Getting around Malaga by bus is a relatively easy process. Empresa Malagueña de Transportes (EMT) boasts an extensive bus network, with most areas on the city reachable by a single bus from the Alameda, the main boulevard at the bottom of Calle Larios.
If you are in Malaga for a short period of time, you can pay the driver directly for your bus journey. One ride costs 1.40€ per person (correct as of December 2022).
If paying in cash, note that drivers are not obliged to offer change for quantities larger than 5 euros.
If you wish to pay by card, EMT has, since summer 2022, been rolling out contactless payment on its buses. However, not all buses are equipped with the new machines. Look out for the sticker on the window indicating if contactless payment is accepted before boarding.
However, if you’re here for an extended period, or you’re a resident, you can choose to buy a tarjeta transbordo bus pass (10 trips) for 5.50€ (0.55€ per trip).
A monthly bus pass (tarjeta bus mensual) costs 25.95€.
You can purchase bus passes from a large number of kiosks, tobacconists or shops (see where here). Once you have bought a bus pass, you can top it up at the same locations or via the app.
EMT bus pass
For up-to-date information on prices and special rates click here.
EMT’s routes are integrated onto Google Maps so it is easy to plan bus trips online. The EMT app (Android and Apple) also offers different options to plan your journey.
If you prefer more old-fashioned methods, you can download and print a detailed map of all routes, as well as the bus stops on the Alameda here.
Daryl moved to Malaga permanently in 2014 having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found Malaga Guru in 2016.
4 Comments
Hello. Paid by bank card on buses in Malaga. Being charged €4 and €5 for two people . It should be €2.80 a trip
Can you explain please
Hello! Depending on your card, sometimes a larger payment is retained and then later adjusted to the correct amount. Did this happen in your case?
Can we use the EMT bus pass to get to Marbella? Many thanks in advance
Hi Andrew! No, that’s only for within the Malaga city limits. Instead, you’ll need a ‘Tarjeta Consorcio‘ for travel on buses between municipalities. These can be bought at many of the same places as the EMT card