How far is the Caminito del Rey from Málaga Airport?

About 60 km. The drive along the A-357 takes around one hour to the north entrance near Ardales or to El Chorro.

Where should I park for the Caminito del Rey?

Most drivers park at El Chorro, at the end of the walk, and take the shuttle bus to the north entrance. There are also car parks near the north access in Ardales, about 20 to 50 minutes on foot from the ticket control.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Spain?

Drivers with an EU or UK licence do not. Drivers with a licence from outside the EU usually need an International Driving Permit together with their national licence — check the requirements of your rental company.

Can I cancel a car hire booking?

Most car hire offers on DiscoverCars can be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before pick-up. Always check the conditions of the offer you book.

Car Rental Malaga Airport | Drive to the Caminito del Rey

Many visitors reach the Caminito del Rey on a tour with pick-up in Málaga. If you prefer to travel at your own pace, car rental at Málaga Airport is the easiest way to get to the gorge — and a car hire in Málaga is also the best start for a road trip around Andalusia.

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DiscoverCars compares local and international rental companies at Málaga Airport (AGP), the busiest car hire airport in Spain. Most bookings come with free cancellation.

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Do you need a car for the Caminito del Rey?

No — the most popular tours include pick-up in Málaga or on the Costa del Sol, and there are a few trains a day to El Chorro. A car makes sense if you want to arrive early for the first time slots, book a ticket or a guided tour that starts at the walkway, or combine the Caminito del Rey with Ardales, Antequera or Ronda in the same trip.

Driving from Málaga Airport to the Caminito del Rey

Route: from the airport take the A-357 motorway west along the Guadalhorce valley towards Cártama and Ardales. The drive is about 60 km and takes around one hour.
North entrance (start of the walk): follow the signs for the Caminito del Rey past Ardales to the reservoirs. From the car parks it is a walk of roughly 20 to 50 minutes to the ticket control, so arrive well before your time slot.
El Chorro (end of the walk): reached via Álora. Many visitors park here and take the shuttle bus to the north entrance — then the car is waiting for you when you finish.

Parking and practical tips

Parking is available at El Chorro and near the north access in Ardales. On weekends and in spring the car parks fill up early, so plan to arrive in the morning.
The shuttle bus between El Chorro and the north entrance runs regularly during opening hours for a small fee; check the times when you arrive.
Pick up the car at the airport rather than in the city centre — central Málaga has a low-emission zone and busy one-way streets.
On the Costa del Sol the AP-7 is a toll motorway, while the A-7 runs parallel for free.
Bring water, sun cream and a hat: there is little shade on the walkway, and summer afternoons in the gorge are very hot.

Car rental in Málaga and Andalusia

Besides the airport you can pick up a car at Málaga María Zambrano train station, in the city or along the Costa del Sol. A rental car is the easiest way to combine the Caminito del Rey with Ronda, Seville, Córdoba, Granada and the white villages in one road trip.

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