Malaga

Private car transfer
from Granada to Malaga

Door-to-door
in 1 h 40 min
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Granada.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 1 h 40 min.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Malaga.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 125 km
  • 1 h 40 min

Overview: car trip from Granada to Malaga

As the gateway destination to Spain's Costa del Sol, it's unsurprising that many people choose to take a car trip with Daytrip from Granada to Malaga. A cozy drive with Daytrip's door-to-door service will take you from the medieval and Moorish architecture found in Granada to the birthplace of Picasso in Malaga.

<show-more> But before you get to Malaga and experience its unique mix of Andalucia spirit and sunshiney vibes, you'll want to explore a few of the stops along the way. With Daytrip, you can book sightseeing stops at places like the whitewashed village of Montefrio, home to what is believed to be the 'Best View' in the world, according to National Geographic.

Or why not visit El Torcal de Antequera, where you can admire the prehistoric seafloor and its unusual and dramatic rock formations? Let's also not forget about the Chapel of Our Lady of the Remedies, Cueva del Tesoro, and the beautiful village of Frigiliana.

However, no matter where you stop, nothing will prepare you for the wonder of Malaga. You can begin your explorations when your English-speaking driver drops you off at your accommodation. There are museums like the Contemporary Art Center of Malaga and Museo Picasso to visit, as well as culinary tours to awaken your taste buds through tapa sampling and wine tasting. And that's just the beginning!

</show-more> ## About Malaga

Malaga is a port city in the South of Spain, in the country's revered Andalucia region, or Costa del Sol. With a population of more than 600,000 people, it is the sixth-largest city in Spain and attracts millions of eager travelers every year. With its Andalusian culture, the city exudes a relaxed atmosphere, but it's also a modern business center that continues to grow.

<show-more> This city, which lies along the bay of the Mediterranean Sea in the center of Costa del Sol, has an interesting history. It was founded in the 12th century BCE by the Phonecians but subsequently conquered by the Visigoths and Romans and taken by the Moors in 711 – hence the influence of Roman and Moorish architecture.

With its many cultural influences through the centuries, it's unsurprising that Malaga has some peculiar and unique attractions and landmarks. From interesting monuments that showcase the different periods in Malaga's history, like the Gibralfaro Castle and the Roman theater, to captivating and enthralling museums and theaters, there is something for everyone to visit in this city.

However, if you can only do a handful of activities when visiting, we urge you to plan a trip to the Picasso Museum – Malaga's most famed painter. This museum houses one of the most important collections of Picasso's work thanks to collaborative relatives. But besides its cultural and historical attractions, Malaga also has a lively nightlife and is known for its spectacular food scene. From fish and chips takeaways to gorgeously bedecked Michelin-star restaurants, there is a culinary space where everyone can tantalize their taste buds and enjoy something new. </show-more>

From Granada to Malaga: Travel tips

If you're planning a trip from Granada to Malaga, you've likely scoured the web for the best travel tips that will help ensure your travel experience is a good one. Although you might already have a decent list to which you can refer, you might want to add a few more to your list: <show-more>

Brush up on your Spanish

Malaga is no different from any other destination in that it's an excellent idea to brush up on a few local phrases—and in this city's case, it's Spanish. Although you'll likely speak English most of the time, including with your Daytrip driver, if you book with our private car transfer service, knowing a few key Spanish phrases can help make your trip easier. This is especially true if you visit smaller, lesser-known towns along the way.

Remember, the siesta is alive and thriving

Don't listen to those who haven't traveled to Spain recently. The siesta is alive and thriving, not a tradition of a bygone era. So, when you drive from Granada to Malaga, note that many restaurants, grocery stores, shops, and attractions close during the afternoon.

This is especially true in smaller towns, so travel around the local siesta times to avoid missing out on anything you have planned. If you don't know when the siesta is happening, ask your local professional Daytrip driver.

Be prepared to stay up late

If you want to explore various locations like clubs, festivals, concerts, restaurants, and bars, you need to be prepared to stay up late. Much like Spanish meal traditions, Malaga nightlife doesn't start until later at night. It's common to venture into a nightclub at 2 a.m. and see very few people. So keep this in mind if you want to participate in nighttime events.

