Travel on the Costa Part II — Local Transport Fuengirola

How to get around in Fuengirola

The Part II of the Travel on Costa del Sol series focuses on travelling around Fuengirola, transport lines, prices and things to look out for before your anticipated trips.

Fuengirola, a city in Costa Del Sol with a population of approx. 82k inhabitants has a well established web of transport networks, serving its inhabitants and millions of tourists each year. The bus service is a popular choice of moving around Fuengirola and its suburbs, whereas the train system connects Fuengirola with Malaga and other areas around Costa Del Sol (but also covers a part of Fuengirola).

There are 5 bus lines in Fuengirola

The Fuengirola is primarily served by 5 bus lines as follows: 

• Linea 1: C.C. MIRAMAR - CARVAJAL
• Linea 2: BOQUETILLO - CENTRO 
• Linea 3: CALERITA-MERCACENTRO 
• Linea 4: LOS PACOS - BOLICHES 
• Linea 5: TORREBLANCA - BOLICHES

Each of these lines primarily serve a different area of Fuengirola. Do not worry however, lots of stations have line connections, meaning that you can quite easily get to any area that you need to.

Carvajal and the Miramar Shopping Centre are connected by Linea 1, which makes it the perfect mode of transport for both the beachgoer and shopper in you. The Miramar Shopping Center is one of the biggest in the region and offers a wide variety of stores as well as food court options. On this line, you are able to also reach Supercor Los Boliches, the famous Recinto Ferial where markets are regularly held, the Mercacentro, which is closed for renovation throughout 2025 and the Roman archaeological site at Finca del Secretario. 

Linea 2 connects Fuengirola's busy town center with the residential area of Boquetillo. The town center, with its markets, eateries, and historical landmarks like the Plaza de la Constitución, is a center of activity, whereas Boquetillo is a more sedate neighborhood that is ideal for experiencing local life. 

Linea 3 connects La Calerita with Mercacentro, Fuengirola’s central market. The Mercacentro has been demolished and is being modernized. Some delays mean that it will open sometime in late 2025. This route is great for those looking to explore local produce, fresh seafood, and handmade goods, that is when the Mercacentro opens again. 

Linea 4 links Los Pacos, a neighborhood known for its prominent Finnish community with Los Boliches. Los Boliches is famous for its beach, charming chic streets, and a variety of restaurants serving Spanish classics, fusion and international cuisine. Los Boliches also has a variety of transport links, including the C-1 Renfe Train. 

Linea 5 mainly connects the Los Boliches center with the Torreblanca neighborhood. This is a line that has smaller busses and mainly benefits people living a bit farther away in the hillier areas, facilitating movement to grocery stores, the beach and the heart of the area.

Top tips for headache free trips on the local bus in Fuengirola

1. Plan Around Seasonal Schedules

The summer and winter calendars for public transport vary. The summer timetable sees an increased number of departures, especially later in the evening, whereas the winter schedule does not. Make sure to always verify the schedule on https://transportefuengirola.com/en/info/horarios, the Fuengirola Transporte Urbano App, or the timetables found at stops. 

2. Stay Updated on Strikes and Disruptions

Occasional strikes or disruptions can and will affect transport services.The most efficient way we have found to plan ahead is to check official social media channels, expat groups in the area and to pay attention to signage in the buses that will tell the dates of these disruptions. The service will most likely function throughout the week, however timetables will vary. 

3. Take Advantage of Free Travel for Residents (If applicable)

Fuengirola residents with a valid residence card can enjoy free travel on local buses. If you are a new resident, obtaining this card is a no brainer. 

4. Budget for Travel Costs

If you are used to ticket prices in some of the Western countries, the fare prices may come as an enjoyable surprise. As mentioned, residents travel for free on the bus services. An ordinary ticket is 1.20 EUR and lasts for 60 mins. If you would like to travel with your pet, the pet ticket is 0.60 EUR. We believe that the 10-trip bus pass for 10 EUR is a bang for your buck depending on how much you plan to travel; this is essentially 5 there-and-back trips. Better yet, purchasing this type of pass is very straightforward; the purchase can be made on board of all Fuengirola Urban service busses. Just make sure to have cash on you (preferably 5 to 10 EUR notes. There are credit card readers on buses but they don't always work.

5. The mother of all transport tips

When using the buses in Fuengirola, don’t forget to press the stop button when your stop is coming up. If you miss it, don’t hesitate to shout “¡La próxima, porfa!” (meaning “The next one, please!”) to the driver — otherwise, there’s a good chance the bus will just keep going!

Travel through Fuengirola by train

Trains are also a viable option for travelling in Fuengirola. There are a few train stops that serve Fuengirola and other areas in close proximity. These are: Carvajal, Torreblanca, Los Boliches and Fuengirola. These lines essentially connect the Fuengirola area on the RENFE Cercanías line C-1. The trains run regularly every day of the week, at an interval of approx. 20 minutes.

The tickets can be bought at the station and on the Renfe Cercanias App, although the ticket terminals are unnmaned and may malfunction in some areas in Fuengirola. The ticket prices can vary depending on the number of zones that you cross; All the aforementioned stations are located in Zone 3 and 4. A one-way ticket to travel within 1 to 2 zones costs 1.80 EUR.

Other Options

If public transport is not for you, there are popular taxi services serving the Fuengirola community. For personal safety, ease of use and the ability to see who will drive you, I would recommend Bolt and Uber as they have an established presence in the area. The prices are not too expensive, but not cheap either, it all depends on where you would like to get to and at what time in the day. Rest assured, as you will not be waiting long to be matched with a driver. 

Renting a car is always an option, but may not be as practical, given the difficulty of finding parking spots in quite a busy city in the seasonal holiday periods. 

Final Thoughts

Fuengirola is one of the best-connected towns on the Costa del Sol, both to its neighboring areas and within the town itself. The local transport system makes getting around easy, but recent changes have brought a mix of pros and cons. On the plus side, residents can now travel for free, which is a fantastic perk. On the downside, the owners of a holiday home in Fuengirola do not benefit from free transport despite paying taxes, unless they register on the 'Padron' — which is highly not recommended for non fiscal residents. Also, a new contract between the municipality and the transport company has led to several strikes and minimal service at times, which can be frustrating. Even with these hiccups, Fuengirola remains a cost-effective, convenient and lively spot that’s easy to explore and enjoy.