Alhambra Tour from Málaga

Planning to visit Alhambra from Málaga? Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or arriving by cruise, there are plenty of convenient ways to explore this iconic site.

With its beautiful Nasrid Palaces, peaceful Generalife Gardens, and amazing views from the Alcazaba, the Alhambra is a must-see for anyone visiting Andalusia in southern Spain.

You can choose a guided tour for a stress-free experience, go at your own pace with a self-guided tour, or enjoy a more personalized visit with a private tour.

In this guide, you’ll find the best ways to get from Malaga to Alhambra, along with useful travel tips, and ticket prices to help you enjoy your visit to the fullest.

The Alhambra Castle attracts over 2.6 million visitors annually, so booking in advance is a smart choice. The skip-the-line ticket is the most popular and budget-friendly option. For a deeper understanding of the palace, the guided tour offers expert insights, while the night tour provides a magical experience in a peaceful atmosphere.

Guided Alhambra tour from Malaga

• This skip-the-line Alhambra tour offers a stress-free way to explore Granada’s iconic Moorish fortress from Málaga.
• This full-day guided tour begins at 8 am with round-trip transport from Málaga.
• This tour includes Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba Fortress, and the Palace of Charles V.
• Enjoy a guided tour of the Alhambra with a professional and bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• After the guided tour, enjoy free time in Granada to visit the cathedral, have lunch, or explore the historic streets at your own pace.
• Headsets are provided for larger groups to ensure everyone hears the guide clearly.
• Ideal for travelers who want to visit Granada and the Alhambra without arranging transport or tickets independently.

Ticket prices 

Adult ticket (13+ years): €95
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): €85
Infant ticket (upto 3 years): Free entry

Self-guided tour of Alhambra & Royal Chapel

• Self-guided Alhambra tour from Málaga includes transport, entry tickets, and free time in Granada to explore iconic sites like the Royal Chapel.
• This 8-hour full-day experience begins at 8 am with round-trip transportation from Málaga.
• Visit the Alhambra Palace at your own pace, including access to the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba Fortress, and Palace of Charles V.
• Enjoy entry to the Royal Chapel of Granada, where Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella are buried.
• You can choose an audio guide in English or Spanish for helpful historical insights during your visit.
• You’ll have free time after the visit to explore Granada’s old town, grab lunch, or visit other attractions like Granada Cathedral.

Ticket prices 

Adult ticket (12+ years): €105
Child ticket (4 to 11 years): €55
Infant ticket (up to 4 years): Free entry

Explore Alhambra from Seville: Opt for this shared guided tour that includes round-trip transport, skip-the-line entry, and a guided walk through the historic Albayzín district.

Alhambra private tour from Malaga

• This private Alhambra day tour from Málaga offers flexible start times between 6.30 am and 3 pm.
• Enjoy a personalized Alhambra tour with private round-trip transport from Málaga, perfect for families or small groups of up to 8 people.
• The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including transport time. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Málaga are included.
• Enjoy skip-the-line access to the full Alhambra Castle, including the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba, Generalife Gardens, Partal, and the Palace of Charles V.
• Explore at your own pace with a knowledgeable private guide who shares fascinating stories, historical context, and cultural insights.
• Tours are available in English, French, Spanish, or Arabic, offering a personalized and luxurious way to discover this iconic Moorish site.

Ticket prices 

For two people: €930
For four people: €1032
For eight people: €1232

Alhambra tours from Malaga cruise port: Book this exclusive full-day Alhambra tour with skip-the-line access, expert guides, and time to explore Granada before returning to the port!

How far is Granada from Malaga? 

Granada is located about 126 km (78 miles) from Málaga, while Alhambra is 2.5 Km (1.5 miles) further away. 

If you take the Autovía A-92 highway, it will take around 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach Granada. 

Alternatively, if you travel via the A-7 and A-44 routes, it covers approximately 150 km (93 miles) to Granada.

Transportation from Malaga to Granada  

If you’re arranging your own transportation to Alhambra in Granada, you have three main options: high-speed AVE trains, ALSA buses, or driving by car.

Train from Malaga to Granada

The train from Málaga to Granada is operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail service. 

Trains depart from Málaga-María Zambrano Station and arrive at Granada Train Station, with a journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. 

Several trains run daily, including morning, midday, and evening departures. The service is provided by Avant or Media Distancia trains, both of which are modern and comfortable.

You can choose between regular trains (around 3.5 hours) or high-speed AVE trains (about 1.5 hours). 

Ticket prices range from €20 to €30 for a one-way trip. Discounts are available for advance bookings, youth and senior cards, or with certain rail passes. You can purchase tickets online, at the station, or through popular travel apps.

Bus from Malaga to Granada

Traveling by bus from Málaga to Granada is a budget-friendly and comfortable option.

Buses from Málaga to Granada depart from the Málaga Bus Station, next to the María Zambrano train station. They arrive at the Granada Bus Station, which is about 15 to 20 minutes from the city center.

The travel time is between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours 15 minutes, depending on the service and traffic conditions. 

Buses operate between Málaga and Granada from 6 am to 9 pm. They are primarily operated by Alsa, Spain’s largest bus company. 

On the return route, 37 buses depart Granada Bus Station daily and arrive at Málaga Bus Station (Paseo de los Tilos). 

The first bus leaves Granada at 2 am, while the last one departs at 10.30 pm and arrives in Málaga at 12.45 am.

Ticket prices range from €5 to €15, depending on the service class (Standard or Supra). 

You can purchase tickets on the ALSA website or app (android/ iphone), at the station, or through platforms like Omio or Trainline. Arrive 15 minutes early. 

Malaga to Granada by car

Traveling from Málaga to Granada by car is a good option for groups or families. 

If you take the A-92 highway, the drive will be about 1.5 hours. If you choose to book an Uber or taxi, expect to pay around €150–€200 one way, depending on the time and availability. 

Car Parking at Alhambra

Private cars can’t enter the Alhambra Castle, but there’s a large public parking area nearby. It’s about a 5–10 minute walk from the main entrance. Get directions

Travel tips for your Alhambra tour

• Book in advance: Alhambra tickets often sell out, especially during peak seasons, so secure yours early.

• Bring your passport: ID is required for entry, and the name must match your ticket.

• Wear comfortable shoes: The Alhambra is large with uneven paths—you’ll be doing a lot of walking.

• Dress for the weather: Summers are hot (bring a hat and sunscreen); winter mornings can be chilly.

• Stay hydrated: Bring a water bottle—you can refill it at fountains inside the Palace.

• Plan enough time: Arrive early and allow at least 3–4 hours to fully explore the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, and Alcazaba.
• Parking tip: Driving? Parking near the Alhambra is limited—use public parking lots or book accommodation with private parking.