Comparing the journey between Malaga and Granada: Train Versus Bus
Comparing the journey between Malaga and Granada: Train Versus Bus
Most people would say that it is best to get a bus rather than a train between Granada and Malaga.
This page is an attempt to compare the actual differences.
Verdict: Unless you can book one of the trains that take 78 minutes and cost less than 20 euros then you are probably better off on the bus. The bus booking system appears to be simpler.
To book trains go to renfe.com or Trainline Note: You may not be allowed to book tickets more than 60 days in advance.
To book buses go to alsa.com
The information:
How many journeys per day:
Bus: 18 per day (most of them are direct but some of them have stops and can take up to 120 minutes)
Train: 7 per day (only 3 of them take 78 minutes the rest of them take a long time)
Price:
Bus between 8 and 13 euros average is about 9 euros.
Train:16 euros (16 euros is for the direct train but others can cost up to 57 euros. Average is about 30 euros)
Journey Time:
Bus: Directo 90 minutes
Train: 78 minutes
Notes: On the train there are 3 trains a day which take 78 minutes. There are more trains but they take a lot longer eg AVANT-AVANT 187 minutes.
The direct buses take 90 minutes but the buses with stops (paradas) can take up to 120 minutes.
User comments from February 2024:
Jennifer Truesdell
Three friends and I did the train to Granada and the bus back. Train was fine, no table at our seats, no meal service car (just a vending machine) but it was fine. Bus back was fine, too, but without the freedom of getting up and walking around. Main difference is there are limited times the train runs from Malaga to Granada and back, but way more busses run throughout the day.
Ann Davis
Used the bus and it was fine. Booking on the Alsa website is really easy.
Just bear in the mind if you are tall the bus doesn't have quite as much legroom as the train.
Karen Larkman
I did this journey by train last week and it cost 23€ per adult. May have been more expensive as did not buy in advance, purchased at the Renfe on day of travel.
Additional Information
You can get from the bus station to the centre of Granada on the 33 bus. Just go out of the main door of the bus station and get on the next 33. Most people get off at the cathedral. There is more info about buses in Granada here
The train station is closer to the centre than the bus station. There is a taxi rank outside of the train station. This is a link to the train station info and it explains how to get from the train station to the centre
You can easily compare buses and trains using OMIO below:Places to get guided tours and tickets for the Alhambra
| Suppliers | Description |
|---|---|
| Misreservas | Buy tickets for the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces |
| Get Your Guide | Get your Guide Alhambra English |
| Civitatis | Civitatis Alhambra Tickets |
| Tiqets | Buy tickets for the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces |
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