Granada to Málaga train with Renfe AVANT

Transportation experience

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.

Schedule & frequency

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.

Onboard experience & services

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.

Ticketing advice & budget breakdown

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.

Top tips & recommendations

• Look at direct and indirect routes: Some indirect routes, often going via Santa Ana, can be cheaper.
• Bring food or eat at the station: It’s a short journey, but there’s sometimes no bar car on this route. You could try breakfast at Enrique Tomás Coffee, which serves tasty bocadillos (Spanish-style sandwiches).
• Sit on the right-hand side: There are beautiful views from both sides, but you’ll see slightly more olive groves and rolling hills from the right.
• Carry identification: Always keep your passport or ID card with you, especially on intercity routes.

Conclusion

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.