- Must visit
Cueva de Ardales
Important Paleolithic cave with guided visits and one of southern Spain’s key prehistoric art sites. Advance booking is normally essential.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Málaga to Ardales
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$8
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$8
Fastest journey on Sep 19
45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
55 m
Buses on Sep 19
6
Distance
42 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Málaga to Ardales is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Ardales will cost around $8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 6 buses from Málaga to Ardales, including 6 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 42 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 45 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 1 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
BASE6:00 PM1h00Malaga, Estación de Autobuses7:00 PMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers- BASE8:00 PM0h45Malaga, Estación de Autobuses8:45 PMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE4:00 PM1h00Malaga, Estación de Autobuses5:00 PMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE10:30 AM0h50Malaga, Estación de Autobuses11:20 AMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE8:30 AM1h00Malaga, Estación de Autobuses9:30 AMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE8:00 PM0h45Malaga, Estación de Autobuses8:45 PMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE10:30 AM0h50Malaga, Estación de Autobuses11:20 AMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE6:00 PM1h00Malaga, Estación de Autobuses7:00 PMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE4:00 PM1h00Malaga, Estación de Autobuses5:00 PMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
- BASE8:30 AM1h00Malaga, Estación de Autobuses9:30 AMArdales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan$81One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for Málaga to Ardales
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Ardales among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $7 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 1h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, while a bus costs an average of $7.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$7 Average price Cheapest | $11 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Málaga to Ardales is a bus with an average price of $7.
The fastest way to travel from Málaga to Ardales is by bus with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Yes, you can take a bus between Málaga and Ardales.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Málaga to Ardales among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $7 compared to roughly $11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4. The journey takes 1h 2m versus 45m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Damas, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Málaga to Ardales Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:06AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 0h24 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 0h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 0h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $2 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 0h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Damas | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Live departures
Málaga to Ardales bus times
The table below shows live departures for Málaga to Ardales buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASE | 3:30 PM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 1h20 | 4:50 PM Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan | 0 transfersDirect | |
| BASE | 6:30 PM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 0h50 | 7:20 PM Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan | 0 transfersDirect | |
| BASE | 8:30 PM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 1h00 | 9:30 PM Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| BASE | 8:30 AM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 1h00 | 9:30 AM Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan | 0 transfersDirect | |
| BASE | 10:30 AM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 0h50 | 11:20 AM Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan | 0 transfersDirect | |
| BASE | 12:30 PM Malaga, Estación de Autobuses | 1h00 | 1:30 PM Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Málaga to Ardales by bus
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Sep 19
Sep 19
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Sep 20
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Sep 24
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Sep 25
Why should you book Málaga to Ardales buses with Omio?
Damas operates all buses services from Málaga to Ardales.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Málaga to Ardales.
Why book with Omio vs Damas?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Málaga to Ardales
SpainSpain
Buses from Málaga to Ardales run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $7 if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 20:55. The fastest bus covers the 26 miles (42 km) distance in 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 26 miles (42 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $7 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 45m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 8:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Damas from Málaga to ArdalesYou can travel by bus between Málaga to Ardales with Damas for as low as $7. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Damas
About
Damas is a Spanish bus company with over 100 years of experience, operating a significant number of routes primarily in the province of Huelva and the metropolitan area of Seville. They are known for their reliability, punctuality, and well-maintained fleet. Damas offers various ticket types, including single, return, and group tickets, and some routes allow for M-tickets. Popular routes include connections between Seville, Huelva, Malaga, and Ronda. Amenities on their buses often include reclining seats, air conditioning, and power outlets, with Wi-Fi also available on some services. Damas is part of the Interbus Group, a major Spanish urban and interurban transport group.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Damas Duration
45m
Cheapest Damas Price
$7
Damas frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 50% fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Seat reservation
Toilets
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Accessible seating.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for an additional fee; must be packed.
Pets
Small pets allowed in carriers; larger pets must be transported in the luggage compartment.
Complete guide to Ardales
Things to do in Ardales
Discover the best of Ardales — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ardales trip today.
- Recommended
Centro de Interpretación de la Prehistoria de Ardales
Excellent interpretation center for the prehistoric cave art of Ardales. Ideal first stop for understanding the cave’s archaeology and context.
- Recommended
Centro de Interpretación del Caminito del Rey
Interpretive exhibition space about the Caminito del Rey, its construction, geology, and restoration in the nearby gorge landscape.
- Must visit
Caminito del Rey
Dramatic cliffside walkway through the gorge, internationally famous for scenery, engineering, and unforgettable reservoir-to-canyon views.
- Must visit
Embalse Conde de Guadalhorce
Large blue reservoir popular for scenic drives, shore walks, swimming areas, and panoramic stops in a striking mountain setting.
- Must visit
Mirador del Desfiladero de los Gaitanes
Viewpoint over the Gaitanes gorge and dams, offering one of the most photogenic perspectives in the Ardales natural setting.
