Granada Attractions
A day trip from Málaga to Granada is the perfect way to explore the Alhambra, one of Spain’s most famous landmarks.
You have several ways to travel from Málaga to Granada. Guided tours offer a comfortable experience with buses, expert guides, and skip-the-line tickets.
Many visitors choose a guided tour with round-trip transportation, making the journey stress-free and enjoyable.
If you prefer flexibility, you can take a train, bus, or car, though navigating on your own may require more planning.
Since Alhambra tickets sell out fast, it’s wise to book your tour before arranging transportation.
Top Alhambra tours from Malaga Tickets
# Alhambra guided tour from Malaga
# Self-guided Alhambra tour from Malaga
# Private Alhambra tour from Malaga
Table of Contents
Best Malaga to Granada day tours
The best way to visit Alhambra from Malaga is by booking a tour with round-trip transportation.
These tours usually depart at 9 AM and return by 7-8 PM, ensuring a full day of exploration without the hassle of planning logistics.
For a shared tour, up to 30 passengers travel in high-end coaches driven by professional bilingual drivers.
These bus tours, which are perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends, also include amenities such as onboard WiFi, mobile chargers, and water.
If you prefer a private tour, you’ll have a car or mini-van all to yourself for a more exclusive and personalized trip.
Below, we have listed our favorite Alhambra Palace ticket options.
Alhambra guided tour from Malaga
This skip-the-line Alhambra tour is the best way to explore Granada’s Moorish fortress from Malaga, with tickets, guided exploration, and transportation all taken care of.
Your 10-hour journey begins with a comfortable bus transfer from Malaga at 8 AM.
Once you arrive, an expert bilingual guide (Spanish & English) will lead you through the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Alcazaba, and Charles V Palace.
As you walk, learn the fascinating insights of the last stronghold of Muslim Spain.
After exploring Alhambra, enjoy free time in Granada—visit the stunning ‘Catedral de Granada,’ have lunch at a local restaurant, experience the city’s famous Tapas bars, or wander through its charming historic streets.
Ticket Prices
Adult ticket (13+ years): 95 Euros
Child ticket (3 to 12 years): 85 Euros
Infant ticket (up to 2 years): Free
Guided Alhambra adventure from Malaga
On this 9-hour day tour from Malaga, take in the scenic views of Granada.
With your expert guide, explore the Alhambra complex and uncover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Stroll through the breathtaking gardens of Alhambra, resembling the Quranic description of Paradise and the Garden of Eden from the Old Testament in the Bible.
Depending upon your option, you can visit the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, Generalife Gardens, Torre de la Vela watchtower, and the Palace of Charles V,
These wonders offer a unique glimpse into Alhambra’s rich history and stunning architecture.
| Alhambra Tour from Malaga | Ticket Price |
| Alcazaba and Generalife Group Guided Tour | 125 Euros |
| Full Alhambra Complex Group Guided Tour | 145 Euros |
| Alhambra Complex Small Group Guided Tour | 189 Euros |
| Cruise Terminal Pickup Group Guided Tour | 225 Euros |
| Private Group Guided Tour to Alhambra Complex | 260 Euros |
| Private Transportation and Private Guided Tour | 320 Euros |
Self-guided Alhambra tour from Malaga
This 8-hour tour is ideal for those who prefer to explore Alhambra at their own pace while needing help only with transportation to Granada and back.
Departing at 9 AM, you’ll reach Alhambra in 90 minutes, where you can admire the Alcazaba, the interiors of the Nasrid Palaces, the Palace of Charles V, and the serene Generalife Gardens.
An audio guide in Spanish and English is provided for deeper insights.
After exploring Alhambra, visit the Royal Chapel of Granada to learn about the Catholic Monarchs ‘Isabella and Ferdinand’ and their connection to the city.
By 5 PM, return to Malaga with unforgettable memories of Granada’s beauty and history.
Don’t miss this incredible Malaga to Granada day trip!
Ticket Prices
Adult ticket (12+ years): 105 Euros
Child ticket (4 to 11 years): 55 Euros
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Alhambra Nasrid Palace tickets from Malaga
With this skip-the-line ticket, you can choose between two tour options: one that includes the Nasrid Palaces and one that doesn’t.
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Andalusian countryside before arriving in Granada.
Step into the Alhambra complex and take in breathtaking city views. Admire the intricate architecture, elegant fountains, and stunning frescoes in the Alcazaba, Nasrid Palaces, and Generalife Gardens.
Stroll through the royal quarters and grand reception halls, taking in the palace’s timeless beauty, and return to Malaga by 5 pm.
Starting time: 9 am
Duration: 8 hours
Ticket Prices with Nasrid Palaces
Adult ticket (12+ years): 145 Euros
Child ticket (4 to 11 years): 55 Euros
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Ticket Prices without Nasrid Palaces
Adult ticket (12+ years): 125 Euros
Child ticket (4 to 11 years): 45 Euros
Infant ticket (up to 3 years): Free
Private Alhambra tour from Malaga
If you’re looking for a VIP experience, a private tour of Alhambra from Malaga is the perfect choice.
