- Must visit
MARQ Museo Arqueológico de Alicante
Alicante’s flagship archaeology museum, known for modern exhibition design and major temporary shows. A top cultural stop for understanding the province’s ancient Iberian, Roman and medieval past.
Cheapest price
$89
Average price
$159
Fastest journey
5 h 53 m
Average duration
6 h 53 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
391 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Málaga to Alicante is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Alicante will cost around $159 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Málaga to Alicante without transferring at least once.
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05182
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05382
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05178
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02083 · 05912
02109+
05742
02073 · 05912
02093 · 05742
02063 · 05912Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Alicante among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $94.
Distance: 242 miles (391 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$151 Average price | $68 Average price Cheapest | $328 Average price | $97 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 2h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Málaga to Alicante:
A bus is $84 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Málaga to Alicante costing on average $151 (€122).
A bus is $261 (€211) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Alicante costing on average $328 (€266).
Other travel options to Alicante take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 48m.
Train takes on average 5h 56m.
Tickets start at around $151 (€122) compared to roughly $97 (€79) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-54.03 (€-43.70). The journey takes 5h 56m versus 4h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Málaga to Alicante trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
02063 · 05912 | Delayed 5:37 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h54 | 11:31 AM 11:31 AMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02063 · 05742 | On time 5:37 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 11h17 | 4:54 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02073 · 05742 | On time 6:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h04 | 4:54 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02073 · 05912 | Delayed 6:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h41 | 11:31 AM 11:31 AMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02083 · 05912 | Delayed 7:38 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 5h53 | 11:31 AM 11:31 AMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02083 · 05742 | On time 7:38 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h16 | 4:54 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
06089+ 05142 | Delayed 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h38 | 2:28 PM 2:28 PMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
06089+ 05178 | On time 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 11h44 | 7:34 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
06089+ 05182 | Delayed 7:50 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 12h33 | 6:23 PM 6:23 PMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02093 · 05742 | On time 9:17 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h37 | 4:54 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
02109+ 05742 | On time 10:32 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h22 | 4:54 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 05182 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h59 | 6:23 PM 6:23 PMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 05178 | On time 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h10 | 7:34 PM Alicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
06021+ 05382 | Delayed 11:24 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h04 | 7:28 PM 7:28 PMAlicante-Terminal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
By Nancy Sevilla
I planned a beach-to-city travel day and booked tickets from Málaga to Alicante with Renfe’s AVE high-speed train. If you’re traveling from Málaga to Alicante, Renfe AVE connects Andalusia and the Costa Blanca with a stress-free, long-distance ride. Seats are comfortable, luggage is easy to manage, and I arrived ready for tapas near Mercado Central. Here's how you can make the same trip.
This journey runs between Málaga María Zambrano and Alacant/Alicante Terminal. The distance is roughly 390 km, and the fastest AVE services take about 5 hours and 35 minutes. It’s ideal for travelers with luggage who prefer a single train over flight check-ins. There are other ways to travel from Málaga to Alicante, but I always prefer taking the train over buses or flights.
I booked my Málaga–Alicante train tickets on Omio. I selected Renfe AVE as the operator, entered my preferred time, and paid my fare with a credit card online. It couldn’t have been easier, and I received a mobile ticket for gate scanning. I had considered taking the bus from Málaga to Alicante, but with a journey time of up to 9 hours, the fast AVE services won hands down. I recommend checking Omio for up-to-date timetables and prices before planning your trip.
I liked how the station had clear signage and a range of shops to pass the time. You’ll find restrooms and fast access to the platforms via escalator or lift. Passing through security is straightforward. Check in at the main concourse, then board the train shortly before departure. If you need anything last minute, there’s a convenient supermarket inside. I bought a hot coffee and a sandwich for about €8 in total. We rolled into Alicante Terminal, just a short walk from the city center with taxis waiting outside. Signage is bilingual, and it’s easy to find the exits, local buses, and the tram connection toward the beaches. I wanted to drop my bag and head straight to the marina. There are no lockers inside the Renfe Alicante train station itself, but I found private luggage storage services just across the street. It cost €5 to store my large bag for the day. I then took a taxi to the marina, which I split with my friend, costing us only €12.50 each.
