The Feria de Málaga is one of Andalusia's biggest summer celebrations, filling the city with music, dancing, and traditional food for a week each August. But to enjoy it fully, you first need to figure out how to get there: the fair unfolds in two distinct locations, and each requires a different transport strategy.
During the day, the historic centre hosts the lively Feria de Día, while at night the action moves to the dedicated fairground at Cortijo de Torres, known as the Real de la Feria. Understanding the split between these two venues is the first step to planning your transport, as the best metro stops, bus lines, and train stations differ accordingly. The official tourism website advises that public transport is the best way to get around on fair days, with extra services added for the event.
First, Decide Which Fair You're Heading To
The Feria de Málaga takes place in two main areas. The daytime fair, or Feria de Día, is held in the historic centre, with celebrations in squares like Plaza de las Flores, Plaza de la Constitución, and the famous entrance on Calle Larios. This is where you'll find traditional flamenco dress, horse carriages, and a festive atmosphere during the hotter hours of the day.
The nighttime fair, or Feria de Noche, is located at the Recinto Ferial Cortijo de Torres, a large fairground near the congress centre. Here, more than 200 casetas offer dancing and dining until the early hours, with a young and lively vibe as the night progresses. Knowing which one you're visiting will shape your transport choices: getting to the centre is straightforward with city transport, while the Cortijo de Torres fairground requires different routes.
For visitors planning their itinerary, our comprehensive Feria de Málaga Travel Guide covers the full schedule and what to expect at each location. Understanding the fair's layout will help you decide where to base yourself and which transport option suits your plans.
Getting to the Day Fair in the Historic Centre
For the Feria de Día, the metro is one of the most convenient options. Line 1 stops at Atarazanas, which is about a 5-minute walk from Calle Larios, placing you right in the heart of the festivities. During fair days, metro service is extended until 01:30, and until 02:30 on the opening fireworks night, making it easy to return after an evening in the centre.
If you're staying in the city, walking is often the simplest way to reach the day fair, as the historic centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Avoid driving into the centre, as streets are closed and traffic is heavy. Instead, consider parking near a metro station outside the busy area and continuing by public transport to the centre.
The metro also connects Málaga's main areas, but always check the latest service times and any special arrangements on the official Metro de Málaga website, as timetables can change during the fair.
Getting to the Night Fair at Cortijo de Torres
Reaching the Cortijo de Torres fairground is a different proposition, as it sits outside the historic core. The most recommended option is the special Line F bus, which runs 24 hours a day during the fair, connecting the city centre with the fairground. This service is designed specifically for fairgoers, providing a direct and convenient link for both daytime and late-night visits.
Alternatively, the Cercanías train is a strong option, especially if you're staying outside Málaga. The C-1 line from Fuengirola, Benalmádena, and Torremolinos brings you to the city, and the Victoria Kent station is just a short distance from the fairground, approximately 800 meters away. This makes it a practical choice for those coming from the coast.
The fairground is also served by additional direct bus services from various neighbourhoods, operating in the evening and early morning hours. Exact routes and stops can change during the event, so it's best to check the latest information from EMT Málaga, the city's bus operator, before you travel.
By Bus: Special Line F and Other Routes
The special Line F bus is the easiest way to travel between the city centre and the Cortijo de Torres fairground. Running 24 hours a day during the fair, it eliminates worries about missing the last bus, making it a reliable choice for night owls. The service is well-publicised, and stops are marked with special signage during the event.
In addition to Line F, EMT Málaga runs extra direct services connecting different neighbourhoods with the fairground between 20:00 and 06:00. These routes are designed to bring locals to the night fair without the need for transfers. For real-time route planning, the EMT Málaga website and app provide up-to-date information, including any temporary diversions or changes.
Paying for the bus in Málaga is simple: you can use cash with the driver, though exact change is appreciated, or opt for the city's travel card, which offers discounted fares. During the fair, it's wise to have a card or small notes ready to speed up boarding, as buses can be crowded.
By Cercanías Train: C-1 and C-2 Lines
If you're staying along the coast, the Cercanías C-1 train is a stress-free way to reach the fair. It connects Fuengirola, Benalmádena, and Torremolinos with Málaga, and during the fair week, evening services run every 20 minutes in both directions. The journey from Fuengirola takes around 45 minutes, making it a practical option compared to battling traffic.
For the day fair, get off at Málaga Centro-Alameda, which places you right at the edge of the historic centre. For the night fair, Victoria Kent station is the better choice, as it's around 800 meters from the Cortijo de Torres fairground—a short walk or a quick bus ride away.
The C-2 line serves towns like Cártama, Pizarra, and Álora, but it's less directly useful for fairgoers. However, during the fair, extra early-morning trains have operated from Victoria Kent toward the Costa del Sol at 05:00 and 05:40, designed to take night owls home after the festivities. Keep in mind that specific schedules may change, so confirm on the official Renfe or Cercanías website before your trip.
By Metro: Lines and Coverage
The metro in Málaga is a modern, efficient system with two lines, but it's primarily useful for reaching the historic centre during the fair. Line 1 stops at Atarazanas, close to Calle Larios, making it ideal for the Feria de Día. Line 2 is less relevant to the fair locations, but it connects with Line 1 at El Perchel for easy transfers.
