Ask “where is the train station in Málaga” and you might get conflicting answers.
You probably mean the Málaga high-speed train station that serves carriers like AVE and Avlo, and connects to cities like Madrid and Córdoba.
But maybe you ask about the Málaga train station that connects to the airport and a friendly passerby says Málaga Centro Alameda train station—though you could have sworn there was a “z” in the train station’s name you needed.
Let’s clear up the confusion and make your journey to Málaga easy-peasy, including the difference between Málaga María Zambrano and Málaga Centro Alameda.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Bruce Yuanyue Bi. Image Location: María Zambrano station, Málaga, Spain
Everything you need to know about Málaga train stations
Because there are multiple places to catch rail-based transport in Málaga, but only a few you need to know before you go.
How many train stations are there in Málaga?
There are various forms of rail transportation in Málaga, such as commuter trains and subways, and depending on where you set the city boundaries you'll get different answers to this question. For most visitors, the main train station you’ll use to enter and orient yourself in Málaga is Málaga María Zambrano Train Station.
Where is the train station in Málaga?
Málaga María Zambrano is the major train station serving the city. It’s located just outside the city center between the La Unión and Perchel Sur neighborhoods. Although this is the major station, it is not the closest station to the city center. That station is Málaga Centro Alameda, which serves the local commuter line.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Henryk Sadura. Image Location: Málaga, Spain
How far is Málaga train station from the airport?
Málaga María Zambrano train station is approximately 4.3 miles (7km) away from the Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport. Take the C1 line from María Zambrano to the Aeropuerto station and you’ll walk right into the departures area.
Is there luggage storage at Málaga train station?
Yes, there is paid luggage storage available at Málaga María Zambrano train station. It’s a convenient way to store your bags if you’re enjoying a layover in Málaga or need to stash your backpack in that awkward time in between checking out of the hotel and checking in for your flight.
What is the best site to buy train tickets in Spain?
Trainline is the best site to buy train tickets in Spain. We show you the cheapest available rates for train services throughout the country, including Málaga to Madrid. We also have bus tickets available for those Spanish cities that aren’t served by direct train routes, such as Málaga to Cádiz. Download the Trainline app and see for yourself how affordable train travel in Spain can be.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Eduardo Frederiksen
Your guide to Málaga Maria Zambrano train station
Málaga María Zambrano is Málaga's high-speed intercity train station. It’ll be your first introduction when you arrive in Málaga by train, which is great because it’s the city’s main train station. There’s a hotel, a VIP lounge, a tourist information center, and the basic conveniences like an ATM, toilets, luggage storage, and even bicycle parking.
Another awesome amenity of Málaga María Zambrano train station is the huge shopping mall within. Vialia Centro Comercial has a whole lot of retail therapy for those who love hanging out in train stations. It’s super convenient if you’ve got time to kill before your train departs. If you’re traveling through Spain with kids, there’s a Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and KFC inside should they need a taste of home (though tragically neither the Colonel nor the Clown sell a chicken paella).
What to know about Málaga Centro Alameda train station
We can see you squinting at Google Maps, noticing immediately that Málaga Centro Alameda is closer—read: involves less stress on your poor soles—to the city center than Málaga María Zambrano.
Málaga Centro Alameda is one end of the commuter rail, with its partner end in the southwest called Fuengirola. This serves the C1 line which means you can take the train from Málaga Centro Alameda to both the Málaga María Zambrano train station and Málaga international airport.
Anything near Málaga Centro Alameda that you should be aware of? Totally. Peep these places within footsteps of the station:
- CAC Málaga: ~ 2 minutes walking
- Museo de la Imaginación: ~ 4 minutes walking
- Jardines Picasso: ~ 11 minutes walking
- Picasso Museum: ~ 16 minutes walking
A place in the sun
Let’s get you to Málaga María Zambrano so you can get your fill of Picasso, paella, and la playa. Download the Trainline app and get to Málaga by train with ease.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Ventura Carmona. Image Location: Málaga Cathedral, Málaga, Spain