If you live on or are staying on the Costa del Sol and flying from Málaga, driving yourself is the most convenient option. Here's which road to take, how much time to allow and what to do with the car when you get there.
The western Costa del Sol is a short drive from Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona all connect to the terminal along the same Mediterranean motorway, and for many people driving is the most practical way to get there: no train or bus timetables to work around, luggage in the boot, and leaving home exactly when it suits you.
This guide covers what's worth knowing before you set off: which roads you have, how long each journey takes, when traffic gets difficult and how to deal with the final step — leaving the car.
Two roads, one decision: the A-7 or the AP-7
From almost anywhere on the western Costa del Sol you reach the airport by one of these two roads:
The A-7 (free dual carriageway). This is the toll-free road that runs along the whole coast and links the towns. It's the usual choice for shorter trips, such as from Torremolinos or Benalmádena. Its drawback is that it gets congested in high season, especially between Fuengirola and Marbella.
The AP-7 (toll motorway). It's faster and more predictable, particularly between May and October. A useful detail: the stretch between the airport and the Fuengirola junction is free, and the toll starts before you reach Fuengirola. You can pay by cash, card or Vía T. Rates vary by section and time of year, so check the current price before you leave.
Approximate journey times from each town
These are times in normal traffic. Always add a margin, especially in summer, Easter and bank holiday weekends.
FromApproximate timeUsual roadTorremolinos10-15 minutesA-7 / MA-21Benalmádena15-20 minutesA-7Fuengirola20-30 minutesA-7 or AP-7Marbella40-55 minutes on the AP-7; over an hour on the A-7 in high seasonAP-7 or A-7Estepona55-75 minutes depending on trafficAP-7 or A-7
These are estimates. Before you leave, check live traffic on your navigation app.
How much time to allow
The rule of thumb that works best: work out the drive, add the time to leave the car and reach the terminal, then add the airport's own safety margin.
- Domestic or Schengen flights: arrive at the terminal at least 1.5 hours before departure.
- International flights or with hold baggage: aim for 2 hours.
- High season, bank holidays and Easter: add 20-30 minutes to the road journey. The A-7 between Fuengirola and Marbella is where you'll feel it most.
With a private car park with an on-demand shuttle, the last step is just 3 minutes from leaving the car to reaching the terminal.
The final step: where to leave the car
If the car stays in Málaga while you travel, you need to decide where to leave it. A good car park should offer:
- A fast, on-demand shuttle, with no waiting for a fixed timetable.
- Terminal pick-up on your return, so you're not walking with your luggage.
- Open at any hour, because flights from Málaga depart and arrive in the small hours.
- Genuine 24-hour surveillance.
- Clear payment, no surprises if your flight is delayed.
Parking San Isidro has offered all of this since 1987:
- On-demand shuttle in 3 minutes to the terminal.
- Direct pick-up at the terminal when you land.
- Open 24 hours, with no night-time surcharge. Drop off or collect your car at any hour, at the same price.
- Uninterrupted surveillance 365 days a year.
- Covered and open-air spaces.
- Car wash service during your stay.
- Pay when you collect your vehicle. If your flight is delayed, you pay the actual time at the standard rate, with no surcharges.
- Full invoice with tax details.
- 4.6 stars with over 489 verified Google reviews.
For stays of several days, a covered space protects your car from the sun, which in Málaga shines practically all year. For more travel tips, read our guide to travelling from Málaga Airport.
An advantage if you're coming from the Costa del Sol
If you're leaving Marbella or Fuengirola early for a morning flight, you'll be up before dawn anyway. With a car park open 24 hours and no night-time surcharge, you don't have to fit your departure around opening hours: arrive when it suits you, leave the car and be at the terminal in 3 minutes.
And on your return, even if you land in the small hours, you call and we collect you at the terminal. You head straight home without waiting for the first bus.
If you travel for work frequently, you'll want our guide to parking for business travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive to Málaga Airport from Marbella? Between 40 and 55 minutes on the AP-7 in normal conditions. On the free A-7 it can take over an hour in high season.
Is the AP-7 a toll road between Torremolinos and the airport? The stretch between the airport and the Fuengirola junction is free. The toll starts before you reach Fuengirola.
Which road is better from Fuengirola? For a short trip the A-7 is usually enough. At peak times in high season, the AP-7 is more predictable.
What time should I leave for an early flight? Work out the drive, add 3 minutes for the shuttle, and arrive at the terminal 1.5 or 2 hours ahead depending on the type of flight. In high season, add extra margin.
Can I drop off or collect my car in the middle of the night? Yes. Parking San Isidro is open 24 hours, with no night-time surcharge.
When do I pay? When you collect your vehicle, by cash or card.
The short version
- From the western Costa del Sol you reach the airport via the A-7 (free) or the AP-7 (toll).
- Torremolinos and Benalmádena are 10-20 minutes away; Fuengirola 20-30; Marbella 40-55 on the AP-7.
- In high season and bank holidays, add margin, especially between Fuengirola and Marbella.
- With Parking San Isidro: on-demand shuttle in 3 minutes, terminal pick-up, 24 hours with no night-time surcharge and pay on collection.
Book your space at Parking San Isidro
Parking San Isidro — private parking next to Málaga Airport since 1987.
