Benalmadena to Fuengirola: Your Travel Guide

Embarking on a journey along Spain's sun-drenched Costa del Sol often involves hopping between its vibrant towns. If you're looking to travel from the charming resort of Benalmadena to the bustling heart of Fuengirola, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide, penned by a local with firsthand experience, will demystify your travel options, offering invaluable insights into the fastest, most convenient, and most cost-effective ways to make this popular trip. Forget the guesswork and potential frustrations; we'll cover everything from train and bus schedules to the all-important question of 'how much is a taxi from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?', ensuring you have all the details to plan your journey with ease and confidence.

The Journey Unveiled: Benalmadena to Fuengirola

The distance between Benalmadena and Fuengirola is approximately 15 kilometres (around 9.3 miles). These two popular coastal towns are practically neighbours, making the journey between them relatively short and straightforward, regardless of your chosen mode of transport. While a casual stroll might be an option for the incredibly keen (depending on your exact starting point in Benalmadena), most visitors will opt for a quicker, more comfortable ride.

Comparing Your Travel Options

To help you visualise and compare the various ways to travel between Benalmadena and Fuengirola, here's a handy table summarising the key details:

As you can see, each option presents its own advantages, whether it's speed, cost, or convenience. Let's delve into each in more detail.

1. By Car: Freedom on the Open Road

Driving from Benalmadena to Fuengirola offers the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to travel at your own pace and reach specific destinations that might not be directly served by public transport. There are two primary routes you can take, with your choice often depending on your exact starting location within Benalmadena.

Route 1: The AP-7 Toll Road

The AP-7 is a toll highway, generally known for being faster than its toll-free counterpart due to less traffic. If you're staying in the more central, inland parts of Benalmadena, accessing the AP-7 might be more convenient, although it involves navigating some winding roads to reach the highway itself. The journey on the AP-7 typically takes approximately 16 minutes. For this short distance between Benalmadena and Fuengirola, you'll be pleased to know that, according to toll road calculators, you shouldn't incur any toll fees.

Route 2: The A-7 Mediterranean Highway

For those staying closer to the coast in Benalmadena Costa, the A-7 highway often proves to be the more practical and direct option. This route runs parallel to the coastline, offering scenic glimpses of the Mediterranean. While it might appear slightly slower on paper, avoiding the drive through town to reach the AP-7 can often save you time overall. The journey along the A-7 is slightly shorter in distance, around 12 km, and typically takes about 19 minutes to complete. It's a straightforward drive that directly connects the two towns.

2. By Train: Fast, Frequent, and Frugal

For many, the local commuter train, known as 'cercanias', is the undisputed champion for travel between Benalmadena and Fuengirola. It's incredibly convenient, efficient, and cost-effective, making it a highly recommended choice, especially if you're not planning to rent a car.

The Cercanias Service

The train service runs regularly, with trains departing approximately every 20 minutes throughout the day. The journey itself is remarkably quick, typically taking only 5 to 10 minutes, depending on which station in Fuengirola you disembark at. It connects Malaga Maria Zambrano all the way to Fuengirola's main train station, making it a vital artery for coastal travel.

Key Train Stations

• Benalmadena: Arroyo de la Miel. This is the central train station for Benalmadena, located slightly uphill in the main town area at Av. de la Estación, 3, 29631 Benalmádena. The station is well-equipped with ticket booths and staff to assist you. Remember to validate your ticket at the gates before boarding. There are wider gates available for pushchairs or wheelchairs, and a lift is also provided, though it can be a little tricky to locate on the return journey.
• Fuengirola: Main Station. As of autumn 2022, the main train station in Fuengirola was undergoing construction, which meant facilities were limited. However, it remains fully operational for boarding and disembarking. You'll find a taxi rank just outside the station, and a short walk will lead you to the main bus station and the bustling high street with shops and cafes.

Train Times and Stops

Trains from Benalmadena Arroyo de la Miel typically begin running around 5:50 am, with the last services departing just after midnight (00:01 pm). Between Benalmadena and Fuengirola, the train makes several stops, which can be useful if your accommodation is closer to one of these:

• Torremuele
• Carvajal (Fuengirola district)
• Torreblanca (Fuengirola district)
• Los Boliches (Fuengirola district)
• Fuengirola main station

Tickets and Facilities

The fare is based on the number of zones crossed; for this journey, it's just one zone. A one-way ticket costs a very reasonable 1.80 euros. Day return tickets are also available. You can purchase tickets from the booths at the station, and they usually offer menus in English. Children under 6 years old travel free, and discounts are available for seniors. The trains themselves are generally spacious, offering ample seating and room for luggage, bikes, pushchairs, or wheelchairs. Toilets are available on board, and security personnel are often present, contributing to a safe and comfortable journey. Do note, however, that disembarking in Fuengirola with a pushchair or wheelchair can be a bit challenging due to the height of the train steps above the platform, with no barrier-free exit directly to the platform.

3. By Bus: A Coastal Connection

If the train isn't convenient for your specific location, or you simply prefer bus travel, there's a direct bus connection available between Benalmadena and Fuengirola. This is a reliable and affordable option, particularly if you're staying closer to Benalmadena Port or along the Benalmadena Costa strip.

