Visitors planning to arrive in Marbella by air have two airports to choose from, with Málaga’s Aeropuerto Pablo Ruiz Picasso being the most convenient. In total, this international facility connects to more than 60 countries (mostly European) and handles an annual throughput of nearly 14 million passengers.

From the airport, the Marbella city centre is roughly 30 minutes away by hire car or taxi, with hire car facilities available at the airport. The other airport, a much smaller facility in Gibraltar, can also be reached in 30 minutes.

Facilities at Malaga’s two-terminal airport (with a third scheduled to open in 2009) are extensive, with every type of traveller accommodated. Ample parking is available, and multiple hire car firms operate outside of the Arrivals area.

Marbella is connected by road to cities all along the Costa del Sol. The primary artery, the N340 (previously known as the N340) hugs the coastline and connects Marbella with the provincial capital of Málaga and the intermittent villages along the way. The AP-7 is a toll road that runs parallel to the N340 and offers faster, less congested commutes.

Buses ply multiple routes throughout the countryside here, providing inexpensive service between cities. Currently, the railroad extends from Málaga to Fuengirola though it has yet to extend as far as Marbella.

The city’s historic centre is small enough to traverse on foot though a hire car is useful for daytrips and visiting other villages along the coastline. Taxis are also widely available and can be hailed in the street. Cycling is not popular in the city due to the warm weather and traffic.