Europe > Spain > Malaga (AGP)
The Car or no Car advice for Malaga can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Malaga ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Malaga ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Malaga?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Málaga without a car 🚶♀️🚆
Málaga city itself works extremely well without a car. The historic centre is compact and largely pedestrianised. You can walk easily between the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre, the cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the port area. In addition, the beachfront districts such as La Malagueta are flat and pleasant to explore on foot.
Public transport strengthens this further. The suburban Cercanías trains run frequently along the coast, linking Málaga with Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and Málaga Airport. Local buses fill in the gaps, and the metro, while short, helps serve residential districts. For a short stay focused on culture, food, and beaches, a car is unnecessary.
Easy day trips by train and bus 🚆🚌
Málaga also makes an excellent rail hub. High-speed trains connect the city with Córdoba, Seville, and Granada, making ambitious day trips perfectly realistic. Córdoba is under an hour away, while Granada and Seville are both straightforward by train or bus.
As a result, you can see a great deal of Andalucía without ever touching a steering wheel. This makes Málaga especially attractive for visitors who prefer rail travel or who are staying only a few days.
When renting a car makes sense 🚗⛰️
However, the equation changes once you look inland. Andalucía’s white villages, mountain roads, and natural parks are difficult to reach by public transport. Places such as Ronda, the Caminito del Rey, and small villages in the Axarquía region become far easier with a car.
Driving also allows you to explore at your own pace. Roads are generally good, signage is clear, and car rental prices in southern Spain remain competitive compared with much of Europe.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in Málaga?
For the city itself and classic rail-based day trips, the answer is no. Málaga is one of Spain’s easiest cities to enjoy without a car. However, if you want to explore rural Andalucía or build a wider road trip into your plans, renting a car quickly becomes a valuable upgrade rather than a necessity.