How to Get from Marbella to Ronda
The distance from Marbella on the Costa del Sol to the scenic mountainside town of Ronda is about 40 miles (63 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 one hour. The route twists through the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves, which offers a couple of scenic stopping points and hiking opportunities if you're up for a stop. Otherwise, a few buses make the trek each day, which also take an hour.
Ronda is an excellent day trip from the coast. If you'd like to see them more of Andalusia's interior, this 8-day itinerary lets you experience Seville, Ronda, and Granada.
By Rental Car or Private Transfer
Duration: 1 hour
The drive from Marbella to Ronda is exceptionally scenic, as you'll pass right through the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves. You'll follow the twists and turns of the A-397 highway, driving for a little over one hour. But if you'd like to stop to stretch your legs, you'll spoiled for choices. Toward the top of the mountain pass are numerous viewpoints and hiking trails. So you can easily just stop to take in the scenery or enjoy a short hike.
One of the best viewpoints is at the top of the pass, Mirador de Igualeja. It's also about half-way along the route, so a decent place to take a break. If you'd like to hike, we recommend taking the turn off toward the village of Igualeja, where you'll find two moderate options. One is a convenient loop route that begins in the Genal River Natural Monument, wraps around Cerro Vázquez, and passes another viewpoint.
For a slightly easier stroll, keep driving until you reach the Área Recreativa Conejeras. Here you'll find parking, picnic areas, services like bathrooms, and several trail options. One of the easiest routes is the out-and-back Conejeras Trail, which takes under one hour. It follows Mount Conejeras, passes through well-preserved forests, and offers incredible views. You can also drive a little farther into the recreational area and enjoy the relatively easy Área de la Fuenfria Trail, a scenic 2.5-hour loop that curves around the Orejas de Burro peak.
If you prefer to focus this self-drive on hiking and want recommendations for a more challenging trek, we recommend starting as early as possible. This will help you secure a good parking spot near the trailhead and beat any afternoon heat and sun. Good moderate and hard trail options include the Pico de Encinetas (3.5 hours out-and-back), Loma de los Billares (4.5-hour loop), and Igualeja to Parauta via PR-A 226 (4-hour loop).
When ready, continue the drive to Ronda, one of Spain's most beautiful white villages.
By Bus
Duration: 1 hour
Buses to Ronda from Marbella's bus station run just a few times throughout the day, typically twice in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once at night, operated by Avanza. You can book tickets in advance online.