- Must visit
Museo de Cádiz
Leading fine arts and archaeology museum with Phoenician finds and Spanish painting, essential for understanding Cádiz’s long history.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$62
Fastest journey
5 h 3 m
Average duration
5 h 32 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
169 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Málaga to Cádiz is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Málaga to Cádiz will cost around $62 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
It's difficult to get from Málaga to Cádiz without transferring at least once.
13909 · 13035
13905 · 13083
13901 · 13010
13903 · 13032
13901 · 13008
02093+
13903 · 13008
13909 · 13035
13903 · 13008
08744+
13905 · 13083
08764+
13909 · 13035Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Málaga to Cádiz among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $164.
Distance: 105 miles (169 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$52 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $403 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 33m Average total duration 4h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Cádiz:
A bus is $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Málaga to Cádiz costing on average $52 (€43).
A bus is $379 (€311) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Málaga to Cádiz costing on average $403 (€331).
Other travel options to Cádiz take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 1m.
Train takes on average 4h 3m.
Tickets start at around $52 (€43) compared to roughly $47 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-4.60 (€-3.78). The journey takes 4h 3m versus 2h 50m 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 Cádiz trains for today, Monday, July 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13909 · 13035 | On time 5:08 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 5h20 | 10:28 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
13909 · 13073 | On time 5:08 PM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h50 | 11:58 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, July 21 | |||||
02063+ 13901 · 13008 | 5:47 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h43 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
02063+ 13903 · 13008 | 5:47 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h43 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
02063+ 13903 · 13010 | 5:47 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h40 | 4:27 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
08664+ 13903 · 13008 | 6:35 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h55 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
08664+ 13901 · 13008 | 6:35 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h55 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
08664+ 13903 · 13010 | 6:35 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h52 | 4:27 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
13901 · 13010 | 7:02 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h25 | 4:27 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
13901 · 13008 | 7:02 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h28 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
13901 · 13032 | 7:02 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 10h28 | 5:30 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
03993+ 13903 · 13032 | 8:18 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 9h12 | 5:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
03993+ 13903 · 13010 | 8:18 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h09 | 4:27 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
03993+ 13903 · 13008 | 8:18 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 6h12 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
13903 · 13032 | 9:05 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h25 | 5:30 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
13903 · 13010 | 9:05 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h22 | 4:27 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
13903 · 13008 | 9:05 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 5h25 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 1 transfer | |
02093+ 13903 · 13032 | 9:27 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 8h03 | 5:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
02093+ 13903 · 13008 | 9:27 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 5h03 | 2:30 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
02093+ 13903 · 13010 | 9:27 AM Málaga María Zambrano | 7h00 | 4:27 PM Cádiz station | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Claire Martin
During a recent trip through Andalucía, I traveled from Málaga to Cádiz by train with Renfe AVE. Although there isn’t a direct service, it’s an easy trip that typically involves a change in Córdoba. The route passes through some of southern Spain’s most historic cities, making the journey itself part of the experience. In this guide, I’ll explain exactly how to take the train from Málaga to Cádiz and what to expect along the way.
My journey began at Málaga María Zambrano Train Station, the city’s main hub. I traveled for about 50 minutes, with views of the stunning Sierra Nevada along the way, before reaching Córdoba Train Station. At Córdoba, I waited about 40 minutes for my next train. The connection from Córdoba to Cádiz took 2 hours and 38 minutes. This journey fringed the Sierra Morena and bypassed Seville before heading back south toward the coast. My total journey time was 4 hours and 15 minutes. I think the train is the best way to travel from Málaga to Cádiz, as it’s both comfortable and scenic.
I booked my Málaga–Cádiz train journey on Omio about four weeks in advance. It was a simple process after comparing fares and timetables. After making a secure payment online, I received my e-tickets with QR codes for quick scanning at boarding. I love having all my tickets in one place when traveling in Spain, which is why I decided to book with Omio. You can also take the bus from Málaga to Cádiz, but the bus would have taken at least 6 hours and been less spacious. There aren’t any direct flights between the two cities, so Renfe AVE was definitely the best option!
Málaga María Zambrano is one of Spain’s main travel hubs. The station itself is clean and well-organized, with ticket offices, ATMs, and several cafés inside. It’s also one of the most convenient departure points in southern Spain for Renfe AVE travelers. The station is about 1.1 km or a 15-minute walk from the city center (the N1 bus also connects the station and downtown). I stayed at the Barceló Málaga, which is right next to the station, so there were no extra metro or taxi costs for this journey. The terminal adjoins a modern shopping center with food outlets like Taco Bell and 100 Montaditos. For cheaper options, you can visit the station’s supermarket to stock up on snacks and drinks for the trip.
