How to Get to the Caminito del Rey from Málaga

The Caminito del Rey is near El Chorro and Ardales, roughly an hour’s drive (about 60 km) inland from Málaga. Because the walk is one-way — you finish a few kilometres from where you start — getting there has one wrinkle most first-timers miss. Here are the options.

Guided tour with transport (easiest)

A guided day tour from Málaga is the simplest way, and the most-booked:

• Round-trip coach from central Málaga (about an hour each way)
• Your timed entry ticket
• An official guide on the walkway
• Hard hat and welcome pack

You skip the parking, the shuttle logistics, and the risk of missing your time slot. Check availability on the home page.

Driving yourself

You can drive to the gorge in about an hour from Málaga. The catch: the entrance (north end, near Ardales) and the exit (south end, El Chorro) are different places. There’s a shuttle bus that connects the two ends — most self-drivers park at the south (El Chorro) end, take the shuttle to the northern entrance, and walk back to their car. Build the shuttle time into your plan, and arrive well before your timed entry.

By train

El Chorro has a small train station with regional services from Málaga, which puts you near the southern end of the walk. It’s doable car-free, but services are limited and you’ll still want to confirm the shuttle to the northern entrance. For most visitors without a car, the guided tour is more reliable than piecing together train + shuttle.

Which should you choose?

• No car? Take the guided tour — transport and the one-way logistics are handled.
• Have a car? Drive to El Chorro, use the shuttle to the start, walk back.
• Car-free and independent? The train works, but plan the shuttle carefully.

See the tickets guide for prices, and what to expect before you go.