Benalmádena Public Transit Information: Top Tips
If you’re staying in Benalmádena or Torremolinos, public transit is a great economical option for getting around and visiting nearby towns or cities like Málaga. I travel to the Costa del Sol every year and got married here so I know the transit system really well. I’m sharing Benalmádena public transit information in this guide so you have all the details for your trip.
Public Transit Guide For Benalmádena & Torremolinos
If you’re only going to be taking the bus or train one or two times, it likely doesn’t make sense for you to get a physical transit pass. You can pay with cash directly on the bus to the bus driver. They only have small change to give you back so I highly recommend having small bills and change available to pay for your ticket.
If you’re taking the train, you have to buy a ticket from the machines at the train station. There is a button on the home screen to change the language of the screen so make sure you look for that before you begin.
Getting A Public Transit Pass
If you’re going to taking public transit a few times, I highly recommend getting a public transit pass. One of the main benefits of getting a transit pass is that your ticket prices are a little bit cheaper.
You can purchase a transit pass at the main stations where there is an employee desk. The main ones are the Málaga airport, Arroyo de la Miel Benalmádena, and Málaga stations.
You use the same transit pass for riding both the bus and the train.
Riding Public Bus in Benalmádena: Top Tips
Once you have your transit pass and it has money on it, you’re ready to go! After deciding which bus route you want to take, head to the bus stop and wait for the bus. Here are some important instructions:
1. Wave At Bus Driver To Stop
You need to make sure that you wave to the bus driver to let them know you want to get on the bus as it’s approaching. The buses will drive right past you if you don’t signal to them that you want to be picked up. I learned the hard way. See more of my Spain travel Tips.
2. Let Bus Driver Know Where You’re Going
Once you enter the bus, you can let the bus driver know which stop you’re planning on getting off at. Sometimes they will alter the price before you scan your bus pass so that you don’t pay full price if you’re getting off in a few stops.
3. Scan Bus Pass
When you get on the bus you’ll see a machine where you can scan your bus pass. It usually works best to place your bus pass directly on the scanner and leave it there until you hear a ‘beep’, then pick it up. If you’re paying for more than one person with the same pass, it’s best if you pick up the pass completely so the scanner resets and then place it back until you hear another ‘beep’.
4. Find A Seat & Enjoy The Ride
As I’m sure you know, the roads in parts of Europe can be quite narrow. If you’re taking the bus to Benalmádena Pueblo or Mijas Pueblo, you’ll realize right away the skill these bus drivers have navigating the narrow streets and tight corners.
5. Push Button Before Your Stop
You’ll see that there are buttons on the poles spread throughout the bus. As your stop is approaching, you’ll need to press the closest button to you to signal to the bus driver that you want to get off at the next stop.
IMPORTANT TIP: You do not need to scan your bus pass when you’re exiting the bus.
Riding Train In Benalmádena & Torremolinos Area: Top Tips
Once you have your Benalmádena public transit pass and it’s topped up with Euros, you can easily ride the train between Fuengirola and Málaga and to Alora.
Once you decide where you’d like to take the train, you can head to the nearest train station. Here are some important instructions:
1. Scan Transit Pass
You will see the turnstiles when you arrive at the train station. Find one that has a green arrow and place your transit pass on the top scanning area to enter. It will beep and the turnstile will unlock so you can walk through.
If you are sharing your transit pass with someone you can pass it back to them after you’ve entered or scan everyone in before you enter.
2. Find Correct Platform
Make sure you know which platform you need to go to based on your destination. It will likely say Málaga or Fuengirola so you’ll need to know which direction you’re wanting to go ahead of time.
3. Scan Pass When You Exit
You need to scan your transit pass when you exit the train. At most stations, you will need to exit by going through the turnstiles and scanning pass again. At smaller stops along the route that don’t have a turnstile, you can find the scanner near where you would buy a train ticket. This isn’t mandatory and nothing bad will happen if you forget to scan or can’t find the scanner at the stops. It just means that you will be charged for the full trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use the same transit pass for multiple people?
Yes, you can use the same pass for multiple people so if you and your family/friends are sticking together, you only need to get one. Just make sure you have enough money on it to pay for everyone.
Do you have to scan your pass when you exit bus?
No, you don’t need to scan your pass when you exit the bus in Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos and Málaga.
Do you have to scan your pass when you exit train?
Yes, you need to scan your public transit pass when you exit the train in Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Torremolinos, Málaga or anywhere in between. Some stations it will be obvious at the turnstiles and others you will need to look for the scanner if you’d like to save money on your ticket.
What is more reliable public transit in Benalmádena – the bus or the train?
Based on my own experience taking both the bus and the train, I would have to say the train. The train has a more consistent schedule and the bus can be a little less reliable. That being said, the train doesn’t go to all the smaller towns like Benalmádena Pueblo and Mijas Pueblo so the bus is the best option.
Can you use the same pass for the bus and train in Benalmádena?
Yes, when you purchase a public transit pass you can use it for both the buses and trains.
