Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off date
4.67/5
Reviews from 1300+ people
Excellent
Trustpilot
Málaga
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Málaga
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Málaga
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Málaga
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car rental is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average rental duration of 6 days
Málaga, the vibrant heart of the Costa del Sol, offers a wealth of attractions and experiences. While public transport is available, renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the city center.
Explore the Costa del Sol. With a rental car, you can easily visit nearby coastal towns, beaches, and charming villages like Nerja, Marbella, and Ronda. Enjoy the scenic drives and stop whenever you please.
Access Inland Andalusia. Venture into the Andalusian countryside to discover historic cities like Granada, Córdoba, and Seville. A car allows you to explore these cultural hubs comfortably and efficiently.
Visit Remote Beaches and Natural Parks. Many of the region’s most beautiful beaches and natural parks are difficult to reach by public transport. A rental car gives you access to secluded spots and breathtaking landscapes.
Before renting a car in Málaga, be aware of the standard rental terms and conditions. These include age requirements, license regulations, insurance policies, deposit amounts, mileage limits, fuel policies, and potential extra fees.
Area
398.2 km² (153.7 sq mi)
Population
Approximately 578,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 during summer)
Ideal for
Exploring the Costa del Sol and Andalusia
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Rating
4.7/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Málaga is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU residents may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their original license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Super CDW. A security deposit is held on your credit card and returned upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck if the rental includes unlimited mileage or if there are restrictions. Full-to-full fuel policies are common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra fees may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off. Be aware of potential toll road charges.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £45 / $56 / €52 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €29 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €46 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €35 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (November to February): Often offers discounts and lower rates on car rentals.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in Málaga, start by comparing prices from various rental companies. Select a car that fits your needs, carefully review the rental terms, and book in advance to secure better rates. Ensure you have all the necessary documents for pickup.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from different car rental providers.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Read the fine print regarding mileage, insurance, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Reserve your car well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to collect your rental car.
Málaga, a vibrant city on Spain's Costa del Sol, is known for its rich history, beautiful beaches, and lively culture. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore both the city and the surrounding region at your own pace.
As the birthplace of Picasso, Málaga is a cultural hub with numerous museums, historical sites, and culinary delights. Driving in Málaga requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station locations. It is important to plan your routes and be prepared for potential traffic, especially during rush hours.
Top Attractions to Discover
Alcazaba of Málaga
A Moorish fortress offering stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea.
Málaga Cathedral
An impressive Renaissance cathedral known as La Manquita (the one-armed lady) due to its unfinished tower.
Picasso Museum
A museum dedicated to the works of the city's most famous artist, Pablo Picasso.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several secure parking garages are available throughout the city center, like those at Plaza de la Marina or Calle Alemania.
On-Street Parking
Pay-and-display parking is available, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours. Check the signs for time restrictions and payment methods.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and taking public transport to the center.
Gas Stations in Málaga
Availability in the City
Gas stations are readily available in and around Málaga. Major brands include Repsol, Cepsa, and BP.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before entering the city center, as stations can be less accessible in congested areas. Most stations accept credit and debit cards.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate the nearest gas stations and check current fuel prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Málaga
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted for parking, tolls, and public transportation.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in pedestrian zones and along the beaches.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM) to minimize delays.
Toll Roads
Be aware of toll roads (autopistas) if you plan to travel outside Málaga. Have cash or a credit card ready for payment.
Major Bus Stations
Málaga Bus Station
Located near the Málaga María Zambrano train station, it provides connections to numerous cities and towns throughout Andalusia and Spain.
Railway Stations
Málaga María Zambrano
The main railway station in Málaga, offering high-speed AVE services to major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville.
Airports
Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Located approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Málaga city center, it is the fourth busiest airport in Spain, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Renting a car in Málaga is a straightforward process, provided you meet the necessary requirements. Here’s what you typically need to rent a car.
Ensure your driver's license is valid and in good standing. If your license is not in a European language, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have additional restrictions or fees for drivers under 25.
A credit or debit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or national ID card may be required, especially for non-EU residents, to verify your identity and residency.
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This page was edited, fast-checked, and/or translated by our experts which are passionate about helping travelers experience the world by car. CarTravelers team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, rented cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Málaga as
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
Relaxing, good vibes.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Pretty decent, overall.
Isabelle Wilson
Reviewed: 28.03.2025
Meh, kinda hot.
Ava Miller
Reviewed: 23.07.2025
Summer in Málaga was great; exploring the coast was easy. The beaches were crowded, though.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
Málaga was amazing! Getting around with a car was so easy, and we explored so much. Highly recommend!
Sophia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 11.08.2025
Pretty laid-back, tbh.
Kai Jensen
Reviewed: 24.07.2025
Pleasant surprise, really.
Noah Garcia
Reviewed: 09.03.2025
Málaga was lovely, but the museums were a bit pricey.
Oliver Smith
Reviewed: 23.05.2025
Pretty chill place
Maya Hernandez
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Málaga was fantastic! Exploring with the family and our rental car was so convenient and fun.
Benjamin Carter
Reviewed: 10.09.2024
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Pretty chill, yeah.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 12.04.2025