Airports in Andalucia: your gateway to southern Spain

Aircraft on the runway of an airport in Andalucia

Andalucia welcomes millions of travellers every year in search of sunshine, culture, history and nature. To make your arrival and departure as smooth as possible, the region has several well-located airports with domestic and international connections. Choosing the right airport for your destination saves time and lets you start your holiday in a relaxed frame of mind.

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is by far the largest and most important. It is followed by Seville, Granada-Jaen, Jerez, Almeria and Cordoba. Each airport opens the door to a very different landscape: from the beaches of the Costa del Sol to the Alhambra and Cabo de Gata Natural Park, the sherry bodegas of Jerez, and the historic heritage of Cordoba and Seville.

In this guide you will find clear, up-to-date information on the main Andalusian airports, the sights in each area and practical tips for continuing your journey. This will help you plan your trip with confidence.

*Flight times, airlines and services may change. We recommend always checking the latest information on the official Aena website and with the airlines.

The main airports of Andalucia

Here we present the key airports that will open the doors to your holiday in Andalucia:

Malaga – Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)

Malaga – Costa del Sol Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Andalucia. In 2025 it handled more than 26.7 million passengers and growth continues. Its excellent location makes it the main gateway to the Costa del Sol and cities such as Malaga, Marbella, Torremolinos and Benalmadena.

Practical information for your arrival in Malaga: If your destination is the province of Malaga or the Costa del Sol, we recommend planning ahead. Book your hotel in good time. For maximum flexibility, car hire at Malaga Airport is a very popular choice among visitors. You can also opt for a private transfer from the airport for greater comfort.

  • Main attractions:
  • The impressive Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle
  • The Picasso Museum
  • The long, sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol
  • The lively nightlife

Almeria Airport (LEI)

Just 9 kilometres from the city of Almeria and 500 metres from the coast, south of the Sierra Alhamilla, Almeria Airport is the ideal starting point for the Costa de Almeria. The region is known for its arid landscapes, unspoilt beaches and Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park.

Practical information for your arrival in Almeria: The airport has good domestic and international connections. From here you can easily reach places such as Roquetas de Mar, Mojacar and the provincial capital. Hiring a car at the airport is the best option if you want to explore the province at your own pace.

  • Main attractions:
  • The spectacular Cabo de Gata-Nijar Natural Park
  • The historic Alcazaba of Almeria
  • The golden sandy beaches of Mojacar
  • The Tabernas Desert

Cordoba Airport (ODB)

Cordoba Airport is located just 6 kilometres from the capital of Cordoba and places you at the gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage city. Cordoba is famous for its impressive Mezquita-Cathedral, one of the largest in the world, and its charming historic centre.

Practical information for your arrival in Cordoba: Although the airport has less traffic than other Andalusian airports, it offers connections to several Spanish cities. You can reach the city centre easily by public transport or taxi. Do not miss the chance to explore the flower-filled patios and enjoy the excellent local cuisine.

  • Main attractions:
  • The magnificent Mezquita-Cathedral
  • The Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs
  • The labyrinthine Jewish Quarter (Juderia)
  • The colourful patios of Cordoba

Granada Airport (GRX)

Officially known as Federico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport, it is situated 17 kilometres from the historic city of Granada and 106 kilometres from Jaen. Granada Airport is the perfect gateway to discover the majestic Alhambra and the natural beauty of Jaen province, with its extensive olive groves and Renaissance towns.

Practical information for your arrival in Granada and Jaen: On arrival you will find buses and taxis available. If you plan to visit both Granada and Jaen, hiring a car will give you greater flexibility.

  • Attractions in Granada:
  • The impressive Alhambra and the Generalife gardens
  • The charming Albaicin quarter
  • The majestic Sierra Nevada
  • Attractions in Jaen:
  • The magnificent Cathedral of Jaen
  • The castles of the Renaissance Route
  • The extensive Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park

Jerez Airport (XRY)

Located in the heart of Cadiz province, just 8 kilometres from the centre of Jerez de la Frontera, Jerez Airport is ideal for exploring the Costa de la Luz, the famous sherry bodegas, the white villages and cities such as Cadiz and Sanlucar de Barrameda.

Practical information for your arrival in Jerez and the Costa de la Luz: The airport offers domestic and international connections. From here you can easily reach the beaches of the Costa de la Luz and the culturally rich towns of the region. Hiring a car is an excellent way to explore the province at your own pace.

