Nerja guide
Málaga Airport to Nerja: how to get here
Nerja is about 70 km east of Málaga Airport, around an hour along the coast. These are your options, from the owners of Villa Lucena.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time | Approx. cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hire car | about 50–60 min | varies by season | Exploring the area; our garage fits cars up to 185 cm high |
| Private transfer | about 1 hour | [on request] | Door to door; can be arranged via Lucía Homes |
| Taxi | about 1 hour | around €80–95 | Convenience, without booking ahead |
| Bus (ALSA) | about 1 h 45 min | around €6–9 | Travelling light, on a budget |
By hire car
From the airport, follow the MA-21 and the A-7 towards Almería and Motril, and take exit 292 for Nerja. The A-7 between Málaga and Nerja is toll-free; you don’t need the AP-7 toll road, which runs west of Málaga.
Good to know: the private garage at Villa Lucena takes cars up to 185 cm high. Most normal cars fit, but check the height before you book an SUV or a van. You can often park in the street in front of the house, too.
Private transfer
Our partner Lucía Homes can arrange a private transfer to and from Málaga Airport. It is the easiest option with a late arrival, young children or lots of luggage. Please book it in advance. [Evelijne: child seats available? Indication of the price?]
By taxi
Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall. Expect around €80–95 to Nerja, depending on the time of day and traffic, with a surcharge at night and on public holidays. Ask for the price before you set off, or book a transfer with a fixed price.
By bus
ALSA runs one direct bus a day from the T3 arrivals stop to Nerja, usually in the afternoon; the time varies by season. The trip takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Other connections go via Málaga bus station. Buy your ticket at the ALSA desk at the airport or on alsa.com.
Nerja bus station is on Avenida de Pescia, about 900 m from the centre. [Evelijne: best way from there to the house: a short taxi ride or a walk?]
Arriving at Villa Lucena
Check-in is from 16:00. The keys are in the key box, and the garage opens with the remote control. Landed early? Have lunch on Burriana Beach first. [Evelijne: can guests drop their luggage earlier?] More in our FAQ.
Other airports
Granada Airport is about 1 hour 10 minutes by car, a good alternative if you combine your stay with a visit to the Alhambra.
Our local tip
“[Tip from Evelijne, for example a stop on the way or the first view of Nerja from the A-7]”
Evelijne & Bas
Stay with us
An hour from the airport, a world away
Your own heated pool and a 10-minute walk to Burriana Beach.
Getting here: FAQ
How far is Nerja from Málaga Airport?
About 70 km. By car that is 50 to 60 minutes on the toll-free A-7 coastal motorway; in summer, allow extra time at the Nerja exit on Fridays and Sundays.
Is there a direct bus from Málaga Airport to Nerja?
Yes. ALSA runs one direct bus a day from the T3 arrivals stop, taking about 1 hour 45 minutes. Other connections go via Málaga bus station. Check the current timetable on alsa.com.
Will my hire car fit in the garage?
The garage at Villa Lucena takes cars up to 185 cm high. Most normal cars fit; check the height before you book an SUV or a van.
How much is a taxi from Málaga Airport to Nerja?
Expect around €80–95, depending on the time of day and traffic. Booking a transfer in advance gets you a fixed price.
