness, whether asking for directions or the best places to visit for authentic Portuguese food.
If you don't know where to go, the best places to start are the various neighborhoods, parks, Fado houses, and gardens if you're an avid outdoor adventurer. Countless landmarks will excite and intrigue you, like Belem Tower, the National Pantheon, the Medieval Castle of St. George, the Palace Square, and Jeronimos Monastery.
Food-wise, Lisbon's cuisine is influenced by its proximity to the sea. So, after a day of traveling the city and exploring its sights, you want a bite to eat and be prepared for a diverse culinary experience, most often involving seafood. For example, some of the most popular dishes include fried cod, grilled sardines on bread, and fried green beans. There are also many desserts, like traditional Pastel de Nata (custard tart), perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Ultimately, Lisbon is a welcoming and warm city that promises exciting and friendly encounters no matter where you go or what you do when visiting.
</show-more>
From Malaga to Lisbon: travel tips
If you stick to the travel tips we've shared below, you shouldn't encounter any hassles when journeying from Malaga to Lisbon. With these travel tips at the forefront of your mind, you'll likely experience a memorable adventure-filled trip with unforgettable discoveries and enjoyment. So buckle in and prepare to be wowed by the trip from Malaga to Lisbon.
<show-more>
Book your tickets in advance
One of the most crucial tips we can give you is to book your tickets in advance. If you're planning to visit attractions along the way and in Lisbon, you need to book your tickets ahead of schedule to ensure you can visit the attractions.
If you book in advance, you'll likely also encounter cost savings, which is money back into your pocket for other activities during your visit to Lisbon. Fortunately, you can book your ticket online to save yourself the extreme hassle of waiting in line. You might even want to consider booking a skip-the-line ticket for some of the more popular attractions that are more likely to be crowded.
Carry cash
Those traveling from major countries like the US, Australia, New Zealand, or the UK are likely familiar with paying with their cards. Although you can do this in Lisbon, it might be best to carry cash. This is because many attractions, restaurants, and activities in Spanish towns, including Malaga and those between Malaga and Lisbon, prefer cash.
Of course, the more touristy places will accept cards, but more authentic local experiences might require cash, so keep this in mind when you're planning your trip from Malaga to Lisbon. In addition, don't carry too much cash on you as you don't want to be marked by pickpockets. Typically, $22 to $55 (âŹ20-âŹ50) is more than enough to keep in your wallet for day-to-day expenses.
Book with a private car service
There are many ways to travel from Malaga to Lisbon, including by car, train, bus, or flight, but for the best travel experience, it's best to consider driving with a private car transfer service. A private car service like Daytrip can provide door-to-door services, luxury, well-maintained cars, professional English-speaking drivers, and luggage assistance.
With a private car service, you won't need to worry about transportation transfers, overpriced taxis, or crowded coaches. Instead, you can sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery, and if you want to stop and explore, you can.
</show-more>
How to get from Malaga to Lisbon
Getting from Malaga to Lisbon can feel like a daunting challenge, but we've saved you the hassle of figuring out which mode of transportation you should choose.
Have a look below to learn more about the various ways you can get from Malaga to Lisbon. Armed with this information, you'll know the cheapest and fastest transport option and which you might want to avoid.
<show-more>
Malaga to Lisbon by train
A train trip from Malaga to Lisbon will take about 12 and a half hours. A high-speed train runs during the day, and a train involves a night bus transfer. If you take the high-speed train during the day, you must board at Malaga Maria Zambrano.
This train will take you to Puertollano, where you must transfer to another train. From Puertollano, you will take a train ride to Badajoz, where you must take another transfer. From Badajoz, you will travel to Abrantes and take another transfer to LisboaâOriente.
Each of the stops involves lengthy stopovers that can prove tiring. Traveling by train can also become quite expensive, with the collective cost of tickets for the trip ranging between $79 and $119 (âŹ72-âŹ108).
Malaga to Lisbon by bus
If you're on a budget and need to get to Lisbon from Malaga without spending a fortune, you should travel by bus. Many coaches like Alza, Flixbus, and the Avanza Grupo make the trip daily, and you can expect a ticket to cost between $59 and $92 (âŹ53.50-âŹ83.50).
Unfortunately, a bus is the slowest way to travel, taking up to 19 hours. Most people don't want to be on the bus this long, but it might be feasible if you don't mind numerous transfers. In addition, where you catch the bus will depend on the coach you decide to purchase a ticket from.
A cost-effective and time-positive way to travel from Malaga to Lisbon is by private car. Since the distance between Malaga and Lisbon is about 415 miles (667 km), it takes about six and a half hours to drive between the two cities by car.