During the fair, metro services often extend their hours, typically running until 01:30, and until 02:30 on the opening night. This makes it a viable option for returning from evening events in the centre, but note that the metro does not reach the Cortijo de Torres fairground directly. For night fairgoers, the bus or train are more suitable.
The city's tourism site recommends the metro for getting to the daytime fair, highlighting its convenience and frequency. Since Atarazanas is just a short stroll from the main celebrations, you can easily hop off and dive into the atmosphere.
Driving and Parking: Why Avoiding the Centre is Best
Driving to the fair is generally discouraged due to road closures, heavy traffic, and limited parking near the venues. If you have a rental car for exploring the Costa del Sol, the advice is to park outside the busiest areas and use public transport for the fair itself. This saves you from getting stuck in congestion and paying high parking fees.
Park-and-ride is a practical strategy: leave your car at a car park near a metro station, such as those along Line 1, and ride into the centre. Similarly, for the night fair, parking near Victoria Kent station might be easier, as the fairground itself has limited and expensive parking.
During the fair, many streets in the historic centre are closed to vehicles, including around Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución. Signage and traffic officers will guide you, but expect delays. It's best to plan your route in advance and check the city council's website for up-to-date road closure information.
Taxi Options: When They Make Sense
Taxis can be a comfortable option, especially for groups of four or more, as the cost is shared. They are available throughout the city, and you can flag one down or use official taxi stands. During the fair, expect higher demand, especially after midnight, so it's wise to book ahead or use a ride-hailing app to avoid long waits.
Fares are metered and can be more expensive during peak times or late at night, but they offer door-to-door service. For groups going to the Cortijo de Torres fairground from the city centre, a taxi might be comparable to the cost of four bus tickets, making it a convenient option if you're splitting the fare.
One reputed source suggests that taxis are usually the better deal for fair travel, but prices can vary. To avoid surprises, ask for an estimate before starting the journey, or check the official taxi app for a fare calculator.
Practical Tips for Getting Around During the Fair
With crowds and closed roads, allow extra time for every journey. Arrive early in the evening to beat the queues at popular casetas and to secure a spot on your desired transport. Public transport timetables can stretch late into the night during the fair, but last services may still be packed, so try to leave before the final rush.
Always check the latest schedules and any temporary changes on the official websites of EMT Málaga, Cercanías, and Metro de Málaga before you travel. Road closures and bus diversions are common, and relying on outdated information could leave you stranded.
Bring cash for small purchases at the fair, though cards are widely accepted. Dress lightly and stay hydrated in the August heat. Most importantly, keep your phone charged for maps and ride apps, and keep your group together in the crowds.
Where to Stay for Convenient Access to the Fair
Choosing accommodation near a transport hub can make your fair visit much easier. Staying close to the historic centre means you can walk to the day fair and stumble back after fireworks, but it also comes with noise and higher prices. Many visitors prefer the calmer areas along the metro line, such as El Perchel or Carranque, for easy access to the centre.
For those focused on the night fair, consider staying near Victoria Kent station or along the Cercanías C-1 line towards the coast. Towns like Torremolinos or Benalmádena offer beachside accommodation with direct trains to the fair, letting you enjoy the coast by day and the fair by night.
Whichever area you pick, ensure you have a direct transport link to your target fair site. Use the city's official tourism resources to map out the distances and check which stops are closest to your hotel.
Plan Your Visit
Getting to the Feria de Málaga is straightforward if you plan ahead. Decide between the day fair in the historic centre and the night fair at Cortijo de Torres, then choose your transport: metro for the centre, and the special Line F bus or Cercanías train for the fairground. Always check current schedules and road closures before you head out.
For a deeper look at what to expect once you arrive, explore our "Malaga Fair casetas guide for visitors" to learn about the stalls and social customs, or dive into "Malaga Fair food and traditional dishes" to know what to taste. These guides will enhance your fair experience, helping you navigate the casetas and savour local flavours.
Whether you're heading to the lively day fair or the all-night festivities, Málaga's network of buses, trains, and metro lines keeps you connected to the heart of the action. With a little foresight, you can focus on the dancing, food, and fun. For more inspiration, browse our list of festivals in Spain to plan your next cultural adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Feria de Málaga take place?
The Feria de Málaga takes place in two main areas: the daytime fair in the historic centre, around Calle Larios and its squares, and the nighttime fair at the Recinto Ferial Cortijo de Torres, located next to the congress centre. Knowing which fair you're attending determines the best transport route.
What are the best ways to get around in Málaga during the fair?
Public transport is the best option, with extra services added for the fair. The metro and buses serve the historic centre, while special bus Line F and Cercanías trains connect to the Cortijo de Torres fairground. Avoid driving in the city centre and use park-and-ride instead.
How does the special bus line F work?
Line F is a dedicated bus service that runs 24/7 during the fair, connecting the city centre with the Cortijo de Torres fairground. It operates throughout the fair period, providing reliable transport for both daytime and overnight visitors.
Which Cercanías train line should I take to reach the fair?
For the fair, take the C-1 line from Fuengirola, Benalmádena, or Torremolinos. Get off at Málaga Centro-Alameda for the day fair, or Victoria Kent station for the night fair at Cortijo de Torres. The C-2 line is less convenient for fairgoers.
How do you pay for the bus in Málaga?
You can pay cash directly to the bus driver, though it's best to have exact change. A contactless payment method or the city's travel card is more convenient and often cheaper per ride, especially if you'll be using the bus several times.