The M-120 Bus Service

The M-120 bus service connects Torremolinos to Fuengirola's main bus station, making several stops along Benalmadena Costa. Buses typically run every half an hour, and the journey takes around 45 minutes, offering a slightly longer but still comfortable ride compared to the train. The one-way ticket costs 1.70 euros, which you can conveniently purchase directly from the bus driver.

Key Bus Stops in Benalmadena

The M-120 bus picks up passengers at various points, including:

• Puerto Marina (Benalmadena Port)
• Hotel Triton
• Antonio Machado
• Selwo Marina
• Bil Bil
• Los Maites
• Residencia Marymar
• Sunset Beach Club

This extensive list of stops makes the bus a great option if your accommodation is located near any of these popular landmarks along the coast.

4. By Taxi or Uber: The Convenient Choice

For door-to-door convenience, especially if you're travelling with luggage, a group, or simply value comfort and speed, a taxi or an Uber is an excellent choice. This option provides direct transport without the need to navigate public transport schedules or multiple stops.

How Much is a Taxi from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

The cost of a taxi from Benalmadena to Fuengirola typically hovers around 20 euros. This price can vary slightly depending on your exact pick-up point in Benalmadena and your final drop-off destination in Fuengirola. Factors like time of day (e.g., late night fares) might also influence the price, though for this relatively short distance, major fluctuations are uncommon.

Taxi vs. Uber

Based on local experience, Uber often works out cheaper than a traditional taxi for this route. If you're planning a holiday on the Costa del Sol and don't already have the Uber app, it's definitely worth downloading. Uber prices, however, can fluctuate based on demand (surge pricing), so it's always a good idea to check the estimated fare in the app before confirming your ride. The journey by taxi or Uber will generally take around 20 minutes, again depending on the specific pick-up and drop-off locations and the current traffic conditions.

Both options offer the distinct advantage of picking you up directly from your hotel or accommodation and dropping you off precisely where you need to be, saving you the hassle of walking to and from bus or train stations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Route

Can you walk from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

Yes, you can. The walking distance is approximately 20 kilometres. There's a coastal road with a dedicated walking path that connects the two towns. However, it's a significant walk, taking around 1 hour 20 minutes from Benalmadena Costa to Carvajal beach (which marks the entrance to Fuengirola). It's best suited for those who enjoy long strolls and are prepared for the distance.

How far is it from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

The distance is roughly 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) by road, though some walking routes might be closer to 20 km.

How much is a taxi from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

A taxi from Benalmadena to Fuengirola will cost around 20 euros. Uber rides are often cheaper and provide the convenience of picking you up directly from your accommodation.

How much is a taxi from Fuengirola to Benalmadena?

The cost is similar to the reverse journey, typically around 20 euros.

What are the main ways to get from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

You have several convenient options: by car (approx. 20 minutes), by bus (approx. 45 minutes, 1.70 euros), by train (approx. 10 minutes, 1.80 euros), or by taxi/Uber (approx. 20 minutes, around 20 euros for a taxi).

How long does the bus take from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

The M-120 bus journey from Benalmadena to Fuengirola takes approximately 45 minutes, departing from Benalmadena Marina and stopping at various points along Benalmadena Costa.

How much is the bus from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

A one-way bus ticket from Benalmadena to Fuengirola costs 1.70 euros.

How much is the train from Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

A one-way train ticket from Benalmadena to Fuengirola costs 1.80 euros.

How do I get to Benalmadena Marina from Fuengirola?

To reach Benalmadena Marina from Fuengirola, you can take the M-120 bus, which takes about 45 minutes and costs 1.70 euros one way. Alternatively, a taxi or Uber will get you there in approximately 20 minutes and cost under 20 euros.

How do I get from Torremuelle-Benalmadena to Fuengirola?

From Torremuelle-Benalmadena, you can take the Renfe Cercanias train, which operates every 30 minutes. The journey to Fuengirola train station takes about 12 minutes and costs between 1-3 euros. Alternatively, Avanza Grupo operates a bus from Mirador La Perla to Rodrigo de Triana hourly, taking about 14 minutes and costing 1-3 euros.

How do I get from Fuengirola to Benalmadena Costa Selwo Marina?

From Fuengirola, you can take the Renfe Cercanias train. The journey to a station near Selwo Marina (e.g., Torremuelle, then a short walk or local bus) takes approximately 13 minutes and costs 1-3 euros. Alternatively, the Avanza Grupo bus (M-120) from Terminal Fuengirola to Benalmadena Costa Selwo Marina runs hourly, taking around 28 minutes and costing 1-4 euros.

Conclusion

Travelling between Benalmadena and Fuengirola is a breeze, with an array of convenient and affordable options to suit every preference and budget. Whether you prioritise speed with the train, cost-effectiveness with the bus, the flexibility of driving, or the door-to-door comfort of a taxi or Uber, you're well-equipped to make your journey enjoyable and stress-free. With this detailed guide, you can confidently plan your trip and focus on enjoying the stunning attractions and vibrant atmosphere that both Benalmadena and Fuengirola have to offer.

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