Which Airports?
It’s possible to fly into various airports (flight times are approx 2.5 – 3 hrs from the UK) but Malaga is generally the best one. Alternatives include Gibraltar, Jerez or Seville.
Flights to Malaga are more frequent than Gibraltar although Ryanair flies to Jerez if you don’t mind the longer drive. It’s also possible to fly to Seville but that involves a 3 hr journey so probably not so good.
Journey Times to Benahavis from the following airports (approx):-
Malaga – 1 Hr (Toll Motorway 50 mins)
Gibraltar – 1 Hr
Jerez – 2 Hrs
Seville – 3 Hrs
CAR HIRE – If you want to be able to visit the surrounding area it’s advisable to hire a car and it’s usually quite good value especially out of high season. I use the following comparison company Auto Europe and this is a special discounted link which then gives you lots of quotes from different companies. Please note most are “on airport” (downstairs from baggage collection) but some require a short journey by mini bus to the depot off-site. I always select “Full to Full” for fuel as this is far simpler than trying to finish with an empty tank for example. You could try Expedia too.
Which Car Hire Company? (Last updated Feb 23) – Although they aren’t the cheapest of all the companies Malagacar.com are usually quite good although you do need to take a short free bus to get there (5 mins journey) and I have also used Centauro or Wiber (both off airport and via Expedia) and they have been fairly good too.
Personal Warning – Although this is only my personal experience I have been charged for damage I haven’t caused twice in recent times (summer 2019) with both Interrent and Goldcar (both owned by Europcar) so I won’t be using them again!! They have also been getting some very bad press in The Times and Sunday Times. I had previously been using them without problem so they have gone downhill very quickly.
BEWARE (deposit) – Please note that most car hire companies provide very cheap hire but this means you have to pay in the region of 800-1500 Euros or more in deposit and only accept credit cards in your own name (NOT debit cards).
Terms & Conditions – Please make sure you take the time to read the Terms & Conditions carefully before booking to avoid airport stress!!
Excess Cover – You can either pre pay (extra) for the car hire excess insurance cover when you book or if you want to save money buy your own for the holiday period or the whole year (around £35-40). For information on “Car Hire and Excess Cover – Click Here“.
You may still have to pay a deposit even if you prepay for the excess cover when booking your car so read the Terms & Conditions.
Upselling (Excess cover) – The car hire companies will often also try and HARD SELL you their excess cover (even if you already have your own) quite aggressively and try and scare you so be firm and say NO thanks if you don’t want it!
Airport Parking (UK) – This is a good money saving link for (usually) cheaper airport parking. UK Airport Parking
FOR DIRECTIONS BY CAR – CLICK HERE
PUBLIC TRANSPORT (From Malaga Airport) –
Option 1 – You can take the public bus from Malaga to Marbella (45 mins, 7-9 Euros) and then take a taxi from Marbella to Benahavis (20 mins 25-30 Euros).
Option 2 – Private Minibus – Get quote from Malaga Mini Bus.
Option 3 – Taxi from airport (75 Km) – Airport taxi approx 100 Euros (each way) or you can pre-book one through Malaga Aiport Taxi for approx 90 Euros return for up to 4 people or more people via higher price. You might also be able to take an Uber if you’re lucky.
Bus to/from Benahavis to Marbella & the coast (Monday to Friday) – There is a bus (L-33) to and from Marbella that leaves Benahavis very early in the morning and returns in the evening. At the time of writing I believe it leaves Benahavis at 0630 and arrives in Marbella at 0715. The bus returns from Marbella leaving at 1825 and arrives back in Benahavis Village at 1930. Bus Timetable Benahavis.