How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga: Location, Getting There & Tips
How to get to Caminito del Rey from Malaga: Location, Getting There & Tips
The Caminito del Rey is located in the heart of Andalusia, about 60 kilometers northwest of Málaga, between the municipalities of Ardales, Álora, and Antequera.
It runs through the Desfiladero de los Gaitanes Gorge, a spectacular canyon carved by the Guadalhorce River, surrounded by rugged cliffs, pine forests, and turquoise reservoirs.
The starting point of the trail is near the El Kiosko Restaurant by the North Entrance (Ardales), while the walk ends at the South Exit (El Chorro), close to the train station and shuttle bus stop.Its strategic location makes the Caminito del Rey an easy day trip from Málaga, the Costa del Sol, Ronda, or even Granada: ideal for travelers looking to combine city life with an unforgettable nature experience. Let’s explore together how to get there, the easiest routes, and a few smart travel tips to make your visit seamless from start to finish.
Caminito del Rey Location: Where is Caminito del Rey?
Directions: How to Get to Caminito del Rey
Reaching the Caminito del Rey from Málaga or nearby Andalusian cities is easy, whether you prefer to drive, take the train, or join a guided tour. Below are the most convenient ways to reach this world-famous walkway:
By Car
Driving is the most flexible option. From Málaga, take the A-357 motorway towards MA-5403, passing through Cártama, Pizarra, Carratraca, and Ardales. The drive takes about 50 minutes and offers scenic views of the Andalusian countryside.
→Distance: ~59 km
→Estimated Time: 50–60 minutes
→Open in Google Maps (by Car from Malaga)
→Parking: Available at the Visitors’ Reception Centre (North Access) for €2/day. Arrive at least one hour early, especially during weekends.
If you’re coming from Ronda or Antequera, similar routes connect via A-367 and A-384, joining the same final approach to Ardales.
By Train
From Málaga María Zambrano Station, take the Cercanías C-2 train to El Chorro–Caminito del Rey Station (Álora). The journey takes around 40 minutes.
Once there, a shuttle bus runs every 30 minutes between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM, connecting the South Exit (El Chorro) with the North Entrance (Ardales), where the trail begins.
→Shuttle Duration: 15–20 minutes
→Ticket Price: €2.50 per person (cash only)
→ Check the Train Ticket with Best Price
By Guided Tour or Transfer
The easiest option for many travelers is booking a guided tour from Málaga or the Costa del Sol. These tours typically include:
→Round-trip transportation
→Official Caminito del Rey tickets
→A professional bilingual guide
This option is ideal for those who prefer a stress-free visit without managing transport or parking.
Parking at Caminito del Rey
If you’re driving to the Caminito del Rey, there are several parking options near the North Entrance (Ardales) and South Exit (El Chorro).
The main and most convenient option is the Visitors’ Reception Centre Parking near Ardales:
→Fee: €2 per day
→Reservation: Can be booked online when purchasing your Caminito del Rey tickets or paid upon arrival (subject to availability).
→Recommendation: Arrive at least one hour before your entry time to park, collect your ticket, and walk or take the shuttle to the entrance.
After completing your hike (which ends in El Chorro), you can take the shuttle bus back to the parking area. The bus departs every 30 minutes between 7:40 AM and 7:00 PM, and the ride takes around 20 minutes.
Additional parking is available near El Chorro Station, though spaces are limited and fill up quickly during weekends or holidays.
For the smoothest experience, plan your arrival early and double-check your Caminito del Rey ticket time slot before parking — the entry schedule is strict and late arrivals may not be admitted.
9 Travel Tips for Visiting Caminito del Rey
Make the most of your visit to the Caminito del Rey with these simple but essential travel tips: perfect for first-time visitors coming from Málaga or anywhere in Andalusia.
With a little preparation, your day at the Caminito del Rey will run smoothly from start to finish, letting you focus on the incredible scenery, history, and adventure that make this trail one of Spain’s most unforgettable experiences.
