Malaga Bus Guide: Tickets and Using the Bus
Malaga Bus Guide: Tickets and Using the Bus
Malaga Bus – Stations and Ticket Guide
The Malaga bus system is an excellent way to travel around the city in a an affordable way when visiting the many attractions on offer.
The following guide aims to give tourists all the required transport information on the Malaga bus, including the best ticket options and routes for getting around.
Overview of Malaga Bus
Malaga bus routes make up a key piece of the city’s public transport, and can be one of the simplest and most affordable options for travelling around.
The main operator for local buses is EMT Malaga, with routes routes covering the entire city and the districts outside the centre.
Whether you want to go to some of the key attractions, such as the Alcazaba or the Picasso Museum, or along the coast to the many wonderful beaches in Malaga, the bus is always a great option.
Malaga is also well connected with long distance buses, allowing you to take day trips around the South of Spain and Andalusia.
The main company for travelling outside of Malaga is ALSA, and from the main Malaga bus station (Estación de Autobuses de Malaga) you can travel across Spain, including Seville, Granada, Madrid, and Barcelona!
Malaga Bus Tickets and Fares
| Ticket Type | Price per Journey |
|---|---|
| Single Journey Ticket | €1.40 |
| 10-Journey Ticket (Bonobus) | €0.42 per ride (€4.20 total) |
| Monthly Bus Pass | €19.95 |
1. Single Trip Ticket
For single journeys, it costs €1.40 for a trip, with no discount for returns. Tickets can be purchased on-board from the driver using cash or contactless card.
2. Tarjeta Transbordo (Formerly known as Bonobus)
If you’re planning to use the bus more often, the 10-Journey Ticket with Bonobus is a great deal at €4.20, making it just €0.42 per ride.
This is a temporary deal that has been implemented to increase public transport in Malaga (currently this deal is extended until 2025)
You can add up to 3 lots of 10 journeys (30 in total) onto a card, and the best part is that the same card can be used by multiple people. So if you’re travelling with a partner, that means you can have 5 trips each (10 in total) on the same card once topped up.
Using the Tarjeta Transbordo you can also purchase a Monthly Bus Pass for €19.95. This is useful if you’re in Malaga for an extended period of time and frequently riding the bus.
Where to Buy Malaga Bus Tickets
Buying Malaga bus tickets is a simple process. If you’re looking to buy single tickets you can buy these on the bus from the driver.
You can pay in cash or card (contactless payment was introduced a few years back, and as of 2024 all buses allow this).
If you are paying with cash, try and get the exact change, sometimes they won’t allow you to pay with high notes such as a €20 or €50 note due to lack of change.
If you’re looking to use the Tarjeta Transbordo (Formerly known as Bonobus) card mentioned above) then you’ll need to do this at one of the larger bus stations or in a local shop or kiosk.
Look out for a large capital T sign, in yellow, above small shops or newsagent kiosks around the city. They will allow you to buy a Tarjeta Transbordo card from them, or to recharge the card.
Note: Don’t panic if you are charged €20 when paying for a single ticket on the Malags bus using contactless. This will be refunded within a few days (minus the price of a single). But it’s worth bearing in mind.
Malaga Bus Routes
Malaga has a very large bus system connecting the city and the outskirts quite extensively. Getting to many of the main attractions is easy with a bus, but it can sometimes be a little confusing trying to workout the best route.
A great tip I got before I first visited Malaga was to download the EMT Malaga App. It’s available on both google and Apple app stores, and is a great way for you to work out the best routes, check the bus times, and plan your journey
Here’s a very simple overview of some the best local routes for tourists in Malaga, as well as some of the key attractions nearby:
| Bus Route Number | Major Stops | Nearby Tourist Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alameda Principal, El Palo | Malaga Cathedral, Alcazaba, El Palo Beach |
| 3 | Alameda Principal, Carretera de Cádiz | Centre Pompidou, Automobile and Fashion Museum |
| 11 | Alameda Principal, Rincón de la Victoria | Picasso Museum, Malagueta Beach, Victoria Beach |
| 14 | Paseo del Parque, Teatinos | Malaga Park, Plaza de Toros, University of Malaga |
| 19 | Alameda Principal, Guadalmar | Atarazanas Market, Guadalmar Beach |
| 25 | Alameda Principal, Campanillas | Carmen Thyssen Museum, Technological Park |
| C1 | City Centre Circular Route | City Centre, Larios Street, CAC Malaga |
For full information and a comprehensive list of Malaga bus routes visit the Official Malaga Bus Website.
Malaga Bus Tips for Visitors
- If paying by cash try to have exact change or don’t pay with a note higher than €5. Drivers are allowed to refuse payments if they don’t have the change.
- Retain your ticket or card when on the bus, sometimes they have inspectors board and check ticket validity.
- If you have luggage, use the racks and space at the front of the bus.
- It’s best to enter the bus by the driver, but when you want to leave, use the rear doors and try not to block the driver entrance.
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