How to Get from Málaga to Ronda

The distance from Málaga on the Costa del Sol to the scenic mountainside town of Ronda is about 63 miles (102 km). The most comfortable way to get from Málaga to Ronda is by hiring a private transfer or driving a rental car—a quick and straightforward trip of 1.5 hours. If you're up for a longer drive, you can take the coastal route and stop in a few cities on the beach. A train also leaves once per day, and frequent buses are available. 

Ronda and the White Villages are a popular day trip from Málaga. If you'd like to see them more thoroughly, this 8-day itinerary lets you experience the region plus Jerez and Cádiz.

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 1.5 hours (standard highway route), 2.5 hours (recommended road trip route)

You can book private transfers from Málaga to Ronda or rent a car. There are two possible routes, the inland route (highways A367 and A357) or the coastal route (highways A397 and AP7). The advantage of the inland route is that it is a little bit faster, with less traffic and no tolls. However, if you choose to take the coastal road, you can stop at Costa del Sol beach towns like Marbella or Fuengirola along the way.

Regardless of your route, one interesting attraction between Ronda and Málaga is the Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park. This mountainous nature reserve is a great place to stop off for a hike. We suggest stopping at one or two of the following options:

Benalmádena

Make a stop in Benalmádena to enjoy one of the most popular towns along the Costa del Sol, especially if traveling with your family. Kids love the major attractions here, including the Sealife Aquarium, Benalmádena Butterfly Park, the amusement park Tivoli World, and the Cable Car, with its incredible coast views. You can also enjoy the views from Torre Mirador, partake in watersports along the coast, stroll through Parque de la Paloma, and hang out at one of the beaches. 

Fuengirola

For a slightly more laidback stop, consider Fuengirola, a great stop for those wanting to learn more about the region's history. People-watch in the historic Plaza de la Constitución with its charming Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario or check out the 10th-century Moorish Castillo Sohail with coastal views. Families can visit the Bioparc Fuengirola, which, unlike traditional zoos, creates more natural spaces for its wild animal residents. There's also a beautiful waterfront promenade stretching along the sandy beaches and the fun CostaWaterPark right in the sea.

Marbella

Though Marbella is known for glitz and glamour, it's also home to exceptional beaches with cafés, clubs, and sun loungers on the sand. You can go shopping, enjoy a foodie experience, or simply relax at the beach. Marbella's city center is also quite historic and picturesque, with its famous Moorish walls, 15th-century Plaza de los Naranjos, and the ornate interiors of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación. Stroll down Avenida del Mar with its public art sculptures or relax in Alameda Park with its traditional azulejos benches decorated with Andalusian hand-painted tiles.

Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park

This mountainous nature reserve is a great place to stop for a hike, as it's full of limestone mountains, caves, forests, and castles from the Moorish era. You can also go canyoning, canoeing, and horseback riding, or consider visiting one of the picturesque white villages.

For an itinerary including this road trip idea, check out this 7-day self-drive from Málaga to Seville. 

By Train

Duration: 3 hours

Spain's state-owned train operator, Renfe, operates two 3-hour routes between Málaga and Ronda; however, you'll need to transfer for one hour in Antequera Santa Ana. Other departures are available but the journey time is much longer, from 4 to 6.5 hours. 

Since there will not be another train afterward, be sure to arrive at the station early. If you do accidentally miss your train, you have the option of catching a bus to Málaga. 

By Bus

Duration: 2 hours

Buses to Ronda from Málaga's bus station run several times throughout the day, operated by Damas. You can book tickets in advance online.