FAQ – Caminito del Rey Location
Caminito del Rey Tickets
Explore below our curated selection of Caminito del Rey tickets and guided tours:
Most Popular Caminito del Rey Guided Tour Ticket
Caminito del Rey: Guided Tour and Entry Ticket
13K+ Reviews
€30
GetYourGuide
“Caminito was more than beautiful experience! our guide – Natalia, was awesome, really enjoyed her telling us about the Caminito, the animas and the plants. we loved it!” Vidmantė, Oct. 2025, Lithuania [Source: GetYourGuide]
Top-Value Caminito del Rey Guided Tours from Malaga
Caminito del Rey Guided Tour & Welcome Pack from Málaga
17K+ Reviews
€64
GetYourGuide
“I absolutely loved it, professional tour guides and great views!” Ad, USA, Oct. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Málaga & Costa del Sol: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour
9K+ Reviews
€67
GetYourGuide
“Fantastic , everyone should go at least once in their lifetime” Sarah, UK, Oct. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Most Preferred Guided Tour from El Chorro
Caminito del Rey: Guided Tour + Shuttle Bus from El Chorro
2.1K+ Reviews
€39
Tiqets
“The tour was amazing – very well organized and absolutely recommendable! Fernando was such a cool guide and really made it a great experience. The Caminito del Rey itself is stunning and definitely worth a visit!” Christoph, Sep. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Bestseller Guided Tour from Granada
From Granada/: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers
1.5K+ Reviews
€135
Headout
“The sight itself is beautiful and the walk is amazing, every corner there is a new spectacle to admire.. Read More! Charlotte, Oct. 2025 [Source: Headout]
Most Popular Caminito del Rey Guided Tour Ticket
Caminito del Rey: Guided Tour and Entry Ticket
Discover the breathtaking Caminito del Rey on a guided tour with round-trip transportation from Málaga. Stroll along its dramatic pathways, admire the stunning cliffs, river views, and diverse wildlife, and uncover fascinating stories about this one-of-a-kind trail.
“Caminito was more than beautiful experience! our guide – Natalia, was awesome, really enjoyed her telling us about the Caminito, the animas and the plants. we loved it!” Vidmantė, Oct. 2025, Lithuania [Source: GetYourGuide]
Top-Value Caminito del Rey Guided Tours from Malaga
Caminito del Rey Guided Tour & Welcome Pack from Málaga
Experience the unforgettable Caminito del Rey on a 7-hour guided tour with transportation from Málaga. Admire the spectacular landscapes, river views, and rich wildlife as your local guide shares fascinating insights along this remarkable walkway.
“I absolutely loved it, professional tour guides and great views!” Ad, USA, Oct. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
From Málaga & Costa del Sol: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour
Embark on a guided hiking day trip from Málaga or the Costa del Sol and explore El Caminito del Rey, a stunning walkway suspended 105 meters above El Chorro Gorge. Discover breathtaking scenery and marvel at this remarkable feat of engineering.
“Fantastic , everyone should go at least once in their lifetime” Sarah, UK, Oct. 2025 [Source: GetYourGuide]
Most Preferred Guided Tour from El Chorro
Caminito del Rey: Guided Tour + Shuttle Bus from El Chorro
Experience the Caminito del Rey on a guided tour that includes entry tickets, a local expert, and round-trip shuttle transport from El Chorro. Walk the iconic cliffside pathway safely while learning stories, history, and hidden details along the route.
“The tour was amazing – very well organized and absolutely recommendable! Fernando was such a cool guide and really made it a great experience. The Caminito del Rey itself is stunning and definitely worth a visit!” Christoph, Sep. 2025 [Source: Tiqets]
Bestseller Guided Tour from Granada
From Granada: Caminito del Rey Guided Tour with Round-Trip Transfers
Take in awe-inspiring views from 300 meters above the Guadalhorce River with Caminito del Rey tickets, a bilingual local guide, and convenient round-trip transportation from Granada. This full day trip lets you explore the 5km route while hearing about the stories and history of this incredible path.
“The sight itself is beautiful and the walk is amazing, every corner there is a new spectacle to admire.. Read More! Charlotte, Oct. 2025 [Source: Headout]
