Caminito del Rey North or South Entrance: Which One to Choose?
If you’re planning to visit the Caminito del Rey, one of the most confusing parts is understanding where to start.
Should you go to the north entrance or the south entrance? Where do you park? And how does the route actually work?
Many visitors assume the Caminito del Rey is a loop — but it’s not. Choosing the wrong access point can lead to delays, missed time slots, or unnecessary stress on the day of your visit.
👉 In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The difference between the north and south entrances
- How the route works step by step
- Which option is best depending on how you get there
Quick Answer: Which Entrance Should You Choose?
The Caminito del Rey is a one-way walk from north to south.
- Start at the North entrance
- Finish at the South exit
- It is not a loop
After the walk, you can take a shuttle bus back if needed.
Most visitors get confused because they expect a circular route — but the Caminito only goes one way. You cannot start at the South entrance and walk to the North Entrance.
Understanding How the Caminito del Rey Works
The Caminito del Rey follows a linear route through a canyon, not a circular path.
You walk in one direction only:
North Entrance → Walk through the canyon → South Exit
Step-by-Step
This is where your ticket is checked and where the walk begins.
– 7.7 km
– Around 3 to 4 hours
– Mostly flat and easy to follow
This is where the trail ends, near restaurants and the train station.
What Happens After the Walk?
Since the route is not a loop, you have two options:
- Take the shuttle bus back to your starting point
- Or plan your trip so your transport is at the exit
Your entire visit depends on understanding this one-way system. Once you get this, planning the rest becomes much easier!
North Entrance (Starting Point)
The North entrance is where the Caminito del Rey officially begins. This is where you must go if you have a standard ticket.
Where Is It?
- Located near Ardales
- Access via the A-357 road
- Parking is provided
- Surrounded by natural areas and reservoirs
👉 Important: the actual entrance is not directly next to the parking — you’ll need to walk 15–25 minutes through access paths.
How to Get There
- By car → park near the north access points
- By shuttle bus → from the south side
- By train → The train from Malaga to Caminito del Rey arrives at the south access, therefore you will need to take the shuttle bus.
Don’t forget to look at our page about getting to the Caminito del Rey, where all options are explained.
South Entrance (Exit Point)
The South entrance (El Chorro area) is where the Caminito del Rey ends.
It is not the starting point for the hike, but it plays an important role in your overall logistics.
Where Is It?
Located near El Chorro village
- Close to restaurants, cafés, and facilities
- Near the train station (El Chorro)
How to Get There
- By train → Malaga → El Chorro (most direct public transport option)
- By car → parking available near the south area
- By shuttle bus → connects to the north entrance
Important: Many visitors arrive at the south entrance thinking they can start the hike there — but you must first reach the north starting point.
How the Shuttle Bus Works
Because the Caminito del Rey is a one-way route, the shuttle bus is essential for getting back to your starting point. We’ve written an extensive guide about the Caminito del Rey shuttle bus.
Where Does the Shuttle Run?
The shuttle runs in both directions throughout the day and connects:
- South area (El Chorro)
- North access points (near the entrance)
When Do You Take It?
You have two main options:
- Before the walk
- If you park or arrive at the South side
- Take the shuttle → go to the North entrance → start your walk
- After the walk
- If you park at the North side
- Walk → finish at the South → take shuttle back
Practical Details
- Travel time: 15–20 minutes
- Runs regularly throughout the day
- Ticket price: around €2–€3 (paid on site)
👉 Our pro tip:
The shuttle bus is simple and reliable — but you should still allow extra time, especially in high season. It can be crowded and there can be many cars on streets!
What Most Visitors Do
- Park near the North entrance
- Complete the walk
- Take the shuttle bus back
👉 This is usually the simplest option
Best Option Depending on Your Situation
The best way to organize your visit depends on how you’re getting to the Caminito del Rey.
Here’s what works best in each case:
If You Come by Car
👉 Best option: park at the North entrance
- Start your walk from the official entrance
- Finish at the South exit
- Take the shuttle bus back to your car
This is the most common choice for visitors. More information can be foudn in our article about parking at Caminito del Rey.
If You Come by Train
👉 Best option: arrive at El Chorro (South side)
- Take the train from Malaga → El Chorro
- Use the shuttle bus to reach the North entrance
- Walk the Caminito → finish back near the station
If You Book a Guided Tour
👉 Best option: don’t worry about logistics
- Transport is fully organized
- You’re taken directly to the correct starting point
- No need to think about parking or shuttle
If you’re unsure or visiting for the first time, a guided tour is usually the simplest and most stress-free option. No risk of mistakes. Please see the guided tours page to see which options fits ou best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planning the Caminito del Rey is not difficult, but a few common mistakes can quickly make your visit more complicated than expected.
Going to the Wrong Entrance
One of the most frequent mistakes is going directly to the South entrance, assuming it’s where the walk begins. In reality, the official starting point is at the North entrance. Arriving at the wrong side can cause confusion and unnecessary delays, especially if you’re short on time.
Thinking It’s a Loop
Many visitors expect the Caminito del Rey to be a circular route, but it is strictly one-way. You cannot walk back to your starting point, which means you must plan how to return — usually by shuttle bus or pre-arranged transport.
Not Planning the Shuttle Bus
The shuttle bus is a key part of the experience, yet it’s often overlooked. Whether you take it before or after the walk depends on where you park or arrive. Not factoring this in can lead to wasted time or stress on the day of your visit.
Booking Tickets Too Late
Tickets for the Caminito del Rey are limited and frequently sell out, especially during weekends and high season. Waiting until the last minute can leave you without options, unless you book a guided tour.
Poor Timing
Arriving late is another common issue. Entry is strictly controlled by time slots, and delays caused by transport, parking, or shuttle timing can result in missing your slot. It’s always best to arrive early and allow some buffer time.
FAQ – North vs South Entrance
Here are the most common questions travelers have concerning the northern and southern acess points.
No, the official route starts at the North entrance and ends at the South. If you arrive at the south side, you’ll need to take the shuttle bus before starting the walk.
In most cases, yes. Since the route is one-way, the shuttle bus is the easiest way to return to your starting point or reach the entrance.
Most visitors choose to park near the North entrance, start the walk there, and take the shuttle bus back after finishing. This is usually the simplest option.
The North entrance is the only starting point, so it’s the best choice in most cases. The South side is mainly useful for logistics (train access, return transport).
Final Recommendation
Understanding the difference between the north and south entrances is key to planning your visit properly.
- The route is one-way from north to south
- The shuttle bus connects both sides
- Your transport choice will determine the best setup
For most visitors, the simplest option is to:
- Go directly to the North entrance
- Complete the walk
- Take the shuttle bus back
If you want to avoid all logistics and potential confusion, a guided tour remains the easiest solution.