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Buses and long-distance coaches are one of the most widely used forms of transport in Andalucía. They connect every province, city, village, coastal resort and inland town — even locations where trains don’t reach. For many routes, especially in rural areas, buses are the primary and sometimes the only form of public transport.
This guide covers:
- Major bus companies and networks
- Long-distance routes between provinces
- Local urban buses in major cities
- Airport buses
- Ticket prices, passes, discounts
- Bus stations & journey planning
- Which routes are best by bus vs. train
Why Use Buses in Andalucía?
- Cheapest transportation option
- Serve almost every town, village, and coastline
- Often the only transport into rural areas and Pueblo Blanco regions
- Direct access to areas without train lines (e.g., Marbella, Estepona, Nerja, Tarifa)
- Reliable, air-conditioned and comfortable
- Good frequency on main coastal routes
Whether you are backpacking, visiting cities, living as an expat, or exploring smaller villages, buses are essential for getting around.
Major Bus Companies in Andalucía
Andalucía is served by several large, professional bus operators. The main providers are:
1. ALSA – Largest long-distance provider in Andalucía
Covers:
- Málaga → Granada
- Málaga → Almería
- Sevilla → Málaga
- Granada → Córdoba
- Costa Tropical routes (Almuñécar, Motril)
- Intercity and international routes
👉 Most important routes between major cities are operated by ALSA.
2. Avanza
Operates in:
- Western Andalucía
- Cádiz province connections
- Occasional long-distance seasonal services
3. Damas
Covers:
- Huelva, Sevilla, Cádiz routes
- Ayamonte, Punta Umbría, Matalascañas, El Rocío
- Local + regional network in western Andalucía
4. Portillo / Avanza Portillo (Costa del Sol)
This is essential for coastal transport:
- Málaga ↔ Marbella
- Marbella ↔ Estepona
- Málaga ↔ Nerja
- Málaga ↔ Mijas Costa
- Málaga Airport ↔ Marbella Bus Station (direct service)
Portillo/Avanza runs almost all Costa del Sol coastal buses.
5. Comes (Cádiz Province)
Covers:
- Cádiz → Jerez → Sevilla
- Cádiz ↔ Tarifa ↔ Algeciras
- Cádiz ↔ Zahara, Conil, Vejer, Barbate
- Costa de la Luz network
6. Others / Local Operators
- Línea M-220, M-120 (local routes), CTSA-Portillo
- Monbus (certain long routes)
- ALSA regional subsidiaries
Each province often has smaller operators running city-to-village routes.
Key Inter-Provincial Bus Routes
These routes are essential for travellers moving between major cities where trains are not available or not direct.
| Route | Company | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Málaga → Marbella | Portillo | 45–60 min | No train service exists |
| Málaga Airport → Marbella | Portillo | 45–60 min | Direct & very popular |
| Málaga → Nerja | ALSA | 1h 10m | Most frequent coastal route |
| Málaga → Granada | ALSA | 1h 45m | Good frequency |
| Málaga → Cádiz | ALSA | 4–5h | No direct train |
| Sevilla → Cádiz | Comes | 1h 30m | Alternative to Media Distancia train |
| Granada → Córdoba | ALSA | 2h 45m | Good connection |
| Almería → Málaga | ALSA | 2h 30m | Coast route |
| Sevilla → Huelva | Damas | 1h 20m | Frequent |
| Tarifa → Algeciras | Comes | 30–35 min | Key for Morocco ferries |
Urban Buses (City Bus Networks)
All major cities operate municipal bus networks.
Málaga (EMT Málaga)
- Very reliable
- Covers all neighbourhoods
- Direct services to beaches, Port, and University
- Cheap tickets (€1.40 single)
Sevilla (TUSSAM)
- Dense network
- Efficient routes to Triana, La Cartuja, Santa Cruz, Macarena
- Airport bus EA
Granada
- Red buses (urban), yellow minibuses (historic centre)
- Essential for Alhambra access
Cádiz / Jerez / Algeciras
- Frequent city networks
- Combined with provincial buses
Córdoba
- Reliable city bus system, well-connected with AVE station
Airport Bus Services
Airport buses exist in all provinces EXCEPT where a train is better (Málaga).
Málaga Airport
- Train (C1) is better, faster, cheaper
- But buses run to: Marbella, Estepona, Nerja, Granada, Motril
Sevilla Airport
- EA Airport Bus – 35 minutes to city centre
- No train line
Granada Airport
- Shuttle bus to city centre/hotels
- ~30–40 minutes
Jerez Airport
- Bus to Jerez, Cádiz, El Puerto de Santa María
Almería Airport
- Line 30 bus to city centre
Bus Prices & Tickets
Short-distance (urban):
- €1.20–€1.50 single
- Day passes available in some cities
- Transport cards offer discounts
Medium-distance:
- Málaga → Marbella: €6–€8
- Málaga → Nerja: €5–€7
- Málaga → Ronda: €11–€14
- Sevilla → Cádiz: €10–€13
- Granada → Motril: €4–€6
Long-distance:
- Málaga → Cádiz: €18–€25
- Málaga → Almería: €12–€18
- Marbella → Cádiz: €17–€23
Where to buy tickets:
- Company websites (ALSA, Avanza, Damas, Comes)
- Bus stations
- On-board (sometimes)
- Apps
- Ticket machines
Booking in advance is recommended for long-distance routes in high season.
Main Bus Stations in Andalucía
Málaga Bus Station (next to María Zambrano)
Main hub for:
- Portillo
- ALSA long-distance
- Airport buses
Marbella Bus Station
Essential for Costa del Sol routes
Frequent services to Málaga, Airport, Estepona
Sevilla – Plaza de Armas / Prado de San Sebastián
Both are major hubs depending on destination
Granada Bus Station
Well-connected to Alhambra & city buses
Cádiz Bus Station
Connected to trains and ferries
Jerez Bus Station
Important link for the province
When Buses Are the Best Option
Coastal towns without trains
- Marbella
- Estepona
- Torrox
- Nerja
- Tarifa
- Conil
- Vejer
No rail lines exist here.
Rural villages & Pueblo Blanco areas
- Grazalema
- Ronda (train exists, but few services)
- Frigiliana
- El Rocío
- Iznájar
- Alpujarras villages
Buses are essential.
Budget-friendly travel
Buses are cheaper than trains and often just as comfortable.
Airport transfers for many towns
Especially if you stay outside the train zone.
When Not to Use Buses
- Long trips between big cities (train is faster)
- If you’re travelling with heavy luggage
- If you need a flexible schedule
- Mountain areas with infrequent services
For these situations, consider renting a car or using the train.
Official operators and timetables
- ALSA
- Damas
- Avanza/Portillo
- Comes
- Sevilla TUSSAM
- Málaga EMT
