Parking at Caminito del Rey can seem confusing at first — mainly because the route is not a loop. You start at one point and finish at another, which means you won’t return to your car on foot.

The good news is that once you understand where to park and how the shuttle works, everything becomes very straightforward. Most visitors simply choose one of two main parking areas and use the shuttle bus to get back.

If you’re planning your visit, it’s also a good idea to check ticket availability in advance, as time slots often sell out — especially in high season.

Where to park at Caminito del Rey (Quick Answer)

The best place to park at Caminito del Rey is the Visitor Centre (Centro de Recepción de Visitantes), which offers the largest parking area and easy access to the shuttle bus.

You can also park at El Kiosko, near the north entrance of the trail, but spaces there are limited and fill up quickly, especially in high season.

Because the Caminito del Rey is a one-way route (north to south), you won’t return to your car on foot. Most visitors park at one end and use the shuttle bus to get back after completing the walk.

👉 In most cases, the Visitor Centre is the safest and easiest option, especially if you want to avoid parking issues.

Best parking areas at Caminito del Rey

There are three main places where you can park when visiting Caminito del Rey. The best option depends on how you plan your visit, but most people choose between the Visitor Centre and El Kiosko.

Here’s a clear breakdown of each parking area:

Visitor centre parking (recommended)

The Visitor Centre parking is the most convenient and reliable option for most visitors.

It offers a large parking area with plenty of spaces, even during busy periods, and is well connected to the shuttle bus that links both ends of the Caminito.

From the Visitor Centre, you can either take the shuttle to the north entrance or walk to the access path (allow extra time if walking).

This is the best choice if you want a stress-free experience, especially in high season or if you’re arriving later in the day.

El Kiosko parking / North Entrance (recommended)

Parking at El Kiosko puts you very close to the northern access point of the Caminito del Rey.

This is the closest option to the start of the trail, which makes it attractive — but parking here is limited and fills up quickly, particularly in the morning and during peak seasons. (What is the best time to visit El Caminito?)

It can be a good option if you arrive early, but it’s not the most reliable choice if you’re on a schedule.

El Chorro parking (End Point)

El Chorro is located near the end of the Caminito del Rey route.

Parking here can make sense in some cases (for example, if you want to finish near your car), but it requires more planning with the shuttle bus before starting the walk.

For most visitors, this is not the easiest option, and it’s generally less convenient than parking at the Visitor Centre.

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.

How parking works: the one-way route explained

The Caminito del Rey is a one-way walk from north to south. This means you start near the Ardales area (north entrance) and finish near El Chorro (south exit). Learn more about the North and South Access to Caminito del Rey.

👉 You do not return to your starting point on foot.

Because of this, parking works a little differently than at most attractions. After completing the walk, you’ll need to take the shuttle bus back to where you parked your car.

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Park your car (Visitor Centre or El Kiosko)
• Go to the north entrance and start the walk
• Finish the route near El Chorro
• Take the shuttle bus back to your parking area

👉 The system is simple once you know this: walk one way, return by shuttle.

Shuttle bus and parking

A shuttle bus connects the main parking areas and both ends of the Caminito del Rey route, making it easy to return to your car after the walk.

The shuttle runs between:

• El Chorro (south exit)
• Visitor Centre
• El Kiosko (near the north entrance)

Most visitors use the shuttle after completing the walk, to get back to where they parked.

The ride takes about 15–20 minutes and runs regularly throughout the day.

It’s a simple system, but it’s important to plan for it — especially during busy periods.

For full details on stops, schedule, and tickets, see the complete guide: Caminito del Rey shuttle bus

Common parking mistakes to avoid

Parking at Caminito del Rey is simple once you understand how it works — but many visitors make the same avoidable mistakes.

Here are the most common ones:

Parking at the wrong end of the route

Some visitors park near the south exit (El Chorro) without planning how to reach the starting point. Remember: the walk goes north → south, so you need to get to the north entrance first — usually by shuttle.

Not planning for the shuttle bus

Because the route is not a loop, you’ll need the shuttle to return to your car. Many people only realize this after finishing the walk. Always factor in the shuttle when choosing where to park.

Arriving too late for parking

Smaller parking areas like El Kiosko can fill up quickly, especially in high season or on weekends. If you arrive late, you may need to change plans or park further away.

Underestimating walking distances

Even after parking, reaching the entrance can take time (especially from the Visitor Centre if you walk). Plan extra time before your entry slot to avoid stress.

Not checking ticket availability in advance

Parking is only part of the plan — you also need a valid time slot to enter. Tickets often sell out, so it’s best to book in advance and plan your parking around your entry time.

Parking tips for a smooth visit

To make your visit as easy as possible, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Arrive early, especially in high season or on weekends
• Choose the Visitor Centre if you want the most reliable parking option
• Allow extra time to reach the entrance before your time slot
• Plan your shuttle ride in advance (especially after the walk)
• Bring some cash for the shuttle bus
• Wear comfortable shoes, as short walks are required before and after parking. Also see: What to wear?

Tickets and tours: What to do next

Once you know where to park and how the shuttle works, the next step is choosing how you want to experience the Caminito del Rey.

Most visitors simply book their tickets in advance and plan their arrival based on their selected time slot. This is the best option if you’re visiting independently.

If you prefer a more structured experience, you can also choose a guided visit, which includes explanations along the route and helps you get more out of the walk.

And if you’d rather avoid planning transport and parking altogether, you can join a day trip from Malaga, which includes transportation and takes care of the logistics for you.

FAQ: Caminito del Rey parking