Tourist Info
Airports in Spain and how to get from each one into town
Which Spanish airport serves which coast or city, from Málaga and Alicante to Madrid, Barcelona, Palma and the Canaries, and how to get into town.
Updated: October 2026
Spain has dozens of commercial airports, and picking the right one can save you hours on the road. This guide is for newcomers and visitors who want to know which airport serves which coast or city, and the easiest way to get from arrivals into town by train, metro or bus.
How Spain’s airports work
Almost all of Spain’s public airports are run by Aena, which publishes live flight information and transport options for each airport on its website. Madrid-Barajas and Barcelona-El Prat are the big international hubs with long-haul routes, while Málaga, Alicante, Palma and the Canary Islands handle huge numbers of European flights, many with low-cost airlines.
| Airport (code) | Best for | Main public transport to town |
|---|---|---|
| Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP) | Málaga, Costa del Sol, Granada, Ronda | C1 suburban train, express bus, coaches |
| Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC) | Costa Blanca, Benidorm, Torrevieja, Murcia coast | Buses to Alicante, Elche and resorts |
| Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez (MAD) | Madrid and central Spain | Metro line 8, suburban trains, buses |
| Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas (BCN) | Barcelona, Catalonia, Costa Brava and Costa Daurada | Metro L9 Sud, R2 Nord train, Aerobús |
| Palma de Mallorca (PMI) | Mallorca | EMT bus A1 to Palma centre |
| Gran Canaria (LPA), Tenerife South (TFS) and North (TFN) | Canary Islands | Island bus networks and taxis |
| Valencia (VLC) | Valencia city and coast | Metrovalencia lines |
Southern Spain and the Costa del Sol
Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP)
Spain’s main gateway to Andalucía is only a few kilometres from Málaga city. The C1 suburban train (Cercanías) stops at the airport on its route between Málaga Centro-Alameda and Fuengirola, so it serves both the city and Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola. The EMT express bus runs to the city centre, with a single fare of €4 at the time of writing, and coach lines go to Marbella, Estepona and Nerja. Details are on the Aena Málaga airport page.
Seville, Granada, Jerez and Almería also have airports with fewer routes – useful if you live inland or on the Costa de la Luz. If you are settling near Málaga, see our guide to life in Málaga for remote workers.
Costa Blanca, Valencia and Murcia
Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández (ALC) serves the whole Costa Blanca and is one of the busiest airports for northern European expats. Buses link it with Alicante city, Elche and resort towns, and private shuttles cover Benidorm and Torrevieja. See the Aena Alicante page for current routes.
Valencia (VLC) is connected to the city centre by Metrovalencia. Further south, the Región de Murcia International Airport at Corvera serves Murcia and the Mar Menor.
Madrid and Barcelona
Madrid-Barajas (MAD) has four terminals; T4 is used mainly by Iberia and its partners. Metro line 8 runs from the airport to Nuevos Ministerios, and two suburban train lines connect T4 with the city’s main stations. There are also city buses and taxis with a fixed fare to the centre. More on the Aena Madrid page.
Barcelona-El Prat (BCN) is served by metro line L9 Sud, the R2 Nord train from Terminal 2 and the Aerobús shuttle to Plaça de Catalunya. Girona and Reus airports are alternatives for the Costa Brava and Costa Daurada. See the Aena Barcelona page.
The islands
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI): one of Spain’s busiest airports in summer. EMT bus line A1 runs between the airport and Palma centre – see the Aena Palma bus page. Ibiza and Menorca have their own airports.
- Canary Islands: Gran Canaria and Tenerife South handle most tourist flights, with Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma and Tenerife North serving the rest. Each island’s bus network links the airport with the capital and resort areas.
Tips for arrivals and departures
- Border checks: non-EU travellers now go through the EU’s digital Entry/Exit System, so allow extra time at passport control. Residents should carry their TIE.
- Use official taxis only: take taxis from the official rank; ride-hailing apps operate in the larger cities.
- Check the last train: trains and metro do not run all night, so check the last departure if you land late.
- Car hire: read the fuel and insurance terms carefully. If you live in Spain, check our guide to driving licence rules.
Useful links
- Aena – Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport
- Aena – Alicante-Elche Airport
- Aena – Madrid-Barajas Airport
- Aena – Barcelona-El Prat Airport
- Why Málaga is a top destination for digital nomads
- Driving in Spain: licence rules
FAQ: airports in Spain
Which airport is best for the Costa del Sol?
Málaga-Costa del Sol (AGP). It is close to the city and connected by the C1 train to Torremolinos, Benalmádena and Fuengirola, with coaches to Marbella and Estepona.
Which airport should I use for Benidorm?
Alicante-Elche (ALC) is the nearest major airport. Valencia is an alternative for the northern Costa Blanca.
How do I get from Madrid airport to the city centre?
Take metro line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, a suburban train from T4, a city bus or a taxi with a fixed fare to the centre.
Who runs Spain’s airports?
Most commercial airports are run by Aena, whose website has flight information and transport details for each one.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only. Routes, timetables and fares change – always check with the airport or transport operator before you travel.
