You didn’t buy all of those new swimsuits just to swim at one Spanish beach.  

Where are you going to soak up the sun? On the Mediterranean in Málaga and on the Atlantic shoreline of Cádiz. 

And how are you going to get from Málaga to Cádiz? By train, wasting as little precious time in the sun as possible. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Luis Dafos. Image Location: Malaga, Spain. 

Best way to get from Málaga to Cádiz 

What is the best way to travel from Málaga to Cádiz? 

Taking the train is the best way to travel between Málaga and Cádiz. The journey takes you inland, offering a smooth ride with lovely scenery as you ride from the sea to the countryside to the ocean. 

What train station do I need to get from Málaga to Cádiz? 

The main train station in Málaga is Málaga-María Zambrano. It’s located southwest of the historic center, roughly a one-mile walk from the Picasso Museum. Málaga-María Zambrano train station is the main hub for the city, connecting Málaga to Spanish cities as well as international destinations. 

What is the main train station in Cádiz? 

Cádiz railway station is the main train station serving the Spanish city of Cádiz. It is located in the northern part of the city near the port and is around a 15-minute walk from the Cádiz Museum. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, horstgerlach. Image Location: La Caleta Beach, Cadiz, Spain. 

Are there direct trains between Málaga and Cádiz? 

Sadly, there are no direct train routes linking Málaga to Cádiz. To draw a straight line across the map would involve laying down a railroad right through Los Alcornocales National Park, which would probably disturb the deer, foxes, and eagles. However, you can travel from Málaga to Cádiz by train with one to two easy connections. 

How long does it take to travel from Málaga to Cádiz by train? 

Depending on which train you take, the total journey time from Málaga to Cádiz can take as short as 4 hours or as long as 8 hours. In comparison, a trip by car takes between 2 and 3 hours, but that involves renting a car, paying gas and tolls, figuring out parking, and not being able to sit back and relax with free Wi-Fi like you can on the Renfe trains. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Holger Leue. Image Location: Malaga, Spain. 

How to get from Málaga to Cádiz by train 

First time taking the train in Spain? Please don’t let something so small as a connection or two keep you from a wonderful rail experience. In fact, if you take a few minutes to make a plan, you can actually turn your travel day into a sightseeing day. #travelhack? Naw, just one of the many benefits of taking the train through Spain. 

Málaga to Cádiz, connecting in Seville 

One option on how to get from Málaga to Cádiz is to book the train that has a connection in Seville. You’ll arrive at and depart from the same station in Seville, which means your travel plans read: Málaga-María Zambrano to Sevilla Santa Justa then Sevilla Santa Justa to Cádiz. Some transfer times are as quick as an hour, but if you choose a longer layover, you’ll have time to visit the Flamenco Dance Museum and stroll Calle Sierpes at your leisure. 

Image Credit: Getty Images, Flottmynd. Image Location: Cathedral de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain. 

Málaga to Cádiz, connecting in Córdoba  

The other option on how to get from Málaga to Cádiz is to hop the train that connects in Córdoba. Like Seville, the transfer time could take as little as an hour, but why not stay a while and walk to the Roman temple ruins or archeological museum? Your route to get from Málaga to Cádiz will be Málaga-María Zambrano to Córdoba then Córdoba to Cádiz. 

Málaga to Cádiz, via Córdoba and Seville, by bus and train  

Okay, we hear you: you’ve got your hands on a copy of Don Quixote and want to enjoy the read on a long, leisurely ride. Perfect, we’ve got a plan for you. You can catch a bus from either Málaga to Córdoba or from Seville to Cádiz, then take the train for the other two legs of the trip. You’ll travel from Málaga to Córdoba to Seville to Cádiz, taking roughly 8 hours to enjoy the journey which includes at least an hour or more of transfer time in each connection. 

From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic 

Ready to choose the best way to get from Málaga to Cádiz on your schedule and budget? Download the Trainline app and browse all of your ticket options. 

Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Eve Livesey. Image Location: Alameda de Marques de Comillas Gardens, Cadiz, Spain.