Getting from Malaga to Granada is quick as Granada is located an hour and a half away and is the perfect option for a day trip! There’s many things to do here and this article has info on the Malaga Granada bus and all the other routes you can take.
Granada is a melting pot of different religions, cultures, and cuisines, all blended with shades of history.
In a city where Islam largely influences architecture, food is a blend of Arab and Spanish cuisines, and streets are dotted with historic churches – you will love Granada for all its quirky combinations.
And yes, the nightlife is exciting and tapas joints are plenty to make your stay worth its while.
When you go from Malaga to Granada, do not forget to add the hilltop Moorish complex of Alhambra, Catedral de Granada, a plethora of palaces, and Mirador de San Nicolas in your itinerary.
Here’s all the info you need no matter what mode of transportation you pick to get from Malaga to Granada and what to do once you get to Granada!
Travel from Malaga to Granada
Things to know about Granada
Distance – The distance between Malaga and Granada is about 127 km by road.
Time Required – The time required to reach Granada from Malaga is between 1.5 hours to 2 hours depending on the mode of travel.
Best time to Visit – The best months to visit the cities of Malaga and Granada are the spring months- March to May.
Currency – The currency in the cities of Malaga and Granada is the Euro.
Languages Spoken – You can find people speaking Spanish and Catalan in Malaga and Granada. However, you will also find English being spoken widely in both cities due to a large number of visitors and tourists.
Highlights of Granada – The city is known for its architecture, artistic historical monuments, museums, churches, and monasteries.
Getting from Malaga to Granada
Granada is about 130 km away from Malaga.
Travelling from Malaga to Granada is available depending on the availability of time, budget and of course, your choice of conveyance. You can travel from Malaga to Granada by the following means:
Bus – Traveling by bus Malaga to Granada is approximately a 2 – 2.5 hour journey, depending on the bus service and route you choose.
There are various service providers, so the Malaga to Granada bus frequency is fast. There are buses available every hour or less. The bus journey costs between 15-20 Euros. Usually, buses start from Malaga’s main bus station, which is 10 minutes from the city centre.
The buses are direct and hence hassle-free. It is recommended to avoid last-minute bookings and book your journey in advance. You can book your seats directly on the service providers’ websites namely- Alsa , and Flixbus.
Buses are eco-friendly and take almost the same amount of time as the train. Buses are recommended as with the train you have to change once at Antequera. You also don’t have to stress about your luggage when travelling by bus due to this.
Train – Traveling from Malaga to Granada by train is approximately a 1 – 1.5 hour journey.
It is recommended to travel by train if you are running short of time. The journey costs around 20 Euros.
Travelling by train is not very convenient since it involves a transfer. After starting from Malaga you need to change your train from Antequera – to Santa Ana toward Granada.
You can skip changing the train from Antequera – to Santa Ana and choose to travel by bus. You can plan your Malaga to Granada trip by train and bus and it is recommended you do so in advance if possible.
Air – The distance between Malaga to Granada is very short, so direct flights aren’t available to Granada.
By Car – If you have a car of your own, or choose to hire one for yourself or perhaps share a car ride with someone, Malaga to Granada driving time is about 1.5 – 2 hours.
Malaga to Granada by car i.e. self-drive, excluding the car-hiring fee, might cost you around 25 Euros on one side.
However, it would cost only about 15 Euros if you share a ride and about 170 Euros if you choose to travel by Taxi.
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You can rent a car
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You can book rideshare on BlaBlaCar
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You can book a Taxi by making direct calls on the following numbers:
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Taxi Transfer +34 676 56 66 85
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Malaga Taxi Travel +34 635 40 54 74
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Malaga airport to Granada – Getting from Malaga airport to Granada is quite convenient as even though the airport is located on the outskirts, direct buses connect Malaga airport to Granada.
Alsa mentioned above is the service provider who runs buses from the airport in addition to the town as well. Tickets can be booked in advance however can be booked once you land as well.
If you’re visiting with a family and prefer all inclusive holidays then Granada is a quick day trip away from Malaga, a great destination for all inclusive holidays at Iberostar Malaga Playa.
How to go from Granada to Malaga
To travel back from Granada to Malaga, there are similar options available.
You can choose to travel by bus, train, or car depending on your comfort and availability of time.
By Bus – The Granada to Malaga bus travel requires about 2 hours and costs between 17 – 20 Euros.