This is significantly faster than the train or bus and might even be quicker than a flight, depending on the route chosen. In addition, a private car transfer only costs about $159 (âŹ144) with Daytrip.
This is affordable, considering you'll be fetched and dropped off with minimal hassle and get to complete the trip in a comfortable, well-maintained car with a friendly, professional driver.
Daytrip drivers are also able to accommodate sightseeing stops along the way. We recommend visiting Ronda, Antequera, Quinta da Tor, and Merida.
Malaga to Lisbon by flight
You don't have to travel the distance from Malaga to Lisbon by road. You can choose to fly instead. However, this option can be pricey, with a ticket costing between $48 and $199 (âŹ43.50-âŹ181). A flight can also involve stopovers that could take up time you don't have.
Not to mention flying, although the fastest way to get From Malaga to Lisbon is not the most scenic. You will miss out on the views that you would see when driving, and you won't have the opportunity to stop and sightsee along the way.
However, if you choose to fly, numerous airlines offer tickets to and from Lisbon daily. No matter which airline you choose, you must go to the MalagaâAGP airport. Depending on your flight details, you can fly directly to Lisbon or stopover in HelsinkiâHEL or Paris Charles De GaulleâCDG.
</show-more>
Things to do when you get to Lisbon
Lisbon is a wonderful city filled to the brim with places worth exploring, so if you're driving from Malaga to Lisbon, you're in for a visual, sensual, and auditory treat. Let's take a look at a few of the best attractions worth adding to your travel list that you don't want to miss out on!
JerĂłnimos Monastery
Those who love visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites will want to stop at the JerĂłnimos Monastery. This monastery is a delight for the eyes with its vast medieval construction that will have you second-glancing at every crevice, pathway, and ceiling while you try to pick your jaw up off the ground.
The JerĂłnimos Monastery was built in the late 1400s to commemorate explorer Vasco de Gama's first voyage to India in 1497. Considering its age, this medieval monastery is an architectural masterpiece with delicate carvings found within the beautiful white stone church.
Yet, when visiting, don't forget to make a stop at de Gama's tomb. He is interred in this monastery in an ornate tomb in the lower choir room.
Belem Waterfront
Sometimes, you don't want to end your day with a busy attraction filled with other travelers and long wait lines. Luckily, if you're after a more peaceful experience after a busy day walking the streets in Lisbon, you should visit the Belem Waterfront,
This waterfront is the perfect place to wander in the late afternoon or early evening. Not only will you have the opportunity to gaze out over the river that was the starting point for Lisbon's sea explorations, but you'll also get to cast your eyes upon the mighty limestone stone tribute to the Age of Discovery near the river. Then there's also the Torre de Belem tower, customs house, and gorgeous lighthouse to explore if you're feeling up to it.
Tram 28
There is no chance you haven't heard about Tram 28 if you plan to travel from Malaga to Lisbon. Since 1890, the bright yellow and white Tram 28 has been rattling through Lisbon's attractive and charming streets.
Although it's not a stationary attraction, it's still worth visiting since it can take you on a tour around the city as it's often used as a popular form of public transportation. When you hop on Tram 28, you can expect to be taken through some of the prettiest parts of Lisbon, including Sao Bento and Alfama.
However, to avoid crowds, you should try to board at Campo Ourique or Praça Martim Moniz. Hopping on at either of these ends can help you secure a seat in the tram's atmospheric wood-paneled carriage, making for a far more enjoyable ride!
When is the best time to visit Lisbon
If you're planning a trip from Malaga to Lisbon, you might be curious about the best time to visit this immersive city. Unfortunately, there is no simple cut-and-dry answer since the best time to travel to Lisbon depends on your travel preferences.
However, we can confidently say that most people love to visit Lisbon between March and May or September and October. These are shoulder seasons, so you can look forward to cooler weather, fewer crowds, and more affordable accommodations and attractions.
But regardless of when you plan to visit, as long as you're comfortable with the temperatures during that time of the year and the prices of things, you should have a great time!
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Ronda
Spectacularly positioned on a rocky plateau, Ronda is one of Spainâs most scenic, and oldest, towns. Unforgettable DramaÂ
Antequera
Rich in history and culture, even this authentic Andelusian townâs name conjures up images of a rustic, medieval village. Authentic AndalusiaÂ
Archaeological Ensemble of Italica
This ancient Roman city is so well preserved, its theatre was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The Dragon PitÂ
Quinta da Tor
This family-run winery offers a taste of authentic Algarve flavors, including Portugal's most potent syrah. Que Syrah, SyrahÂ
Merida
This ancient Roman capital is home to the most impressive and extensive Roman ruins in all of Spain. Rome Away from RomeÂ
Evora
Encircled by ancient walls, the entire old town of this ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bursting with HistoryÂ
