Planning a trip to Spain’s southern region of Andalucía? While this territory, known for inventing Flamenco and Moorish architecture, boasts several airports, choosing the right entry point is a very important thing to get right. It can help your vacation get off to a good start, and when coming from the USA, we think Málaga airport stands out as the clear winner.
Airports in Andalucía: An overview
Andalucía serves visitors through a few different airports, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Málaga airport (AGP)
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the region’s aviation heavyweight, handling over 25 million passengers each year. It’s located just eight kilometers from Málaga city center, which is impressively close for such a big airport. It’s an international hub which has long-haul flights, modern facilities, and good connections.
Sevilla airport (SVQ)
Sevilla Airport is the region’s cultural capital with charm, albeit limited international reach. While good for European connections, US travelers face the inconvenience of multiple layovers. The airport handles just 8 million passengers each year, focusing more on domestic and short European routes.
Granada and Almería: Regional alternatives
Granada Airport is even smaller and caters mostly to domestic flights (and a few select European destinations). It’s impractical for direct US travel, and would only be a consideration if you’re visiting other parts of Spain on this same trip.
Why Málaga airport is ideal for US travellers
Direct connection with New York
Málaga Airport’s biggest draw is actually its direct seasonal flight to New York’s Newark Airport (EWR). It’s operated by major airlines during peak travel months, and this non-stop service eliminates the hassle of European connections. Going direct can cut travel time down by many hours and does a good job of minimizing jet lag. You can expect this route to run from late spring (May) through early fall, perfectly aligned with Andalucía’s peak tourism season.
International network and year-round flights
Beyond the New York route, Málaga has good connections to major US gateway cities through one-stop services via Madrid, Barcelona and other European hubs. While Granada can also be used as a connector, Malaga will have far more options and likely at lower costs too. Airlines like Iberia, American Airlines and Delta offer convenient routing options whatever time of year you fancy.
Excellent infrastructure and fast access to key destinations
Málaga Airport’s is modern and has a good, efficient passenger flow. It’s slick when it comes to ground transportation connections and has close proximity to major highways. You can easily reach Marbella in 40 minutes, Granada in 90 minutes and Sevilla in just over two hours.
What to expect upon arrival in Málaga
First impressions matter when on vacation as they set the tone and Málaga Airport delivers a welcoming introduction to Spanish hospitality.
Efficient terminals and services
The airport’s three terminals are deemed internationally reliable. Terminal 3 is the newest and largest and it processes the most international flights. It has spacious concourses and numerous dining options, along with lounges and some good shopping options. Immigration and customs procedures typically move quickly, while essentially all customer-facing staff can speak English and Spanish. Free WiFi is a bonus too, given that many airports still lack it in 2025.
Transportation options and car hire
Multiple transportation options exist, from trains and buses to taxis and private transfers. If you’re looking for maximum exploration of Andalucía, a car hire Malaga airport is what will provide the most flexibility. Major international rental companies maintain counters directly in the terminal or a short shuttle bus away.
Reaching every corner of Andalucía from Málaga
Coastal routes: Marbella, Nerja, Tarifa
The Costa del Sol stretches both eastward and westward from Málaga. Driving along the coast, you can get to the glamorous Marbella, the very charming Nerja, or the windsurfing paradise of Tarifa. The coastal highway isn’t too busy, though it depends on the time of day, and it has some very drives with Mediterranean views. Beach lovers can essentially drive down this road and get off randomly, as many small beach towns exist along the way.
Inland destinations: Ronda, Córdoba, Granada
Some of the best drives are inland, where mountain villages and historic cities are everywhere. The dramatic clifftop town of Ronda is 90 minutes away and is very popular (for good reason), while the Mezquita mosque-cathedral of Córdoba is around a two-hour northward drive. Granada is a very hipster, youthful place with the Alhambra Palace.
Final tip: Renting a car at Málaga airport
Getting the most out of your Andalucían trip starts with flying directly to Málaga Airport and renting a car off the bat. Here, you can eliminate any complexity or reliance on public transport, even if you arrive at 3am. Once you pick up the keys, you’re able to head straight to your hotel, AirBnB, or just drive around and soak up the sights.