Porra Antequerana
A chilled tomato soup from Málaga made with bread, garlic and olive oil, then topped with ham and egg. A classic summer staple across inland villages like Ardales.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Potaje de Garbanzos
A hearty Andalusian stew of chickpeas, beans and vegetables, often enriched with local olive oil. It reflects traditional rural cooking in Málaga province.
- Gluten-free
Chivo Lechal Malagueño
Goat meat slowly cooked with garlic, herbs, wine and olive oil. This is one of Málaga's most emblematic mountain dishes and common in village restaurants.
Restaurante Juan Vera
Traditional restaurant in Ardales known for Andalusian classics, grilled meats and local specialties in a relaxed village setting.
Mesón La Alternativa
Well-known casual spot in Ardales serving tapas, local dishes and simple home-style meals. Popular for an informal meal near the town center.
Restaurante El Mirador
Lakeside dining near El Chorro with Andalusian cuisine, fish and meat dishes. Scenic setting makes it a popular stop after hiking or sightseeing.
Euro (€)
More affordable than major Costa del Sol bases. Lodging, casual meals, and parking are usually lower, but options are fewer and driving is often needed.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a simple meal or tapas
- Mid-range
- €15-25 per person for a restaurant meal
- Fine dining
- €40-60+ per person where available
- Coffee
- €1.50-2.50 for coffee
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service; small change in cafes; taxis usually just round up.
FAQs: Bus from Málaga to Ardales
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga to Ardales by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Ardales, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Málaga to Ardales can start from as little as $7 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Málaga to Ardales is $7 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Málaga to Ardales is 45m to travel the 26 miles (42 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Málaga to Ardales leaves at 6:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Málaga to Ardales leaves at 8:55 PM.
Yes, there are 5 direct buses a day from Málaga to Ardales with Damas, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Málaga to Ardales, you can count on Damas, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Ardales. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Málaga and Ardales and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Ardales from Málaga is worth doing with a journey time of 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Málaga to Ardales is April.
Yes, you can take a bus between Málaga and Ardales.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Málaga to Ardales:
- Damas
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Accessible seating.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Málaga to Ardales for bus company Damas.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Ardales are:
- Caminito del Rey, a famous walkway offering stunning views of the El Chorro Gorge
- Ardales Castle, a historic fortress with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape
- Embalse del Conde de Guadalhorce, a picturesque reservoir ideal for outdoor activities
- Cave of Ardales, an archaeological site with prehistoric cave paintings
- Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, a charming church with notable architectural features.
The best things to do in Ardales include:
- Ardales Caves, prehistoric caves with impressive rock art and guided tours
- Enjoy a picnic and water activities at Embalse del Conde de Guadalhorce
- Explore the local history and architecture at Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios
- Visit the local museums to learn about Ardales' rich history
- Take a scenic hike through the surrounding natural parks.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Málaga to Ardales depends on the bus companies:
- Damas
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours incur a 50% fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Damas.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Málaga to Ardales.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Málaga to Ardales:
- Damas
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 25kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Málaga to Ardales:
- Damas
- 10€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Málaga to Ardales. The following conditions apply:
- Damas
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be transported in the luggage compartment.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Málaga to Ardales with the following bus company: Damas
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Málaga to Ardales.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Málaga to Ardales.
Since both Málaga and Ardales are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Málaga to Ardales among Omio's users.
Spain uses the euro (€) as its currency. Travelers can use both cash and cards, but cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, while cash may be preferred for small purchases, markets, and rural locations.
In Ardales, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots. It is advisable to keep valuables secure and be aware of pickpockets. Scams are relatively rare but staying vigilant when dealing with unofficial guides or unlicensed taxi services helps ensure a safe experience. Natural hazards, such as steep trails around the Caminito del Rey, require proper preparation and adherence to safety guidelines.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Málaga to Ardales
Most Málaga to Ardales buses use the Malaga, Estación de Autobuses to Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan station pair. Use this guide to compare Málaga and Ardales bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Málaga
Arrival bus stations in Ardales
Which Málaga station do buses to Ardales leave from?
Buses from Málaga to Ardales leave from Malaga, Estación de Autobuses. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Málaga city centre at Paseo de los Tilos, s/n, 29006 Malaga, Spain.
Malaga, Estación de AutobusesPaseo de los Tilos, s/n, 29006 Malaga, Spain
City-centre transport
Getting to Malaga, Estación de Autobuses from Málaga city centre
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
BusM-260, M-161 · 3m · $1 · every ~3 min
4, 19, N3 · 8m · $2 · every ~11 min
M-113 · 1h 36m · $10 · every ~3 min
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses bus station facilities and services
Malaga, Estación de Autobuses has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafetería de la estación (in the station), Tapas 24 (0.4 km), Pizzeria Roma (0.6 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside the station, near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga, Estación de Autobuses: Elevators, ramps.
Ardales, Avenida Blanes / Calle Fray Juan
More options for your journey from Málaga to Ardales
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ardales and Málaga
Most popular bus connections to Ardales
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