Málaga–Costa del Sol Layover Guide (AGP)

What are you looking for in AGP?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is an international airport located in Málaga, Andalusia, Spain. It’s located about 8 km (5 miles) from downtown Málaga. The airport first opened officially in 1919. Málaga is the sixth-largest city in Spain and is known as a gateway to the Costa del Sol. The city is famed for its sunny climate, Mediterranean beaches, and a rich cultural heritage that includes museums, festivals, and historic landmarks.

Can you leave Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), you may exit the airport only if you hold a valid **Schengen short-stay visa (Type C)**. Otherwise, if you remain airside and change terminals without entering Spain, a **Schengen airport‑transit visa (Type A)** may suffice. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Alcazaba of Málaga A stunning 11th-century Moorish fortress offering lush gardens, intricate arches and panoramic city views. (Time required: 1.5 hours / Airport to here: Cercanías C1 train to Málaga Centro-Alameda, then 10-minute walk.)
• Picasso Museum Málaga Explore over 200 works by Málaga’s most famous son in a beautifully restored palace accompanied by rotating temporary exhibitions. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus A to Alameda Principal, then 5-minute walk.)
• Castillo de Gibralfaro Climb ancient ramparts for breathtaking views over the Mediterranean and the city, with informative plaques on its rich history and architecture. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus A to Paseo Reding, then 30-minute uphill walk or taxi.)
• Catedral de la Encarnación Marvel at the unfinished “One-Armed” Cathedral’s fusion of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles while exploring its ornate interior and rooftop. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Cercanías C1 to María Zambrano, then 12-minute walk.)
• Mercado de Atarazanas Immerse yourself in a bustling market filled with fresh produce, local Andalusian cheeses, seafood stalls and vibrant tapas bars. (Time required: 45 minutes / Airport to here: Bus A to Plaza de la Marina, then 7-minute walk.)
• Playa de La Malagueta Relax on golden sands or stroll the palm-lined promenade, stopping for a beachfront chiringuito serving espetos (sardine skewers). (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Cercanías C1 to Málaga Centro-Alameda, then 15-minute walk.)
• Centre Pompidou Málaga Admire contemporary art from French and international collections in a vibrant glass cube overlooking Muelle Uno on the harbour. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Bus A to Paseo del Parque, then 5-minute walk.)
• Muelle Uno & Palmeral de las Sorpresas Wander the modern waterfront promenade lined with shops, restaurants and palm trees, perfect for a scenic snack or coffee break. (Time required: 1 hour / Airport to here: Cercanías C1 to Málaga Centro-Alameda, then 10-minute walk.)

Things to Do in Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport hosts several VIP lounges—Sala VIP Puerta de Madrid, The Premium Traveller and Mariposa—where travellers can unwind with complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. Relaxation areas include comfortable seating, newspapers, flight monitors and shower facilities. Access via lounge memberships or pay-per-use during operational hours. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Directly linked by walkway to Terminal 3, the on-site Costa del Sol Airport Hotel offers 100 modern rooms, restaurant, bar and meeting facilities. Nearby budget and mid-range hotels provide free airport shuttle services. For brief layovers, day-use rooms give quiet private spaces to nap, freshen up or catch up on work. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Overnight travellers can rest on padded benches and dimly lit seating areas in Terminal 3’s departure halls. Free reclining chairs are limited and power outlets are scattered nearby. There are no dedicated sleeping pods, so passengers often retreat to quieter corridors or less crowded gates. Earplugs and blankets are recommended.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Málaga Airport provides free, unlimited Wi-Fi across all terminals and public areas. Simply connect to “Aena_Free_WiFi” and register with an email address or social media account for an initial 30-minute session, renewable as needed. Coverage extends from check-in to boarding gates, supporting browsing, streaming and business communications on multiple devices.

SIM/eSIM Card: Upon arrival, travellers can purchase Spanish SIM cards at phone kiosks, tobacco shops and vending machines in the baggage claim area. Major operators—Movistar, Vodafone and Orange—offer prepaid plans with data, calls and texts from around €10. Alternatively, global eSIM data packages can be activated online before departure for instant connectivity. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The official taxi rank is located outside the Arrivals exit on Level 0, operating 24/7. Standard metered fares apply, with a typical fixed rate of €25–30 to Málaga city centre. Vehicles seat up to four passengers plus luggage. Payments by cash or major credit cards are accepted; drivers generally speak basic English.

Train: The RENFE Cercanías C1 commuter rail service links the airport’s underground station (Terminal 3) with Málaga Centro Alameda, María Zambrano and Fuengirola every 20 minutes. A trip to the city centre takes about 12 minutes. Tickets are sold at station machines or online. (more info)

Bus: Urban and interurban buses serve the airport from the Transport Interchange on Level 0. EMT’s A Express line connects to Málaga centre every 25–30 minutes (07:00–24:00) for €4 per journey. Avanza and Alsa run routes to Marbella, Estepona and other coastal towns. Tickets are purchased on board or via mobile apps. (more info)

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels provide complimentary shuttle services to guest accommodations—schedules vary by property and must be confirmed at booking. The long-stay parking shuttle operates continuously between car parks (P2/P3) and the terminal building. Car rental agencies also run courtesy buses from designated pick-up points outside Arrivals.

Car rentals: Major international car rental companies—Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt and others—maintain desks in Arrivals Hall T3. Off-site providers offer free shuttle transfers. Rental packages typically include options for GPS, child seats and additional drivers. Counters operate from early morning until late evening, with 24-hour pick-up available on request. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Málaga Airport offers covered short-stay (P1) and long-stay (P2/P3) parking facilities. Short-term parking is directly adjacent to the terminals, ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. Long-stay lots feature free shuttle buses every 15 minutes. Online reservations via the Aena portal secure lower rates, and selected zones provide EV charging stations.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Aena’s luggage storage service, operated by Segula, is located in the Arrivals Hall near the baggage reclaim area. Secure lockers and attended counters accommodate small to large bags. Service runs daily from 06:00 to 23:00, with fees starting at €5 per item per day. Walk-in use is subject to space availability. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks