Port information & tips for Marbella
Marbella is the jewel of the Andalusian Costa del Sol and stands out as one of the most exclusive destinations in the Mediterranean. The city combines the glamorous lifestyle of the jet set with the authentic charm of a historic old town and offers an incomparable panorama thanks to the picturesque backdrop of the Sierra Blanca mountains. Cultural highlights include the idyllic Plaza de los Naranjos in the heart of the Casco Antiguo, the historic city walls, and the luxurious promenade of nearby Puerto Banús. Cruise ships usually use the central Puerto Deportivo de Marbella as a landing point for tender boats, allowing guests to reach the promenade and the city center in just a few minutes on foot, while also providing direct access to the region's exclusive boutiques and sandy beaches.
Marbella, known for its luxurious marinas like Puerto Banús, primarily welcomes smaller cruise ships and yachts. For larger cruises, the nearby port of Málaga is the primary port of call, from where Marbella can be easily reached as an excursion destination. The region is exceptionally accessible thanks to good transport links and the Málaga International Airport.
Airplane
The nearest and most relevant airport for your arrival is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located approximately 50 to 60 kilometers from Marbella. The travel time by car or taxi is around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Various convenient transfer options are available from Málaga Airport: taxis can be found directly at the terminal, and private transfer services will bring you reliably and comfortably to your destination in Marbella, often at fixed prices. Additionally, direct buses run from Terminal 3 of Málaga Airport to the Marbella bus station, with a travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes and costs of approximately 6 to 10 euros. Arriving the day before can be advantageous for early embarkation times or for a relaxed exploration of the area.
Auto
Marbella is excellently connected to the Spanish motorway network. The A-7 coastal highway and the AP-7 toll motorway lead directly into the region. The AP-7 allows for a faster journey, especially during high season. From Málaga, simply follow the signs towards Algeciras – Marbella. Within Marbella and near the ports, there are parking facilities, though these can vary depending on the season and specific port area. Puerto Banús itself is very easy to reach by car.
Train
Marbella does not have its own long-distance train station. The nearest stations are Fuengirola station, about 30 kilometers away, and the central Málaga María Zambrano station, a major hub for high-speed trains (AVE) in Spain. From Málaga María Zambrano station, you can reach Marbella comfortably by taxi or pre-booked transfer in about 45 to 70 minutes. Alternatively, there are regular bus connections from the Málaga bus station (near the main train station) to Marbella, with a travel time of about one hour. From Fuengirola, you can also use a bus or taxi for the onward journey to Marbella.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Marbella, known for its luxurious marinas like Puerto Banús, primarily welcomes smaller cruise ships and yachts. For larger cruises, the nearby port of Málaga is the primary port of call, from where Marbella can be easily reached as an excursion destination. The region is exceptionally accessible thanks to good transport links and the Málaga International Airport.
Airplane
The nearest and most relevant airport for your arrival is Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP), located approximately 50 to 60 kilometers from Marbella. The travel time by car or taxi is around 40 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Various convenient transfer options are available from Málaga Airport: taxis can be found directly at the terminal, and private transfer services will bring you reliably and comfortably to your destination in Marbella, often at fixed prices. Additionally, direct buses run from Terminal 3 of Málaga Airport to the Marbella bus station, with a travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes and costs of approximately 6 to 10 euros. Arriving the day before can be advantageous for early embarkation times or for a relaxed exploration of the area.
Auto
Marbella is excellently connected to the Spanish motorway network. The A-7 coastal highway and the AP-7 toll motorway lead directly into the region. The AP-7 allows for a faster journey, especially during high season. From Málaga, simply follow the signs towards Algeciras – Marbella. Within Marbella and near the ports, there are parking facilities, though these can vary depending on the season and specific port area. Puerto Banús itself is very easy to reach by car.
Train
Marbella does not have its own long-distance train station. The nearest stations are Fuengirola station, about 30 kilometers away, and the central Málaga María Zambrano station, a major hub for high-speed trains (AVE) in Spain. From Málaga María Zambrano station, you can reach Marbella comfortably by taxi or pre-booked transfer in about 45 to 70 minutes. Alternatively, there are regular bus connections from the Málaga bus station (near the main train station) to Marbella, with a travel time of about one hour. From Fuengirola, you can also use a bus or taxi for the onward journey to Marbella.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Marbella is centrally located on the city's coastline and, thanks to its excellent location, allows for an easy start to your shore excursion.
On Foot
The charming Old Town of Marbella and the popular promenade can be reached in about 5 to 10 minutes. The path leads directly from the port into the lively alleys and also offers a relaxed stroll along the Mediterranean Sea.
Taxi
Official taxi ranks are located directly at the port exit as well as on the adjacent main road. Journeys within Marbella are short and also take you comfortably to exclusive destinations such as Puerto Banús, which is about 7 kilometers away.
Catamaran Ferry
A regular Fly Blue catamaran ferry runs between the Port of Marbella and Puerto Banús. This connection is an attractive alternative to road traffic and simultaneously offers a magnificent view of the Costa del Sol coastline.
To make the most of your day in Marbella, we recommend focusing on the charming old town and the glamorous marina of Puerto Banús, both of which perfectly reflect the exclusive lifestyle of the Costa del Sol.
Casco Antiguo & Plaza de los Naranjos
The historic heart of Marbella enchants visitors with its whitewashed alleys and the Plaza de los Naranjos, which is scented with orange blossoms. Thanks to its cozy cafes and historic architecture, it is ideal for an authentic Andalusian break.
Puerto Banús
This world-famous luxury port is easily accessible thanks to a short transfer time and offers an impressive backdrop of elegant yachts and exclusive boutiques, making it a perfect destination for first-class sightseeing.
Avenida del Mar & Playa de la Venus
Lined with impressive sculptures by Salvador Dalí, this promenade leads directly to the popular city beach, Playa de la Venus, where you can perfectly combine Mediterranean flair with a relaxed stroll by the sea.
Casco Antiguo & Plaza de los Naranjos
Marbella's historic old town is reachable from the port in a relaxed, ten-minute stroll via the artistic Avenida del Mar with its Dalí sculptures and offers an enchanting atmosphere full of Andalusian charm. The heart of the area is the Plaza de los Naranjos, which, thanks to its fragrant orange trees and first-class cafes, is the ideal spot for an enjoyable break in the open air. The winding, flower-decorated alleys also house exclusive boutiques and traditional tapas bars, making them perfect for a cultural path of discovery. Ideally, visit the district in the morning to enjoy the peace of the early hours and use the picturesque backdrop for photos before returning to the ship in the early afternoon via a relaxed walk along the lively waterfront promenade.
The way back to the port in Marbella is straightforward and relaxed thanks to the central location of the moorings and the excellent infrastructure.
Taxi
Taxis are available at any time at central ranks such as Avenida Ricardo Soriano or near Plaza de los Naranjos and will take you to the port in just a few minutes. Thanks to the official taxi ranks at the major hotels and the main entrance of Puerto Banús, you will always quickly find a ride for a safe return to the ship.
On Foot
The path via the Paseo Marítimo is the most beautiful connection and leads you directly along the coast back to the moorings in the Puerto Deportivo. Thanks to the clear signage and the lively, well-monitored beach promenade, you can stroll safely and with a direct view of the sea back to your starting point.
Public Transport and Shuttle
Local bus lines conveniently connect the old town with the coastal sections and stop at central points such as Parque de la Constitución near the port. In addition, many guests take advantage of the short distances offered by the cruise lines' private shuttle services, which commute between the main shopping streets and the harbor promenade, guaranteeing a punctual return to the tender boat.