You can take a bus towards Malaga from Granada city’s main bus stop. The bus is direct and convenient if you don’t wish to transfer during travel.
By Train – You need to take a train from Granada train station toward Antequera – Santa Ana which is approximately an hour’s journey.
Further, you can take a train from there toward Malaga Maria Zambrano. Overall, Granada to Malaga by train costs you between 17 – 20 Euros.
By Car – The most cost-effective way to travel from Granada to Malaga is by rideshare.
Rideshare is the most cost-effective way to travel from Granada to Malaga. It is approximately a two-hour journey and costs less than 15 Euros. You can also hire a car and choose to self-drive. This option costs you around 25 Euros and is the most convenient.
You can also hire a taxi from Granada to Malaga. A taxi costs about 180 Euros and might be costly, yet convenient.
How much does it cost from Malaga to Granada
The travel cost would differ, depending on the mode of transport you choose. The prices might also vary at the time of booking.
Following is the approximate cost required to travel from Malaga to Granada:
By Bus – It costs around 15 – 20 Euros to travel from Malaga to Granada by bus.
By Train – You would need 18 – 20 Euros to reach Granada from Malaga by Train (including the train transfer)
By Rideshare – This is one of the cheapest travel options from Malaga to Granada and costs about 15 Euros.
By Self-drive – Excluding the car-hiring charges (which differ from company to company), it costs around 25 Euros for fuel if you choose to self-drive from Malaga to Granada.
By Taxi – Traveling by taxi from Malaga to Granada is the costliest travel option and costs around 170 Euros.
Places to stay in Granada
Granada is a wonderful city. It is known for its amazing architecture, tourism, food, and history.
You are bound to be left short of words to define its charm. It is a great place to visit with your special someone, your family, or even a solo traveller. Here are a few hand-picked stay options in Granada:
Luxury Stay – Hospes Palacio de Los Patos: This is one of the premium stay options in the city of Granada.
The hotel has a unique ambience and decor and is known for its good service. It offers cosy, comfortable, clean, and well-decorated rooms with prompt room service. It also has facilities like a bar, spa, and rooms with a romantic setting. Close to Al Andalus Granada and other important attractions of Granada, this is the most chosen stay by tourists. Book here
Mid-range Stay – Hotel Granada Center: This is one of the best budget-friendly stay locations in Granada.
It is top-rated and most reviewed by travellers. It is a family-friendly location that offers comfort and serenity during your stay. It has the best amenities to make your stay easy and memorable such as cafes, minibars, a lounge, etc. Close to the major attractions of Granada, this is the perfect stay option for you. Book here
Budget Stay – Casa de Federico: It is a budget stay option located close to the Cathedral and the Royal Chapel.
The place is known for its unmatched comfort and homely atmosphere. Decorated in Arabic designs and decor, it depicts the historical legacy of Granada. The place is best known for its rooftop bar, entertainment programs, food and service. Book here
Places to visit in Granada
Malaga to Granada day trip is the best choice for travellers in Spain, one of the cheapest EU countries to live in . The city has so much to offer and you can never have enough of it. However, here is a list of things to do and the best places to visit in Granada.
Visiting the Alhambra
This is the one tourist attraction of Granada that you cannot skip on your day trip from Malaga to Granada.
It is a UNESCO-listed world heritage site. It is a historical building of Islamic architecture that used to be home to the Nasrid Dynasty from the 13th to the 15th century.
The place is huge and is covered with tall defensive walls. The Alhambra is divided into four sections namely: Alcazaba, the Nasrid Palaces, the Palace of Charles V and the General life Palace.
It is recommended to check out the Islamic-style beautiful interiors, tile-work, detailing of architecture, metallurgy and of course the spacious palaces. Alhambra’s sections are covered with graceful gardens full of greenery and flowers. It is serene but crowded with endless mobs of tourists.
To avoid standing for a long time in the queues, you can book a tour that includes pick-up and drop along with visiting other significant attractions of Granada.
DETAILS
Alhambra
Address: C. Real de la Alhambra, s/n, 18009 Granada, Spain
Timings: 8.30 AM – 8 PM everyday
Cost: About 14 Euros for adults and 8 Euros for children. Free for children under 12. A guided tour can be booked here. Booking in advance highly recommended
The Royal Chapel
The Royal Chapel has a 47-meter-high dome built between 1506 and 1521.
It depicts the history of Spain’s Catholic Monarchs and the finest ancient architectural practices in Spain. The glass windows, massive tombs, rich decor and wide entrances, walls & pillars are eye-catchy!
