We usually have either friends or family willing to pop us over to the airport, but what happens when no one is available and you have to find your own way there? Well, here are some ideas:
According to Google maps the distance from San Pedro to Málaga airport is approximately 49 min (67,5km) on the AP-7 toll road, or 1 hour (68,7km) on the A7/A355 toll free coastal road. The disadvantage of going on the coast road is the traffic as it is usually busy, especially during high season. Also it links all the other towns on the coast and the speed limit is 80km/hr however on the plus side it follows the coastline with beautiful views to the sea. So if you choose this route, take all this into consideration and allow enough time, at least half an hour extra.
If on the contrary, you prefer to drive on the toll road, the standard rate from October to May is 4.50€, which goes up to 8€ in high season (the months of June, July, August and September plus during Easter). This is an expensive route but with hardly any traffic and certainly the best option if you find yourself in a hurry!
Booking a car to the airport
There are various car rental options with companies such as Sixt, Avis, Europcar & Helle Hollis amongst many others, or you could use a shuttle service that is bookable online such as Simply Shuttles, Shuttle Direct and Malaga Cabbie.
Taking a taxi to the airport
San Pedro’s main taxi ranks can be found on the boulevard just in front of the Hogan Stand pub or next to the NH Hotel. You can also book a taxi from your home, holiday apartment or hotel. Taxisol has been in service for over 20 years and is the main taxi company that services Marbella and San Pedro. They offer a 24-hour service, with over 300 cars including MPVs, high-end Mercedes and adapted cars for the disabled. Their website is also English and there is an App service too. Rates to Málaga airport are around 75€ to 80€ from San Pedro, but it is best to check rates on their website.
Cabify and Uber also operate from San Pedro, so this is another option.
Marbella Bus station
If you wish to travel by bus you can purchase your bus ticket at the kiosk on San Pedro’s main boulevard. But, there is no direct bus from San Pedro to the airport, so two rides are involved – one from San Pedro to Marbella’s main bus station, which usually takes between 15 to 20 minutes, and then from Marbella bus station to the airport which takes around 45 minutes. This is quite a popular option and very reasonably priced, so best to buy tickets at least a few days beforehand as places are easily filled.
On their website – Avanza Bus: click on COMPRA TU BILLETE: Buy your ticket – and then an English option is available. Tickets from San Pedro to Marbella Bus Station cost just 1,25€ and tickets from Marbella Bus Station to Málaga Airport: Direct – 6,15€ / Semi-direct – 8,15€.
(Please check times and prices, as they may be subject to change).
