How easy is it to get around without a car if you buy in Fuengirola or Benalmadena?

Both Fuengirola and Benalmadena are served by the same local train line connecting Malaga Central and Malaga Airport directly to each town. From the airport, you reach Arroyo de la Miel station in Benalmadena in 20 to 25 minutes by train; Fuengirola, the terminal stop on the line, is just 10 minutes further. This makes both locations genuinely practical for buyers who want to live — or invest — without depending on a car.

The shared train line is one of the most cited advantages of this stretch of the Costa del Sol. For buyers relocating from a city where car-free living is the norm, the direct rail connection to Malaga Airport removes one of the biggest friction points of settling abroad. Warner Leen, Co-Founder and Property Consultant at WL Costa Properties, highlights this as a decisive factor for two distinct buyer profiles: those purchasing a primary or long-term residence who want genuine day-to-day mobility, and investors looking to attract holidaymakers who fly into Malaga and want to reach their rental accommodation without hiring a car.

The fact that Fuengirola sits at the end of the line — rather than a mid-point — actually works in its favour: there is no confusion about which train to board, and the slightly longer journey from the airport (around 30 to 35 minutes in total) is still well within reach. You can explore the full comparison between these two towns, including everything from property prices to lifestyle fit, directly on Listenly.