Getting around in Torremolinos
Getting from A to B with ease with these tips
You might be wondering how to get around the town and explore its attractions. Torremolinos is a relatively small town, with a population of about 70,000 people. It covers an area of 20 square kilometers, and most of its attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, if you want to venture further afield, or if you have mobility issues, there are several transport options to choose from.
Want to know your best option? Below you will find estimates of cost and availability information.
The bus
The most common way to get around Torremolinos is by bus. There are two main bus companies that operate in the town: Portillo and Málaga Bus. Portillo runs regular services to and from the airport, as well as other nearby towns such as Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Marbella and Málaga. Málaga Bus runs local routes within Torremolinos, connecting the main areas of interest such as the beach, the town center, the train station and the water park. You can buy single tickets on board the bus, or get a travel card that allows you to use both companies for a reduced fare.
On most bus stops you can find a QR code to scan. It will show you what buses are coming next and at what time at that stop. Or, you can download the Avanza app on your phone (the app is not always working properly, but it can still help you out). Don't want to download another app? You can check out the timetables on the website here.
The train
Another option is to take the train. Torremolinos has a train station that is part of the Cercanías Málaga network, which connects the town with Málaga city center and other coastal towns. The trains run every 20 minutes from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm, and the journey to Málaga takes about 25 minutes. The train station is located near the town center, and you can walk to most places from there. You can buy single tickets or a travel card at the station or at vending machines.
In Malaga, you can also take the C2 train going inland to the smaller villages just north of Malaga. To take a long-distance train, you can book a train ticket with Renfe. Then you can go to Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada and further.
Prices of local train tickets range from €2 to €5 for one way, depending on your distance. You can buy a ticket at the machines at the stations. From Benalmadena to Fuengirola takes about 20 minutes, while going from Benalmadena to Malaga takes about 35 minutes.
When you buy your first ticket, you will get a card to go with it. This card is reusable and will take 50 cents off your next travel if you use it again. On the machine, select that you have the 'Renfe y tu' card and hold the old pass next to the card reader.
The best way to check when your train will leave is by downloading the Renfe app.
As for 2024, there is also a special discount available. Depending on the distance, if you travel by train at least 4 times, it can be cheaper to buy a subscription of €10 in the app. This will allow you to take the C1 from Fuengirola to Malaga as often as you'd like. The current subscription is from January 1st until May 1st. After that, there will probably be new subscriptions available, but this has not been announced yet.
The taxi
Don't want to wait for the bus or train to arrive? You can always find a cab around Torremolinos. There are taxi stands in different places.
To take a taxi from or to the airport, it will be around €30. Be aware if you call a cab, the initial fare is higher than when you go to a taxi stand.
Take an Uber or Bolt
Uber and Bolt are very popular in Torremolinos. You will see many of them driving around. The pricing is often cheaper than a regular taxi, but definitely not always when it's a short ride or at night time. Bolt is often a little bit cheaper than Uber, but you can check both apps to see how long it will take for them to pick you up. It is not uncommon that an Uber or Bolt takes longer to get to you than stated initially, so be aware.
Alternatives
If you prefer more flexibility and convenience, you can also rent a car or a bike in Torremolinos. There are several car rental companies in the town. You can book online or at their offices, and pick up your car at the airport or in town. Driving in Torremolinos is relatively easy, as the roads are well-maintained and signposted. However, parking can be tricky, especially in peak season. You might have to pay for parking meters or use public parking lots. Alternatively, you can rent a bike from one of the many bike shops in Torremolinos. Biking is a great way to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise. There are bike lanes along the beach promenade and some main roads, but be careful when biking on busy streets or crossing intersections.
If you want to experience something different and fun, you can try some of the more unusual transport options in Torremolinos. For example, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the beach promenade or through the town center.