DETAILS
The Royal Chapel
Address: Calle Oficios, s/n, 18001 Granada, Spain
Timings: 10 AM – 6.30 PM everyday, except Sundays. Sundays 11 AM to 6.30 PM
Cost: Free
The Gypsy Quarter
It is situated on the Sacromonte or the sacred mount and in the neighbourhood of Cuesta del Chapiz. The place has several well-decorated homes.
It is fascinating to walk down the roads in the vicinity and visit a few homes to witness some unique and amusing decor. You can also admire the views of Granada from the top and try your hands at landscape photography here.
Parque de Las Ciencias
Do the wonders of science fascinate you? If yes, this place is a must-visit for you! It is also a place to visit if you are travelling with your school-going children or siblings since it has some of the best demonstrations for complex science concepts.
The Science Park has a Biosphere Pavilion that explains the earth’s geology, a Planetarium that presents projects on astrology and so many other domains of science including physics, botany, zoology, energy, mechanics and so on.
DETAILS
Parque de Las Ciencias
Address: Av. de la Ciencia, s/n, 18006 Granada, Spain
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM – 3 PM Sundays, Closed Mondays
Cost: Tickets cost 7 euros for adults, 6 Euros for children and free for kids below 3. Website can be found here
The Arab Spice Market
The place is a recreation of the old Moorish market. The market does not have vast streets to walk on, thus making you feel you’ve stepped into a different century. It is best known for silks, spices, decorative items made of wood, and metals like iron, copper, etc.
You can choose to visit the spice market if you wish to take home some gifts, authentic spices and fantastic fabrics.
DETAILS
Arab Spice Market
Address: C. Alcaiceria, 1, 3, 18001 Granada, Spain
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM Monday to Saturday, 10.30 AM – 2.30 PM Sundays
Cost: Free
Monasterio de la Cartuja
It is an old monastery located on the outskirts of Granada. It was built in the 16th century. Today it is known for its spiritual setting, fine architecture, paintings, calmness, and marble statue.
Though the outside of the building is not very impressive today, the interiors indeed leave you fascinated. The place is open to all, and you can buy tickets on the spot.
DETAILS
Monasterio de la Cartuja
Address: P.º de Cartuja, s/n, 18011 Granada, Spain
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM Sunday to Friday, 10 AM – 12:45 PM, 3 – 6 PM Saturdays
Cost: 5 Euros for adults, 3.50 Euros for students and young adults, free for kids below 12. Website can be found here
Visiting Albaicin
Albaicin is also a UNESCO-listed world heritage site and the best place to visit when in Granada.
You can enjoy the grand architecture and the Moorish history of ancient Spain. The streets that lead toward this remarkable place are photogenic and surrounded by the grandness of the architecture.
Furthermore, Albaicin offers splendid panoramic views of the Church of San Nicolas. Further, you can also choose to visit the church since it is a tourist attraction in Granada.
Music and Dance Festival
If you visit Granada during June and July, you will be lucky to witness the International Music and Dance Festival.
The festival is held at varied venues that are of major historical significance. It is an experience you will cherish since the festival offers so much more than entertainment!
You are bound to be fascinated by Spain’s historical and cultural heritage, art forms, and literature by visiting the music and dance festival. More details and latest dates can be found on the website here.
Travelling from Malaga to Granada is a treat for all types of tourists. I am sure you will enjoy your journey and fall in love with this Spanish city in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions for getting from Malaga to Granada
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Is Granada worth visiting?
Granda is one of the most-travelled destinations in Spain. It is definitely worth visiting when in Spain. The city is known for its gorgeous architecture, UNESCO-listed world heritage sites, mouth-watering food, culture, and history.
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Can you do a day trip to Granada from Malaga?
Though the city of Granada has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, you can plan a day trip from Malaga to Granada. By visiting the city’s major attractions, you can make the Granada day trip an unforgettable experience!
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How to get to Alhambra in Granada from Malaga?
There are several ways to reach Alhambra in Granada from Malaga. You can travel by bus, train, rideshare, taxi or self-drive to the nearest spot in Granada.
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Do you need a visa to travel to Granada from Malaga?
A Schengen Visa is required in Spain, including Granada and Malaga for Indians and most non-Europeans.
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What is the best time to visit Granada?
The best time to visit Granada is during May and June. The climate is also good in September and October.
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