Girona to Málaga train with AVE

Traveling on Renfe’s AVE Train from Girona to Málaga

Introduction

After a few peaceful days wandering through Girona’s medieval streets, I was ready for some sunshine and a change of scenery, so I decided to head south to Málaga while the weather was still nice. I’ve always loved traveling through Spain by train, and Renfe’s AVE train makes even long journeys easy. As usual, I booked everything online and packed my bags for a ride on the train. Here’s what to expect if you’re planning to take the same route from Girona to Málaga with Renfe AVE.

Route Overview

The route from Girona to Málaga María Zambrano spans nearly 1,000 km, linking Catalonia’s quiet charm with Andalusia’s coastal energy. My trip departed in the morning and took about 9 hours and 39 minutes in total. The service with Renfe AVE included a 1 hour and 45 minute stopover at Barcelona Sants. I didn’t mind the break since it gave me time to grab a snack, stretch, and read before continuing south. The fare was on the higher side but reasonable considering the speed, distance, and a very comfortable cabin. For me, the high-speed train is still the best way to travel from Girona to Málaga without traffic or airport lines.

Transportation Experience

I booked my Girona–Málaga train ticket on Omio around 4 weeks before. The sort and filter options on the website made it easy to find a morning departure that arrived by the afternoon. Omio’s app displayed all connections clearly, and I liked being able to check transfer times and platforms in advance. I chose a seat on Renfe’s AVE train for speed and comfort. I always prefer trains over flights for longer routes like this. There’s also a bus from Girona to Málaga, but with a journey time of 17 to 18 hours and a transfer in Barcelona, it’s not an option I’d recommend. ### Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains to Málaga depart from Girona Station, located right by the city center. I was staying at a hotel nearby, so I walked over after breakfast. Girona’s station is generally less crowded than larger hubs like Barcelona Sants. You’ll find a few small cafés and shops for snacks, plus digital boards showing departures. Boarding is straightforward, with a quick ID check and security before entering the platform area. I recommend arriving 30–40 minutes early so you don’t feel rushed.

Since I’d already had a big breakfast, I stopped by one of the convenience stores in the station and bought a snack bar and water for my first leg to Barcelona. Less than two hours later, I reached Barcelona Sants around 11:00 AM. With 1 hour and 45 minutes before my next train, I grabbed some food at McDonald’s and stretched my legs before boarding again at 11:50 AM. Barcelona Sants is a huge station but easy to navigate, with plenty of restrooms and seating areas.

After my connection in Barcelona on Renfe's AVE train, I finally arrived at Málaga María Zambrano at 5:50 PM. The final stretch from Barcelona took about six hours, and the ride was calm and comfortable. Málaga María Zambrano is a major hub for the city and the wider Andalusian region, so it can get quite busy. The station connects directly to the Vialia Mall, where you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and a supermarket. Just outside the entrance, there’s a taxi stand with plenty of cars waiting. I checked into my hotel nearby, had dinner, and called it an early night after the long travel day.

Schedule & Frequency

Girona–Málaga trains aren’t as frequent as shorter routes, and most require one transfer, typically in Barcelona. The first train departs around 5:46 AM, and the last one leaves at 3:11 PM. If you prefer a morning start and evening arrival like I did, look for departures around 9 AM on Renfe AVE or Intercity lines. You can easily filter options on Omio to find the best timing. My trip departed at 9:26 AM and arrived at 5:50 PM, taking about 9 hours and 39 minutes in total, including a 1 hour and 45 minute stopover at Barcelona Sants.

Onboard Experience & Services

On the train from Girona to Málaga, I booked Renfe AVE because the onboard comfort makes long journeys effortless. Even though it was a full travel day, it turned out to be one of the most relaxing trips I’ve had. I settled into my spacious, reclining leather seat by the window with snacks, water, and my book. Before long, the rhythm of the train made everything feel calm and easy. The seats were soft and roomy, with a fold-down tray and a plug for my laptop. It felt like a mobile workspace, so I managed to get a bit of work done between breaks.

On Renfe AVE services, you get access to the PlayRenfe entertainment platform, which offers internet, movies, and shows. The Wi-Fi connection held up well, but even though I planned to be productive, I spent most of the ride gazing out the window. Watching the scenery shift from the green hills of Catalonia to the golden tones of southern Spain felt like seeing the country unfold in slow motion. I was sitting on the left-hand side, which gave me the best views along the route.

There were restrooms onboard, which are essential for long hauls like this. I brought a large suitcase and a backpack; the suitcase fit easily on the luggage rack by the doors, and my backpack stayed on the seat beside me. There’s also overhead storage if you prefer. You can bring up to three pieces of luggage on Renfe AVE trains from Girona to Málaga, with a total combined weight of 25 kg. I skipped the cafetería car since I’d brought my own food, but it was nice knowing it was there. Both legs of the journey ran smoothly, with friendly staff and zero stress. ### Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown Longer routes like Girona to Málaga can vary in price depending on the day and timing, so it’s best to book early through Omio. With luggage already included, I found my Renfe AVE ticket to be great value compared with the cost of connecting flights. Below, I show you what my total spending was like on this trip.

Budget breakdown:

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

Before setting off on your journey from Girona to Málaga by train, here are some helpful tips to make your trip even better:

• Plan for one transfer: Most Girona–Málaga routes connect in Barcelona, so check your layover time. It’s usually long enough to grab a snack or coffee before the next train.
• Book early for best fares: Prices rise closer to the travel date, especially for weekend departures. Try to book 3–4 weeks ahead for the best deal.
• Bring entertainment: A book, podcast, or playlist makes the long ride more enjoyable. You’ll have Wi-Fi on Renfe AVE, but it’s good to have offline options just in case.
• Use the Omio app: It keeps all your tickets and times in one place for easy access. Even without internet, your QR code still works at Renfe’s boarding gates.

Conclusion

The Girona to Málaga train might be one of Spain’s longer routes, but it’s worth every minute. There’s something special about watching the country change before your eyes, all from the comfort of your seat. I like leaving early so I can roll into Málaga by nightfall, drop my bags, and enjoy dinner by the coast. If you want a smooth and scenic way to experience Spain from end to end, book your Renfe AVE ticket early. Ready to plan your trip? Check Omio’s journey planner to compare routes and book online.

About the Author: Nancy Sevilla

• Job Title: Travel & Lifestyle Creator
• Bio: Nancy is a travel content creator who shares honest guides, helpful tips, and personal experiences from her global adventures. Based between Spain and the U.S., she specializes in creating visually compelling content for her blog and social platforms.