Malaga airport has excellent road link which means it is used by travellers travelling to places such as Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Marbella, Gibraltar and towards Granada. It is 8km from Malaga city and next to the primary A7 road which used to be called the N340.
Currently, in 2006 a new terminal is being built which has caused some disruption with people arriving and wanting to be dropped off and finding certain areas being closed. It has also caused some problems with car parking so allow yourself plenty of time if you are planning to leave a car at Malaga airport.
It is a modern and light airport with easy signposts and helpful staff. It has flight connections to over sixty destinations and has approximately twelve million people travelling through it each year.
Inside the airport there are a large number of bars, restaurants, cash machines and two childrens’ play areas which help keep the little ones amused if there are any flight delays. It doesn’t take long to get through customs and they are being more vigilant in 2006 with people being requested to take off belts and sometimes shoes are also checked. Unfortunately there is no left luggage facility.
Terminal A
This was designed by a man called Ricardo Bofill and it is called Pablo Ruiz Picasso. This terminal was finally finished in 1991.
The ground floor is for arrivals and the upper for departures. The departure lounge has good shopping facilities and places to rest and eat. You can also buy English newspapers and magazines here for your flight. Baggage collection arrives quickly in most instances. There are eight baggage belts, 24 boarding gates, 14 walkways and 65 check in desks. There is also by the doors to the street a facility for a fee where you can have your luggage wrapped in clingfilm for security benefits.
Terminal B
This is joined internally to Terminal B.
Train service
Every half hour there is a train service that goes to Malaga City and also Fuengirola. There is a station directly in front of the main airport building.
Malaga Airport Bus Service
Situated in front of Terminal Two arrivals area there is a half hour Airport Bus. This goes to Malaga City centre and another bus service which runs every 45 minutes that goes to Marbella Bus Station. This is a much cheaper way to travel to Marbella than to take a taxi. It is a smart coach and a comfortable way to travel.
Malaga airport taxi service
In front of the doors to the street there is a taxi rank that is always full of taxis so there is no need to pre-book or worry that you will be stuck for transport. I suggest you ask the price of the trip before you get in and if in doubt as to the price ask another taxi driver to see the comparison.
Car rental at Malaga airport
Most of the major international car rental companies have facilities at Malaga airport. It is a good idea to pre-book a rental car before you arrive if you are planning to come during the peak holiday periods.
Check the small print to see if the rate is inclusive of insurance and taxes. Also some companies charge you for a full tank of petrol and you will be given no refund if you return the car with petrol still inside the tank. If you are planning to drive to other countries such as France check to see if this is permitted.
In Spain it is the law to have in a car two red warning triangles and a yellow vest that are to be used in case of a traffic accident. .It also illegal to use a mobile phone whilst driving and the Guardia Civil are extremely vigilant and are often seen around corners on roundabouts and roads waiting to pounce on anyone talking on a mobile phone. You will get an on the spot hefty fine if caught, so be warned!
Useful Telephone numbers
Lost Baggage 34 952136203
Arrivals 34 952048838
Departures 34 952048804
Easyjet 34 952048284
British Airways 34 952048236
Iberia 34 952136166
Britannia 34 952048353
Lufthansa 34 952048204
Meredith Jones is a mother of three children and lives in Spain. Meredith regularly writes for the Spanish Property Experts http://www.inSpain.tv . She has lived in Spain for a number of years and her articles provide an insight into expatriate life in Spain.
