Granada

Private car transfer
from Malaga to Granada

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 Malaga.

  • 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 Granada.

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

Overview: car trip from Malaga to Granada

Hopping in a private car from Malaga to Granada is a great way to pierce through the heart of Andalusia and the landscapes of southern Spain. Leaving the beautiful birthplace of Pablo Picasso behind, the route will take you directly through 80 miles (130 km) of hilly Spanish countryside.

The ride is around two hours without stopping, but you’ll want to make a few detours as this route offers some amazing stops you cannot miss!

Make Frigiliana, the prettiest village in the region, your first stop. Walk up the mosaic cobblestone stairs going through white-washed houses and narrow streets. Once up at the historic center, choose one of the many restaurants to enjoy some tapas.

From Frigiliana, continue to El Torcal de Antequera, a huge park of magnificent rock formations that were the seafloor some 100,000,000 years ago. Choose a walking trail depending on how much time you’d like to spend here and embark on a walk through beautiful orchids and giant rocks.

Finally, head to Montefrio, another white-washed village for "the best view in the world", plus 2000 years of history, before your driver drops you off at your accommodation in Granada.

About Granada

Traveling from Malaga to Granada means a change of scenery, and atmosphere and means calming down. Granada stands out as a jewel of the Andalusia region. Its home is set right at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, making it a popular destination for skiers. The rare blend of Muslim, Christian, and Jewish influences that have shaped its history over thousands of years can be felt all around the city.

The centerpiece of this unique history of Granada is the Alhambra, a magnificent fortress and palace that stands as a testament to Moorish architecture. This complex houses intricate Islamic art, far-fetching green gardens, and poetic inscriptions that decorate its walls. The Nasrid Palaces, the Generalife Gardens, and the Alcazaba with views over the city are only a few of what you’ll be mesmerized about when visiting the Alhambra.

The influence of the Muslim-Christian-Jewish blend is also felt in the food scene of Granada. The city’s cuisine ranges from Andalusian classics like gazpacho and tapas to Moroccan-inspired dishes. Granada is also one of the last cities in Spain where you can still receive a free tapa with each drink purchased in many bars.

From the beautiful neighborhood Sacromonte with its traditional cave houses and its Roma community to the vast nature the Sierra Nevada mountains offer, from the Renaissance piece of the Cathedral of Granada to its lively festivals, Granada invites the world here for a taste of beauty, history, and sincerity.

From Malaga to Granada: travel tips

One of the biggest advantages of getting from Granada to Malaga by a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip is that almost all the details of your travel will be taken care of by your driver. If you’d like to make sure to have a smooth trip in any case, take some notes from the list we prepared for you.

Have your travel insurance prepared

Arrange travel insurance before your trip to Spain, which is necessary to have in any destination. If you need a visa to enter Europe, presenting proof of travel insurance is mandatory. Even if a visa isn't needed, carry insurance that covers personal injury, illness, or loss of belongings just in case and not let small inconveniences affect your trip.

Pack wisely

Andalusia has a diverse climate on the Iberian Peninsula, so keep it in mind when you are packing. Include lightweight clothes for the warm days which you’ll probably experience getting from Malaga to Granada. But don’t skip packing a windbreaker and thicker clothing for cooler evenings which are also common, especially if you're visiting in spring and planning outdoor activities. Check here for precise weather conditions on the day you’ll be traveling.

Boost the fun with stops

Don’t forget to plan the stops you’d like to take along the way to your itinerary when you are booking your trip. Could be cave-exploring in Cueva del Tesoro, walking through historical sites in Antequera, visiting National Geographic’s “Best View in the Word” in Montefrio - or all of them!

How to get from Malaga to Granada

There are several options you can choose from when traveling from Malaga to Granada. Since each of these options offers different conditions, it’s up to you to decide which one aligns with your preferences for speed, cost, and how scenic the trip should be. Take a look at the main ways of transportation.

Malaga to Granada by car

Going to Granada from Malaga by renting a car and driving takes around two hours. You would be mainly going through the A-92 highway which would make it a smooth ride. This option means way more flexibility than taking public transportation but keep in mind that you’ll need to consider and attend to the details such as rental fees, fuel costs, potential tolls, parking in Granada as well as driving in a foreign country.

Malaga to Granada by bus

There are direct buses from Malaga to Granada with multiple daily departures. The bus ride is 2-2.5 hours and with tickets starting at $15 it's usually the cheapest but least comfortable way to travel. Prices change according to the seasons and can be packed at times so book your tickets in advance. Check ALSA for possible connections.

Malaga to Granada by train

Taking a train from Malaga to Granada is quite a scenic trip, and you can enjoy the views from your window more comfortably than a crowded bus ride. There are direct trains between the two cities and some that require a transfer at Antequera-Santa Ana station, so pay attention while booking!

The prices change according to the time of booking and the service, but they start at $15. Including transfer times, traveling by train can take up to three hours. Spain’s national railway service Renfe offers different services between the two cities.

Malaga to Granada by private car service

Getting to Granada with a door-to-door private car service like Daytrip gives all the benefits of driving yourself without any of the drawbacks. The car ride takes around two hours, but it will be spent in the comfort of being a passenger, meaning you won’t have to take care of the driving, traffic rules, or traffic jams.