Renfe AVE trains from Málaga arrive at Cádiz Station. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the city center. There are fewer amenities here than in Málaga, but you’ll find a few car rental offices and basic services like ticket machines and restrooms. The station is small and easy to navigate, and taxis are usually waiting outside for quick trips into town. For food, I’d recommend heading into the city center, where there are plenty of tapas bars and cafés near Plaza de San Juan de Dios.
There are no direct train services from Málaga to Cádiz, so you’ll need to change trains, usually in Córdoba or Seville. I took the connection via Córdoba, which is the most common route. There are plenty of trains from Málaga to Córdoba each day, with the first departing around 5:48 AM. From Córdoba, there are usually three direct trains to Cádiz daily. The first leaves at 6:40 AM, but that connection isn’t possible when coming from Málaga. I took the 7:41 AM train from Málaga, arriving in Córdoba at 8:31 AM. From there, I took the 9:07 AM service to Cádiz and arrived right on time at 11:45 AM.
For my train trip from Málaga to Cádiz, I sat in Standard Class for both legs of the journey. It didn’t have all the First Class amenities like at-seat meals, power sockets, or seats with a generous recline, but the leather seats were still very comfortable and spacious. Technically, there was Wi-Fi on the train, but I couldn’t connect to it (we were traveling through semi-mountainous areas). However, I didn’t really need it. The gorgeous views of the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges kept me entertained for much of the ride. The train also had a restroom, which was stocked and kept clean throughout the journey. Like on other Renfe AVE trains, the baggage rules were flexible. I had a large suitcase and found storage for it at the end of the carriage. My smaller daypack stayed with me, but there were also overhead racks available. Although there wasn’t any luxurious at-seat dining, catering was offered in the restaurant bar car. I went there to stretch my legs and bought pan con tomate (a typical Spanish breakfast) and a coffee. The prices were affordable, and the service was friendly. After a nice meal, my train arrived at Cádiz train station. Overall, I would gladly take this route again with Renfe AVE.
Renfe AVE tickets for this route tend to increase in price closer to the travel date, though not as steeply as with some other operators. I booked my Málaga–Cádiz train ticket as soon as I confirmed my plans to secure a better fare. Occasionally, First Class seats are only slightly more expensive, but when I booked, they were double the price. I opted for Standard Class instead, leaving me with more money to spend once I arrived in Cádiz.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €41 |
| Food & drinks | €4.50 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 45.5 |
Now you know why I love taking the train on routes like Málaga to Cádiz, especially aboard Renfe’s modern AVE services. It’s one of southern Spain’s most scenic rail journeys, winding past mountain ranges, olive groves, and historic cities before reaching the Atlantic coast. Even with a stopover in Córdoba, the trip feels effortless and enjoyable. Just remember to book in advance with Omio, pack some snacks, and grab a window seat. Ready to explore Cádiz? Plan your journey and book your tickets on the Omio app today!
Trains from Málaga to Cádiz run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 105 miles (169 km) distance in 3h 38m.
Distance 105 miles (169 km) |
Average train duration 4h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 38m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Cádiz — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cádiz trip today.
Leading fine arts and archaeology museum with Phoenician finds and Spanish painting, essential for understanding Cádiz’s long history.
Subterranean site preserving a Roman theater discovered beneath the old town; a compact but remarkable glimpse into ancient Gades.
Exhibition center in a former prison, hosting contemporary art and cultural shows in a striking historic building near the waterfront.
Lively square beside the cathedral, lined with terraces and historic buildings; a classic place to feel the rhythm of old Cádiz.
Small urban beach framed by two castles, famous for sunsets and Cádiz’s maritime character; one of the city’s most photogenic walks.
Wide seaside promenade with Atlantic views, historic pavilions, and sunset appeal; perfect for a scenic walk along the old city edge.
Lightly battered and fried local fish, a Cádiz classic served in freidurías. It reflects the city’s deep fishing tradition and seaside tapas culture.
A chilled tomato, pepper, onion, olive oil, and bread soup often topped with local seafood. A refreshing Andalusian staple popular in Cádiz summers.
Marinated dogfish pieces fried until crisp. This iconic Bay of Cádiz tapa is known for its cumin-vinegar seasoning and strong local identity.
Refined restaurant known for creative Andalusian cuisine and polished service. A strong choice for a more contemporary fine dining experience.
Popular market-area venue specializing in tortillitas de camarones and fried seafood. Casual, busy, and ideal for classic Cádiz tapas.
Long-standing tavern famous for local tapas, cured meats, and a traditional sherry-bar feel. A dependable stop in the old town.
Moderate for Spain: rooms rise in summer, but tapas, local buses and casual dining stay fairly affordable versus bigger coastal cities.
Tipping is modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for good restaurant service. Cafes often just round up. Taxis usually round up to the next euro.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Málaga to Cádiz 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 Cádiz, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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