Planning a holiday in Málaga and wondering if you need to rent a car? The short answer is: not at all. Málaga is a very walkable city, with excellent public transport and bike-friendly routes that let you explore its beauty easily and stress-free.

In this post, we’ll explain how to get around Málaga without a car, with practical tips and the best ways to move through the city.

1. Walking Around Málaga: Perfect for Exploring the Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of Málaga is almost entirely pedestrian-friendly, making it a dream for travellers who prefer walking. From the Cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum to the tapas bars in Soho, everything is within walking distance.

Benefits of walking in Málaga:

  • Safe, well-marked streets.
  • All major sights are close together.
  • Pleasant weather most of the year.

If you’re staying in a central location, you won’t need transport for your day-to-day plans.

2. Public Transport in Málaga: Bus and Metro

🚌 EMT Buses

Málaga’s urban bus network (EMT) covers all main neighbourhoods, beaches and tourist spots. Use the official EMT Málaga app to check routes and schedules.

Tip: Get a multi-ride card if you’re staying for several days—it’s cheaper than buying single tickets.

🚇 Málaga Metro

The metro covers much of the city with two main lines (L1 and L2). It’s a quick and efficient option, especially if you’re staying a bit further from the centre.

  • Operating hours: approx. 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM (until 1:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
  • Price: from €0.82 with prepaid card.

3. Getting Around Málaga by Bike: Bike Lanes & Rentals

Málaga has a growing network of bike lanes running through the city centre and along the seafront promenades. It’s a great way to explore the city in an active and sustainable way.

Where to rent a bike in Málaga:

  • Companies like Malaga Bike, NextBike and Donkey Republic offer easy rentals via mobile apps.

Recommended bike routes:

  • Seafront promenade: From the port to Pedregalejo.
  • Guadalmedina River path: Quiet and scenic.

4. Alternatives: Electric Scooters and Taxis

Electric scooters are widely available with apps like Lime, Bird or Tier. They’re great for medium distances and are popular among younger travellers.

Taxis are safe and easy to find, though more expensive. We recommend using the Pidetaxi Málaga app to book quickly and reliably.

5. Where to Stay in Málaga for a Car-Free Visit

If you want a completely car-free holiday, we recommend staying in the historic centre or near a metro or bus stop. At MÁLAGASUNAPARTMENTS, we offer vacation rentals in prime locations so you can enjoy Málaga at your own pace, hassle-free.

Málaga is the perfect city to explore without a car. Whether you walk, take public transport, rent a bike or hop on a scooter, you can reach all the city’s highlights easily. You’ll avoid parking stress and support sustainable tourism too.

Ready to explore Málaga without a car?
Book your stay with us and experience the city like a local.