This 7 to 8-hour tour includes skip-the-line tickets to Spain’s most famous Islamic monument.
A professional art historian guide will lead you through all parts of Alhambra Castle, including the Nasrid Palaces, offering deep insights.
The tour operates between 6:30 am and 2 pm, and you can confirm your preferred departure time with the tour operator after the booking.
For added convenience, hotel pick-up is available from Malaga, Fuengirola, Marbella, Torremolinos, and Benalmádena.
Tour price
2 people – 930 Euros
3 people – 981 Euros
4 people – 1,032 Euros
Alhambra tour from Malaga Port
If you’re arriving at Malaga Port by cruise, this full-day Alhambra tour is the perfect shore excursion.
This 7 to 9-hour tour is exclusively for cruise passengers and departs from Malaga Port between 6 am and 12:30 pm.
After a scenic drive, you will skip the long lines and explore the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens with an expert guide. And then you will visit the Nasrid Palaces and the Palace of Charles V.
If time allows, wander through Granada’s historic city center before returning to the Malaga Port.
Ticket price: 119 Euros
Book This TourHow far is Granada from Malaga?
Granada is 135 Km (83 Miles) from Malaga, while Alhambra is 2.5 Km (1.5 Miles) further away.
If you take the road (Autovía A-92) your travel time will be 1 hour 35 minutes.
If you travel via the A-7 and A-44 highways, you must cover a distance of 150 Km (93 Miles) to reach Granada.
Transportation from Malaga to Granada
If you plan to handle your own transport, you have three ways of getting to Alhambra in Granada – AVE trains, ALSA buses, cars, and tour buses.
Malaga to Granada by train
Renfe operates direct trains from Malaga to Granada. However, some trains require a transfer at Antequera-Santa Ana station.
You can choose between regular and high-speed AVE trains, depending on your budget:
- Regular trains take approximately 3.5 hours.
- High-speed AVE trains take around 1.5 hours but are more expensive.
Departing from Málaga-María Zambrano station, AVE trains provide the fastest option to Granada.
The round-trip cost of this train journey is around 60 Euros, making it a less popular choice for tourists due to the high price.
Bus from Malaga to Granada
ALSA operates daily bus services between Malaga and Granada, offering a comfortable and budget-friendly travel option.
Buses depart from Malaga Bus Station and arrive at Granada Bus Station, with 18 departures daily—the first at 6 AM and the last at 9 PM.
The journey takes between 90 to 105 minutes, depending on the bus type. Passengers can choose between:
- Normal Bus – A standard, cost-effective option.
- Supra Economy Bus – A more premium and comfortable experience.
With frequent departures and affordable pricing, buses are a popular choice for traveling between Malaga and Granada.
Approx cost of bus ticket
One way – 10 – 15 Euros
Both ways – 20 – 30 Euros
You must be ready to board 15 minutes before departure.
Return: Granada to Malaga by bus
Daily 18 buses leave Granada Bus Station and reach Malaga Bus Station (Paseo de los Tilos).
The first bus leaves at 6 am, while the last bus departs Granada at 9 pm and reaches Málaga at 10.45 pm.
Where to buy Malaga to Granada bus tickets?
You can reach the Malaga Bus Station half an hour earlier and buy tickets from one of the many ALSA ticket kiosks.
You are likely to find a queue at these kiosks to buy tickets.
If you buy the tickets online, you must pay 2.5 Euros extra per person as a convenience charge. They also have mobile apps for Android and iPhone.
Even though it is convenient, we don’t recommend you opt for the bus.
Important: Despite our advice, if you decide to travel by bus, here is another suggestion – book Alhambra entry tickets before booking bus tickets because they sell out fast. Read about all Alhambra Castle tickets.
Traveling from Malaga to Granada by car
If you are a group of 4-5 people, traveling by car might be a good option.
If you book an Uber, you can get to Granada in 150 to 200 Euros.
For the return journey, you can rent out a car and drive along A-92 to get back to Malaga.
Car parking in Alhambra
Private transport is not allowed to enter Alhambra.
However, there are enough parking spaces located some distance from the Alhambra Box Office and the castle’s main entrance. Parking Lot
Is it possible to visit Granada in a day?
Yes, you can visit Alhambra in Granada and return the same day with plenty of time to spare.
Málaga and Granada are two of the most visited cities in Spain, and they are well-connected, making day trips easy.
Every day, many tourists (and locals!) leave in the morning, spend about three hours exploring Alhambra Castle, walk around the city of Granada, and then return to Malaga – all in just ten hours.
What to bring along on the Alhambra tour
- Passport – It is required for entry; without the passport, you won’t be allowed in.
- Comfortable Shoes – Wear comfortable walking shoes as visitors who explore everything inside Alhambra Castle are expected to walk 3.5 to 4 km (2.2 to 2.5 miles). Also, dress comfortably according to the season.
- Water & Sunscreen – These are essential, especially during hot summer months.
A limited number of 6,600 Alhambra tickets get sold daily, resulting in a lot of demand for last-minute Alhambra Castle tickets.
