Ronda

Private car transfer
from Malaga to Ronda

Door-to-door
in 1 h 30 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 30 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 Ronda.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 103 km
  • 1 h 30 min

Overview: car trip from Malaga to Ronda

Despite its small size, Ronda is considered one of Spain's most beautiful cities, competing with such cities as Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. Its proximity to Malaga makes it a popular choice for a day trip, yet this unique city offers more than can be seen in just one day, so consider planning an overnight stay to fully explore all it has to offer. And it is not only your destination that deserves to be explored—make sure you discover other sightseeing stops on your journey from Malaga to Ronda.

While there are several transportation options to choose from, Daytrip’s private car service is undeniably the most convenient one for those who don’t want a simple transfer. With Daytrip, you have the freedom to tailor your journey and add sightseeing stops along the way, thus enhancing your experience. Explore the impressive Colomares Castle, stroll around Molino de Inca Botanical Garden, or discover the white-washed village of Mijas—everything is possible with Daytrip.

About Ronda

Ronda is truly a paradisiac destination, and not in the traditional sense of turquoise waters and white sands. It is renowned for its stunning cliffs that tower approximately 750 meters above sea level. The picturesque view is complemented by vineyards and a bubbling stream that flows through the narrow gorge. The Guadalevín River divides the city into two parts, which are then joined by the antique Puente Nuevo bridge that almost seems to grow out of the cliffs.

Thanks to the intricate positioning of the city, Ronda was not easy to access centuries ago, but it has helped preserve many of its historical landmarks. As you explore the city, you will mainly encounter a blend of Moorish and traditional Andalusian architecture characterized by white-washed houses. The Moorish heritage in Ronda is not reflected only in the architecture—one of the city’s main tourist attractions is the Arab Baths (Baños Arabe), which are known as the best-preserved ones in Spain.

The city of Ronda is renowned as the place where modern-day bullfighting originated, known as corrida. It is also the birthplace of one of the most famous bullfighters, Pedro Romero. Ronda could truly be characterized by the red color but not only because of the bullfighting culture, as the city is also known for producing red wine.

Ronda is truly a unique destination, and its beauty even inspired the American novelist Ernest Hemingway, who captured the city’s scenery in his literary work "For Whom the Bell Tolls".

From Malaga to Ronda: travel tips

Here are a few travel tips that will ensure your trip from Malaga to Ronda is seamless:

Explore in the morning

As Ronda is a popular Andalusian destination and there are many day trippers, the city can get quite crowded. To avoid the hordes of tourists, plan your activities early in the morning. If you are staying in Ronda, you can also explore the main attractions in the evening, thus also avoiding the heat if you travel in summer.

Be prepared for the heights

As Ronda is situated at a significant height, some parts of the city might be more challenging to visit for those who are afraid of heights. If that is your case, make sure you don’t book accommodation by the edge of the cliff and plan more activities away from the steep drops.

Bring some layers

If you plan to stay until the evening or overnight, be sure to bring some layers. Since Ronda is at a higher elevation, it won't be as warm in the evenings as it is in Malaga.

How to get from Malaga to Ronda

You are now probably wondering what is the best way of getting from Malaga to Ronda. As the distance between the cities is not that large, you cannot travel by plane. Ronda does not even have an airport, and Malaga Airport is the closest one. Keep on reading to discover the best Malaga to Ronda transfer methods!

From Malaga to Ronda by bus

Public transport is the most affordable way to travel from one city to another. The bus company Alza offers direct buses with the cheapest tickets starting from $12.50 (€11.50) and with a journey time of 2 to 2.5 hours. As this is a popular route, make sure you book your tickets in advance.

From Malaga to Ronda by train

Another way of getting from Malaga to Ronda is by taking a train. Renfe operates between these two cities, offering direct rides of 2 hours to 3 hours for around $16 (€15). These trains depart from Malaga’s main train station, Malaga María Zambrano.

From Malaga to Ronda by guide tour

As the route from Malaga to Ronda is so popular, there are also many guided tours that offer day trips. These tours include a drive from Malaga to Ronda and guided visits to the main attractions. The only downside of these trips is that you are not given as much freedom and you have to follow the rest, so maybe the next mode of transportation might be for you.

From Malaga to Ronda by private car service

If public transport or trips with a guided tour are not what you are looking for, then you can opt for Daytrip’s private car service. It's the most convenient way to travel between the two cities, with the added convenience of being picked up from your accommodation and dropped off at your desired location in Ronda. The drive takes just 1 hour and 40 minutes. Here are some of the Daytrip service’s benefits:

  • Your luggage will be loaded.
  • Your personal driver will be English-speaking, which means you can learn more about the city and its surroundings.
  • The cars are clean, comfortable, spacious, and well-air-conditioned.
  • You will be provided with bottled water, perfect for a trip during warmer months.
  • The service is family-friendly: if you travel with kids, you can request child seats.

