Lorraine Williamson
According to one of our editors, who frequently commutes between Benalmádena and Estepona, traffic jams are a daily reality. And with no train connection to Marbella and beyond, during the summer and Easter holidays, congestion worsens dramatically.
Accidents on the mostly two-lane coastal A-7 regularly bring traffic to a standstill. The conversation around building a coastal railway line has persisted for decades, but it remains just that — a conversation.
Tourist numbers keep growing, yet infrastructure stays stuck
Every year, hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers arrive at Málaga Airport expecting a smooth transfer to the Costa del Sol. While cities like Torremolinos, Benalmadena, and Fuengirola are well-served by the Cercanías train, Marbella is cut off. Travellers must either hire a car, take a shuttle bus, or train to Fuengirola, then bus— none of which offer a seamless journey.
For drivers, it’s no better. Car rental prices are high in peak season, and parking in Marbella and surrounding areas is another major headache, scarce and costly.
A major city without a railway station
Despite a population of over 150,000, Marbella is the only city of its size in Spain without a train station. Local authorities say this lack of rail access is not just inconvenient — it actively holds back economic and social development.
Mayor Ángeles Muñoz has repeatedly raised the issue with Madrid, describing the absence of meaningful progress as “short-sighted.” She argues that without significant investment, Marbella’s infrastructure won’t cope with future growth in tourism or residential expansion.
Highways under pressure, especially in summer
Traffic volume on the main route into Marbella exceeds 120,000 vehicles per day. That number increases significantly during peak periods. For many, especially hospitality and service workers travelling daily from Málaga or surrounding towns, commutes can be punishingly long — and expensive.
Toll roads like the AP-7, once seen as a quicker option, are now increasingly priced out of reach for regular users. The mayor has proposed that, at a minimum, the government subsidise tolls or offer seasonal discounts to ease pressure on workers.
Is private investment the answer?
With little momentum at the national level, Marbella is now exploring alternative funding options. Mayor Muñoz has proposed that, if state investment remains unavailable, public-private partnerships could provide a way forward. She also called for a reassessment of how infrastructure projects are financed in high-demand regions such as the Costa del Sol.
Without government support, she argues, municipalities must remain open to innovative approaches to address growing transport challenges.
Sustainable infrastructure projects already underway
Beyond transportation, Marbella is advancing several sustainability initiatives. These include an upgrade of its existing desalination plant and the construction of a new wastewater treatment facility. The Junta de Andalucía is also backing a “water highway” project, intended to improve supply security between Campo de Gibraltar and the Axarquía region.
A glimmer of hope from Brussels
There may be light at the end of the tunnel — or at least, on the tracks. The European Commission has launched an inquiry into the lack of rail infrastructure in southern Spain. One focus is the long-discussed coastal line that would connect Málaga Airport to towns such as Mijas, Marbella, and Estepona. If supported at EU level, the project could finally gain the funding and momentum it has long lacked.
For residents and tourists, it would be a game-changer.
Marbella has Spain´s highest average hotel prices in 2024