</show-more> ## How to get from Granada to Malaga

The distance between Granada and Malaga isn't far at only 82 miles (132 km). So, in theory, it's not too difficult or time-consuming to travel from one city to the next, especially considering there are many travel options. However, this doesn't mean that all travel options are equal – some are better than others. Let's have a look at how you can get from Granada to Malaga below:

From Granada to Malaga by train

If you want to take the train from Granada to Malaga, you should book using the Renfe Viajeros train line. They offer more than ten trips daily from the early morning until the late evening, with a trip taking an average of one hour and 25 minutes. However, if you want to take the train at night, you should expect to pay significantly more than an early morning train.

For example, if you travel at 6:25 a.m., your ticket could cost as little as $25 (€23), while if you book a later train at 7:25 p.m., you could pay upwards of $61(€56). Since the trip is so short, it might be better to look for cheaper alternatives or a private car service like Daytrip that offers more bang for your buck.

From Granada to Malaga by bus

There is no denying that the bus is usually the cheapest way to travel from Granada to Malaga. Tickets cost between $10 and $17 (€9-€16), depending on whether you book with ALSA or Flixbus.

However, it's worth noting that if you travel during peak season, you will likely encounter crowded buses, and since most buses offer direct trips, you won't get to stop and sightsee along the way.

In addition, Flixbus only offers buses three times a week, while ALSA offers numerous trips daily from early morning until late evening. Time-wise, a bus trip takes about an hour and 45 minutes to get between these two cities.

From Granada to Malaga by private car transfer service Daytrip

Typically, the best way to get from Granada to Malaga is to book with a private car service like Daytrip. Unlike the other travel options available, Daytrip is wholly customizable. This means you can set where you want to be fetched and dropped off and the time you want to travel, eliminating the usual travel hassles of getting to a station or airport with a taxi.

Daytrip is also the most time-productive way to travel since our drivers can get you from your hotel in Granada to your accommodation in Malaga in only an hour and 40 minutes. We're also cost-effective since booking with us costs $43 (€40) on average per trip. So why not consider Daytrip if you're looking for luxury, safety, comfort, and an unforgettable travel experience?

Things to do when you get to Malaga

After you've driven from Granada to Malaga, what should you plan to do first? To help you decide what is worth your time and what isn't, we've shared a few of the best things to do when you get to Malaga below:

<show-more>

El Caminito del Rey

The narrow hiking path El Caminito del Rey, known for its incredible glass footbridges and man-made boardwalks, spans 2 miles (3 km). Unlike other hiking tours you might do when in Spain, we recommend El Caminito del Rey for thrill seekers and adventure junkies. Those who want to walk across a trail that hugs sheer cliff sides and is suspended over river gorges. This trail will make you feel like you are walking on air.

Although it's only 2 miles (3 km) long, you must set aside at least three hours to leisurely stroll the distance while enjoying the views of the Guadalhorce River elbow and the Gaitanes Canyon above.

Malaga Cathedral

If you want to visit one of the best historic landmarks in Malaga, you must set aside time to tour the Malaga Cathedral, completed in 1782. Renowned architect Diego de Siloe designed this cathedral, and it is unique in that it combines Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, so it will most assuredly be a treat for the eyes.

Plaza de la Merced

You might be thinking: I've seen one plaza, so I've seen them all, but this isn't the case in Malaga. This city is home to the Plaza de la Merced, which has been a functional part of Malaga since the Roman Empire called the city home! Besides being one of the biggest plazas in Malaga, it is also near Pablo Picasso's childhood home, so you can take a quick walk from one to the other – two birds, one stone.

Malaga Alcazaba

You can't visit Malaga without taking a tour of the Alcazaba, otherwise known as the city's Moorish palace. Like other palaces in Europe, the Alcazaba is grand and ornately styled with sweeping hallways, panoramic views of the city, and ornamental gardens that you might never want to leave.

Yet, it stands out from other palaces because it was also a fortress used by the Moors. When you visit, you can learn more about the ingenious design tricks they employed to keep their stronghold protected. </show-more>

When is the best time to visit Malaga?

When planning your transfer from Krabi to Phuket, you might wonder about the best time to visit this tropical island. Most travelers come during the dry season from November to February for the sunniest beach days. During this period, temperatures average around 77°F-88°F (25°C-31°C), making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach lounging.