  • Main attractions:
  • The extensive beaches of the Costa de la Luz
  • The prestigious sherry bodegas of Jerez
  • The picturesque white villages (Pueblos Blancos)
  • The historic city of Cadiz

Seville Airport (SVQ)

Seville Airport is situated just 10 kilometres from the centre of the vibrant capital of Seville, between Seville and La Rinconada. It welcomes you to a city full of art, history and flamenco. Seville is famous for its impressive Alcazar, the Giralda and the picturesque Santa Cruz quarter.

Practical information for your arrival in Seville: The airport has excellent public transport links, including buses and taxis that will take you quickly into the city centre. Once there you can enjoy its monuments, lively atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

  • Main attractions:
  • The Real Alcazar
  • The iconic Giralda
  • The spectacular Plaza de Espana
  • The labyrinthine Santa Cruz quarter

Location of the Andalusian airports

To help you plan your routes easily, here is a map showing the location of the main airports:

Map of the main airports in Andalucia
Map of the main airports in Andalucia

Getting to and from the airports of Andalucia

Once you have landed, the best way to continue your journey depends on the airport and your final destination. Hiring a car offers the greatest freedom in almost every case, especially if you want to explore several provinces. Private transfers and taxis are the most comfortable option if you are travelling with a lot of luggage or prefer not to drive.

Car hire at an airport in Andalucia

Car hire: the most flexible option

Collecting your car directly at the airport means you can drive straight to your destination. This is especially recommended in Malaga, Almeria, Granada and Jerez if you want to explore beaches, white villages or natural parks at your own pace.

Car hire at Malaga Airport
Private transfer from the airport

Taxi or private transfer: pure comfort

Ideal for families, travellers with lots of luggage or anyone who simply wants to arrive relaxed. From any of the Andalusian airports you can book a private door-to-door transfer in advance.

Transfer from Malaga Airport

*There is no need to enter credit card details or make any payment in advance. We recommend booking with sufficient notice.

Other transport options

All airports have taxi ranks and, in most cases, bus services connecting to the nearest city centre. In Malaga and Seville the buses run frequently. In Granada, Almeria, Jerez and Cordoba there are also bus services, although with lower frequency. Always check the latest timetables on the airport screens or on the websites of the local bus companies.

Practical tips

  • Choose the airport according to your main destination. For the Costa del Sol, Malaga is the logical choice. For Seville and surrounding areas, SVQ. For the Alhambra and Sierra Nevada, Granada. For Cabo de Gata, Almeria. For the Costa de la Luz and the sherry region, Jerez.
  • Book your car or transfer in advance during high season (July, August and Easter). Prices rise and availability decreases.
  • Compare distances. Sometimes a slightly more distant airport with better connections or lower fares is the better option.
  • Carry your hotel or transfer booking confirmation with you. It makes arrival easier and avoids misunderstandings.
  • If travelling with children or a lot of luggage, a private transfer is usually more comfortable than the bus or a shared taxi.
  • Check the Aena website the day before your flight for any possible disruptions or terminal changes.

Frequently asked questions about airports in Andalucia

Which is the largest airport in Andalucia?

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP) is the largest and busiest. In 2025 it handled more than 26.7 million passengers and accounts for the majority of air traffic in the region.

Which airport is best for the Costa del Sol?

Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport is the best choice. It is only a few kilometres from Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Marbella and the rest of the coast. From here you can easily continue by car, taxi or private transfer.

Is there good public transport from the Andalusian airports?

Yes, especially in Malaga and Seville, where buses run frequently into the city centre. There are also bus services in Granada, Almeria, Jerez and Cordoba, although with lower frequency. Taxis are available at all airports.

Is it worth hiring a car at the airport?

Yes, particularly if you plan to visit several areas or smaller towns and beaches. In Malaga, Almeria, Granada and Jerez a hire car gives you significantly more freedom. In Seville and Cordoba it is not always necessary if you are staying only in the historic centre.

Which airport is best for visiting the Alhambra?

Federico Garcia Lorca Granada-Jaen Airport (GRX) is the closest – only about 17 km from Granada. From Malaga the journey is considerably longer (around 1.5 hours by car).

Can I book private transfers at all the airports?

Yes. Private transfers can be booked in advance at all Andalusian airports. This is the most comfortable option for families, travellers with children or a lot of luggage, and takes you directly to the door of your accommodation.