- Must visit
Museo Picasso Málaga
A major collection tracing Picasso’s career in a historic palace, essential for understanding the artist born in Málaga.
Cheapest price on Oct 10
$23
Average ticket price on Oct 10
$48
Fastest journey on Oct 10
1 h 29 m
Average journey duration on Oct 10
2 h 4 m
Trains on Oct 10
25
Distance
89 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Granada to Málaga is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Granada to Málaga will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.
On Sat, Oct 10, we found 25 trains from Granada to Málaga, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Oct 10 the direct trains cover the 89 km distance in an average of 2 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 29 m .
On Sat, Oct 10 the slowest trains will take 3 h 12 m 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.
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08085Trains from Granada to Málaga run on average 24 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 1h 22m.
Distance 55 miles (89 km) |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 |
Trains per day 24 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 22m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
The table below shows live departures for Granada to Málaga trains for today, Friday, October 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:34 AM Granada | 1h26 | 7:00 AM Málaga | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:36 AM Granada | 1h24 | 7:00 AM Málaga | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:36 AM Granada | 1h24 | 8:00 AM Málaga | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:19 PM Granada | 1h30 | 1:49 PM Málaga | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
By Claire Martin
When I spent time in Andalusia, I decided to travel from Granada to Malaga by train. I loved it so much that I did it a few times with Renfe AVE and Avant services. Taking the train in Spain is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to move between these two cities. It’s also a great alternative to driving, saving you the hassle of navigating mountain roads. In this article, we’ll go into everything you need to know about taking the Renfe train from Granada to Malaga!
My train journey to Malaga began at Granada’s railway station. As the city sits on the edge of the Sierra Nevada, the train first winds through rugged hills before turning south toward the coast. The route covers around 125 kilometers and offers glimpses of farmland and distant mountain peaks that define this part of Andalusia. I took a direct train from Granada to Malaga, although many services stop in Santa Ana. My total journey time was just 1 hour and 24 minutes, which meant I could enjoy nearly the whole day in Malaga after I arrived. Because it is quick, scenic, and sustainable, I truly believe the train is the best way to travel between Granada and Malaga.
I booked my tickets for the Granada-Malaga train journey using the handy Omio app. It’s a travel booking platform where you can reserve train tickets for destinations all around Spain. I simply selected the route from Granada to Malaga by train, chose Renfe AVE with my preferred departure time, and paid online securely for my tickets. Then, I used the in-app ticket with a QR code to board the train without printing anything. There are no direct flights between the two cities, so that wasn’t an option. The bus from Granada to Malaga was something I considered, but it isn’t as comfortable as the train. Bus journey times are almost the same (sometimes even quicker), with the fastest services taking around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Some buses can take up to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on the route the coach takes.
Renfe trains to Malaga depart from Granada Station. The station serves as Granada’s main railway hub, connecting the city to both national and regional destinations. Since it’s only 850 meters from the city center, I walked from my central hotel, which took about 12 minutes. Ironically, it’s a 10-minute drive because of the one-way and pedestrian streets.
Although busy, the station itself is quite small, with toilets and a ticket office. I’d recommend purchasing any food in the city beforehand. If you arrive early enough, you can relax at Enrique Tomás Coffee inside the station. It opens early and offers a typical Spanish selection of breakfast items and quick options like sandwiches. As I was taking an early train, I grabbed some breakfast at my hotel before leaving. Renfe trains from Granada arrive at Málaga María Zambrano, which is much larger. It’s one of Spain’s main transport hubs, connecting to both regional and high-speed trains. Next to the station is a large shopping center with a Mercadona supermarket and fast food outlets like McDonald’s. On the ground floor is a great coffee shop, and upstairs you’ll find several more places to eat. I stayed at Hotel Barceló, which is right outside the station. It’s around 1 kilometer to the old city, about a 15-minute walk or 7-minute drive (also due to one-way and pedestrian streets). Alternatively, you can take the C1 train into the center.
There are about 6 to 8 direct trains per day between Granada and Malaga, with additional options if you don’t mind connecting. Between direct and connecting services, trains typically depart every 10 to 20 minutes throughout the day, though times can vary. The first Renfe AVE and Avant trains usually leave between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and the last ones depart between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. It’s best to check Omio when booking, as departure times may change slightly. For this trip I took the first train of the day, which left precisely at 7:36 AM.