And one of the best benefits is that you can go sightseeing during your journey from Malaga to Ronda. You can stop at the Molino de Inca Botanical Garden for a peaceful walk, then admire the Colomares Castle which is dedicated to Christopher Columbus, or explore the unique village of Setenil de las Bodegas.

Things to do when you get to Ronda

Wave goodbye to your Daytrip driver after finishing your route from Malaga to Ronda and get immersed in Ronda’s beauty. Make sure you add these recommendations to your itinerary:

Visit the first bullring from outside

You can start your tour of Ronda by visiting the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain, built in 1785. Although only one bullfight is held each year, the museum inside offers insights into Spain's bullfighting tradition. However, we recommend admiring it from the outside to avoid supporting an example of animal cruelty. Bullfighting is a significant part of Andalusian history, and viewing the bullring from the exterior allows you to appreciate its historical importance without supporting bullfighting.

Admire the city from above

Ronda is full of jaw-dropping views, but you can never get enough. Be sure to visit the most popular viewpoint, officially known as ‘La Sevillana,’ but unofficially called ‘El Balcón del coño’—a name that Spanish speakers will understand. You'll be amazed by the stunning scenery that unfolds before you!

Explore the Casa del Rey Moro

Casa del Rey Moro’ means ‘Moorish King’s House,’ although no Moorish king ever lived there. Nevertheless, this historic site is well worth a visit. It is divided into three parts: the Neomudejar-style palace, the gardens designed by French landscape architect Jean Claude Forestier, and a 14th-century water mine. If you plan to explore the water mine, be aware that it involves a fair amount of walking up and down, so bring some comfortable footwear.

Try the local delicacies

Ronda is renowned for its delicious local treats that should not be missed during your visit. As one of Spain's largest exporters of goat cheese, sampling Ronda’s cheeses is a must. The city is also famous for its unique 'pero de Ronda,' a fruit resembling a blend of an apple and a pear. Don't forget to try the pan rondeño, the most typical pastry of Ronda.

When is the best time to visit Ronda

The best time to visit Ronda is either in spring or fall, particularly in April and May or September and October. During these months, temperatures are more moderate, making it ideal for exploring the city comfortably without the large crowds of peak tourist season. Additionally, the blooming flowers of spring and the yellow-hued leaves of fall will add a picturesque charm to your visit to Ronda.

If you prefer to avoid extreme heat, it is advisable not to travel to Ronda in July and August. During these months, Andalusia experiences exceptionally high temperatures that can be unbearably hot for outdoor activities.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Malaga to Ronda

For a smooth journey from Malaga to Ronda, consider using a private car service such as Daytrip. With Daytrip, you'll be picked up directly from your accommodation in Malaga. You won’t have to worry about getting to your accommodation in Ronda or having to navigate the public transport.
The quickest way to travel from Malaga to Ronda is by Daytrip’s car service, as it takes only 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach Ronda.
Yes, there are direct trains for this route operated by Renfe.
You can reach Ronda by bus, train, or private car service. Be sure to check the advantages of each mode of transportation in the "How to get from Malaga to Ronda" section to find the option that best meets your needs.
Yes! As the cities are relatively close to each other, Ronda is a popular day trip destination. However, if you want to see more than just the main tourist attractions, it is recommended that you spend one night in the city and have an extra day to explore Ronda.
Absolutely! Ronda is one of the most visited cities in Spain, thanks to its unique charm.

Visit these sights on the way

Jardin Botanico Molino de Inca

Jardin Botanico Molino de Inca

For hundreds of years, the natural springs were used to power grain mills, they’re now the centerpiece for these relaxing gardens. Milling Around 

Colomares Castle

Colomares Castle

The world’s largest monument dedicated to the life and adventures of Christopher Columbus pays homage to the architectural styles that have influenced Spanish culture. Discovery World 

Mijas

Mijas

This picturesque White Village has restored itself to a status worthy of its rich history. Reborn in White 

Setenil de las Bodegas

Setenil de las Bodegas

Built directly into a rock face, this unique village is famed for its stoic defense during the Christian reconquest. Stony Defense 

Why people love Daytrip

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4,800+ reviews
  • 741 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
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

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 Malaga to Ronda
    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 Ronda

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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