Your English-speaking driver is happy to help you and give you insights and tips about Spain, the stops you’ll take, and Granada specifically. And unlike public transport, you can easily stop for sightseeing along the way to experience more of Spain!

Things to do when you get to Granada

After you spend your smooth trip from Malaga to Granada exploring and enjoying the Andalusian countryside, you’ll arrive in Granada and its hybrid beauty. Here are only a few of the many things you’ll be doing during your stay.

Discover the Alhambra Palace

Begin exploring Granada from right at its heart; step into the magical world of the Alhambra Palace. Its fame as one of Spain's most iconic landmarks is well-deserved, thanks to its mesmerizing array of buildings, gardens, and pathways, all displaying Islamic architecture. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site lauded as one of the greatest ensembles of Islamic architecture in the world. You'll be captivated by the delicate designs, from arabesque patterns to the beautiful calligraphy on the ceilings and walls.

Shop at Alcaicería

For a unique shopping experience, head to the Alcaicería, located near the Plaza Bib-Rambla and the majestic Granada Cathedral. It is a modern take on the original but this Moorish-style bazaar is quite captivating with its selection of Arabic crafts, colorful ceramics, and intricate stained glass lamps regardless. While exploring, keep an eye out for palm-reading local gypsy women, but also be mindful of pickpockets.

Eat your way through Granada

Granada is a haven for food lovers, with the distinct flavors of Andalusian cuisine, which combines fresh Mediterranean ingredients with Moorish and Phoenician influences. Don't miss trying Gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup rich in flavors of raw vegetables and tomatoes. Another local favorite is Habas con Jamón, a simple yet delicious dish of sautéed beans with ham and olive oil. For dessert, dive into the wide selection of fluffy Arab sweets, often accompanied by aromatic Moorish mint tea, best enjoyed in one of the city's traditional cafes.

Be mesmerized by Monasterio de San Jerónimo

Don’t leave Granada without visiting the calm confines of the Monasterio de San Jerónimo. This monastery stands as a testament to Renaissance architecture's elegance and offers a hidden peace. The cloister with intricately carved details, is a spot for serenity among its lush gardens. It’s a perfect spot if you are seeking a deeper insight into Granada's spiritual heritage and architectural beauty.

When is the best time to visit Granada

The best time to visit Granada is the spring and summer months if you are coming to explore the city, and the winter months if you’d like to ski in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Granada enjoys bright sunshine and generally dry conditions throughout the year. The most pleasant weather is during spring and autumn, with occasional rain showers. So, the ideal periods for visiting Granada are between May and June or from September to November.

Steer clear of Granada during the Easter holidays and the Feria del Corpus festival in spring, as these are peak tourist seasons. Additionally, avoid the ski season if you are not intending to ski. The Sierra Nevada mountains are only about 21 miles (35 km) away from Granada, which makes it a popular base during ski season. Finding affordable accommodation during this time can be hard.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Malaga to Granada

A day trip from Málaga to Granada is absolutely possible! Given the relatively short distance between the two cities, you can comfortably travel to Granada in the morning, spend several hours exploring major attractions, and return to Málaga by evening.
Yes, there is a direct train service from Granada to Málaga operated by Renfe, Spain's national railway company. Renfe’s trains are known for their reliability and comfort. The journey takes around one and a half to two hours with some amazing views of the Andalusian countryside.
While not required, you should definitely buy tickets in advance. The Alhambra is one of the most iconic buildings in all of Spain, so tickets sell out in advance. Expect a long wait and possible disappointment if you try to buy in person.
The best way to get from Malaga to Granada is by door-to-door private car service. This option offers the ultimate flexibility, comfort, and luxury. Plus, you can easily visit sightseeing stops along the way! Alternatively, you can go for a bus ride for a cheaper and also direct option.
Plan to spend two to three full days in Granada if you just want to hit the main sights. You'll need a day for the Alhambra, Generalife Gardens, and Cathedral, and another day for wandering the Albaicín neighborhood. If you want more time to soak up the Moorish heritage, plan for five days.
Both cities have a lot to offer depending on your expectations and preferences. Málaga has beautiful beaches and is known for its rich nightlife and culture, including the famous Picasso Museum. Granada, on the other hand, is more historic with its fairytale-like palace and Moorish vibes integrated into the city. So Málaga provides a more coastal and modern experience while Granada is full of Andalusian history, roots, and architectural wonders.

Visit these sights on the way

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 

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 

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 

El Torcal de Antequera

El Torcal de Antequera

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

Antequera

Antequera

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

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 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 2,900 travelers took this route with us
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
Nov 1, 2024

Perfect Transport

Andreas did a great job picking us up from Pireaus Cruise Port and taking us to our rental in Spata. The three of us had been on a long cruise and had 9 pieces of luggage. He arrived in an appropriate vehicle and loaded and unloaded all of it. We are very happy with out decision to book with Daytrip.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler LuckyTraveler01
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LuckyTraveler01

Nov 1, 2024
Oct 5, 2024

Great day

The ride was fantastic. The diver was great, he was on time, very informative, and could not have been nicer. Definitely would do again

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N
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Steve N

Oct 5, 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
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More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
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van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
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The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Malaga to Granada
    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 Malaga to Granada

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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