For my trip from Granada to Malaga, I took a ride on one of Renfe’s modern high-speed trains. Traveling at speeds of up to 250 km/h, it was a smooth and comfortable ride through the Andalusian countryside. I sat on the right-hand side in Renfe’s Standard Class, where the seats were well-padded and spacious, even if a little older in design. Some had small tables, but the train was fairly busy that morning, so I ended up in a regular seat. There were no power outlets or Wi-Fi on board, though for such a short journey, I didn’t really need them. On Renfe trains, passengers can bring up to three pieces of luggage with a combined weight of 25 kilograms. In real life, however, the rule is rarely enforced. Most people simply bring whatever they can comfortably carry. There were luggage racks near the carriage doors and overhead shelves for smaller bags. Although storage space was more limited than on longer routes, it wasn’t an issue for me since I only had a small backpack. The train also had restrooms, which I’ve always found to be clean and well-maintained on Renfe services. There wasn’t a restaurant car on this Granada-Malaga route, but I didn't really miss it for such a short trip. I brought a bottle of water and a pastry from my hotel, and I recommend you bring some snacks for the trip. The highlight was catching glimpses of the Sierra Nevada mountains, along with stretches of olive groves along the way. Overall, it was a great experience, and one that I’ll very likely take again.
The train from Granada to Malaga is typically an affordable journey, even when booked close to departure. I booked my ticket on Omio about three weeks in advance, and was pleasantly surprised by how reasonable it was. For such a short route, there’s little difference in comfort between ticket types, so Standard Class is perfectly fine.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €22 |
| Food & drinks | €3 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 25 |
Taking the train from Granada to Malaga is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel between two of Andalucía’s most charming cities. I’ve done the route a few times and will likely do it again. The short ride offers beautiful mountain and countryside views without the traffic of buses or the queuing at airports. If you’re thinking of going, use Omio’s journey planner and book online today.

Discover the best of Málaga — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Málaga trip today.
A major collection tracing Picasso’s career in a historic palace, essential for understanding the artist born in Málaga.
Dedicated to Carmen Thyssen’s collection, this museum excels in 19th-century Spanish and Andalusian painting in a restored palace.
Set in Picasso’s birthplace, this museum explores his early years, family context, and personal legacy in Málaga.
Málaga’s main pedestrian shopping street links the old center with the port and is lively day and evening.
A redeveloped waterfront promenade with gardens, shade structures, and harbor views, ideal for an easy central walk.
A scenic hilltop viewpoint by Gibralfaro Parador, famous for postcard panoramas of the port, bullring, and cathedral.
A chilled tomato soup with olive oil, garlic and bread, often topped with ham and egg. A Málaga summer staple linked to Andalusian home cooking.
Cold almond and garlic soup thinned with water and olive oil, traditionally served with grapes. A classic Málaga dish with Moorish roots.
Tiny anchovies lightly fried in olive oil until crisp. One of Málaga’s signature seafood tapas, especially popular at beach bars and fish markets.
Michelin-starred fine dining serving refined Andalusian cuisine with technical precision. Elegant atmosphere and one of Málaga’s top gastronomic addresses.
Historic old-town tavern famed for classic Málaga tapas, fried fish and vermouth. Lively, traditional and one of the city’s most beloved institutions.
Classic seafood restaurant at Pedregalejo known for espetos, grilled fish and rice dishes. Casual beachfront setting with a long local reputation.
Moderate for Spain. Hotels rise in summer, but tapas, local transit, and casual dining stay fairly reasonable versus Madrid, Barcelona, or many major European beach cities.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for very good service. In cafes, small change is fine. In taxis, rounding up the fare is common.
Official public transport app
Málaga María Zambrano -> Málaga Centro-Alameda, Málaga
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Granada to Málaga by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Málaga, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Granada to Málaga trains use the Granada to Malaga María Zambrano station pair. Use this guide to compare Granada and Málaga train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Granada has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Granada.
ATMs are available at Granada.
Ticket office support is available at Granada. Information desks are available at Granada.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Granada: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Granada: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Granada.
Malaga María Zambrano is 1 km from Málaga city centre. Public transport options include:
Malaga María Zambrano has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 100 Montaditos, Burger King, Dunkin' Coffee, Gino's, Lizarran, Orient Express Cafeteria, The Posada of Brazil, Pizza Hut, Rail Coffee, The Good Burger, & many more
Free throughout the station. ATMs are located in various points in the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00 - 00:45. Information desks are located in the station's main concourse.
Luggage storage is open daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Malaga María Zambrano: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Malaga María Zambrano: The station is fully accessible and includes adapted elevators and platforms. Additional services can be arranged by contacting the station before traveling.
Nearby hotels include Hotel ILUNION Málaga, Barceló Málaga, Eurostars Málaga.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need