Caminito del Rey shuttle bus: How it works, stops & price
If you’re planning to visit the Caminito del Rey, you will almost certainly use the shuttle bus at some point.
Because the route is one-way (from north to south), the shuttle bus connects both ends of the walk and makes the logistics much easier. Without it, getting back to your starting point would be complicated.
The good news is that the system is simple and well organized. The shuttle runs regularly throughout the day and is used by most visitors.
👉 In this guide, you’ll learn:
- how the shuttle bus works
- where to take it
- how much it costs and when to use it
Caminito del Rey shuttle Bus: What is it and will you need it?
In most cases, yes — you will need the shuttle bus when visiting the Caminito del Rey.
The reason is simple: the Caminito del Rey trail is a one-way. You start at the North entrance and finish at the South exit, so you won’t end up where you began.
The shuttle bus connects both sides and brings you back to your starting point. The shuttle bus is part of the normal experience — it’s simple, inexpensive, and used by most visitors.
What Is the shuttle bus?
It’s a small public bus that runs between:
- The North access area (Visitor Centre / El Kiosko)
- The South side (El Chorro)
You can take it before or after your walk, depending on how you arrive. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes, and tickets are usually paid directly on the bus.
When will you need it?
You’ll typically use the shuttle:
- After the walk → if you parked on the North side
- Before the walk → if you arrive on the South side
- If you come by train → to reach the starting point
Confused about North and South side? Here is our guide about North and south Access to El Caminito.
Shuttle bus route and stops
The Caminito del Rey shuttle bus runs between the South side (El Chorro) and the North access area, with several key stops along the way.
While the route is simple, it’s helpful to understand the main stops to avoid confusion.
The 3 main stops
There are three important stops to know:
This is the final point of the walk. The stop is located near the train station and restaurants, making it a common arrival or departure point.
This is one of the main parking areas and a central hub for visitors. The shuttle bus stops directly here.
This stop is closest to the access tunnels that lead to the Caminito del Rey entrance.
What to keep in mind
Even though these stops are close to each other on the North side, they are not the entrance itself.
From both the Visitor Centre and El Kiosko, you will still need to walk 15 to 25 minutes to reach the official starting point of the Caminito.
Also important: The shuttle does not go to Ardales town — it only serves the access points near the Caminito del Rey.
Shuttle bus timetable
The Caminito del Rey shuttle bus runs throughout the day, connecting the North and South access points with regular departures.
Operating hours
- First departures: around 07:40 AM
- Last departures: around 7:00 PM
These times may vary slightly depending on the season, but the service generally runs all day.
Frequency
The shuttle bus does not follow a strict fixed schedule, but it runs:
- Approximately every 20 to 30 minutes
- More frequently during busy periods
In practice, you usually won’t have to wait long, especially during peak visiting hours.
Travel time
- Journey duration: 15-20 minutes
This is the time needed to travel between the North access area and El Chorro.
What to expect
- No reservation needed
- You simply queue and board the next available bus
- Service is designed to handle visitor flow throughout the day
Tip: If you have a tight schedule or a specific entry time, allow extra time for possible waiting, especially in high season.
Shuttle bus price
The Caminito del Rey shuttle bus is inexpensive and easy to use.
- Price: 2,50 € per person
- One ticket allows travel in both directions on the same day
How to pay
- Tickets are usually paid directly on the bus
- Payment is cash only (cards are typically not accepted)
In some cases, you may be able to buy the ticket online when booking your visit, but most people simply pay when boarding.
Is it included in the ticket?
No — the shuttle bus is not included in the standard Caminito del Rey entrance ticket.
It is a separate service used by most visitors to move between the North and South sides.
👉 Good to know: The shuttle is cheap and part of the normal experience, so there’s no need to worry about it when planning your visit.
If you book a tour from Malaga, you will go via bus to the Caminito del Rey, and the bus will wait for you at the exit. You will not have to use the shuttle
When should you take the shuttle?
When you take the shuttle bus depends on how you arrive at the Caminito del Rey. The goal is simply to connect the start and end of the route.
Tip: There’s no “right” way — the shuttle simply adapts to your plan and makes the one-way route easy to manage.
1. If you park at the north side
This is the most common option.
You park near the Visitor Centre or North access area, walk to the entrance, and complete the Caminito from north to south.
After finishing, you take the shuttle bus from El Chorro back to your car.
This is usually the simplest and most straightforward setup.
2. If you park at the south side
If you leave your car near El Chorro, you’ll need to take the shuttle before starting the walk.
The bus will bring you to the North side, where you can access the entrance. After the hike, you’ll finish near your car.
This option works well, but requires a bit more planning at the beginning.
3. If you arrive by train
If you come by train from Malaga, you’ll arrive at El Chorro (South side).
From there, you take the shuttle bus to the North access area, start the walk, and finish back near the station.
This is the best option without a car.
Where to take the shuttle bus
The shuttle bus is easy to find on both sides of the Caminito del Rey, as it is well integrated into the visitor flow.
- On the South side (El Chorro), the stop is located near the train station and the end of the Caminito. After finishing the walk, you’ll see clear signs directing you to the shuttle area, just a few minutes away.
- On the North side, there are stops near the Visitor Reception Centre and around the El Kiosko restaurant, which is close to the access paths leading to the entrance. These are the main points where visitors board the shuttle before starting the walk.
Good to know: Even after getting off the shuttle on the North side, you still need to walk 15-25 minutes to reach the actual entrance.
Signage is generally clear, and staff or other visitors can easily point you in the right direction if needed.
Tips for using the shuttle bus
Using the shuttle bus is straightforward, but a few simple tips can make your experience smoother.
Try to arrive with some extra time, especially if you have a fixed entry slot. While the buses run frequently, there can be short waiting times during busy periods.
In high season or on weekends, small queues can form, particularly at the South side after the walk. These usually move quickly, but it’s still good to be prepared.
If possible, avoid the busiest hours in the middle of the day. Early morning or later afternoon tends to be more relaxed.
FAQ – Caminito del Rey shuttle bus
No, the shuttle bus is not included in the standard entrance ticket. It is a separate service that most visitors use to move between the North and South sides.
In most cases, yes. Since the Caminito del Rey is a one-way route, the shuttle is the easiest way to return to your starting point or reach the entrance.
The journey takes حوالي 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. The distance between both sides is long and not designed for pedestrians, so the shuttle is by far the easiest option.
You can usually buy the ticket directly on the bus, and payment is typically in cash.
Ready to plan your visit? Get your ticket or book a guided tour.