However, it's worth considering October and March-April, known as the shoulder months. During these times, the monsoon season is either starting up or winding down. Prices for flights and accommodation may be lower due to fewer crowds. While there might be sporadic showers, temperatures remain warm, averaging between 75°F-90°F (24°C-32°C), providing plenty of sunshine for beach enjoyment.

If you can stomach colder weather, Malaga is beautiful in winter, but try spring or autumn instead. Temperatures are pleasant, prices are more affordable, and crowds are thinner.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Granada to Malaga

Most people prefer to taxi to the nearest airport and fly from one Spanish city to the next, but this is rarely possible when traveling from Granada to Malaga. This makes driving with a private door-to-door service like Daytrip the best option. Daytrip will get you where you need to be on time with customizable booking dates, times, and pick-up and drop-off locations. It's also affordable and comfortable, which is not something that is always possible with public transportation.
Whether Malaga or Granada is a nicer vacation spot will depend on your travel expectations. However, Granada is usually nicer for those who want to explore some of the world's most famous monuments and museums, such as the famed Alhambra. On the other hand, Malaga is better for those who want to only complete a day trip and spend most of their time outdoors. So, if you don't have much time, visiting Malaga is usually more rewarding since you can see and do a lot in one day, whereas when exploring Granada, you need far more time.
Since the cities are close together taking a flight from Granada to Malaga is impractical and impossible. There are no direct flights between these two cities, so you will need to drive or take a train or bus if you want to travel this route.
You can take a taxi from Granada to Malaga, but it will be incredibly expensive. On average, a taxi between these two cities costs between $146 and $217 (€135-€200). This is more expensive than taking the bus or train. It’s even more expensive than a private transfer.
A high-speed train ride from Granada to Malaga is usually an hour and 25 minutes to an hour and 50 minutes long, depending on when you book. Since most high-speed train trips along this route are direct, with the distance between the two cities being minimal, you can plan your trip with this timeframe in mind.
Most people plan to spend two to three days in Malaga. This will give you enough time to explore the city's beaches, historic sights, and vibrant cultural scene. If you have the time, we recommend staying even longer to fully immerse yourself in the city’s culture.

Visit these sights on the way

Montefrio

Montefrio

This white-washed village, allows visitors to enjoy thousands of years of history, and the ‘Best View in the World’ according to National Geographic. Frozen in Time 

Antequera

Antequera

Rich in history and culture, even this authentic Andelusian town’s name conjures up images of a rustic, medieval village. Authentic Andalusia 

El Torcal de Antequera

El Torcal de Antequera

This prehistoric seafloor is now a dramatic landscape filled with unusual rock formations. Nature Rocks! 

Frigiliana

Frigiliana

Andalusia’s most beautiful village is an enchanting jumble of white houses built by the Moors in the classic Mudejar style. Moor to Love 

Chapel of Our Lady of the Remedies

Chapel of Our Lady of the Remedies

Perched high on a hill, this elegant church offers historic architecture in a beautiful setting. Healing Views 

Cueva del Tesoro

Cueva del Tesoro

One of only 3 caves of its kind in the world, this marine cave offers stunning formations and a legendary lost treasure. Buried Treasure 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 2,918 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Jul 1, 2019

Three trips in southern Spain

We used MyDayTrip for 3 trips in southern Spain. The first was from Malaga to Granada with lunch in Nerja. The second was from Granada to Cordoba with an excursion to Montefina. The final was from Seville to Lisbon. We thought it was a great way to travel. No hassles with renting a car and trying to park it. No hassles trying to meet the next train or bus. The drivers spoke English, well groomed, on time, and very pleasant. They all knew the area because they lived there. For my husband and myself it was the perfect way to see Spain. We chose the upgraded car and they were all immaculate.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler savynow1
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savynow1

Jul 1, 2019

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

Best reviews

luxury sedan

Luxury sedan

Comparable to aMercedes Benz E-class
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-2
  • 2x
  • 2x
  • All standard sedan features
  • Luxurious vehicle
  • Chauffeur-style service
  • Extra amenities
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Granada to Malaga
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Granada to Malaga

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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