I arrived at Málaga María Zambrano a bit early so that I could grab a café con leche.
There are approximately 10 trains daily from Málaga to Alicante, with direct AVE services running frequently. Departures start in the early morning (around 6:00 AM) and continue into the late afternoon (around 3:41 PM), with one final evening departure. My train left at 10:45 AM and arrived about 5 hours and 35 minutes later at Alicante Terminal, just in time for me to check into my stay before sunset on the Esplanade.
I rode in Estándar Class on Renfe’s AVE train from Málaga to Alicante. The seats were wide and comfortable in a 2+2 layout, with tables and power sockets for every pair of seats. The PlayRenfe Wi-Fi worked as expected, and I used it to check maps during the trip. Toilets were located at the coach ends and stayed clean and well-stocked throughout the journey. The train’s air conditioning kept the carriage cool as we crossed southern Spain in the afternoon. I had picked up a bocadillo and a bottle of water at Málaga María Zambrano before boarding, but the AVE long-distance service also had a bar car with snacks and hot drinks. I didn’t visit it this time, but it usually has salads, sandwiches, and pastries available. Luggage travels with you on overhead racks or in storage areas near the doors. Renfe’s three-piece, 25 kg luggage policy easily covered my suitcase and day bag. The highlight of the journey was watching the scenery change from the rolling Andalusian hills to the coastal plains near Alicante. Since I was traveling with a friend, I didn’t spend as much time looking out the window this time (and she had the window seat).
Book early in the Omio app for lower fares and better seat selection. I paid €85.00 about four weeks before departure, but prices can range from €60 to over €100, depending on demand and travel dates.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €85 |
| Food & drinks | €8 |
| Travel to departure station | €12.50 |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 105.5 |
If you want a simple point-to-point journey without the hassle of airports, traveling from Málaga to Alicante by train with Renfe AVE is a comfortable and scenic way to cross Spain. I stepped off close to the city center and went straight to the waterfront, a great feeling after several hours on the train. If you’re planning the same trip, I recommend using Omio to compare fares, times, and operators. Plan your journey today the book via the Omio app.
Trains from Málaga to Alicante run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $82 (€67) but you can travel from only $46 (€37) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:48, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 242 miles (391 km) distance in 5h 38m.
Distance 242 miles (391 km) |
Average train duration 5h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 (€67) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 38m |
First train 5:48 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Alicante — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Alicante trip today.
Alicante’s flagship archaeology museum, known for modern exhibition design and major temporary shows. A top cultural stop for understanding the province’s ancient Iberian, Roman and medieval past.
The city’s leading contemporary art museum, housing works by major 20th-century Spanish artists and the Eusebio Sempere collection in a beautifully restored historic building.
Fine arts museum in an 18th-century palace with paintings and sculpture focused on artists connected to Alicante from the 16th to 20th centuries.
Alicante’s signature palm-lined promenade with its famous wave-pattern mosaic. It is the city’s classic stroll and one of the most photographed places in town.
The most picturesque part of Alicante’s old town, with whitewashed houses, flower-filled lanes and photogenic stairways popular with both locals and social media visitors.
A lively waterfront walking stretch linking the historic center and marina, ideal for sea views, evening walks and seeing Alicante’s urban coastal character.
Alicante’s classic rice dish, cooked in rich fish stock and traditionally served with alioli. A staple of the local coast and one of the city’s signature rice recipes.
A refined Alicante seafood rice where shellfish and fish are peeled before cooking, making it easy to eat. Very popular in local rice restaurants.
A traditional fisherman’s dish from the Alicante coast and nearby Tabarca area, combining fish broth with rice for a deeply savory maritime flavor.
Alicante’s best-known fine dining destination, focused on contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with strong local identity and tasting menus.
Well-known central restaurant and tapas bar, famous for premium seafood, market produce, and lively traditional atmosphere.
Respected hilltop restaurant near Santa Barbara Castle, offering refined Mediterranean cuisine and excellent city views in an elegant setting.
Generally cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. Good value for meals and drinks, while summer hotels near the beach cost more.
Tipping is modest. Round up in cafes, leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, and round up or add a little for taxis.
Official public transport app
Alicante-Terminal -> Alicante Central Market
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga to Alicante 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 Alicante, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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